What this card does and where it fits
The VW3A18104 is a PC link communication card that provides an RS-232C serial interface for the Altivar 18 variable speed drive family. It is classified as a spare part accessory intended for variable speed drive communication, allowing a PC or serial terminal to connect to the drive for parameter setup and monitoring.
Sourcing reality — obsolete, quoted to order
Availability is limited to what exists in independent distribution and surplus inventories.
What the RS-232C interface means for integration
RS-232C is a point-to-point serial standard with a maximum cable length of about 15 meters at 9600 baud. For drive commissioning, this typically means the PC must be within the same electrical enclosure or adjacent panel. The card plugs into the Altivar 18 drive's option slot and provides a standard 9-pin D-sub connector. No additional power supply is needed — the card draws its operating power from the drive backplane.