Toshiba TOSVERT VF-nC3 User manual

E6581657
TOSVERT VF-nC3 Series
RS485 Communication Function
Instruction Manual
* The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
© TOSHIBA SCHNEIDER INVERTER CORPORATION 2009
All rights reserved.
Notice
1. Make sure that this instruction manual is delivered to the end user of the inverter.
2. Read this manual before first using the communications function, and keep it handy as a
reference for maintenance and inspections.
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Read first
Safety precautions
This manual and labels on the inverter provide very important information that you should bear in
mind to use the inverter properly and safely, and also to avoid injury to yourself and other people
and damage to property.
Read the safety precautions in the instruction manual for your inverter before reading this manual
and strictly follow the safety instructions given.
Notice Reference
Instruction
♦Insert an electromagnetic contactor between the inverter and the power supply so
that the machine can be stopped without fail from an external controller in case of an
emergency.
♦Do not write the same parameter to the EEPROM more than 10,000 times. The life
time of EEPROM is approximately 10,000 times.(Some parameters are not limited,
please refer to the “8.Parameter data “)
When using the TOSHIBA inverter protocol and the data does not need to be re-
cords, use P command (the data is written only to RAM).
♦About the handling of the inverter, please follow the instruction manual of the
inverter.
Inverter instruction
manual
Section 4.2
“Commands”
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Contents
1. General outlines of the communication function ......................................................................................................... 3
2. Data transmission specifications................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Communication protocol ............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1. About the handling of received frames ............................................................................................................. 5
4. TOSHIBA Inverter Protocol......................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1. Data transmission format.................................................................................................................................. 7
4.1.1. Data transmission format used in ASCII mode .....................................................................................7
4.1.2. Data transmission format used in binary mode ................................................................................... 10
4.1.3. Transmission format of Block Communication .................................................................................... 13
4.2. Commands..................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.3. Transmission errors........................................................................................................................................ 19
4.4. Broadcast communication function................................................................................................................. 20
4.5. Examples of the use of communication commands........................................................................................ 22
5. MODBUS-RTU protocol............................................................................................................................................ 23
5.1. MODBUS-RTU transmission format ............................................................................................................ 24
5.1.1. Read command (03H)......................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.2. Block Read command：Indirect (03H)................................................................................................ 26
5.1.3. Block Read command：Direct (03H) .................................................................................................. 28
5.1.4. Write command (06H , 10H) ............................................................................................................... 30
5.1.5. Block Write command (10H) ............................................................................................................... 32
5.1.6. Block Write and Read command (17H)............................................................................................... 34
5.1.7. Identification command (2BH)............................................................................................................. 36
5.2. CRC Generation............................................................................................................................................. 38
5.3. Error codes..................................................................................................................................................... 39
6. Communication parameters...................................................................................................................................... 40
6.1. Baud rate(f800) , Parity (f801)............................................................................................................. 41
6.2. Inverter number(f802) ...............................................................................................................................41
6.3. Communication time-out detection (f803) (f804) (f808) ................................................................. 42
6.4. Free notes(f880) ....................................................................................................................................... 42
7. Commands and monitoring from the computer......................................................................................................... 43
7.1. Communication commands (commands from the computer) ......................................................................... 43
7.2. Monitoring from the computer......................................................................................................................... 46
7.3. Utilizing panel (LEDs and keys) by communication ........................................................................................ 54
7.3.1. LED setting by communication............................................................................................................ 54
7.3.2. Key utilization by communication ........................................................................................................ 57
8. Parameter data ......................................................................................................................................................... 58
Appendix 1 Table of data codes ........................................................................................................................................ 61
Appendix 2 Response time ............................................................................................................................................... 62
Appendix 3 Type and Form ............................................................................................................................................... 63
Appendix 4 Troubleshooting....................................................................... エラー! ブックマークが定義されていません。
Appendix 5 Connecting for RS485 communication ........................................................................................................... 65
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1. General outlines of the communication function
This manual explains the serial communications interface function provided for the TOSVERT VF-ｎ
C3 series of industrial inverters.
The TOSVERT VF-ｎC3 series of inverters can be connected to a computer or a controller (herein-
after referred to as the computer) for data communications via USB converter (USB001Z).
By writing computer programs, you can monitor the operating status of the inverter, control its op-
eration in various ways from the computer, and change and store parameter settings on storage
devices.
The communication protocol is preparing the TOSHIBA Inverter Protocol and the MODBUS-RTU
protocol. Please choose selection of a protocol with a communication protocol selection parameter
(H).
<Computer link>
By preparing the program (explained later), the following information can be exchanged between
the computer (host) and the inverter.
•Monitoring function (used to monitor the operating status of the inverter: Output frequency,
current, voltage, etc.)
