Product Overview

In modern industrial automation systems, reliable and adjustable motor control is essential for maintaining machine efficiency, production stability, and consistent operating performance. The Schneider ATV310HU40N4E is an Easy Altivar 310 Variable Speed Drive (VSD) designed to control compatible three-phase asynchronous motors in industrial machine applications.

The ATV310HU40N4E is a 4 kW variable speed drive designed for three-phase power supplies in the 380–460 VAC range. It provides controlled motor speed by adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to the connected motor.

Compared with a conventional direct-on-line motor starter, a variable speed drive allows the motor to operate at different speeds according to machine requirements. This makes the ATV310HU40N4E particularly useful for applications where controlled acceleration, deceleration, variable operating speed, and motor protection are required.

The ATV310HU40N4E has specified dimensions of 184 × 140 × 151 mm and a product weight of approximately 1.8 kg. Its compact enclosure makes it suitable for installation in industrial control cabinets and machine panels where available space must be used efficiently.

The drive is designed for asynchronous motors and supports motor-control functions including U/F control and sensorless flux vector control. It also provides Modbus communication through an RS-485 interface, allowing the drive to be integrated into PLC-based automation systems.

The ATV310HU40N4E can be used in a wide range of industrial machinery, including material-handling systems, packaging equipment, textile machines, machine tools, printing machinery, and other general-purpose motor applications.

For OEM machine builders, automation engineers, system integrators, and maintenance teams, the ATV310HU40N4E provides a practical solution for implementing adjustable-speed motor control in compact industrial automation systems.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The main function of the Schneider ATV310HU40N4E is to convert incoming three-phase AC power into a controlled variable-frequency output for a compatible asynchronous motor.

The basic power conversion process can be represented as:

Three-Phase AC Input → Rectifier → DC Link → Inverter → Variable-Frequency AC Output → Motor

The drive first processes the incoming AC supply through its power conversion stage. The resulting DC link voltage is then converted by the inverter section into a controlled three-phase AC output.

By adjusting output frequency and voltage, the ATV310HU40N4E can regulate motor speed according to the requirements of the machine.

The drive can provide:

• Variable motor speed
• Controlled acceleration
• Controlled deceleration
• Smooth motor starting
• Controlled stopping
• Adjustable output frequency
• Motor thermal protection
• Overcurrent protection
• Overvoltage protection
• Undervoltage protection
• Fault monitoring
• Communication with automation controllers

The ATV310HU40N4E supports U/F control and sensorless flux vector control.

U/F control is suitable for many general-purpose applications where straightforward motor speed regulation is required.

Sensorless flux vector control provides more advanced motor regulation and can improve torque and speed control without requiring a physical encoder or motor speed feedback device.

The drive supports an output frequency range of approximately 0.5 to 400 Hz, providing flexibility for different machine operating requirements.

It also supports adjustable acceleration and deceleration ramps. These functions allow the motor to start and stop progressively instead of being subjected to an immediate change in operating condition.

The drive incorporates protective functions for conditions such as:

• Line supply overvoltage
• Line supply undervoltage
• Output overcurrent
• Overheating
• Motor-phase short circuit
• Input phase loss
• Motor thermal overload

Motor thermal protection can be implemented through continuous calculation of the motor’s thermal load.

This combination of speed regulation and protection makes the ATV310HU40N4E suitable for continuous integration into industrial machine-control systems.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The ATV310HU40N4E serves as the motor-control interface between an industrial automation controller and a compatible three-phase motor.

A typical system may include:

• Schneider Modicon PLC
• Schneider HMI
• ATV310HU40N4E Variable Speed Drive
• Three-phase asynchronous motor
• Motor circuit breaker
• Magnetic contactor
• Proximity sensors
• Pressure sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Remote I/O modules
• Modbus RTU network
• RS-485 communication equipment
• Industrial communication gateway
• SCADA system
• Emergency stop equipment

The PLC can receive information from field sensors and operator interfaces.

Based on the machine sequence and process requirements, the PLC determines the required motor operating condition and sends a command or speed reference to the ATV310HU40N4E.

The drive then converts this command into a controlled motor output.

When Modbus RTU communication is used, the drive can exchange information with a compatible PLC or other industrial controller.

Depending on the configuration, the control system can monitor:

• Drive operating status
• Motor frequency
• Speed reference
• Fault status
• Alarm information
• Communication status
• Selected operating parameters

This allows the ATV310HU40N4E to function as an integrated part of the overall machine-control architecture.

