
Controlinc Digital Futronic VIII User Manual
Model DF320A Version 1.0
2003-01-31
Table of Contents
1. Overview ...........................................................................................................................1
1.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2. Product Description..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1. Mechanical Actuator Assembly with M2CP Electrical Enclosure ...................................................................... 1
1.2.2. Variable Frequency Controller Unit (VFC)......................................................................................................... 2
1.2.3. Modular Construction..........................................................................................................................................2
1.3. Theory of Operation .................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1. Programmable Speed and Accel/Decel Rates......................................................................................................3
1.3.2. Brakes.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.3. Position Control................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.4. Speed and Acceleration / Deceleration Control...................................................................................................4
1.3.5. Stall Prevention ................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3.6. Stall Detection ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Installation ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.1. Conduit Entries............................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2. Wiring ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.1. Power Wiring ......................................................................................................................................................7
2.2.2. Control Wiring .................................................................................................................................................... 7
3. Setup and Calibration...................................................................................................... 8
3.1. Open and Close Limit Switches.................................................................................................................. 8
3.2. Auxiliary Inputs and Outputs..................................................................................................................... 8
3.3. Torque Switches........................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4. DCM320A Module Setup............................................................................................................................ 9
3.5. VFC Configuration.................................................................................................................................... 11
4. Application Tuning ........................................................................................................12
4.1. Bandwidths................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2. Decel Rates ................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3. Speeds.......................................................................................................................................................... 12
5. Storage Instructions....................................................................................................... 13
5.1. Short Term Storage ................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2. Long Term Storage.................................................................................................................................... 13
6. Appendices ...................................................................................................................... 14
6.1. Appendix A … Baldor Series 15J............................................................................................................. 14
6.2. Appendix C Baldor Series 15H ............................................................................................................ 15
6.3. Appendix B … AC Tech Drives (SCF Series) ......................................................................................... 16
Copyright © 2000 EIM Company, Inc 13840 Pike Road Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-1561 Page ii

Controlinc Digital Futronic VIII User Manual
Model DF320A Version 1.0
2003-01-31
1. Overview
1.1. Introduction
This manual covers basic installation, wiring, configuration, and operation of EIM Digital Futronic VIII
precision positioning controller installed in EIM 2000 Series valve actuators. The Futronic VIII controller
uses a Variable Frequency Controller (VFC) to control the motor. This manual describes the theory of
operation and details the settings required for VFC operation of EIM’s Digital Control Module (DCM)
320A with a VFC motor controller. A separate manual is provided with the VFC drive and DCM 320A.
Refer to the VFC manual for setup and programming the VFC drive. Refer to manual E796 for
mechanical setup and limit switch adjustments of the Series 2000 valve actuator. The valve actuator is
based on EIM's Modular Modular Control Package (M2CP). The VFC drive may be internal to the
actuator, close coupled to the actuator or remote mounted. EIM will wire all internal and close coupled
systems while others wire remote mounted drives during installation. Appendix A covers wiring and
programming requirements specific to each drive series provided with the actuator.
Note: Some functions, features, and options described in this manual may be disabled or may not be
present in some project specific systems.
1.2. Product Description
EIM's Digital Futronic VIII system is a precision positioner using standard 3-Phase AC motors with EIM
actuators. Futronic VIII is based on EIM's standard 320A digital control module used for many years in
EIM’s digital networks and analog control systems. The Digital Futronic VIII package uses a unique
terminal board module (TBM320A-VFC) that replaces the connection to a conventional motor starter
with a connector used for connecting to the VFC. The VFC replaces the motor reversing contactor and
inherently provides all solid state motor control and auto phase correction.
1.2.1. Mechanical Actuator Assembly with M2CP Electrical Enclosure
The main drive unit provides mechanical power to operate the valve, damper, or other positioning
device. This assembly contains the motor, gear box, hand wheel, declutch, valve position feedback
potentiometer, limit switches, and torque switches. The Modular Modular Control Package (M2CP) is
the electronic controls part of this assembly. Refer to manual E796 for instructions on setting limit and
torque switches. The M2CP consists of a DCM 320A TBM320A-VFC, Limit Switch Module(LSM), and
control voltage transformer. The M2CP accepts a 4-20mA command signal or a digital setpoint and
provides digital position feedback via the network or an optional 4-20mA signal. It also provides control
signals to the VFC based on the difference between the position command signal (setpoint) and the
position feedback signal. Control signals from the M2CP to the VFC include speed, and direction to the
VFC.