•Command function (used to issue run, stop and other commands to the inverter)
•Parameter function (used to set parameters and read their settings)
As for data communications codes, the TOSVERT VF-nC3 series of inverters support the binary
(HEX) code, in addition to the JIS (ASCII) code. The communications function is designed on the
assumption that the JIS (ASCII) code is used for communications between the inverter and the
personal computer, and the binary (HEX) code for communications between the inverter and the
microcomputer built into the controller. A communication number is used to access the desired data
item.
* The smallest unit of information that computers handle is called a “bit (binary digit),” which repre-
sents the two numbers in the binary system: 1 or 0. A group of 16 bits is referred to as a “word,”
which is the basic unit of information the VF-nC3 series of inverters use for data communications.
One word can handle data items of 0 to FFFFH in hexadecimal notation (or 0 to 65535 in decimal
notation).
BIT15 BIT8BIT7 BIT0
1 bit
1 word
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2. Data transmission specifications
Items Specifications
Transmission scheme Half-duplex
Synchronization scheme Start-stop synchronization
Communication baud rate 9600/19200*/38400 bps (selectable using a parameter) *1
Communication protocol TOSHIBA Inverter Protocol * / MODBUS-RTU (selectable using a parameter) *1
Character transmission <ASCII mode> JIS X 0201 8-bit (ASCII)
<Binary mode, MODBUS-RTU> Binary codes fixed to 8 bits
Stop bit length Received by inverter: 1 bit, Sent by inverter: 2 bits *3
Error detecting scheme Parity *2: Even */Odd/Non parity (selectable using a parameter) *1,
checksum(Toshiba inverter protocol), CRC(MODBUS-RTU)
Character transmission
format
11-bit characters *1 (Stop bit=1, with parity)
Order of bit transmission Low-order bits transmitted first
Frame length Variable
*1: Changes to setting do not take effect until the inverter is turned back on or reset.
*2: JIS-X-0201 (ANSI)-compliant 8-bit codes are used for all messages transmitted in ASCII mode
and vertical (even) parity bits specified by JIS-X-5001 are added to them. These even parity bits
can be changed to odd parity bits by changing the parameter setting (a change to the parameter
setting does not take effect until the inverter has been reset.)
*3: Here are the default character transmission format.
Characters received: 11 bits (1 start bit + 8 bits + 1 parity bit + 1 stop bit)
START
BIT BIT0 BIT1 BIT2 BIT3 BIT4 BIT5 BIT6 BIT7
PARITY
BIT
STOP
BIT
The inverter receives one stop bit.
(The computer can be set so as to send 1, 1.5 or 2 stop bits.)
Characters sent: 12 bits (1 start bit + 8 bits + 1 parity bit + 2 stop bits)
START
BIT BIT0 BIT1
BIT2
BIT3 BIT4 BIT5 BIT6 BIT7
PARITY
BIT
STOP
BIT
STOP
BIT
The inverter sends two stop bits.
(The computer can be set so as to receive 1, 1.5 or 2 stop bits.)
*: Standard
default setting
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3. Communication protocol
This communication protocol supports the TOSHIBA Inverter Protocol and part of MODBUS-RTU
protocol.
Select the desired protocol from in the following communication protocol selection parameters
(f829).
“Parameter Name f829, Communication Number. 0829”
Data Range: 0, 1 (Initial value: 0)
0: TOSHIBA (Includes inter-drive communication)
1: MOUBUS-RTU
* A parameter change is reflected when the inverter is reset, such as in power off.
3.1. About the handling of received frames
To send and receive data frames, a frame synchronization system for locating the start and end
points of each frame is defined with time for which no data is sent (time interval equivalent to the
time required to send 3.5 bytes of data).
If no data is sent for the time required to send 3.5 bytes of data at the current transmission speed
(approx. 4 ms or more at 9,600 bps or approx. 2 ms or more at 19,200 or approx. 1 ms or more at
38400) after receipt of a frame, the entire frame is assumed to have reached and information in it is
analyzed. For this reason, an interval corresponding to at least 3.5 bytes of data must be placed
between frames.
When two or more inverters on the same line are controlled individually one after another, not only
data from the host computer to an inverter but also a response from an inverter to the host com-
puter are transmitted to the other inverters on the line too. Therefore, an interval corresponding to at
least 3.5 bytes should be placed between the time when the host computer receives a response
from an inverter and the time when it sends a frame to the next inverter. Otherwise the return frame
received and the frame that is sent immediately after receipt of the return frame will be recognized
as one frame and communication will not be carried out normally.
Frame A Frame B
[Correct]
3.5 bytes or more
Frame A (1/2)
[Wrong] If divided into two smaller frames, frame A cannot be received as a single frame when the
interval corresponds to less than 1.5 bytes of data.
