Select it with 96.04 Macro select = Alternate (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 Alternate macro fits
Reversing conveyors
Separate forward and reverse commands from a PLC or a selector.
Gates and sliding doors
Open and close commands map straight to DI1 and DI2.
Interlocked machines
DI6 run enable gives a hard permissive from a guard or limit chain.
Terminal map
Control terminals X1–X3 · Alternate 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 forward (DI1 = DI2 → stop) |
14 | DI2 | Start reverse |
15 | DI3 | Constant speed / frequency select |
16 | DI4 | Constant speed / frequency select |
17 | DI5 | Ramp set 1 (0) / Ramp set 2 (1) |
18 | DI6 | Run enable; 0 stops the drive |
19–21 | RO1 | Ready run |
22–24 | RO2 | Running |
25–27 | RO3 | Fault (-1) |
Wiring diagram
Try it: Alternate 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 DI3/DI4 in the simulator)
| DI3 | DI4 | 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 Alternate 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 Alternate, 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 |
|---|---|---|
20.03 | Ext1 in1 source | DI1 (start forward) |
20.04 | Ext1 in2 source | DI2 (start reverse) |
20.12 | Run enable 1 source | DI6 |
28.22 / 28.23 | Constant frequency sel1 / sel2 | DI3 / DI4 |
28.71 | Freq ramp set selection | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
20.03 | Ext1 in1 source | DI1 (start forward) | Check |
20.04 | Ext1 in2 source | DI2 (start reverse) | Check |
20.12 | Run enable 1 source | DI6 | Check |
28.22 / 28.23 | Constant frequency sel1 / sel2 | DI3 / DI4 | Check |
28.71 | Freq ramp set selection | DI5 | Check |
28.11 | Ext1 frequency ref1 | AI1 scaled | Check |
96.04 | Macro select | Alternate | Tune |
28.26–28.28 | Constant frequency 1–3 | DI3–DI4 = 10 / 01 / 11 | Tune |
28.72–28.75 | Ramp set 1 and 2 | DI5 selects | Tune |
20.12 | Run enable 1 source | DI6 in this macro | 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 DI1 and DI2 to two maintained switches and DI6 to a permissive switch.
- Start forward, then switch to reverse and watch the drive ramp through zero.
- Close DI1 and DI2 together and confirm the drive stops.
- Open DI6 while running and note the stop behaviour.
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: Alternate macro
Five quick questions on the terminal map. Answers show straight away.
1. In the Alternate macro, what does AI1 (terminal 2) do?
2. In the Alternate macro, what does DI1 (terminal 13) do?
3. In the Alternate macro, what does DI2 (terminal 14) do?
4. In the Alternate macro, what does DI3 (terminal 15) do?
5. In the Alternate 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
What happens if both start inputs are on?
The drive stops. DI1 equal to DI2 is treated as a stop command.
What does run enable do?
If DI6 drops to 0, the drive stops even while a start command is present.
How is it different from ABB standard?
ABB standard uses one start input plus a direction input; Alternate uses a separate start input for each direction.