Product Overview

The Schneider VW3A3501 Altivar Controller Inside Programmable Card is an application-control accessory for compatible Altivar drive systems. Instead of relying entirely on an external PLC for every sequence associated with a drive, the card allows application-specific control logic to be incorporated into the drive architecture.

This type of configuration is useful when the drive needs to respond to machine conditions locally. A pumping station, conveyor section, fan system, or material-handling machine may require sequences based on operating status, process conditions, timing, or drive feedback. With programmable control capability available within the Altivar environment, some of this logic can be handled closer to the drive rather than being transferred through an external controller for every decision.

In a machine with several drives, the card can also be useful when individual drive functions need dedicated application logic. The external automation controller can concentrate on overall production coordination while the drive-side programmable card handles selected local functions.

The VW3A3501 should therefore be viewed as a control and application-programming accessory rather than a replacement for the drive’s basic motor-control electronics.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Adds programmable application-control capability to compatible Altivar drive systems.
• Allows selected machine logic to be handled within the drive environment.
• Reduces the need to place every drive-related sequence in an external PLC.
• Suitable for drive applications requiring customized operating sequences.
• Can process drive-related operating information as part of application logic.
• Useful for decentralized machine-control architectures.
• Supports integration of drive control with application-specific functions.
• Compact card format for installation within the applicable Altivar system.

Working Principle

The VW3A3501 operates as a programmable control layer associated with the Altivar drive.

Instead of treating the drive solely as a device that receives a speed reference and controls a motor, the programmable card allows additional application logic to be executed in conjunction with drive operation. The logic can be structured around the machine’s operating conditions and the information available within the drive system.

For example, consider a conveyor section that must start only after a downstream drive has reached a suitable operating condition. With appropriate application logic, the drive-side controller can evaluate the required conditions and manage the associated sequence without requiring the external PLC to handle every intermediate decision.

Another practical use is a pump installation where operation depends on several drive states or process conditions. Local logic can coordinate selected drive functions while the plant-level controller continues to manage the broader process.

The card does not replace the Altivar drive’s power stage or motor-control function. It adds programmable control capability around the drive, making it possible to combine drive operation with application-specific logic.

Role in an Altivar Application-Control System

The VW3A3501 can serve as an intermediate control layer between the drive’s motor-control functions and the wider machine automation system.

A simplified architecture can be represented as:

Machine Conditions / External Commands → VW3A3501 → Altivar Drive Functions → Motor

Depending on the application, the external PLC may still remain the primary supervisory controller. The programmable card can then take responsibility for selected local sequences that are closely associated with the drive.

This approach is particularly useful when a machine contains several independent drive functions. Instead of creating extensive PLC logic for every local drive sequence, certain operations can be kept within the relevant drive system.

The result is a more distributed control arrangement in which the drive handles its own application-level behavior while the higher-level automation system concentrates on production coordination, operator control, and plant-wide sequencing.

Industrial Applications

Conveyor Systems

The programmable card can be used for local start/stop sequences, interlocking conditions, drive coordination, and other application logic associated with conveyor sections.

Pumping Systems

Pump applications may require operating sequences based on drive status, process conditions, standby arrangements, or operating timers. Local programmable logic can simplify some of these functions.

HVAC and Fan Systems

Fans and ventilation equipment can require operating logic based on system status and operating conditions. A programmable drive-side controller can handle selected local functions.

Material Handling

Hoists, rollers, feeders, and transfer mechanisms often require sequencing between individual drive functions. The card can be incorporated when these sequences need to be associated closely with the drive.

Process Machinery

Mixers, processing lines, and other industrial machines may require customized drive behavior beyond simple speed references. Programmable application logic provides an additional control layer for such equipment.

Machine Builders’ Drive Packages

OEM machine builders can use drive-side programmable control to implement repeatable application functions within the drive package, reducing the amount of dedicated external logic required for certain machine functions.

Installation and Maintenance

Before installation, verify that the VW3A3501 is intended for the specific Altivar drive architecture and application. The card should be installed with the drive isolated from its power supply and in accordance with the applicable installation procedure.

Application programming should be planned before commissioning. Clearly define which functions remain under the external PLC and which functions are handled by the programmable card. This prevents duplicated logic and unexpected interactions between the drive and supervisory controller.

During commissioning, test the programmable functions independently before running the complete machine sequence. Pay particular attention to start permissives, interlocks, fault conditions, reset behavior, and transitions between operating states.

For maintenance, documentation of the application program is especially important. If the card is replaced, the control logic may need to be restored or transferred according to the applicable programming environment. A replacement card should therefore not be treated as a simple plug-and-play substitute unless the application configuration has been preserved.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Adds application-level programmability to the compatible Altivar drive system.
• Allows selected drive-related logic to be handled locally.
• Can reduce dependence on external PLC logic for individual drive functions.
• Suitable for decentralized machine-control architectures.
• Helps keep drive-specific sequences close to the equipment they control.
• Useful for OEM machinery requiring customized drive behavior.
• Supports coordination between drive status, machine conditions, and programmed sequences.

Technical FAQs

1. What is the main difference between the VW3A3501 and a standard Altivar drive configuration?

A standard configuration can rely primarily on the drive’s built-in control functions and an external controller for application sequencing. The VW3A3501 adds a programmable control layer, allowing selected application-specific logic to be executed within the drive system.

2. Can the VW3A3501 replace the PLC in a complete automation system?

It should not automatically be treated as a replacement for a plant or machine PLC. Its main value is local application control associated with the drive. A supervisory PLC may still be required for overall sequencing, HMI coordination, safety functions, production management, and communication with other automation equipment.

3. What should be documented before replacing a VW3A3501?

The application program and its associated configuration should be preserved, together with any relevant drive parameters and machine-control documentation. Without the original application logic, a replacement card may not reproduce the behavior of the previous installation.

4. Where does a programmable card offer the greatest practical benefit?

It is particularly useful when a drive has to perform more than basic speed control—for example, local interlocking, sequencing, drive coordination, or condition-based actions. These functions can often be kept close to the drive instead of moving every intermediate control decision into the main PLC.