FAQ

To ensure the normal operating of your devices, we have collected some frequently asked questions during the use of the devices. This helps you to position your problems and find the solutions quickly.

How does the drive determine the target reached bit when controlled over any fieldbus？
Depends on control mode. Broadly speaking this bit isn't used for DS402 CSP,CSV, and CST control modes, for other control modes this is often related to the 'IDLE' status of the drive. See help file for more detail.
Can I run a 230 V motor from a 400 V supplied drive?
Yes, as long as the motor insulation class can withstand 1000 V peak voltages.
Which 3rd party controller communications protocols have been proven with ABB drives?
  • EtherCAT (ABB AC500, Beckhoff CX9020, OMRON NX1P2, Innovance AM600, Delta DVP50)
  • Ethernet POWERLINK (ABB Nextmove e100, B&R X20 series, TRIO Flex 6 nano)
  • EtherNet/IP (Allen Bradley CompactLogix)
  • PROFINET (ABB AC500, Siemens: ET200, S7-1200, S7-1500)
  • Modbus RTU (ABB AC500)
  • Modbus TCP (ABB AC500, Schnieder M221)
Which motor types can the drive control?
Asynchronous motors (open or closed loop), Rotary Permanent Magnet motors, Linear Permanent Magnet motors and Linear Induction motors.
Can I run the drive from 110 V supply?
No.
How can the drive be controlled? 
RTE Ethernet, Standard Ethernet, Analog, Internal control program, and PTI (5 V and 24 V).
How do I set the drive into "recovery mode"?
Set switch SW1:2 on and power cycle. In this mode the drive will support the download of new firmware.
What to do if I don't know the drives IP address?
Set switch SW1:1 on and power cycle which set the drive to its default IP adrress of 192.168.0.1
Is it possible to make autotuning when add vertical load?
No. Only "Fine Tuning" can be used.
If the feedback type is resolver, is it possible to change revolution resolution and motor maximum speed?
Yes. Use key word "encoderresovlertrackingrate" to configure it.
What is the default byte order for ABB servo drives Modbus implementation?
Big-Endian byte order is the default, but this can be changed via Mint Workbench.
Is downgrading of the FW possible?
Yes.
Can external 24 V and Brake 24 V come from the same PSU?
No. A second power supply for motor brake is always needed.
Can the whole drive contents be backed up?
Yes. You can create the controller archive and restore it to a different drive.
What is the biggest encoder resolution that can be used with ABB servo drives?
23 bits is possible to use in RTE mode with no limitations but may require some encoder prescale if using the GDI or Mint control.
Is the Mint the same in modern ABB servo drives and older ABB servo products?
No. Several generations of drives have used Mint V5 which is broadly the same as modern Mint yet some small differences will be seen. The Mint compiler will check for these differences and then the user can easily change them older code for newer equivalent keywords.
Will the control board stay alive if an external 24 V power supply is used?
Yes.
What are the hardware and firmware requirements for an option?
All options should be compatible with all firmware versions.
What is the position limit within the drive and thus Mint?
Internally the position limit in most PLC's position range is usually 32 bits (±2,147,483,648 or expressed another way ±2^31) , whilst the local Mint position range is only 24 bits (±8388608, or ±2^23). ABB servo drives are capable of passing a 2^31 ABSENCODER value to any controlling PLC but has the internal limit of 2^23.
Is inverting of the I/O in the FW possible?
Yes. Parameter "INPUTACTIVELEVEL" or "OUTPUTACTIVELEVEL" can be used to change this.
Which torque filtering is available in ABB servo drives?
Notch filters and Low pass filters are available parameter eliminates the low-frequency resonance.
Where can I find the latest EDS, ESI, GSDML or XDD files?
The latest files can be downloaded from the drives webpage which can be accessed through Mint sidebar or by connected to the drive and using URL: https://127.0.0.1:8080/.
Does the usage of the embedded fieldbuses require special firmware download?
No. One firmware version supports all fieldbuses. 
When the drive is modulating, is it possible to change between current, torque and position control?
Yes. But considerations should be made for possible change over distortions such as a position jump (shown as a following error) for example.
How to ensure the ESI, EDS & GSD files are compatible with the drive?
The files in the controller project should always match the firmware version inside the drive. 
Which certifications are available for ABB servo drives?
