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- Schneider
- VW3A3616
- Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP Communication Module
- France
- 100 × 80 × 20 mm
- 0.3 kg
- Xiamen, China
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Product Overview
The Schneider VW3A3616 Altivar Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP Communication Module is an Ethernet communication accessory for compatible Altivar drive systems. It allows the drive to exchange control and monitoring data with industrial Ethernet-based automation equipment using Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP.
This type of communication module becomes useful when the drive needs to be connected directly to a PLC, controller, HMI, or supervisory automation network rather than being operated only through local terminals. A PLC can send a run command or speed reference to the drive while receiving drive status, operating values, and diagnostic information through the same Ethernet infrastructure.
The dual-protocol capability is particularly practical in mixed automation environments. A machine builder may need to integrate an Altivar drive into a Modbus TCP installation, while another machine or plant section may use EtherNet/IP. Selecting the appropriate network protocol allows the drive to fit into the existing control architecture without changing the fundamental motor-control function of the Altivar drive.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | Schneider VW3A3616 |
| Product Type | Altivar Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP Communication Module |
| Communication Protocols | Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP |
| Application | Industrial Ethernet communication for compatible Altivar drive systems |
| Dimensions | 100 × 80 × 20 mm |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
Product Features
- Provides Ethernet-based communication for compatible Altivar drives.
- Supports both Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP communication.
- Allows drive commands and monitoring information to be exchanged over an industrial Ethernet network.
- Suitable for PLC-based drive control and machine supervision.
- Can reduce the amount of hardwired command and status connections.
- Supports integration of drive diagnostics into the automation system.
- Suitable for single-drive and multi-drive Ethernet architectures.
- Compact communication-module format for integration into the applicable Altivar system.
Working Principle
The VW3A3616 serves as the communication interface between the Altivar drive and an industrial Ethernet network.
When configured for Modbus TCP, the drive can exchange data with a Modbus TCP client such as a PLC or supervisory controller. When EtherNet/IP is selected, the module allows the drive to participate in an EtherNet/IP control architecture with the appropriate industrial controller.
The communication data can include drive commands, references, status information, monitoring values, and diagnostic information, depending on the drive configuration and network setup.
For example, in a packaging machine, the PLC can issue a speed reference to an Altivar drive while monitoring its operating state. If the drive reports a fault or changes to a non-running state, the PLC can use that information as part of the machine sequence.
The communication module does not perform the motor-power conversion itself. The Altivar drive remains responsible for motor control, while the VW3A3616 provides the Ethernet communication path used by the automation controller.
Role in an Industrial Ethernet Drive Network
The VW3A3616 connects the drive-level control system with the plant or machine Ethernet network.
A typical architecture can be represented as:
PLC / Industrial Controller → Ethernet Network → VW3A3616 → Altivar Drive → Motor
The controller sends commands and references toward the drive. In the opposite direction, the drive returns status and monitoring information through the communication module.
For a machine containing several drives, the Ethernet network can provide a common communication infrastructure. Each drive can exchange its own control and diagnostic data while the PLC coordinates the complete machine sequence.
The choice between Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP depends on the automation platform and network architecture. The communication module is therefore particularly useful when the same Altivar drive family needs to be integrated into different Ethernet-based control environments.
Industrial Applications
Packaging Machinery
Packaging lines frequently use several variable-speed drives for conveyors, feeders, rollers, and auxiliary mechanisms. Ethernet communication allows the PLC to coordinate these drives while monitoring their operating conditions.
Conveyor Systems
A networked drive architecture can simplify control of multiple conveyor sections. The PLC can distribute speed references and receive drive status through the Ethernet network.
Material Handling
Transfer equipment, rollers, feeders, and sorting systems can benefit from centralized drive supervision and communication-based control.
Process Equipment
Pumps, fans, mixers, and other process machines may require continuous monitoring of drive status and operating values. Ethernet communication allows this information to be incorporated into the main control system.
Manufacturing Lines
Production equipment with several Altivar drives can use Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP to exchange drive data with the central PLC, reducing the need for separate hardwired control signals.
Machine Builder Applications
OEM equipment may need to support different customer automation platforms. The availability of both Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP communication makes the module useful when drive connectivity must fit different industrial Ethernet environments.
Installation and Maintenance
Before installation, verify that the VW3A3616 is compatible with the intended Altivar drive and determine whether the machine will use Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP.
Install the module with the drive isolated from its electrical supply. Check the physical connection carefully and use appropriate industrial Ethernet cabling and network practices for the application.
During commissioning, configure the communication protocol before testing drive commands. For Modbus TCP systems, verify the network addressing and communication settings. For EtherNet/IP systems, check the controller configuration and the corresponding drive communication parameters.
A useful commissioning sequence is to establish network communication first, confirm that the PLC can identify and exchange data with the drive, and only then enable the complete machine sequence.
When troubleshooting, distinguish between three different fault areas:
- Physical Ethernet connection
- Network or protocol configuration
- Drive control-source and command settings
A drive may appear online on the network but still ignore a run command if its control source has not been configured correctly. Likewise, intermittent Ethernet communication can result from cable, connector, addressing, or network configuration problems rather than a failed communication module.
Related Components
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Altivar Drive | Performs motor control and provides drive operating data |
| VW3A3616 | Provides Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP communication |
| PLC / Industrial Controller | Sends drive commands and processes returned information |
| Industrial Ethernet Switch | Connects multiple network devices where required |
| Ethernet Cable | Carries network communication between devices |
| HMI | Displays drive status, alarms, and operating information |
| Motor | Converts the drive output into mechanical motion |
Recommended Related Models
| Model | Product Type |
|---|---|
| Schneider VW3A3616 | Altivar Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP Communication Module |
| Schneider VW3A3607 | Altivar PROFIBUS DP V1 Communication Module |
| Schneider VW3A3307 | Altivar PROFIBUS DP Communication Card |
| Schneider VW3A3316 | Altivar EtherNet/IP Communication Card |
| Schneider VW3A3327 | Altivar PROFINET Communication Card |
| Schneider VW3A3501 | Altivar Controller Inside Programmable Card |
Key Advantages
- Supports both Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP communication.
- Simplifies Ethernet-based integration of compatible Altivar drives.
- Allows centralized drive command and monitoring through the PLC network.
- Reduces reliance on individual hardwired control signals.
- Suitable for multi-drive industrial Ethernet architectures.
- Makes drive diagnostic information available to the automation system.
- Useful across different machine and plant Ethernet environments.
Technical FAQs
1. Why would an Altivar installation need both Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP capability?
Different machines and plants may use different industrial Ethernet standards. Modbus TCP is common in Schneider-based and other Ethernet automation architectures, while EtherNet/IP is widely used with Rockwell Automation and other compatible control systems. Supporting both protocols gives the drive greater flexibility when integrating into different control environments.
2. Does the VW3A3616 determine the motor speed?
No. The motor-speed control function remains within the Altivar drive. The VW3A3616 handles communication between the drive and the Ethernet-based automation system, allowing the controller to exchange commands, references, status, and other configured data.
3. What is the difference between a network connection and an active drive command path?
A network connection only confirms that communication exists between the controller and the drive. The drive must also be configured to accept the required command source and reference through the communication channel. Therefore, a PLC may successfully exchange data with a drive while the motor still does not respond to a network run command.
4. What should be checked first if Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP communication becomes intermittent?
Start with the physical Ethernet connection, including cable condition, connectors, and switch ports. Then check network addressing and protocol configuration. If the physical network remains stable, examine the drive communication settings and controller configuration. Intermittent faults should be investigated across the complete communication path rather than replacing the module immediately.