178B1396 by Danfoss

The 178B1396 is an AC micro drive supplied by Danfoss within the FCD 300 Micro Drives series. Mounted directly on a motor or on a nearby wall, the unit functions as a decentralized frequency converter that modulates induction motor speed in conveyors, mixers, and other process equipment. By combining power electronics, a keypad port, and fieldbus communication inside a sealed housing, it delivers local speed control that reduces motor cable length and supports flexible layout in automated production lines. The compact arrangement is well suited to distributed installations where cabinet space is limited or where machines are spread across a wider footprint.

Electrical input is rated at 3x380-480 V, so the converter connects to standard three-phase line power without an autotransformer. Its continuous motor capacity is 0.55 kW, while the mechanical equivalent reaches 0.75 HP; these figures indicate the highest steady load the drive can supply within thermal limits. Communication with PLCs is provided through Profibus DP V0/V1 3 Mbaud, enabling parameter access and setpoint updates over a single trunk cable. The housing carries an IP66 rating that shields internal circuits against dust and high-pressure water jets. A front-cover display connector lets a detachable keypad clip on for local setup, and a standard epoxy coating helps resist ambient moisture in exposed mounting locations.

Line-conducted noise is reduced by an integral 1 A filter, allowing the drive to meet EMC limits without external components. The control board uses the Extended (24 V ext.) option, so an auxiliary supply can keep logic energized and fieldbus links active during main power shutdowns. Default parameter groups target a Processing Application, providing suitable ramp times and PID gains for agitators and blenders. Wiring is routed through a wall-mounted box with metric thread, which accepts standard metric cable glands and provides strain relief inside the sealed enclosure for distributed drive layouts.