The Schneider Electric VW3A3E404 is an encoder interface card for the Altivar drive range, providing open collector output at 15 V DC supply. It accepts A/B/Compliment of A/Compliment of B/AB/A input signals with 1 kOhm impedance, supporting resolutions of 5000 or 10000 pulses per revolution at up to 300 kHz operating frequency.
The 300 kHz maximum operating frequency and 5000/10000 PPR resolution mean this card handles high-speed encoder feedback for closed-loop speed or position control on Altivar drives — suitable for applications like conveyors, winders, or spindle drives where precise velocity regulation is needed. The 500 m maximum cable distance between devices gives flexibility for remote encoder mounting on large machinery. Built-in overload and short-circuit protection on the output stage means the card can survive a faulted encoder cable or a stalled motor feedback line without immediate damage — a practical reliability feature for production lines where fault isolation takes time.
Integration Note
Connects via screw terminals accepting 0.2 to 0.5 mm² wire (AWG 24 to AWG 20). The card draws 175 mA from the 15 V DC supply rail. For Altivar drives with an option slot, this card occupies one slot and provides the encoder feedback path for closed-loop motor control.