Parameters
M-Max Series Adjustable Frequency Drive    MN04020003E—October 2013    www.eaton.com 99
PID Controller, Actual Value Message FBV
The upper and lower actual value limits (P9.15, P9.16) are 
“process messages”. They cannot be used for monitoring 
the actual value signal. FBV is not a fault message.
When P5.1–P5.3 = 25, you can set the digital output or a 
signalling relay for the FBV.
The FBV actual value message enables the M-Max PID 
controller to implement a direct “two-stage control”, as is 
commonly used for HVAC applications.
Example:  Ventilation system with two fans (frequency 
inverter). Under normal operating conditions, the 
maximum output power of fan 1 (M1) is sufficient 
to maintain the actual value (PV) at the reference 
value. When fan 1 is fully used and additional 
airflow is required, a second fan (M2) with 
constant power is a simple solution.
Block Diagram, Ventilation with “Two-Stage Control”
With the closed-loop control example shown here, the 
sequence is based on the signal diagram in the figure on this 
page. The process variables in the limit values are shown in 
percent (%). The output frequency (Hz) is shown 
superimposed in the same diagram. 
●
Start of fan motor M1 with FWD signal. The actual value 
(PV) is below the limit value of P9.16. The FBV output 
(P5.1–P5.3 = 25) then switches and fan motor M2 (Start) 
starts automatically
●
The actual value rises and reaches the upper limit (P9.15). 
The FBV output is automatically switched off (= fan M2 
Off). Fan M1 remains in operation and works in linear 
control mode. In a correctly set up system, this is the 
normal operating range
●
If the actual value drops below the limit value (P9.16), the 
FBV output is switched. and fan M2 is activated again to 
support fan M1
●
When the FWD signal is removed from frequency 
inverter 1, the inverter goes from RUN to STOP mode and 
decelerates the drive over the set ramp time
●
When frequency inverter 1 is stopped, the FBV output is 
automatically de-energized so that fan M2 also stops
Item
Number Description
1 Output frequency (Hz)
2 Actual value (process variable PV)
FWD: Start signal, clockwise rotating field.
FBV: Actual value message, limit values exceeded (P9.15, P9.16).
P9.15
P9.16
FWD
FBV
t
%
1
2
Item
Number Description
1 Frequency inverter with PID controller for M1 fan motor 
2 Motor starter (frequency inverter, soft starter, contactor) for 
M2 fan motor 
FWD: Start signal drive 1.
FBV: Actual value message of drive 1 for activating drive 2.
Start: Start signal, drive 2.
PV
FWD
M2
M1
FBV
Start
0–10V/ 4–20 mA
1
2