Communication Error (Remote Display)
Schneider Electric · Altivar 312 Variable Frequency Drive
What does COM.E mean?
This error occurs on the remote display terminal, indicating a communication timeout (50 ms) after 20 attempts to establish or maintain communication with the drive. This typically points to a faulty connection between the terminal and the drive, or incorrect communication settings, leading to a loss of display functionality and control.
Common Causes
- Loose, disconnected, or damaged communication cable between the remote display terminal and the drive's communication port.
- Incompatible firmware versions between the remote display and the drive, preventing proper data exchange.
- Incorrect communication parameters (e.g., address, baud rate) configured in either the remote display or the drive (if user-configurable).
- Excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the communication lines causing data corruption and timeouts.
- Faulty communication port on either the remote display unit or the drive itself.
Repair Steps & Checklist
Click steps to track your progress.
- 1
1. Inspect the communication cable connecting the remote display to the drive for any physical damage (cuts, pinches) or loose connections at both ends.
- 2
2. Verify that the remote display unit is correctly seated in its mounting slot or securely connected to the drive's communication port.
- 3
3. Check for strong sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) near the communication cable; re-route the cable if necessary, ensuring proper shielding.
- 4
4. If configurable, verify that the communication address and baud rate settings on the remote display match those configured in the drive (e.g., P5-01, P5-02).
- 5
5. Attempt to connect a known-good, compatible remote display unit to the drive to determine if the issue is with the original display or the drive's communication port.