Frame A (2/2)
3.5 bytes or more
Frame B
Note: An inverter cannot receive frame
B before it finishes analyzing the
contents of frame A.
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4. TOSHIBA Inverter Protocol
Select “TOSHIBA” (f829=0) in the communication protocol selection parameters. “TOSHIBA”
(f829=0) is set for initial communication protocol selection of shipment setting. (See “3.
Communication protocol.”)
Exchange of data between the computer and the inverter
In communication between the computer and the VF-ｎC3 (hereinafter referred to as the inverter),
the inverter is always placed in wait states and acts as a slave that operates on a request from the
computer.
A discrimination between ASCII mode and binary mode is automatically made with the start code.
Start code “CR” (carriage return)
ASCII mode “(” Required
Binary mode “2FH(/) ” Not required

(1) If there is no transmission format or the inverter number that matches, an error occurs and no
response is returned.
(2) When an inverter number is added behind the “(” communication will take place only in case of
broadcast communication or if the number matches up with that assigned to the inverters.
(3) When a time-out period is specified with parameter f803 (communication time-out time), a
time-out occurs if communication do not terminate normally within the specified time. With pa-
rameter f804 (communication time-out action), you can specify what the inverter should do if
a time-out occurs. For details, refer to Section 6.3.
(4) On executing the command received, the inverter returns data to the computer. For the re-
sponse time, see Appendix 2, “Response time.”
 Note
Communication is not possible for about one second after the power is supplied to the inverter until
the initial setting is completed. If the control power is shut down due to an instantaneous voltage
drop, communication is temporarily interrupted.
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4.1. Data transmission format
4.1.1. Data transmission format used in ASCII mode
A communication number is used to specify a data item, all data is written in hexadecimal, and
JIS-X-0201 (ASCII (ANSI))-compliant transmission characters are used.
Computer →Inverter
Omissible in one-to-one communication For the W and P commands only Omissible
(3.5bytes
Blank)
"("
(28H)
INV-NO
2 bytes
CMD
1 byte
Communication No.
4 bytes
DATA
0 to 4 bytes
"&"
(26H)
SUM
2 bytes
")"
(29H)
CR
(0DH)
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum area
Omissible
1. “(“ (1 byte) : Start code in ASCII mode
2. INV-NO (2 bytes) : Inverter number (Omissible in one-to-one communication) ... 00 (30H, 30H) to 99 (39H,
39h), *(2AH)
The command is executed only when the inverter number matches up with that specified
using a parameter.
(When * is specified in broadcast communication, the inverter number is assumed to match
if all numbers except * match. When * is specified instead of each digit (two-digit number),
all inverters connected are assumed to match.)
If the inverter number does not match or if the inverter number is of one digit, the data will
be judged invalid and no data will be returned.
3. CMD (1 byte) : Command (For details, see the table below.)
4. Communication No.(4 bytes)
: Communication number (See 8, “Parameter data.”)
5. Data (0 to 4 bytes): Write data (valid for the W and P commands only)
6. “&” (1 byte) : Checksum discrimination code (omissible. When omitting this code, you also need to omit
the checksum.)
7. Sum (2 bytes) : Checksum (omissible)
Add the ASCII-coded value of the last two digits (4 bits/digit) of the sum of a series of bits
(ASCII codes) from the start code to the checksum discrimination code.
Ex.: (R0000&??) CR
28H+52H+30H+30H+30H+30H+26H=160H
The last two digits represent the checksum. = 60
When omitting the checksum, you also need to omit the checksum discrimination
code.
8. “)” (1 byte) : Stop code (omissible)
9. CR (1 byte) : Carriage return code
 Details of commands and data
CMD (1 byte) Write data (0 to 4 bytes) Hexadecimal number
R (52H): RAM read command
W (57H): RAM/EEPROM write command
P (50H) RAM write command
No data
Write data (0 to FFFF)
Write data (0 to FFFF)
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Inverter →computer
At time of broadcast communication, returning of data is not executed, except for the inverters to be
returned, when the inverter number is not matched, and the inverter number has only one character.
This is because there will be a risk of that the returned data may be deformed.
Data returned when data is processed normally (ASCII mode)
Omissible in one-to-one communication Omissible
(3.5bytes
Blank)
"("
(28H)
INV-NO
2 bytes
CMD
1 byte
Communication No.
4 bytes
DATA
0 to 4 bytes
"&"
(26H)
SUM
2 bytes
")"
(29H)
CR
(0DH)
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum area
Omissible
1. “(“ (1 byte) : Start code in ASCII mode
2. INV-NO (2 bytes) : Inverter number (omitted if it is not found in the data received) ... 00 (30H, 30H) to 99 (39H,
39H)
If the inverter number matches up with that specified using a parameter, data will be re-
turned to the computer. In broadcast communication, only the destination inverter (with a
number matching up with the smallest effective number) returns data to the computer.