Industrial Applications

The Schneider ATV310HU40N4E is designed for a broad range of industrial machine applications requiring variable-speed control of compatible asynchronous motors.

Typical applications include:

• Material handling systems
• Conveyor systems
• Packaging machines
• Textile machinery
• Printing machines
• Machine tools
• Woodworking machines
• Ceramic machinery
• Production-line equipment
• Assembly machinery
• Processing equipment
• Industrial fans
• Pumping systems
• General-purpose motor applications
• OEM machinery

Material Handling

Material-handling systems often require controlled motor speed to coordinate conveyors, rollers, feeders, and other machine components.

The ATV310HU40N4E allows motor speed to be adjusted according to production requirements while providing controlled acceleration and deceleration.

Packaging Machinery

Packaging equipment frequently requires precise control of motor-driven mechanisms.

The drive can provide adjustable speed and controlled starting and stopping for compatible machine functions.

Textile Machinery

Textile machines may require different motor speeds during different production stages.

The ATV310HU40N4E can provide adjustable-frequency motor control for suitable textile equipment.

Printing Machinery

Printing machines require stable and repeatable motor operation.

Variable-speed control allows the motor speed to be adjusted according to production requirements and machine configuration.

Machine Tools

Compatible machine tools can use variable-speed motor control for applications where different operating speeds are required during machining processes.

Conveyor Systems

Conveyors can benefit from controlled acceleration and deceleration, particularly where mechanical loads must be moved smoothly.

The ATV310HU40N4E can receive speed commands from a PLC or other control system and regulate the motor accordingly.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is essential for reliable operation of the ATV310HU40N4E.

Recommended installation practices include:

• Install the drive inside an appropriate industrial control cabinet.
• Mount the drive in the recommended vertical position.
• Provide adequate ventilation around the drive.
• Maintain appropriate clearance for heat dissipation.
• Verify the incoming three-phase supply voltage.
• Connect protective grounding correctly.
• Use appropriately rated power cables.
• Use suitable motor cables.
• Keep motor and power cables separated from sensitive control wiring where practical.
• Verify the connected motor nameplate information.
• Enter the correct motor parameters.
• Select the appropriate motor-control method.
• Configure acceleration and deceleration ramps.
• Verify motor rotation during commissioning.
• Configure Modbus communication parameters when required.
• Check alarms and faults before normal operation.
• Perform an initial low-speed motor test.

The ATV310HU40N4E is designed for a three-phase 380–460 VAC supply.

Before energizing the drive, the incoming power system should be checked to ensure that the voltage and phase configuration are appropriate.

The motor parameters should correspond to the actual motor connected to the drive.

Important parameters can include:

• Motor rated voltage
• Motor rated current
• Motor rated frequency
• Motor rated speed
• Motor power
• Minimum frequency
• Maximum frequency
• Acceleration time
• Deceleration time
• Motor-control mode

Incorrect motor parameters can lead to excessive current, unstable operation, insufficient torque, or unnecessary protective trips.

The drive uses an integrated fan for cooling, so cabinet ventilation should be considered during system design.

The specified operating temperature is generally -10 to 55°C without derating, with additional derating requirements at higher ambient temperatures.

Compatible System Components

The ATV310HU40N4E can be integrated with Schneider automation equipment and standard industrial motor-control components.

Typical associated components include:

• Schneider Modicon PLC
• Schneider HMI
• Easy Altivar 310 series drives
• Modbus RTU devices
• RS-485 communication equipment
• Industrial communication gateways
• Motor circuit breakers
• Magnetic contactors
• Three-phase asynchronous motors
• Remote I/O modules
• Proximity sensors
• Pressure transmitters
• Temperature sensors
• Emergency stop devices
• Industrial control cabinets
• SCADA systems

A typical control architecture can be represented as:

Field Sensors → PLC → ATV310HU40N4E → Three-Phase Motor → Machine

The field sensors provide process information to the PLC.

The PLC processes this information and determines the required motor operating condition.

The ATV310HU40N4E receives the command and regulates motor speed and operation.

An HMI can be used to display operating parameters, speed references, drive status, alarms, and diagnostic information.

This architecture allows the variable speed drive to become an integrated component of the machine’s automation system.

Recommended Alternative Models

Depending on motor power, load characteristics, duty requirements, and system architecture, the following models may also be considered:

Alternative models should be selected according to the actual motor and application requirements.

