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Newbie’s question: In addition to being able to output analog signals representing the motor current, can a frequency converter also send digital signals indicating the motor’s operating status or any faults to the DCS? Also, what kind of digital signals from the motor or pump can be connected to the inputs of the frequency converter? :(
By using the input control terminal and output control terminal of the inverter, the requirements stated by the building owner can be met. Inverters have: basic control input terminals and programmable control input terminals. Basic control terminals for digital signals include: forward/reverse rotation, stop, jog, reset, free rotation command, and control power auxiliary input terminals. Analog signals include: a frequency setting potentiometer, as well as voltage and current input terminals, and the feedback signal from PID control. These terminals only need to be connected according to the specifications. Because the functions of these terminals are set at the time the frequency converter leaves the factory and cannot be changed. The programmable input control terminals allow the inverter to receive dozens of different control signals, and users can configure the functions of these terminals according to the requirements of the specific application. The external output control terminals of inverters include four types: analog output, pulse output, transistor output, and contact output. 1. The analog output is a DC voltage signal (such as 0–10V), but it can only monitor one parameter; that is, it is possible to select and display only one of the parameters such as output frequency, output current, output voltage, output torque, input power, PG feedback value, or PID feedback value. 2. The pulse waveform output is generated through a transistor pulse voltage, and the content of the monitoring signal is the same as that of the analog output. 3. The transistor output is programmable, and the specific application of each output terminal can be determined through settings. It outputs various monitoring signals in a transistor collector-open configuration, and is capable of delivering dozens of signals such as operation status, frequency arrival detection, frequency detection, detection of disconnection in analog frequency setting signals, and overload alarm. 4. Contact output involves the use of relay outputs within the inverter to generate contact signals; some of the contact output terminals are also programmable. Such output terminals are mostly suitable only for low-voltage DC circuits. Some frequency converters also have optional signal output relays, which can be set to operate in case of an abnormality or under normal conditions.