In broadcast communication, no data is returned from any inverters except the inverter
bearing a number that matches up with the smallest effective number.
Ex.: (*2R0000) CR -> (02R00000000) CR
Data is returned from the inverter with the number 2 only, but no data is returned from
inverters with the number 12, 22 ....
3. CMD (1 byte) : Command ... The command is also used for a check when an inverter is tripped.
Under normal conditions... The uppercase letter R, W or P is returned, depending on the
command received: R, W or P command.
When an inverter is tripped... The lowercase letter r, w or p is returned, depending on the
command received: R, W or P command.
(The command received is returned with 20H added to it.)
4. Communication No.(4 bytes) :
The communication number received is returned.
5. Data (0 to 4 bytes) : Data ... The data read in is returned for the R command, while the data received is re-
turned for the W and P commands. If the data received is composed of less than 4 digits, it
will be converted into 4-digit data and returned.
Ex.: (W123412) CR →(W12340012) CR
6. “&” (1 byte) : Checksum discrimination code (omitted if it is not found in the data received)
7. Sum (2 bytes) : Checksum ... Omitted if no checksum discrimination code is found in the data received.
ASCII-coded value of the last two digits (4 bits/digit) of the sum of a series of bits (ASCII
codes) from the start code to the checksum discrimination code.
8. “)” (1 byte) : Stop code (omitted if it is not found in the data received)
9. CR (1 byte) : Carriage return code
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• Data returned when data is not processed normally (ASCII mode)
In case an error occurs, communication error command (4EH(N) or 6EH(n)) and the error type
number is returned to the computer in addition to the checksum. At time of broadcast communica-
tion of the binary mode, returning of data is not executed except for the inverter to be returned (in-
verter number 00H) and when the inverter number is not matched. This is because there will be a
risk that the returned data may be deformed.
Omissible Omissible
(3.5bytes
Blank)
“(“
(28H)
INV-NO
2 bytes
“N” or “n”
(4EH) (6EH)
DATA
4 bytes
"&"
(26H)
SUM
2 bytes
")"
(29H)
CR
(0DH)
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum area
Omissible
“(“ (1 byte) : Start code in ASCII mode
“N” or “n” (1 byte) :Communication error command ... This is also used for the checking of inverter trip.
“N” for the normal communication and “n” during the inverter trip.
INV-NO (2 bytes) : Inverter number (omitted if it is not found in the data received) ... 00 (30H, 30H) to 99 (39H,
39H)
If the inverter number matches up with that specified using a parameter, data will be re-
turned to the computer. In broadcast communication, only the destination inverter (with a
number matching up with the smallest effective number) returns data to the computer.
Data (4 bytes) : Error code (0000~0004)
0000 ... Impossible to execute (Although communication is established normally, the
command cannot be executed because it is to write data into a parameter whose
setting cannot be changed during operation (e.g., maximum frequency) or the
EEPROM is faulty.)
0001 ... Data error (The data is outside the specified range or it is composed of too many
digits.)
0002 ... Communication number error (There is no communication number that matches.)
0003 ... Command error (There is no command that matches.)
0004 ... Checksum error (The checksum result differs.)
“)” (1 byte) : Stop code ... This code is omitted if it is not found in the data received.
 Examples:
(N0000&5C)CR... Impossible to execute (e.g., a change of maximum frequency data during opera-
tion)
(N0001&5D)CR... Data error (Data is outside the specified range.)
(N0002&5E)CR... No communication number (There is no communication number that matches.)
(N0003&5F)CR... There is no command that matches. (Commands other than the R, W and P
commands)
(Ex.: L, S, G, a, b, m, r, t, w ...)
(N0004&60)CR... Checksum error (The checksum result differs.)
No data returned ... Format error or invalid inverter number
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4.1.2. Data transmission format used in binary mode
A communication number is used to specify a data item, data is written in hexadecimal form, and
data in transmission characters are represented by binary codes (HEX codes).
Computer →Inverter (binary mode)
Omissible in one-to-one communication No data for the 52H (R) command
(3.5bytes
Blank)
“/”
(2FH)
INV-NO
1 byte
CMD
1 byte
Communication No.
2 bytes
DATA
2 bytes
SUM
1 byte
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum area Not omissible
1. 2FH (“/”) (1 byte) : Start code in binary mode
2. INV-NO (2 bytes) : Inverter number (Omissible in one-to-one communication) ... 00H to 3FH ,FFH
In case the inverter number is other than FFH (broadcast communication), command is
executed only when the inverter number coincides with the one designated with the panel.
