Select it with 96.04 Macro select = Motor potentiometer (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 Motor potentiometer macro fits
PLCs without analog outputs
Two digital outputs raise and lower speed, a low-cost interface.
Operator raise/lower buttons
Fine-tuning a line speed from the panel door.
Noisy sites
No 0–10 V signal to pick up interference over long cable runs.
Terminal map
Control terminals X1–X3 · Motor potentiometer macro (inputs that change most are highlighted)
| Terminal | Signal | Function in this macro |
|---|---|---|
2 | AI1 | Not configured |
5 | AI2 | Not configured |
7 | AO1 | Output frequency, 0–20 mA |
8 | AO2 | Motor current, 0–20 mA |
13 | DI1 | Stop (0) / Start (1) |
14 | DI2 | Forward (0) / Reverse (1) |
15 | DI3 | Reference up |
16 | DI4 | Reference down |
17 | DI5 | Constant frequency / speed 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: Motor potentiometer 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.
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 Motor potentiometer 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 Motor potentiometer, 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 / 20.04 | Ext1 in1 / in2 source | DI1 / DI2 |
22.71 | Motor potentiometer function | Enabled |
22.73 | Motor potentiometer up source | DI3 |
22.74 | Motor potentiometer down source | DI4 |
20.12 | Run enable 1 source | DI6 |
22.75 | Motor potentiometer ramp time | 40 s default |
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 / 20.04 | Ext1 in1 / in2 source | DI1 / DI2 | Check |
22.71 | Motor potentiometer function | Enabled | Check |
22.73 | Motor potentiometer up source | DI3 | Check |
22.74 | Motor potentiometer down source | DI4 | Check |
20.12 | Run enable 1 source | DI6 | Check |
22.75 | Motor potentiometer ramp time | 40 s default | Check |
96.04 | Macro select | Motor potentiometer | Tune |
22.71 | Motor potentiometer function | Enabled by the macro | Tune |
22.75 | Motor potentiometer ramp time | 40 s on the Softwell bench | Tune |
22.76 / 22.77 | Motor potentiometer min / max | −50 / 50 on the bench | Tune |
22.80 | Motor potentiometer ref act | Watch it while pressing up/down | 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 push-buttons to DI3 (up) and DI4 (down) and a switch to DI1.
- Start, hold up, and time how long the reference takes to rise.
- Change 22.75 ramp time and repeat.
- Close DI5 and confirm the constant speed overrides the pot value.
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: Motor potentiometer macro
Five quick questions on the terminal map. Answers show straight away.
1. In the Motor potentiometer macro, what does DI1 (terminal 13) do?
2. In the Motor potentiometer macro, what does DI2 (terminal 14) do?
3. In the Motor potentiometer macro, what does DI3 (terminal 15) do?
4. In the Motor potentiometer macro, what does DI4 (terminal 16) do?
5. In the Motor potentiometer macro, what does DI5 (terminal 17) do?
Your score: . Want to wire it on a real drive? Book a free demo class.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an analog input?
No. AI1 and AI2 are not configured in this macro; DI3 and DI4 move the reference.
How fast does the reference change?
It follows 22.75 Motor potentiometer ramp time; the Softwell bench drive uses the 40 s default.
Can a PLC drive it?
Yes. ABB describes it as a cost-effective interface for PLCs that vary speed using only digital signals.