Copyright © 2000 EIM Company, Inc 13840 Pike Road Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-1561 Page 1

Controlinc Digital Futronic VIII User Manual
Model DF320A Version 1.0
2003-01-31
1.2.2. Variable Frequency Controller Unit (VFC)
Speed of a 3-phase motor is controlled by frequency of the applied power. Operating at 60 Hz will
cause motor to run at normal full speed. Operating at a frequency less than 60 Hz will cause motor to
run a percentage of normal full speed. The VFC can control frequency of the power output from 0.1 Hz
to 400 Hz in 0.1 Hz increments. Variable Frequency Controller (VFC) receives 50 - 60 Hz, single or 3phase AC electrical power input and supplies power to the motor of the actuator on command from the
M2CP containing the DCM320A. The AC input power is converted to DC and stored on a bank of
capacitors. The DC power is converted back into 3-phase AC power by switching the transistor outputs
at a high frequency, typically 10KHz. Power is switched in an alternating pattern from positive polarity to
negative polarity to positive polarity, etc. at the frequency rate programmed by the microprocessor to
determine motor speed. Switching polarity is done in a sequence on each of the three phases at a
delay time equal to 120 degrees separation between phases based on the frequency. Frequency is
normally ramped up at a programmed acceleration rate from one frequency to the next higher
frequency. Frequency is also ramped down at a programmed deceleration rate from a higher frequency
to the next lower frequency. Programming the VFC is typically via a front panel keyboard/display
terminal. Some drives may also support programming via special software on a PC. The VFC may be
internal, close coupled or enclosed in a separate enclosure remote to actuator. The VFC must be
located within 500 feet of the actuator. Refer to the VFC operations manual supplied with the VFC
drive for setup and programming instructions.
1.2.3. Modular Construction
Extensive use of surface mount technology (SMT) has allowed EIM to maintain single board
construction of the DCM320A which plugs into the M2CP. The digital control module may be replaced
by plugging in a replacement module without disabling local control functions. EIM has maintained
mechanical gearing of limit and torque switches which keep in step with movement of the actuator
when power is removed without battery back-up. Local control pushbuttons and selector switches are
not dependent on the DCM320A. The actuator is able to operate in the manual mode even while the
DCM320A is removed.
Copyright © 2000 EIM Company, Inc 13840 Pike Road Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-1561 Page 2

Controlinc Digital Futronic VIII User Manual
Model DF320A Version 1.0
2003-01-31
1.3. Theory of Operation
1.3.1. Programmable Speed and Accel/Decel Rates
The EIM Futronic VIII system uses only two speeds, normal and slow. The speeds are programmable
at the VFC. Normal speed is typically set as the standard full speed of the motor at 50 or 60 Hz but may
be set at some other frequency. Selection of the two speeds is dependent on the application
requirements. The system has two independently programmable acceleration rates. One is from stop to
slow speed and the other is from slow speed to normal speed. The system also has two independently
programmable deceleration rates. One is from normal speed to slow speed and the other is from slow
speed to a minimum frequency at which time electric motor brake may be applied. (See Figures 1-1
and 1-2)
1.3.2. Brakes
Much of the required braking is applied to the motor by the VFC absorbing regenerated energy from the
motor during deceleration. Brakes to stop the motor more quickly or under higher load conditions can
be in the form of a DC injection brake or a dynamic brake. The type of braking to use is dependent on
the application. Selection of the type of brakes is programmable at the VFC. DC injection brake
operates by applying the high frequency signal to the motor in only one polarity. Dynamic brakes
operate by dumping excessive regenerated energy from the motor into a resistive load, e.g. a bank of
high power rated resistors. If dynamic brakes are required, some VFCs require an external braking unit
to be added to the system.
1.3.3. Position Control
Precision position control is provided by the DCM320A. This module has a sensitivity of +
Precision of control is adjustable by setting the Position Control bandwidth in the DCM320A. The
DCM320A can provide control precision of ±.25% or better in most applications. When used in
conjunction with the VFC, the system has a repeatability of 0.1% or better in most applications. The
DCM320A has an adjustment for modulation delay time. This provides a delay from the last time the
valve moved to the next time it is allowed to move, preventing valve plugging. This time is normally set
to zero in high-speed modulating applications. The DCM320A also has zero and span calibration
adjustments for the 4-20mA feedback signal. DCM320A setup can be done with EIM Controls CCU
software, or with DIP switches. For DIP switch configuration refer to the Controlinc Quick Startup
Guide.
