{"product_id":"vw3a3601-ethercat-communication-card-altivar-interface-module","title":"VW3A3601 EtherCAT Communication Card Altivar Interface Module","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchneider Electric \u003cspan style=\"color: #0056b3;\"\u003eVW3A3601\u003c\/span\u003e Technical Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Schneider Electric \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0056b3;\"\u003eVW3A3601\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high-speed EtherCAT communication module designed for industrial motion control. It integrates seamlessly with Altivar variable speed drives and Lexium servo systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis module supports dual RJ45 connectors for standard daisy-chaining and linear network topologies. It operates at a fast 100 Mbps transmission rate, allowing for real-time synchronization across long distances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngineered for high-performance automation, the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0056b3;\"\u003eVW3A3601\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e supports CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE) and standard PDO\/SDO mapping. This ensures fast parameter configurations and tight velocity loop controls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlobal PLC Spare HUB's Insight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Schneider Electric \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0056b3;\"\u003eVW3A3601\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is a highly reliable solution for fieldbus networking. It provides a simple, direct pathway to integrate standard drives into high-performance EtherCAT master controllers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing this card helps reduce complex field wiring by running motion control commands and diagnostics over a single Ethernet cable. Its rugged design maintains reliable connection links even in high-vibration and noisy electrical environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAutomation engineers choose this module for its plug-and-play installation and reliable communication diagnostics. This card is an essential component for optimizing machine responsiveness and system performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConfiguration Breakdown (Part Number Structural Tree)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe functional and structural layout of the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0056b3;\"\u003eVW3A3601\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e communication system is detailed below:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVW3\u003c\/strong\u003e — Schneider Electric Industrial Motion \u0026amp; Control Accessories Platform\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA3\u003c\/strong\u003e — Option Card \u0026amp; Communication Module Series Classification\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e601 [This Model]\u003c\/strong\u003e — High-Speed EtherCAT Communication Card featuring 100 Mbps transmission speed\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardware \u0026amp; Network Interfaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNetwork Ports:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 x RJ45 ports for linear ring or daisy-chain bus topologies\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAddressing Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports logical addressing, node addressing, and physical position addressing\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProfile Standard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compliant with CiA 402 velocity profile and IEC 61800-7-201 standard\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTarget Equipment \u0026amp; Plant Applications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAltivar Process Drives:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-performance speed control when paired with ATV900 and Altivar Process Modular drives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAltivar Machine Drives:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct integration with ATV320 and ATV340 systems (excluding Sercos dedicated models).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLexium Servo Controllers:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-precision position and speed sync on Lexium 32 and Altivar 32 drives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Speed Packaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coordination of multiple transport belts and packaging axes over a single master loop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiagnostic Capabilities \u0026amp; Communication Services\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour-LED Status Display:\u003c\/strong\u003e Local LEDs show real-time diagnostics for input status, RUN, error, and output status.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePDO and SDO Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handles high-speed Process Data Objects (PDO) for cyclic data and Service Data Objects (SDO) for parameter configuration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIEC Compliance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Follows the IEC 61800-7-201 standard, ensuring reliable data exchange and error handling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical Specifications Table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f8f9fa;\"\u003e\n      \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 2px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eSpecification Category\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 2px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eTechnical Parameters\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eBrand \/ Manufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchneider Electric (Altivar Series)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eFull Part Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0056b3;\"\u003eVW3A3601\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eCommunication Protocol\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eEtherCAT (CANopen over EtherCAT - CoE)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003ePhysical Interfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003e2 x RJ45 female connectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eBaud Rate Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003e100 Mbps full duplex\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eMaximum Cable Distance\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003e100 meters (328 feet) between active network nodes\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eDrive Profile Support\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003eCiA 402 velocity mode (IEC 61800-7-201)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003ePhysical Module Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #dee2e6;\"\u003e60.0 grams (2.11 ounces) net weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlobal Logistics, Delivery \u0026amp; Warranty Terms\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCourier Networks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Express shipping available worldwide via DHL, FedEx, and UPS loops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDispatch Timeline:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orders are packaged and shipped within 24 to 48 hours of verification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes a full 12-month replacement warranty from Global PLC Spare HUB.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrategic Procurement \u0026amp; Selection Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck Drive Firmware:\u003c\/strong\u003e Make sure your Altivar drive's firmware supports the \u003cstrong\u003eVW3A3601\u003c\/strong\u003e EtherCAT module. Older firmware versions may require an update before installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVerify Cable Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Always use shielded Category 5e (SF\/UTP or S\/FTP) Ethernet cabling. Proper shielding is critical to prevent EMC noise from disrupting communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdentify Slot Limitations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in mind that some compact Altivar models only have one communication slot. Ensure you do not need other option cards in the same drive before installing this card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndustrial Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Does the VW3A3601 module require an external power supply to run?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: No. The module draws its operating power directly from the main control board of the drive once it is plugged into the drive's option slot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can I use this card to connect Altivar drives in an EtherCAT Ring topology with cable redundancy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: Yes. The dual RJ45 ports support linear and ring configurations, allowing you to build a redundant loop if your master controller supports EtherCAT Ring Redundancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What should I check if the RUN LED is flashing but the drive is not responding to control commands?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: A flashing RUN LED indicates the module is in the Pre-Operational state. Verify that your master controller has sent the transition command to place the node into the Operational state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I assign the EtherCAT node address for this card?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: The module supports logical, node, and position addressing. You can configure the address either through the drive's display keypad or directly from your EtherCAT master software configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can the VW3A3601 be used with Altivar Machine ATV340 Sercos drives?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: No. This module is compatible with standard ATV340 models, but it cannot be used with dedicated Sercos-integrated drives, which use a different physical interface.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Schneider Electric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45267540803766,"sku":"VW3A3601","price":112.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0722\/7863\/8774\/files\/VW3A3601.jpg?v=1784278608","url":"https:\/\/www.plcsparehub.com\/products\/vw3a3601-ethercat-communication-card-altivar-interface-module","provider":"Global PLC Spare Hub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}