Select it with 96.04 Macro select = 3-wire (Menu › Primary settings › Macro). It runs in scalar (frequency) control by default. Changing macro resets every setting except motor data, so back up first.
Where the 3-wire macro fits
Push-button stations
Start and stop buttons on a panel door or local control box.
Retrofits of DOL starters
Keeps the start/stop button habit operators already have.
Machines with local and remote stops
Several stop buttons can share the stop input.
Terminal map
Control terminals X1–X3 · 3-wire macro (inputs that change most are highlighted)
| Terminal | Signal | Function in this macro |
|---|---|---|
2 | AI1 | Speed / frequency reference 1, 0–10 V |
5 | AI2 | Not configured |
7 | AO1 | Output frequency, 0–20 mA |
8 | AO2 | Motor current, 0–20 mA |
13 | DI1 | Start (pulse) |
14 | DI2 | Stop (pulse) |
15 | DI3 | Forward (0) / Reverse (1) |
16 | DI4 | Constant speed / frequency select |
17 | DI5 | Constant speed / frequency select |
18 | DI6 | Not configured |
19–21 | RO1 | Ready run |
22–24 | RO2 | Running |
25–27 | RO3 | Fault (-1) |
Wiring diagram
Try it: 3-wire macro simulator
Operate the inputs as an operator or PLC would. The wiring diagram above, the relay lamps and the output frequency respond the way the macro defines. Values come from the Softwell bench drive.
Inputs — click to switch, hold the push-buttons
Drive (simulated, 4× real time)
- State
- Stopped
- Reference
- —
- Direction
- Forward
Signal path: switch any input to trace it from +24 V to the parameter that reads it.
Preset speed truth table (click a row to set DI4/DI5 in the simulator)
| DI4 | DI5 | Parameter | Result (Softwell bench values) |
|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | AI1 | AI1 reference |
1 | 0 | 28.26 | 5 Hz |
0 | 1 | 28.27 | 10 Hz |
1 | 1 | 28.28 | 15 Hz |
Wire this macro on a real ACS580
Every macro, Drive Composer, then Modbus RTU and Profinet with a Siemens PLC. Pune classroom or online.
Configure the 3-wire macro in Drive Composer
Drive Composer entry / pro- ACS580 powered, STO terminals closed (factory jumpers in place)
- PC with Drive Composer and a USB cable to the assistant control panel
- Motor nameplate data and the wiring done as in the diagram
Connect
Plug a USB cable from the PC into the USB port on the drive's assistant control panel, open Drive Composer (entry or pro) and connect. The drive appears in the drive list.
Back up first
Save the current parameters to a file (entry) or take a full Backup (pro) so you can return to the old setup.
Enter motor data
Open Parameters › group 99 and enter 99.06–99.11 from the nameplate. Leave 99.04 on Scalar unless the load needs vector control.
Select the macro
Open group 96, set 96.04 Macro select to 3-wire, and confirm 96.05 Macro active shows the same name. Every non-motor parameter now returns to the macro defaults.
Check the I/O mapping
Open the parameters in the table below and confirm each one points to the input shown. Change only what your wiring differs on.
Tune ramps, presets and limits
Set acceleration and deceleration times, preset speeds or setpoints, and min/max limits in group 30 (30.11–30.14).
Test with the Monitor window
Add 01.06 Output frequency, 01.07 Motor current, 10.02 DI delayed status and 12.12 AI1 scaled value. Operate each switch and watch the matching bit and value change.
Save and document
Write 96.07 Parameter save manually = Save, then use Print to keep a PDF parameter record (as on the Softwell lab printouts). In pro, compare against the backup to list every change.
Parameters to check after selecting the macro
Open each one in Drive Composer and confirm it points to the input shown. Change only what your wiring differs on.
| Parameter | Name | Should read |
|---|---|---|
20.01 | Ext1 commands | 3-wire start / stop / direction |
20.03 | Ext1 in1 source | DI1 (start pulse) |
20.04 | Ext1 in2 source | DI2 (stop pulse) |
20.05 | Ext1 in3 source | DI3 (direction) |
28.22 / 28.23 | Constant frequency sel1 / sel2 | DI4 / DI5 |
28.11 | Ext1 frequency ref1 | AI1 scaled |
Parameter finder
Every parameter on this page in one list. Type a number or a word such as ramp or 40. to filter.
| Parameter | Name | Value or note | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
20.01 | Ext1 commands | 3-wire start / stop / direction | Check |
20.03 | Ext1 in1 source | DI1 (start pulse) | Check |
20.04 | Ext1 in2 source | DI2 (stop pulse) | Check |
20.05 | Ext1 in3 source | DI3 (direction) | Check |
28.22 / 28.23 | Constant frequency sel1 / sel2 | DI4 / DI5 | Check |
28.11 | Ext1 frequency ref1 | AI1 scaled | Check |
96.04 | Macro select | 3-wire | Tune |
28.26–28.28 | Constant frequency 1–3 (scalar) | DI4–DI5 = 10 / 01 / 11 | Tune |
22.26–22.28 | Constant speed 1–3 (vector) | Same DI pattern | Tune |
20.01 | Ext1 commands | Set by the macro for 3-wire start/stop | Tune |
99.04 | Motor control mode | Scalar by default | Tune |
Ramp-time calculator
ACS580 ramp times are full-scale: the time to go from zero to 50 Hz. Enter yours to see how long the drive takes to reach a target.
Bench exercise
- Wire a momentary start button to DI1 and a momentary stop button to DI2.
- Pulse start, release, and confirm the drive keeps running.
- Pulse stop and watch the ramp-down.
- Use DI4 and DI5 to step through the three constant speeds.
Back up with Drive Composer before switching macro on a running machine: the new macro rewrites the I/O functions, and wiring that was safe before may now start the motor.
Test yourself: 3-wire macro
Five quick questions on the terminal map. Answers show straight away.
1. In the 3-wire macro, what does AI1 (terminal 2) do?
2. In the 3-wire macro, what does DI1 (terminal 13) do?
3. In the 3-wire macro, what does DI2 (terminal 14) do?
4. In the 3-wire macro, what does DI3 (terminal 15) do?
5. In the 3-wire macro, what does DI4 (terminal 16) do?
Your score: . Want to wire it on a real drive? Book a free demo class.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 3-wire?
Start, stop and the common make three control wires, compared with two for a maintained start/stop switch.
Where are the constant speeds in this macro?
On DI4 and DI5, not DI3, because DI3 is used for direction.
Is there a ramp set input?
Not by default. DI6 is free, so you can assign it to ramp set selection if needed.