Product Overview

The Schneider ATV340D18N4 Variable Speed Drive is a premium industrial AC drive from the Schneider Electric Altivar Machine ATV340 series, engineered for demanding machine automation, precision motor control, and continuous industrial operation. Rated for 18.5 kW (Heavy Duty), the drive operates on a three-phase 380–480 VAC power supply and is designed to control both asynchronous induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors.

Built for high-performance manufacturing equipment, the ATV340D18N4 integrates advanced sensorless vector control, rapid dynamic response, high overload capability, integrated Safe Torque Off (STO), and intelligent diagnostic functions. These features enable precise speed regulation, outstanding low-speed torque, improved energy efficiency, and reliable long-term operation in demanding industrial environments.

With compact dimensions of 180 × 385 × 249 mm and an approximate weight of 10.2 kg, the drive is suitable for cabinet-mounted installations where space optimization, efficient cooling, and dependable performance are essential.

Typical applications include CNC machine tools, packaging machinery, robotics, automated production lines, conveyor systems, material handling equipment, printing machinery, textile manufacturing, food and beverage processing, pumps, compressors, and process automation systems.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The ATV340D18N4 converts fixed-frequency AC power into adjustable voltage and frequency output, enabling accurate control of motor speed, torque, and acceleration for industrial applications requiring high precision and fast response.

Operating sequence:

Three-Phase AC Input → Rectifier → DC Bus → PWM Inverter → AC Motor → Industrial Equipment

The drive continuously monitors motor operating conditions and automatically adjusts output parameters to optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and protect connected equipment.

Key functions include:

• High-performance variable speed control
• Advanced sensorless vector motor control
• Excellent low-speed torque
• High overload capability
• Adjustable acceleration and deceleration
• PID process control
• Dynamic braking support
• Automatic energy optimization
• Safe Torque Off (STO)
• Intelligent fault diagnostics
• Industrial communication integration
• Comprehensive motor protection

Role in Industrial Automation Systems

The ATV340D18N4 functions as the central motor control device within advanced automation systems.

Typical automation architecture:

PLC / Motion Controller

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ATV340D18N4 Variable Speed Drive

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Three-Phase AC Motor

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Industrial Equipment

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Automated Manufacturing Process

By precisely regulating motor speed and torque, the drive improves production accuracy, machine efficiency, and overall system reliability.

Industrial Applications

CNC Machine Tools

Provides accurate spindle and feed motor control for machining centers, milling machines, and precision production equipment.

Packaging Machinery

Suitable for:

• Filling machines
• Wrapping systems
• Labeling equipment
• Cartoning machines
• High-speed packaging lines

Material Handling Systems

Supports:

• Conveyor systems
• Warehouse automation
• Transfer equipment
• Hoists
• Logistics machinery

Pumps and Compressors

Optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining stable process control.

Textile Machinery

Ideal for spinning, weaving, winding, dyeing, and finishing equipment requiring consistent speed regulation.

Food and Beverage Processing

Used in mixers, bottling systems, conveyors, packaging machinery, and automated production lines.

Robotics and Automated Manufacturing

Designed for robotic workstations, assembly lines, positioning systems, and synchronized industrial machinery.

Installation and Commissioning

Before installation, engineers should verify:

• Input voltage compatibility
• Motor specifications
• Cabinet ventilation
• Protective grounding
• Cable sizing
• Communication configuration
• Protection devices
• Environmental operating conditions

Recommended Installation Procedure

1. Disconnect the electrical power supply.
2. Install the drive vertically inside the control cabinet.
3. Connect the three-phase input power.
4. Connect motor output terminals.
5. Connect protective earth.
6. Complete control wiring.
7. Configure communication settings.
8. Verify all electrical connections.
9. Restore power.
10. Enter motor nameplate data.
11. Configure acceleration and deceleration parameters.
12. Configure protection functions.
13. Test motor rotation.
14. Verify PLC and HMI communication.
15. Complete commissioning.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Alternative Models

Key Advantages

• Altivar Machine ATV340 high-performance platform
• 18.5 kW heavy-duty motor control
• Three-phase 380–480 VAC operation
• Advanced sensorless vector control
• Excellent low-speed torque performance
• High overload capability
• Integrated Safe Torque Off (STO)
• Flexible industrial communication
• Intelligent diagnostics
• Comprehensive motor protection
• Energy-efficient operation
• Easy installation and maintenance
• Compact dimensions of 180 × 385 × 249 mm
• Approximate weight of 10.2 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATV340D18N4?

The ATV340D18N4 is an 18.5 kW Variable Speed Drive from the Schneider Electric Altivar Machine ATV340 series designed for demanding industrial motor control applications.

What is its primary function?

It converts fixed-frequency AC power into adjustable voltage and frequency output, providing precise motor speed and torque regulation.

What are the physical dimensions?

The drive measures 180 × 385 × 249 mm.

What is the approximate weight?

The drive weighs approximately 10.2 kg.

Which motors are compatible?

It supports compatible three-phase AC induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors.

Which communication interfaces are available?

The drive supports integrated Modbus and CANopen, with optional communication modules available for Industrial Ethernet and other fieldbus protocols.

Which industries commonly use this drive?

It is widely used in CNC machining, packaging, robotics, logistics, food processing, textile manufacturing, printing, material handling, water treatment, and OEM automation systems.

Does the drive improve energy efficiency?

Yes. Its intelligent motor control technology automatically adjusts output according to process requirements, helping reduce energy consumption while improving productivity.

Does the drive include protection functions?

Yes. It provides overload protection, thermal protection, overvoltage and undervoltage protection, phase-loss detection, short-circuit monitoring, Safe Torque Off (STO), and advanced fault diagnostics.

What should engineers verify before installation?

Before commissioning, engineers should verify the power supply, motor ratings, cabinet ventilation, grounding, communication settings, wiring integrity, and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATV340D18N4 Variable Speed Drive is a robust 18.5 kW industrial AC drive developed for advanced machine automation and precision motor control. Its intelligent vector control technology, integrated safety features, flexible communication capabilities, and comprehensive protection functions make it an excellent solution for modern industrial manufacturing.

With dimensions of 180 × 385 × 249 mm and an approximate weight of 10.2 kg, the drive is well suited for cabinet-mounted installations requiring reliable performance, high efficiency, and long-term operational stability.

When integrated with compatible PLCs, HMIs, AC motors, industrial communication networks, sensors, and automation equipment, the ATV340D18N4 delivers accurate speed regulation, enhanced productivity, lower maintenance costs, and dependable operation across a wide range of industrial automation applications.