If the inverter number is not matched, it will be judged invalid and the data is not returned.
3. CMD (1 byte) : Command (For details, see the table below.)
52H (R) command: The size of the data following CMD is fixed to 3 bytes. (Communication
number: 2 bytes, checksum: 1 byte)
57H (W), 50H (P) and 47H (G) commands: The size of the data following CMD is fixed to 5
bytes.
(Communication number: 2 bytes, data: 2 byte, checksum: 1 byte)
Any command other than the above is rejected and no error code is returned.
4. Communication No.(2 bytes)
: Communication number (See 8, “Parameter data.”)
5. Data (2 bytes) : 0000H to FFFFH
57H (W) and 50H (P) commands: Write data (An area check is performed.)
47H (G) command: Dummy data (e.g., 0000) is needed.
52H (R) command: Any data is judged invalid. (No data should be added.)
6. Sum (2 bytes) : Checksum (not omissible) 00H to FFH
Value of the last two digits (1 byte) of the sum of a series of bits (codes) from the start
code of the data returned to the data (or to the communication number for the 52H (R)
command)
Ex.: 2F 52 00 ?? ... 2FH+52H+00H+00H=81H
The last two digits (??) represent the checksum= 81
 Details of commands and data
CMD (1 byte) Write data (2 bytes) Hexadecimal number
52H (R): RAM read command
57H (W): RAM/EEPROM write command
50H (P): RAM write command
47H (G): RAM read command (for two-wire networks)
No data
Write data (0000H to FFFFH)
Write data (0000H to FFFFH)
Dummy data (0000H to FFFFH)
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Inverter →computer (binary mode)
At time of broadcast communication of the binary mode, returning of data is not executed except for
the inverter to be returned (inverter number 00H) and when the inverter number is not matched.
This is because there will be a risk that the returned data may be deformed.
• Data returned when data is processed normally (Binary mode)
Omissible
(3.5bytes
Blank)
“/”
(2FH)
INV-NO
1 byte
CMD
1 byte
Communication No.
2 bytes
DATA
2 bytes
SUM
1 byte
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum area Not omissible
1. 2FH (“/“) (1 byte) : Start code in binary mode
2. INV-NO (2 bytes) : Inverter number... 00H to 3FH (The inverter number is omitted if it is not found in the data
received.)
If the inverter number matches up with that specified from the operation panel, data will be
returned from the inverter. If the inverter number does not match, the data will be invalid
and no data will be returned.
3. CMD (1 byte) : Command...The command is also used for a check when the inverter is tripped.
Under normal conditions...52H (R), 47H (G), 57H (W) or 50H (P) is returned, depending on
the command received.
When the inverter is tripped...The lowercase letter 72H (r), 67H (g), 77H (w) or 70H (p) is
returned with 20H added to it, depending on the command received.
4. Communication No. (4 bytes)
: The communication number received is returned.
5. Data (2 bytes) : Data ... 0000H to FFFFH
The data read is returned for the 52H (R) and 47H (G) commands, while the data written is
returned for the 57H (W) and 50H (P) commands.
6. Sum (1 bytes) : Checksum (not omissible) 00H to FFH
Value of the last two digits (1 byte) of the sum of a series of bits (codes) from the start
code to the data.
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2) Error Processing (Binary mode)
In case an error occurs, communication error command (4EH(N) or 6EH(n)) and the error type
number is returned to the computer in addition to the checksum. At time of broadcast communica-
tion of the binary mode, returning of data is not executed except for the inverter to be returned (in-
verter number 00H) and when the inverter number is not matched. This is because there will be a
risk that the returned data may be deformed.
Omissible
(3.5bytes
Blank)
“/”
(2FH)
INV-NO
1 byte
Norn
(4EH)(6EH)
DATA
2 bytes
SUM
1 byte
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum area Not omissible
Norn (1 byte) : Communication error command ... This command is also used for a check when the in-
verter is tripped.
“4EH (N)” is returned under normal conditions, while “6EH (n)” is returned when the in-
verter is tripped.
Data (2 bytes) : Error code (0000~0004)
0000 ... Impossible to execute (Although communication is established normally, the
command cannot be executed because it is to write data into a parameter whose
setting cannot be changed during operation (e.g., maximum frequency) or the
EEPROM is faulty.)
0001 ... Data error (The data is outside the specified range or it is composed of too many
digits.)
0002 ... Communication number error (There is no communication number that matches.)
0004 ... Checksum error (The checksum result differs.)
No code returned ...Command error, format error (parity, overrun or framing error) or the
inverter number does not match or an inverter in broadcast communi-
cation in the binary mode except for the inverter for data returning (the
inverter numbered 00H).