The DCM320A module provides Open and Close outputs to motor controller VFC to control position of
actuator or valve to within the adjusted control bandwidth. This is accomplished by comparing valve
position feedback signal with position command (setpoint) signal. If a difference between the two
signals is greater than bandwidth setting, an Open or Close digital output is generated. Open or Close
direction is determined by the difference between the two signals being either positive or negative. The
two digital outputs for Open and Close are fed to the VFC interface circuitry, providing isolation and
proper electrical interface to the VFC.
Copyright © 2000 EIM Company, Inc 13840 Pike Road Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-1561 Page 3
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Controlinc Digital Futronic VIII User Manual
Model DF320A Version 1.0
2003-01-31
1.3.4. Speed and Acceleration / Deceleration Control
As stated above, the DCM320A regenerates the Open and Close signals through an isolated interface.
These two signals control direction of rotation of the motor by shifting the phases of 3-phase power
output of the VFC. Open and Close signals also control the normal (1st) frequency (normal speed), the
1st acceleration rate and 1st deceleration rate as shown in Figures 1-1 and 1-2. The interface circuitry
provides a third control signal to the VFC which controls a second programmable frequency (low
speed), a 2nd acceleration rate, and a 2nd deceleration rate of the VFC. The DCM320A has an
adjustable Speed Bandwidth which is normally set outside the position control bandwidth. When a
difference between command signal and position feedback signal is less than the speed control
bandwidth, the third (speed control) output is turned on. This causes the motor to ramp to slow speed
and remain at that speed until difference between the two signals is within control bandwidth as shown
in Figure 1-2. If the difference between the two signals is greater than speed control bandwidth, then
the third output is turned off, allowing frequency (speed) to ramp to the normal full speed as shown in
Figure 1-1. Speed bandwidth always follows control bandwidth. For this reason, if a large change in
position command signal is made, the VFC will ramp from the current speed (normally stopped) to
normal speed at the 1st accel ramp time as shown in Figure 1-1. If a small change (less than the
difference between the two bandwidths) is made in the position command signal, then motor speed will
ramp at the 2nd accel rate to slow speed until difference between the two signals is within control
bandwidth as shown in Figure 1-2. If the motor is running at normal speed when the difference between
the command and feedback signal is within the speed bandwidth, then speed will decelerate from
normal speed to slow speed at the 1st deceleration rate. When difference is less than position control
bandwidth, the speed will decelerate from slow speed to stop at the 2nd deceleration rate as shown in
Figures 1-1 and 1-2. This means of control slows speed of motor as position of valve approaches
setpoint, preventing overshoot. This is the primary reason for the outstanding repeatability of the
Futronic VIII system.
1.3.5. Stall Prevention
Voltage applied to the motor by the VFC is reduced as frequency is reduced. Thus, the amount of
energy supplied to the motor at slow speed is much less than energy at normal speed. Under high load
and low power line conditions, the motor may be subject to stall when operating at slow speed. This
could prevent the valve from reaching control setpoint within control bandwidth. The DCM320A
prevents this possible stall condition by allowing the slow speed output to stay on for a maximum of five
seconds. Each time slow speed control output is generated, a timer is started. If time expires prior to
the slow speed, open, or close outputs being turned off, then the slow speed output is forced off. This
allows VFC power output frequency and voltage to accelerate to normal speed and voltage, preventing
stall condition for more than five seconds. Each time any one of the three control outputs (open, close,
or slow speed) is turned off, the stall prevention timer is reset.
1.3.6. Stall Detection
Should the stall prevention measures mentioned above fail to recover a stall condition the DCM320A
will stop the output to prevent motor or valve damage. The DCM320A monitors the position feedback
for change when the motor is commanded to run. When the motor is turned on the stall timer is started.
The default stall time is 10 seconds and can be adjusted Using CCU software. If there is no change
Copyright © 2000 EIM Company, Inc 13840 Pike Road Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-1561 Page 4