TuV, UL, PROFINET and EtherCAT conformance certificates are available on the website.
How to know which modules and options are for current ABB servo drives and which are the old ones?
Ask your local ABB representative. They will check the revision number in the module label compatibility table found in the support one note database.
Which protocols do the ABB servo drives support?
Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Ethernet POWERLINK and EtherCAT. Only for the e190 - the addition of OPT-SIO-01 will give the addition of RS485 support.
How do I control the drive when using EPL or EtherCAT?
DS402 standard control commands and status signals are available for command and control.
How do I control the drive when using Profinet, Modbus or EtherNet/IP?
Use the Mint "GDI" program to convert comms signals into motion commands. Visit our website for more information: https://new.abb.com/drives/low-voltage-ac/servo-products.
How does communication fault function work?
It‘s protocol specific but generally speaking a communication fault is trigged when cyclic messages do not arrive from master station to drive’s main or auxiliary datasets on time.
Each fieldbus has a specific mechanism, which triggers a protocol specific timeout counter. The timeout value can usually be modified with a configuration file or set with a master station. 
Possible reasons for communication fault are:
Disconnected or broken communication cable between the drive and the master, Faulted master station, Faulted network component, Grounding problem and interference, Incorrectly configured master station, Incorrectly configured drive or fieldbus interface, if a comms loss is detected then the drive will go into error "E10027" and stop according to STOPMODE.
Why did the e180 or e190 reboot repeatedly after we connect the comms cable between B&R and drives? 
To make sure that XDD for Automation Studio (B&R) is integrated into your project but not standard version of XDD file.
Can I use hubs with POWERLINK?
Yes, though these should be class 2 hubs for use with POWERLINK, and designed for use in an industrial environment.
Is there a real time clock available?
No.
What enclosure options are available for the drives?
IP20 (UL Type 1).
What is the maximum ambient temperature?
0 to +55 °C.
Why the servo drives have -2 and -4 types?
The -2 and -4 types are optimized for different voltage ranges. Nominal currents as well as over- and undervoltage default trip limits are different between the types.
What kind of DC overvoltage control features do the ABB servo drives have?
For MFE190 The internal brake chopper will start braking at 1.05 x UDCmax. At 1.25 x UDCmax the drive will protect itself by tripping.
For MFE180 The internal brake chopper will start braking at 1.15 x UDCmax. At 1.21 x UDCmax the drive will protect itself by tripping.
What kind of DC undervoltage control features do the ABB servo drives have?
The drive will attempt to operate the internal brake chopper if the voltage goes above the limits shown, if unable to dissipate the excess energy then it will trip on 10016 over voltage trip. If the voltage goes below the minimum limit it will trip on 10017 under voltage trip.
Where can I find firmware updates?
https://new.abb.com/drives/low-voltage-ac/servo-products
How do I control the drive when using the PROFINET, Modbus or EtherNet/IP?
Use the Mint "GDI" program to convert comms signals into motion commands. Visit our website for more information: https://new.abb.com/drives/low-voltage-ac/servo-products.
How does communication fault function work?
It‘s protocol specific but generally speaking a communication fault is trigged when cyclic messages do not arrive from master station to drive’s main or auxiliary datasets on time.
Each fieldbus has a specific mechanism, which triggers a protocol specific timeout counter. The timeout value can usually be modified with a configuration file or set with a master station. 
Possible reasons for communication fault are:
Disconnected or broken communication cable between the drive and the master, Faulted master station, Faulted network component, Grounding problem and interference, Incorrectly configured master station, Incorrectly configured drive or fieldbus interface, if a comms loss is detected then the drive will go into error "E10027" and stop according to STOPMODE.
Why did the e180 or e190 reboot repeatedly after we connect the comms cable between B&R and drives? 
To make sure that XDD for Automation Studio (B&R) is integrated into your project but not standard version of XDD file.
Can I use hubs with POWERLINK? 
Yes, though these should be class 2 hubs for use with POWERLINK, and designed for use in an industrial environment.
Is there a real time clock available?
No.
What enclosure options are available for the drives?
IP20 (UL Type 1).
What is the maximum ambient temperature?
0 to +55 °C.
Why the servo drives have -2 and -4 types?
The -2 and -4 types are optimized for different voltage ranges. Nominal currents as well as over- and undervoltage default trip limits are different between the types.
What kind of DC overvoltage control features do the ABB servo drives have?
