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Schneider Electric VW3A3E401 — Motor Control Accessories

Schneider Electric VW3A3E401 Encoder Interface Card, RS422,

MPNVW3A3E401
Obsolete

Schneider Electric Altivar series, VW3A3E401 encoder interface card, RS422 compatible differential output, 5 V DC supply, 300 kHz max operating frequency.

Schneider Electric VW3A3E401 datasheet (PDF)
Sourced new & surplus through independent channelsAuthenticity-screened · ESD-safe packingListing updated Jul 2026

Specifications

VW3A3E401 — Identification
ParameterValue
Product / component typeEncoder interface card
Product rangeAltivar
VW3A3E401 — Cable & Connector
ParameterValue
Electrical connectionTerminal, connection capacity: 0.2 mm² (AWG 24) Terminal, connection capacity: 0.5 mm² (AWG 20) Terminal, connection capacity: 0.5 mm² (AWG 20) Terminal, connection capacity: 0.75 mm² (AWG 18) <50 m cable length, encoder, 200 mA at 4.5 V
VW3A3E401 — Other specifications
ParameterValue
Input signalA B Compliment of A Compliment of B
Input impedance440 Ohm
Protection typeOverload protection Short-circuit protection
Discrete output typeDifferential
Maximum supply current0.2 A
Supply voltage5 V DC (voltage limits: 5...5.5 V)
Communication port protocolRS422
Maximum operating frequency300 kHz
Number of pulses per revolution10000 5000
Maximum cable distance between devices50 m

Product details

The VW3A3E401 is an encoder interface card for the Altivar drive family, providing an RS422-compatible differential output at 5 V DC. It accepts quadrature encoder signals (A, B, Compliment of A, Compliment of B) and converts them to a differential output for speed or position feedback to a controller. The 300 kHz maximum operating frequency supports encoder resolutions up to 10000 pulses per revolution, with a cable run of up to 50 m between the encoder and the card.

Integration notes

The card connects via a terminal block accepting 0.2 mm² to 0.75 mm² wire (AWG 24 to 18). The encoder supply is drawn from the card's own 5 V DC rail, rated at 200 mA — enough for most incremental encoders but check the encoder's current draw against that budget. Input impedance is 440 Ω, typical for RS422 line receivers. Overload and short-circuit protection are built into the output stage.

Frequently asked questions

What is VW3A3E401's input signal format?

The card accepts quadrature encoder signals: A, B, Compliment of A, and Compliment of B — a standard differential line-driver input for incremental encoders.

What is the maximum cable length for the VW3A3E401 encoder interface?

The maximum cable distance between the encoder and the card is 50 m, using the specified terminal connections.

Where can I buy VW3A3E401 and how is it quoted?

The VW3A3E401 is sourced to order against an RFQ through independent distribution. Availability and current pricing are confirmed at the time of quote — no stock or price figures are published here.

MPN
VW3A3E401