How to troubleshoot why the drive won’t follow a speed reference

For the PowerFlex 700 VC Series A and PowerFlex 700 VC Series B

Exclusion’s: This document is for a standalone drive without a communications card (If using a comm.
Card then refer to this technical note 34909); we assume there is no (Fault or Alarm). The Faults and
Alarms are displayed on the HIM - the Faults are displayed in a new opened window in the middle of the
display & Alarms are displayed on the very Top line of the display. One of the most common Alarms is
“TB Man Ref Cflct” and will be the only one explained here. “TB Man Ref Cflct” means -
P96 [TB Man Ref Sel] has been changed from default and is conflicting with P90 [Speed Ref A Sel] and
with these other parameters (P117, P128 and P179) - P96 now is the same setting “Analog In 2”–
Typically we leave P96 set at default “Analog In 1” and Toggle the Digital Input that is programmed for
[Speed Sel 1] to change between “Manual (Open) & Auto (Closed)”/ P90 Manual and P93 Auto.

Note :> check the value in P213 [Speed Reference Source] this is a read only parameter and cannot
be changed it should match the value of P90 [Speed Ref A Sel] If it does match then follow the 4
steps below - If it does not match then follow the instructions on (Page 6) and (Page 7)

This part of the document will take you through these 4 steps. (When P213 does match P90)
1.) Check Analog wiring
2.) Check that the Analog Source (0-10V) / (4-20ma) is good – actually measure the full range
3.) Check parameter settings -
Note :> To begin checking parameters always 1st set P196 [Param Access Lvl] to a value of 1
[Advanced] - Advanced means all the [Basic] parameters and the [Advanced] parameters will now be
available.
4.) Check the Drive (AC Line -Voltage, DC Bus-Voltage and Output to motor-Voltage and Current)

Note :> One of the most popular ways to control the motor speed is through an analog input either -
0-10V or 4-20ma. The first step is to check the wiring making sure of the polarity and being connected
to the correct terminals that match what the drive is programmed for. Also check for loose wires or wires
that have been tightened down onto the insulation/not on the bare wire.

Steps
1 & 2.) The correct Wiring information for the appropriate drive and verifying the Analog
Source is good - can be found on these pages:

See page 2 for PowerFlex 700 VC Series A & PowerFlex 700 VC Series B

3.) If the Wiring and Analog Source is ok then Check Parameters that might be causing the drive not
To follow the commanded speed reference. See below for Parameters to check.

See Pages 3, 4 and 5 for the PowerFlex 700VC Series A and Series B

4.) Check the Drive (AC Line, DC Bus and Output to motor)

See page 7 for the PowerFlex 700VC Series A and Series B

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(Check that the wiring is done correctly for the PowerFlex 700 VC Series A & PF 700 VC Series B)

Check that it is wired to the same input that is set in P90 and set correctly for Volts or Current in
P320 with Positive to Positive and Negative to Negative.

PowerFlex 700 VC Series A & PowerFlex 700 VC Series B

Note :> You must Jumper Either 17 or 18 (Analog In 1) or 19 and 20 (Analog In 2) when using an Analog
Input as a 4-20ma current device.

Note :> When using a remote potentiometer and using the drive +10V source – with a meter make sure
that there is +10V at terminal 22 with terminal 5 as the common or check that the value changes
correctly with (P16 if Analog In1) and (P17 if Analog In2).

Note :> When using 4-20ma current source check that the value changes correctly with –
(P16 if Analog In1) and (P17 if Analog In2).

Note :> “Checking the Source” (Analog Input) – (Typically set P90 to “18 DPI Port 1” for Command Freq)
Here is a way of testing out - if the Source Analog Input is good or bad. (Follow the steps below)
Always right down what the Analog Output is programmed to before you change its value – so you can
program it back to its original setting.
It is done by programming the Analog Output to Source an analog signal and then wire it to the
Analog Input you want to use (either analog in 1or 2) then look at the appropriate Parameter either P16
or P17 and see if the analog input varies over the entire range. If it does not then the user Source is bad.
If it does or you still have the same issue then it is something else – see below for other things to check.

(Step 1) Remove the Analog input wires.

(Step 2) Program P340 [Analog Out Config] (1 for Current or 0 for Voltage)
(Step 3) Program P342 [Analog Out1 Sel] for a value of “1 Command Freq”.
(Step 4) Program P343 [Analog Out1 Hi] and P344 [Analog Out1 Lo] to there appropriate settings.
(Step 5) Wire from the Analog Output terminal 7 (+) and terminal 6 (-) to the analog input that you want
to use. (Same location you just removed the wires from). You must Jumper Either 17 or 18 (Analog In 1)
or 19 and 20 (Analog In 2) when using an Analog Input as a 4-20ma current device.
(Step 6) Look at the appropriate Parameter either (P16 if Analog In1) or (P17 if Analog In2) and see if
the analog input varies over the entire range – when changing the Commanded Freq. If it does not then
the user Source is bad. If it does or you still have the same issue it is something else – see pages 3-5
for other things to check.