For MFE190 The internal brake chopper will start braking at 1.05 x UDCmax. At 1.25 x UDCmax the drive will protect itself by tripping.
For MFE180 The internal brake chopper will start braking at 1.15 x UDCmax. At 1.21 x UDCmax the drive will protect itself by tripping.
What kind of DC undervoltage control features do the ABB servo drives have?
The drive will attempt to operate the internal brake chopper if the voltage goes above the limits shown, if unable to dissipate the excess energy then it will trip on 10016 over voltage trip. If the voltage goes below the minimum limit it will trip on 10017 under voltage trip.
What is the maximum installation altitude for the drive?
<1000 m without derating, 1000-2000 m with standard derating (1%/100 m), as described in the manual. Higher altitudes may be possible with special measures.
Can an Ethernet hub be used for the PC connection?
Yes.
How to avoid network grounding problems that disturb fieldbus communication?
Arrange the bus cables as far a way from the motor cables as possible and avoid parallel runs.
Fasten the grounding screw of the communication adapter.
Use correct cables.
Terminate the end of the cables properly.
What is a ESI file?
An EtherCAT ESI file (.xml) that describes the drive to the EtherCAT manager can be uploaded from the controller using the Mint Workbench EtherCAT tool.
What is a GSDML file?
An GSDML file (general station description .xml file) is what the PROFINET controller uses to control and interact with the ABB servo drive and can be uploaded from the controller using the Mint Workbench sidebar tool.
What is an XDD file?
An .xdd file (Electronic data sheet) is what the Ethernet POWERLINK controller uses to control and interact with the ABB servo drive and can be uploaded from the controller using the Mint Workbench sidebar tool. Two formats are supported, one for legacy Nextmove e100 motion controller and one for B&R X20 PLCs.
How many drives can be networked with a standard Ethernet network?
255 pcs.
What are the execution level of the standard and fast inputs?
250 μs for fast I/O (if used for PTI this increases to 2 MHz) and 1 ms for normal I/O.
What are the different mounting options for ABB servo drives?
The recommended position is in an upright position with the cooling section against a metal grounded (unpainted) back plane in a temperature controlled panel. It is not advised to deviate from this as no testing has been done by ABB. Confirm the free space requirements from hardware manual.
Is it possible to exceed the maximum motor cable lengths defined in the ABB servo drive manual? What should be considered if these were to be exceeded?
The main considerations here are cable capacitance and disturbances to feedback signals. If any unexpected "overcurrent" or "encoder loss" errors are seen they could possibly indicate an excessive cable run.
When e180/e190 PTO single-ended 24V control, do I need any special hardware for high frequencies?
An external resistor is required, around 1K ohm 0.25W to connect across inputs. For e190-04DP this is not needed.
Are there several firmwares available or is one firmware compatible with different applications?
One firmware is compatible with different applications.
What is the maximum position accuracy of the OPT-MF-201 after power down?
Due to the operation of the control circuitry values can only be retained to within ±0.5 revolutions.
Which frame sizes are repairable on the field?
No ABB servo drives are repairable in the field. All should be replaced entirely if failed.
Is it possible to use Motiflex e180 in a single phase network?
MotiFlex e180 with frame size A and B can be used in single phase 230V mode with no change to ratings. Use PHASELOSSMODE = 0 to use a single-phase supply.
Can I use a resolver on MicroFlex drives?
Yes, but you must use external option OPT-MF-201.
What is the main difference between e190 and e180 servo drives?
The firmware functions are broadly the same - the only significant difference is the physical size and current ratings: e190 9A maximum, e180 90A maximum.
Is it possible to see the fault data only in parameters?
No.
What is the maximum frequency of the configurable DI when used as a PTI input?
2 MHz.
What is the maximum I/O count of ABB servo drives?
MFE180 drive: provides 8 digital inputs (2 of these are fast), 4 digital outputs, 1 relay output, 2 analog inputs and 1 analog output as standard and STO (2 channel to SIL3/PLe).
MFE190 drive: provides 4 digital inputs (2 of these are fast), 3 digital outputs, 1 analog input, 1 analog output and STO (2 channel to SIL3/Ple).
For the e190 drives, OPT-SIO-01 option card can be fitted to provide the e190 and additional 6xDI, 4xDO, 1xAI and 1xRS422/RS485 serial port.
