Choosing a Programming Device
Configur
ing
Dr
iv
e P
a
ra
m
e
ters
3–2
Choosing a Programming Device
Introduction
Hitachi variable frequency drives (inverters) use the latest electronics technology for
getting the right AC waveform to the motor at the right time. The benefits are many,
including energy savings and higher machine output or productivity. The flexibility
required to handle a broad range of applications has required ever more configurable
options and parameters—inverters are now a complex industrial automation component.
And this can make a product seem difficult to use, but the goal of this chapter is to make
this easier for you.
As the powerup test in Chapter 2 demonstrated, you do not have to program very many
parameters to run the motor. In fact, most applications would benefit only from program-
ming just a few, specific parameters. This chapter will explain the purpose of each set of
parameters, and help you choose the ones that are important to your application.
If you are developing a new application for the inverter and a motor, finding the right
parameters to change is mostly an exercise in optimization. Therefore, it is okay to begin
running the motor with a loosely tuned system. By making specific, individual changes
and observing their effects, you can achieve a finely tuned system.
Introduction to Inverter Programming
The front panel keypad is the first and best way to get to know the inverter’s capabilities.
Every function or programmable parameter is accessible from the keypad. The other
devices simply imitate the keypad’s layout and inverter access, while adding another
valuable aspect to the system. For example, the Copy Unit can transfer one inverter’s
parameter settings to another inverter, while still providing standard operator keypad
control. In this way, you can use a variety of programming devices with basically the
same keypad skills. The following table shows various programming options, the
features unique to each device, and the cables required.
Device
Part
Number
Parameter
Access
Parameter
setting
storage
Cables (choose one)
Part number
Length
Inverter keypad
—
Monitor and
program
EEPROM in
inverter
—
—
DOP Professional
Software (for PC)
DOP–PRO
Monitor and
program
PC hard drive
or diskette
(Included with
software)
2 meters
Digital Operator/
Copy Unit
SRW–0EX
Monitor and
program
EEPROM in
operator panel
ICS–1
1 meter
ICS–3
3 meters
Operator Monitor
OPE–J
Monitor only
none on
operator
monitor
ICJ–1L
1 meter
ICJ–3L
3 meters