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For the PowerFlex 700VC:
P320, P322, P323, P325, P326, P81, P82, P91, P92, P276, P279, P280, P88, P53, P61, P62, P63,
P449, P450, P80, P147, P148, P202, P54, P55, P49, P79, P454, P84-P87, P190, P101-P107 also
check – (U, V and W) output current and output voltage. Check links to scaling parameters (P476-P499).
Check Input Voltage, Check DC Bus Voltage.

P320 [Anlg In Config] Default is “00” or (Voltage, Voltage) as shown below

P325 [Analog In 2 Hi] Typically 20ma if (4-20ma /Current is selected in P320)

Typically 10V if (0-10V/Voltage is selected in P320)
P326 [Analog In 2 Lo] Typically 4ma if (4-20ma /Current is selected in P320)
Typically 0V if (0-10V/Voltage is selected in P320)

P322 [Analog In 1 Hi] Typically 20ma if (4-20ma /Current is selected in P320)

Typically 10V if (0-10V/Voltage is selected in P320)
P323 [Analog In 1 Lo] Typically 4ma if (4-20ma /Current is selected in P320)
Typically 0V if (0-10V/Voltage is selected in P320)

P49 [Motor Poles] Default is “4” poles (1800RPM, 60HZ)

For 60HZ (3600RPM=2 Poles, 1800=4, 1200=6, 900=8) For 50HZ (3000=2, 1500=4, 1000=6, 750=8)
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P79 [Speed Units] Default is “0” HZ

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
To get HZ as Speed Units set P79 to 2 “Convert Hz” it will automatically go to 0 HZ once the conversion
is complete. To get RPM as Speed Units set P79 to 3 “Convert RPM” it will automatically go to 1 RPM
once the conversion is complete.

P81 [Minimum Speed] Default is “0”HZ

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain Zero speed.

P82 [Maximum Speed] Default is “60”HZ

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain a higher speed.

P55 [Maximum Freq] Default is “130”HZ

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain a higher speed in P82.

P91 [Speed Ref A Hi] Default is “60”HZ

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain a higher speed.

P92 [Speed Ref A Lo] Default is “0”HZ

This could be set to some other value causing a dead spot on the analog input.
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

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For the PowerFlex 700VC

P276 [Logic Mask] Default is 1x1111 or all enabled - when set to 0 it is disabled

P279 [Direction Mask] Default is 1x1111 or all enabled - when set to 0 it is disabled

P280 [Reference Mask] Default is 1x1111 or all enabled - when set to 0 it is disabled

P61 [Autotune] Default is “3 Calculate” - set to “0 Ready” when P62 and or P63 are out of range.
P62 [IR Voltage Drop] Default is “Drive rating based”
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
P63 [Flux Current Ref] Default is “Drive rating based”
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P449 [Speed Desired BW] Default is “0.0” Radians/Secs

Leaving this at zero can cause the motor not to rotate. Recommend setting it to a value of 20 to start
with it could be higher and it could be lower. (Application dependant)
P450 [Total Inertia] Default is “0.10” Secs
It could be higher and it could be lower. (Application dependant)
Normal Range (0.03-10) – could be higher – typically it is set between (0.1 and 5) start out low and work
your way up in small increments of 0.3.

P88 [Speed/Torque Mod] Default is “1 Speed Reg”

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P53 [Torque Perf Mode] Default is “0 Sensrls Vect”

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
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For the PowerFlex 700VC

P80 [Speed Mode] Default is “0 Open Loop”

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
P121 [Slip RPM @ FLA] Default is “based on P44 [Motor NP RPM]”
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P147 [Current Lmt Sel] Default is “0 Cur Lim Val”

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
P148 [Current Lmt Val] Default is “Rated Amps X 1.5”
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P202 [Voltage Class] Default is “based on drive catalog number”

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P54 [Maximum Voltage] Default is “Drive Rated Volts”

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P454 [Rev Speed Limit] Default is “0.0” RPM

This can cause the motor not to rotate - When in FVC mode with P53 along with P190 in Bipolar. This
Parameter may need to be set to a value other than 0.0 like -60HZ or -1755RPM

P84 [Skip Frequency 1] Default is “0”HZ

This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
P85 [Skip Frequency 2] Default is “0”HZ
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
P86 [Skip Frequency 3] Default is “0”HZ
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.
P87 [Skip Freq Band] Default is “0”HZ
This could be set to some other value not allowing you to obtain the Speed Reference given.

P190 [Direction Mode] Default is “0 Unipolar”

Unipolar requires a Direction to be given either hard-wired FWD/REV or through communications turning
on a Bit for FWD/REV.
When a value of “1 Bipolar” is selected then you must provide a (+) Positive signal for one direction and
a (-) Negative signal for the other direction

P101 [Preset Speed 1] Default is “5.0HZ”

P102 [Preset Speed 2] Default is “10.0HZ”
P103 [Preset Speed 3] Default is “20.0HZ”
P104 [Preset Speed 4] Default is “30.0HZ”
P105 [Preset Speed 5] Default is “40.0HZ”
P106 [Preset Speed 6] Default is “50.0HZ”
P107 [Preset Speed 7] Default is “60.0HZ”
(P101-P107) could be set to a value not allowing you to obtain the correct Speed Reference.