Do the ABB servo drives support dual port PROFINET？
All drives with the latest hardware (e190-04UD…)  and firmware 5902.6 or later support dual port PROFINET in the E1/E2 ports.
Is a licence needed for Mint Workbench?
No. It is free of charge to download and use.
How powerful is the Mint environment (memory, scan cycle, etc)?
Estimation for the available memory size is 16 MB.
How can the controller archive package be opened?
The support package is a .zip-file which contains several files which can be opened either via Mint Workbench or a suitable reader program.
What operating systems does Mint Workbench support?
Mint Workbench 5866 supports Vista or Win 7 (32 or 64 bit) and Win 10 operating systems. 
How to use Mint Workbench with Windows XP OS?
Contact ABB to get an older version of Mint Workbench such as 5860.
What are the differences between I/O option versions and when to use which?
The only option modules are for e190. These are OPT-MF-200, OPT-MF-201 and OPT-SIO-01. Only the OPT-MF-201 module has multiple revisions, revision E is the latest version and gives the best compatibility with most resolver feedback types.
How to create support diagnostics package?
Support diagnostics package can be created with Mint Workbench by selecting "SupportMe" in Mint Workbench. This creates the support package and can open an e-mail body with the package as an attachment. If Mint Workbench can't open the e-mail, it saves the support package to the hard drive.
Is it possible to use third party remote I/O? If remote I/O is connected via fieldbus to drive, is it possible to control/read the remote I/O without PLC?
Yes. An application note exists to show "AN00225-CI521 and CI522 Modbus TCP IO expansion Rev E (EN)" This can be downloaded from https://new.abb.com/drives/low-voltage-ac/servo-products.
Do the capture data loggers keep their triggering configurations after power-down-power-up sequence?
No. But a Mint program can be used to configure them as soon as the program restarts.
How can different motor data be stored to different user sets?
If this type of functionality is needed it should be achieved by using a Mint program.
Is it possible to use the same memory unit with different drive ratings?
Yes, but the parameters which are dependent on drive type need to be changed. I.e. current measurement calibration should be done as well as current limitation and braking resistor value settings.  Voltage and current requirements should be met as well.
Can the drive operate without a memory unit?
The drive cannot power-up without the memory unit, because it cannot load any parameters or software during startup.
Which languages does Mint Workbench support?
Mint Workbench can be set to English or Chinese language. 
Does Mint Workbench support Ethernet connection for PC tool communication?
Yes. Only Ethernet is supported for current drive ranges.
Can Mint Workbench be used to create support diagnostics package?
Yes.
How are references and actual signals scaled?
All items are scaled to DS402 standard.
If a small ABB servo drives is used for creating a back-up of the memory unit for "any ABB servo drives drive", can the memory unit be configured to fit the target drive that might be of totally different power size?
The parameters which are dependent on drive type need to be changed. I.e. current measurement calibration should be done as well as current limitation and braking resistor value settings. Voltage and current requirements should be met as well.
If there are several STOs in cascade connection, how the test pulses are arranged? Is one pulse going through the whole chain?
Yes. See user manual for more detail. This can be downloaded from the main page.
How can I know the compatibility between drive, firmware, controllers?
Please contact ABB. They can check the support sharepoint database compatibility sheet.
How does the STO function operate?
The Safe Torque Off function disables the control voltage of the power semiconductors of the drive output stage, thus preventing the inverter from generating the voltage required to rotate the motor.
What is the mismatch time between STO channels？
The STO inputs must be switched on/off within 200 ms of each other.
What is “Real-Time”? 
Real-time is a phrase used to describe the timing behavior of a system to stimulus. For machine control purposes we expect reaction to events such as push button presses, faults, sensor activation to be consistent and fast enough for the application. Unacceptable or unpredictable variations in timing of responses would NOT be considered ‘real-time’. 
What is CiA DS402?  
The DS402 positioning drive profile is a specification produced by the CANopen community describing the behaviour and feature set of a positioning drive when operating on CANopen. This allows multiple vendors of drive technology to provide compatible technology, offering a choice of suppliers to users. This same behavior and feature set has been adopted by the POWERLINK and EtherCAT community, providing a well defined and proven positioning drive technology but leveraging the bandwidth of RTE.
Which programming environment is used for ABB's application notes development?
ABB Mint Workbench and ABB Automation Builder.

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