178B2136 by Danfoss

The 178B2136 is a decentralized AC drive manufactured by Danfoss for the FCD 300 Micro Drives series. By combining inverter electronics with local I/O, it serves as a standalone controller that mounts directly on equipment and controls motor speed in processing lines. In industrial automation, it varies frequency and voltage so that pumps, conveyors, or mixers run only as fast as the task demands, reducing overrun and improving throughput stability. Because the drive is installed near the machine, it supports distributed layouts that keep motor and control connections close to the process.

The housing carries an IP66 rating, allowing high-pressure washdown without additional enclosures. It accepts a three-phase supply of 3x380-480 V and converts that input into a continuous mechanical output of 0.75 kW, equivalent to 1.0 HP at the motor shaft. Radio-frequency interference is limited by an integral 1 A filter. The unit is supplied without a fieldbus interface, so control is handled through hardwired terminals or digital I/O, and setup is completed with external tools because there is no display on the front cover. A standard coating protects internal boards from ambient moisture and airborne contaminants while preserving the compact form factor used for this product line.

The drive includes an extended 24 V external supply interface so logic power can stay active during main power isolation for maintenance or safety stops. Power wiring lands directly on fixed screw connectors because there is the lack of a terminal box, simplifying cable routing inside tight equipment frames. The unit is suited for processing applications, where local mounting can help keep related machine wiring short and organized. This layout allows the drive to remain close to the controlled equipment while hardwired signals are routed directly to the installed I/O.