Important selection factors include:

• Motor rated power
• Motor rated current
• Supply voltage
• Load characteristics
• Heavy Duty or Normal Duty requirements
• Overload capability
• Control method
• Communication requirements
• Installation dimensions
• Cooling requirements
• Environmental conditions

A drive with a similar power rating should not automatically be considered a direct replacement. Electrical ratings, overload characteristics, communication functions, control methods, dimensions, and application requirements should all be verified before substitution.

Key Advantages

• Easy Altivar 310 variable speed drive
• 4 kW Heavy Duty motor capacity
• 5.5 HP Heavy Duty rating
• 5.5 kW Normal Duty capability
• 7.5 HP Normal Duty rating
• Three-phase 380–460 VAC input
• Designed for asynchronous motors
• Variable-frequency motor control
• U/F control
• Sensorless flux vector control
• 0.5–400 Hz output frequency
• Adjustable switching frequency
• Adjustable acceleration
• Adjustable deceleration
• Controlled motor starting
• Controlled motor stopping
• Motor thermal protection
• Overcurrent protection
• Overvoltage protection
• Undervoltage protection
• Overheating protection
• Input phase-loss protection
• Modbus RTU communication
• 2-wire RS-485 interface
• RJ45 communication connector
• Integrated cooling fan
• IP20 protection
• Compact industrial installation
• Dimensions of 184 × 140 × 151 mm
• Weight of approximately 1.8 kg
• Suitable for material handling
• Suitable for conveyor systems
• Suitable for packaging machinery
• Suitable for textile machinery
• Suitable for printing equipment
• Suitable for machine tools
• Suitable for woodworking machinery
• Suitable for OEM industrial machines

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATV310HU40N4E?

The Schneider ATV310HU40N4E is an Easy Altivar 310 Variable Speed Drive designed to regulate compatible three-phase asynchronous motors in industrial machine applications.

What is the Heavy Duty motor power rating?

The ATV310HU40N4E is rated for 4 kW Heavy Duty motor applications, equivalent to approximately 5.5 HP.

What is the Normal Duty motor rating?

For Normal Duty applications, the drive can support a motor rating of approximately 5.5 kW / 7.5 HP according to the applicable operating conditions.

What input voltage does the ATV310HU40N4E use?

The drive is designed for a three-phase 380–460 VAC supply.

What are the dimensions of the ATV310HU40N4E?

The specified dimensions are 184 × 140 × 151 mm.

How much does the ATV310HU40N4E weigh?

The specified product weight is approximately 1.8 kg.

What type of motor can the ATV310HU40N4E control?

The drive is designed for compatible three-phase asynchronous motors within the applicable voltage, current, power, and duty ratings.

Does the ATV310HU40N4E support Modbus communication?

Yes. The ATV310HU40N4E supports Modbus communication through a 2-wire RS-485 interface and an RJ45 connection.

Does the drive support sensorless vector control?

Yes. The ATV310HU40N4E supports sensorless flux vector control as well as U/F-based motor-control functions.

What is the output frequency range?

The specified speed-drive output frequency range is approximately 0.5–400 Hz.

What are typical applications?

Typical applications include material handling, conveyors, packaging machines, textile equipment, printing machines, machine tools, woodworking machinery, ceramic machines, and other industrial equipment.

Can the ATV310HU40N4E be connected to a PLC?

Yes. It can be integrated into PLC-based automation systems through its available control interfaces and Modbus RTU communication capability.

What is the protection rating?

The drive has an IP20 protection rating under the applicable configuration.

What should be checked before replacing an ATV310HU40N4E?

The replacement should be evaluated according to motor power and current, supply voltage, Heavy Duty or Normal Duty requirements, load characteristics, control method, communication functions, physical dimensions, cooling requirements, and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATV310HU40N4E Variable Speed Drive is a compact and versatile member of the Easy Altivar 310 family, designed to provide adjustable-speed control for compatible three-phase asynchronous motors in industrial machine applications.

With a 4 kW Heavy Duty / 5.5 HP rating, three-phase 380–460 VAC input, adjustable output frequency, U/F and sensorless flux vector control, integrated motor protection functions, and Modbus RTU communication, the ATV310HU40N4E provides a flexible solution for a wide range of industrial motor-control requirements.

The drive has specified dimensions of 184 × 140 × 151 mm and a weight of approximately 1.8 kg, making it suitable for compact industrial control cabinets and machine panels.

When integrated with Schneider PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motor protection devices, communication equipment, and compatible three-phase motors, the ATV310HU40N4E can provide dependable variable-speed control for material-handling systems, conveyors, packaging machines, textile equipment, printing machinery, machine tools, woodworking equipment, and other industrial automation applications.