 Examples:
2FH, 4EH, 00H, 00H, 7DH ... Impossible to execute (e.g., a change of maximum frequency data
during operation)
2FH, 4EH, 00H, 01H, 7EH ... Data setting error (The data specified falls outside the specified
range.)
2FH, 4EH, 00H, 02H, 7FH ... No communication number (There is no communication number that
matches.)
2FH, 4EH, 00H, 04H, 81H ... Checksum error (The checksum result differs.)
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4.1.3. Transmission format of Block Communication
What is block communication?
Data can be written in and read from several data groups set in one communication by setting the
type of data desired for communication in the block communication parameters (f870, f871,
f875 to f879) in advance. Block communication can save the communication time.
Data is transmitted hexadecimal using the binary (HEX) code transmission characters. “Computer
→inverter” is for writing only, while “Inverter →computer” for reply is for reading only.
Computer →Inverter (Block Communication)
1. 2FH(“/”) (1 byte) : Start code of binary mode
2. INV-NO (1 byte) : Inverter number. (Can be omitted in 1:1 communication): 00H to 3FH, FFH
Executed only when the inverter number matches the inverter number. Set on the panel,
except in FFH (broadcast communication).
Communication data will be invalidated and data will not be returned either if the inverter
number. Does not match.
3. CMD (1 byte) : ‘X’ (Block communication command)
4. Number of write data groups (1 byte)
: Specify the number of data groups to be written (00H to 02H).
If specified outside of the range, data will be treated as a format error and data will not be
returned.
5. Number of read data groups (1 byte)
: Specify the number of data groups to be read (00H to 05H).
If specified outside of the range, data will be returned as “Number of read data groups = 0”
when returned by the inverter.
6. Write data1 (2 bytes)
: Needed when the number of write data groups is larger than 1.
Data to be written to the specified parameter selected by f870.
Dummy data is needed if the number of write data groups is larger than 1 even
though(none) is selected for f870.
7. Write data2 (2 bytes)
: Needed when the number of write data groups is 2.
Data to be written to the specified parameter selected by f871.
Dummy data is needed if the number of write data groups is 2 even though(none) is se-
lected for f871.
8. SUM (1 byte) : Checksum (Cannot be omitted) 00H to FFH
Lower two digits (1 byte) of total sum from start code (SUM value not included)
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Start
Code
“／”
INV-NO CMD
“X”
Num-
ber of
write
data
groups
Num-
ber of
read
data
groups
Write
data1
High
Write
data1
Low
Write
data2
High
Write
data2
Low
SUM (3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum Area
Omissible Number of writing data groups x 2 bytes
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 Block Write 1, 2
Select data, which is desired to be written in block communication, in block write Data 1 and 2 Pa-
rameters (f870, f871). This parameter becomes effective when the system is reset, such as
when power is turned off. When the setting is completed, turn off and then on the power.
* When “Deselect” is specified in the parameters, no data will be written even though write data is
specified.
 Block Read 1 to 5
Select read data, which is desired to be read in block communication, in block read data 1 and 5
Parameters (f875 to f879). This parameter becomes effective when the system is reset,
such as when power is turned off. When the setting is completed, turn off and then on the power.
* “0000” will be returned as dummy data, if “0 (Deselect)” is selected for the parameter and “read” is
specified.
No. Block Write Data For data details, see:
0 Deselect －
1 Command 1 (FA00)
2 Command 2 (FA20)
3 Frequency Command (FA01)
4 Terminal board output data (FA50)
5 Communication analog output (FA51)
“7.1 Command by communication”
No. Block Read Data For data details, see:
0 Deselect －
1 Status information (FD01) “7.2 Monitoring from communication”
2 Output frequency (FD00) “7.2 Monitoring from communication”
3 Output current (FD03) “7.2 Monitoring from communication”
4 Output voltage (FD05) “8. Parameter data”
5 Alarm Information (FC91) “7.2 Monitoring from communication”
6 PID feedback value (FD22) “8. Parameter data”
7 Input terminal board monitor (FD06) “7.2 Monitoring from communication”
8 Output terminal board monitor (FD07) “7.2 Monitoring from communication”
9 VI terminal boad monitor (FE36) “7.2 Monitoring from communication”
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Inverter →Computer
At time of broadcast communication of the binary mode, returning of data is not executed except for
the inverter to be returned (inverter number 00H) and when the inverter number is not matched.
This is because there will be a risk that the returned data may be deformed.
1) Normal processing
1. 2FH “/” (1 byte) ：Start code in binary mode
2. INV-NO (1Byte) ：Inverter number･･･00H to 3FH
If the inverter number matches up with that specified from the operation panel, data
will be returned from the inverter. If the inverter number does not match, the data will
be judged invalid and no data will be returned.
