1
Introduction
FM-3 is a compact and rugged function module that attaches to the front of the E Series drive.
It provides eight digital input lines and four digital output lines, in addition to the four input
and three output lines available on the E Series EN drive.
Unlike other function modules, the FM-3 offers complex motion profiling. A complex motion
profile consists of two or more indexes that are executed in sequence such that the final
velocity of each index except the last is non-zero. Logical instructions between index
statements can provide a powerful tool for altering motion profiles ’on the fly’. The FM-3
defines complex motion by a configuration file that includes setups, function assignments and
programs. The configuration file is created using EMERSON Motion Control PowerTools®
FM-3 software
1
. Setup views have the same look and feel as dialog boxes. The wiring of input
and output functions is done through assignments in the software. Emerson Motion Control
PowerTools FM-3 is an easy-to-use Microsoft® Windows®
2
based setup and diagnostics
tool.
Figure 1: E Series EN Drive with FM-3 Function Module
Note that the E Series drive’s firmware is disabled whenever a Function Module such as the
FM-3 is attached. Therefore, if the E Series drive’s hardware is FM compatible, then the E
Series drive’s firmware can be any version because the programming features reside in the
function module’s flash memory. Flash files used for firmware upgrades are available on the
Emerson Motion Control webpage.
1.In this manual, Emerson Motion Control PowerTools FM-3 software will be referred to as
PowerTools FM-3.
2. See page ii of the preface
FM-3 Programming Module Installation Manual