See page 18 for more information on the following checks:

Check output Current on phases U, V and W with a clamp-on meter- making sure that all are balanced.
Check output voltage at U, V and W. With a Volt meter AC setting
Check Input Voltage at R/ (L1), S/ (L2) S and T/ (L3). With a Volt meter AC setting
Check DC Bus Voltage at DC (+) and DC (–). With a Volt meter DC setting
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This part of the document will take you through these steps. (When P213 does not match P90)

1.) Check the digital inputs P361-P366/associated Terminal # as shown below and see if a digital
input is selecting a different speed reference.
If a preset speed is selected as shown In the Speed Reference Chart and is the same as the speed
reference shown in P213 – then
1st (see Note :>) below
2nd set that digital input to zero/not used–now P213 should match P90 and you should be able to
follow the correct speed reference. If it still is not working please go back to page 1 and follow the
instructions for Checking Parameters that might be causing the drive not to follow the commanded
speed reference.
OR
3rd open the connection at that terminal–now P213 should match P90 and you should be able to
follow the correct speed reference. If it still is not working please go back to page 1 and follow the
instructions for Checking Parameters that might be causing the drive not to follow the commanded
speed reference.

(Default)
Terminal # for P70 and for P700
P361 = Digital In 1 Sel 4 Stop 1 27
P362 = Digital In 2 Sel 5 Start 2 28
P363 = Digital In 3 Sel 18 Auto / Manual 3 29
P364 = Digital In 4 Sel 15 Speed Sel (1) 4 30
P365 = Digital In 5 Sel 16 Speed Sel (2) 5 31
P366 = Digital In 6 Sel 17 Speed Sel (3) 6 32

(Default)
Terminal # for P70 6 5 4
Terminal # for P700 32 31 30
(3) (2) (1) (Speed Reference Chart)
0 0 0 = P90 Auto Reference A
0 0 1 = P93 Auto Reference B Preset speed 1
0 1 0 = P102 Preset speed 2
0 1 1 = P103 Preset speed 3
1 0 0 = P104 Preset speed 4
1 0 1 = P105 Preset speed 5
1 1 0 = P106 Preset speed 6
1 1 1 = P107 Preset speed 7

Note :>(P101-P107) could be set to a value not allowing you to obtain the correct Speed Reference.
P101 [Preset Speed 1] Default is “5.0HZ”
P102 [Preset Speed 2] Default is “10.0HZ”
P103 [Preset Speed 3] Default is “20.0HZ”
P104 [Preset Speed 4] Default is “30.0HZ”
P105 [Preset Speed 5] Default is “40.0HZ”
P106 [Preset Speed 6] Default is “50.0HZ”
P107 [Preset Speed 7] Default is “60.0HZ”

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Check Output Current on phases U, V and W. (With a clamp-on meter)-
(Verifying that phases U, V and W are balanced).

If unbalanced then (with AC Power OFF) rotate the motor wires. Move U to V, V to W and W to U. then
Apply AC Power again check with a clamp-on meter. If the odd one out follows the motor wires/ (moves
to a different phase) then the motor is bad. If it stays with the same phase then the drive is bad.
Example:
With a clamp on meter U measures 10amps, V measures 2amps and W measures 10amps – the odd
one out is V at 2amps. Then turn OFF the AC Power and rotate the motor wires Moving U to V, V to W
and W to U. after applying AC Power again check with a clamp-on meter. If W is now at 2amps and U
and V are both 10amps then the motor is bad.
If after Moving U to V, V to W and W to U. and AC Power is reapplied - then again check with a clamp-
on meter and if V is still at 2amps then the drive is bad.
Note :> (Do this before replacing the bad drive)
If the condition is that the drive is bad we then recommend disconnecting the motor leads at U, V and W
and meggar the motor at 1000Volts to check condition of the motor windings.

Check Output Voltage at U, V and W. (With a Volt meter AC setting).

This can be done with the motor wires disconnected at U, V and W- then run the drive at 60HZ and
measure U, V and W Phase to Phase it should be close to what the input voltage is.
Also check Phase to Ground which should be the same as the AC input voltage divided by the –
(Square-root of 3 = 1.732).

Example:
On a 460V drive running at 60HZ with no motor connected.
You should measure 460V AC phase to phase – U to V, U to W and V to W.
Phase to ground it should be (AC volts divided by 1.732) example (480v divided by 1.732 or 277V AC)
Check Input Voltage at R/ (L1), S/ (L2) S and T/ (L3). (With a Volt meter AC setting)
(AC power – “based on what is ordered”)
200V - 208V 240V 380V / 400V 480V 600V Frame 0-4 600V/690V Frames 5-6

Check DC Bus Voltage at terminals DC (+) and DC (–). (With a Volt meter DC setting)
The nominal DC bus voltage is as follows;
(AC power– “based on what is ordered”)
200V - 208V 240V 380V / 400V 480V 600V Frame 0-4 600V/690V Frames 5-6
281V DC 324V DC 540V DC 648V DC 810V DC 932V DC
(Nominal DC bus voltage– “based on what is ordered”)