Communication data will be invalidated and data will not be returned either if the in-
verter number does not match. (Inverter number is considered matched if it is omit-
ted during reception)
3. CMD(1Byte) :‘Y’ (Block communication command [monitoring])
Lowercase letter ‘y’ during an inverter trip, including standing by for retrying and during
a trip.
4. Number of read data groups (1 byte)
: Return the number of data groups to be read (00H to 05H).
5. Write status (1 byte) : Return 00H to 03H.
* Failing to write in the specified parameter in the number of write data groups, set “1”
in the corresponding bit for the parameter failed to write. (See below.)
6. Read data1 - 5 (2 bytes)
: Return according to the number of read data groups. “0000H” is returned as dummy
data if “0” is selected as a parameter.
Read data1: Data selected by f875. Read data2: Data selected by f876.
Read data3: Data selected by f877. Read data4: Data selected by f878.
Read data5: Data selected by f879.
7.SUM(1Byte) : Checksum (Cannot be omitted) 00H to FFH
Lower two digits (1 byte) of total sum from start code of return data to read data.
 Example
(When set as follows: f870 = 1(Command information 1), f871 = 3(frequency command),
f875 = 1(status information), f876 = 2(output frequency), f877 = 3(output current), f878 = 4(output
voltage) and f879 = 5(alarm information)
Computer →Inverter：2F 58 02 05 C4 00 17 70 D9
Inverter →Computer：2F 59 05 03 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 90 (When parameter is not set)
Inverter →Computer：2F 59 05 00 40 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 CD CD (When parameter is set)
Inverter →Computer：2F 59 05 00 64 00 17 70 1A 8A 24 FD 00 00 3D (During operation at 60Hz)
(3.5
bytes
Blank)
Start
Code
“/”
INV
No.
CMD
“Y”
Number
of Read
Data
Groups
Write
Status
Read
data1
high
Read
data1
low
Read
data2
high
Read
data2
low
Read
data3
high
Read
data3
low
Read
data4
high
Read
data4
low
Read
data5
high
Read
data5
low
SUM (3.5
bytes
Blank)
Checksum area
Omissible Number of read data groups x 2 bytes
Bit Position 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Data Type －H H
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2) Error Processing (Binary mode)
In case an error occurs, communication error command (4EH(N) or 6EH(n)) and the error type
number is returned to the computer in addition to the checksum.
Omissible
(3.5bytes
Blank)
“/”
(2FH)
INV-NO
1 byte
Norn
(4EH)(6EH)
DATA
2 bytes
SUM
1 byte
(3.5bytes
Blank)
Checksum area Not omissible
“N” or “n” (1 byte) : Communication error command. Also for check during an inverter trip (includes standing
by for retrying and trip holding). “4EH (N)” when normal, “6EH (n)” during an inverter trip.
DATA (2 bytes) : Error code (0004)
0004 : Checksum error (The checksum does not match)
No return : Command error, format error (specified number of bytes is not received in 1sec,
or parity error, overrun error or framing error), inverter number mismatch, and
inverter number other than 00H in broadcast communication.
 Examples
Computer →Inverter : 2F 58 02 05 C4 00 17 70 D8
Inverter →Computer : 2F 4E 00 04 81 ... Checksum error
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4.2. Commands
Here are the communication commands available.
Command Function
W command Writes the data with the specified communication number. (RAM and EEPROM).
P command Writes the data with the specified communication number. (RAM).
R command Reads the data with the specified communication number.
G command Reads the data with the specified communication number. (For binary mode only.
Dummy data is required for this command.)
X command Block communication (Computer -> Inverter)
Y command Block communication (Inverter -> Computer)
 W (57H) (RAM*1 /EEPROM*2 write)
This command is used to write new data into the parameter specified using it communication num-
ber. It writes data into the RAM and EEPROM. For parameters whose settings cannot be stored in
the EEPROM (e.g., parameter with the communication number FA00), the W (57H) command
writes data into the RAM only. It cannot be used to write data into read-only parameters (e.g., pa-
rameter with the communication number FD?? or FE??).
Each time an attempt to write data is made, the inverter checks if the data falls within the specified
range. If this check reveals that the data falls outside the specified range, the inverter will reject it
and return an error code.
- Ex.: Setting the deceleration time (communication number: 0010) to 10 sec.
<ASCII mode>
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
(W00100064)CR (W00100064)CR …(10÷0.1=100=0064H)
<Binary mode>
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
2F 57 00 10 00 64 FA 2F 57 00 10 00 64 FA …(10÷0.1=100=0064H)
Notice
Instruction
♦Do not write the same parameter to the EEPROM more than 10,000 times. The life time of EEPROM is
approximately 10,000 times.(Some parameters are not limited, please refer to the “8.Parameter data “)
The lifetime of EEPROM is approximately 10,000 times. When using the TOSHIBA inverter protocol
and the data does not need to be records, use P command (the data is written only to RAM).
Explanation of terms
*1: The RAM is used to temporarily store inverter operation data. Data stored in the RAM is cleared
when the inverter is turned off, and data stored in the EEPROM is copied to the RAM when the
inverter is turned back on.
*2: The EEPROM is used to store inverter operation parameter settings, and so on. Data stored in
the EEPROM is retained even after the power is turned off, and it is copied to the RAM when the
inverter is turned on or reset.
CR: Carriage return
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 P (50H) (RAM*1 write)
This command is used to rewrite data into the parameter specified using a communication number.
It writes data into the RAM only. It cannot be used to write data into any read-only parameters. Each
time an attempt to write data is made the inverter checks whether the data falls within the specified
range. If this check reveals that the data falls outside the range, the inverter will reject it and return
an error code.
- Ex.: Entering the emergency stop command (communication number: FA00) from the computer
<ASCII mode>
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
(PFA009000)CR (PFA009000)CR …Command priority, emergency stop
command
<Binary mode>
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
2F 50 FA 00 90 00 09 2F 50 FA 00 90 00 09
 R (52H) (Data read)
This command is used to read the setting of the parameter specified using a communication num-
ber.
- Ex.: Monitoring the electric current (communication number: FE03)
<ASCII mode>
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
(RFE03)CR (RFE03077B)CR …Current: 1915 / 100 = 19.15%
<Binary mode>
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
2F 52 FE 03 82 2F 52 FE 03 07 7B 04
 G (47H) (Data read)
This command is used to read the parameter data specified using a communication number. Al-
though this command is used for the previous model to control the operation of two or more invert-
ers in binary mode through a two-wire RS485 network, the “R” command can also be used without
problems for the VF-nC3 series.
To use the “G” command, however, dummy data (2 bytes) is needed.
This command is available only in binary mode.
- Ex.: Monitoring the electric current (communication number: FE03)
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
2F 47 FE 03 00 00 77 2F 47 FE 03 07 7B F9
* In this example, the data 00H sent from the computer to the inverter is dummy data.
 X(58H)/Y (59H) (Block Communication Command)
Data selected in the block communication write parameters (f870,f871) is written in the RAM.
When returning data, data selected in block communication read parameters (f875 to f879)
is read and is returned.
For detail, see "4.1.3. Transmission format of Block Communication ".
- Examples: 60Hz operation command from communication and monitoring (Monitoring when al-
ready operating at 60Hz)
(Parameter Setting: f870 = 1,f871 = 3, f875 = 1, f876 = 2, f877 = 3, f878 = 4,f879
= 5)
<Binary mode>
Computer →Inverter Inverter →Computer
2F 58 02 05 C4 00 17 70 D9 2F 59 05 00 64 00 17 70 1A 8A 24 FD 00 00 3D
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4.3. Transmission errors
Table of error codes
Error name Description Error code
Impossible to exe-
cute
The command is impossible to execute, though communication was
established normally.
1 Writing data into a parameter whose setting cannot be changed
during operation (e.g., maximum frequency) *1
2 Writing data into a parameter while “init” is in progress
3 F700(Parameter write protect selection) is 2:RS485 communica-
tion inhibit
4 If F738(Password setting) was set to data, F738 can not set to
data
0000
Data error Invalid data is specified. 0001
Communication
number error
There is no communication number that matches. 0002
Command error The command specified does not exist. 0003 (ASCII mode)
No code returned (Binary
mode)
Checksum error The Checksum does not match. 0004
Format error The data transmission format does not match.
1 One-digit inverter number (ASCII mode)
2 The CR code is found in the designated position. (ASCII mode)
Ex.:Communication number of 4 digit or less. In the case of (R11)
CR, 11) CR is recognized as a communication number and
the CR code is not recognized, with the result that a format
error occurs.
3 A code other then the stop code (“)”) is entered in the stop code
position.
No code returned
Receiving error A parity, overrun or framing error has occurred. *2 No code returned
*1: For parameters whose settings cannot changed during operation, see ”Table of parameters.”
*2: Parity error : The parity does not match.
Overrun error : A new data item is entered while the data is being read.
Framing error : The stop bit is placed in the wrong position.
* For the errors with “no code returned” in the above table, no error code is returned to avoid a
data crash.
If no response is received, the computer side recognizes that a communication error has oc-
curred. Retry after a lapse of some time.
* If the inverter number does not match, no processing will be carried out and no data will be re-
turned, though it is not regarded as an error.
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