Lenze i550 protec Inverter with IO-Link and TIA Portal

Lenze i550 protec Inverter

The award-winning i550 protec frequency inverter is based on proven technology used in control cabinet inverters and differs only in its tailored design and higher degree of protection. If there is insufficient space in the control cabinet or if it is necessary to mount the frequency inverter close to the motor in various machine modules, then this versatile and reliable device is the right solution. With the extension module, it is possible to use a service switch and control elements.

Key Features

Decentralized drive with IO-Link V1.1 interface
IP66 protection rating (dust and water resistant)
Integrated diagnostic interface (micro USB) for maintenance activities
Available in versions with or without a repair switch, with a keypad or Wi-Fi module for easy commissioning
Optional "Safe Torque Off (STO)" function with SIL 3 (EN IEC 62061/EN IEC 61508) and Performance Level e (EN ISO 13849-1)

Applications of i550 protec

Conveyor drives
Travel drives
Winding drives
Hoisting drives
Extruders
Packaging machines
Pumps
Fans

Technical Data and Communication Options

Technical Data	0.37 ... 75 kW
Connections	1 AC 120 V
	1 AC 230 V
	3 AC 230 V
	3 AC 400 V
	3 AC 480 V
	3 AC 600 V
	5 digital inputs
	1 digital output
	2 analog inputs
	1 analog output
	1 relay NO/NC
	DC Circuit
	Motor temperature monitoring
	Micro USB
Communication	CANopen
	EtherCAT
	EtherNet/IP
	IO-Link
	Modbus RTU
	Modbus TCP
	PROFINET

What is IO-Link?

IO-Link is a communication standard in automation that allows intelligent devices (sensors and actuators) to communicate with the control system.

IO-Link Applications

Intelligent communication: IO-Link enables remote parameterization, diagnostics, and configuration of devices.
Standardized installation: Regardless of device complexity, you can connect them using a standard three-wire cable.
High signal quality: IO-Link provides excellent signal quality between devices and the control system.
Cost reduction: IO-Link helps avoid unnecessary costs associated with various interfaces.

Connecting i550 protec Inverter to Siemens S7-1200 PLC

Configuring the S7-1200 Connection with an IO-Link Master in TIA Portal

First, to enable communication with the IO-Link Master in TIA Portal, download the GSDML file from the manufacturer's website and load it in the Options -> Manage general station description files tab.

After loading the file, you can add the IO-Link Master to your project and connect it with other devices.

Double-clicking on the added device opens the configuration window. In the Ethernet addresses tab, assign an IP address to the IO-Link Master.

Now, configure the telegram exchange with the IO-Link Master. Since the inverter is connected to the Master’s first port, assign it 4 input bytes and 4 output bytes. By default, the IO-Link Master’s status is assigned to addresses I0-3 and Q0-1.

To save the changes, upload the program to the controller and assign a Profinet name to the IO-Link Master.

Accessing the IO-Link Master Web Panel

Using the IP address assigned earlier, you can log into the IO-Link Master’s management panel. REMEMBER! During the first login, you need to set a password. In the IODD tab, you’ll notice that the Lenze i550 protec inverter appears on the first port. To correctly read its parameters, load the IODD file, also downloadable from the manufacturer’s website.

After loading the IODD file, the full configuration of the Lenze i550 protec inverter becomes available.

In the Process data tab, you can read status words and set individual values for control words.

OPTIONAL You can also connect to the i550 protec inverter via a microUSB cable and configure the inverter using the EASY Starter software.

Controlling the i550 protec Inverter in TIA Portal

After completing the communication configuration, you can create data structures in TIA Portal (according to the device documentation) and assign them to the status and control words. Using a data structure significantly improves code readability and simplifies further programming.

In the status word, you can read parameters such as whether the inverter speed is synchronized with the set value or if the inverter is ready for operation.

It’s time to set the inverter speed and test whether the communication works correctly. In the first control word, set the variable xRunFwd to TRUE, and in the second control word, set the variable Speed to 3000.

Learn More About Lenze i550 protec Communication via IO-Link

The Lenze i550 protec Series in the i500 Inverter Family

The i550 protec is part of the Lenze i500 series of frequency inverters. It uses the same tried-and-tested technology as the i550 cabinet inverter, so the parameter structure, functions and commissioning tools are the same. If you already know the cabinet inverters, the new product will feel familiar from the first day. The main difference is the housing: the protec version is designed for mounting outside the control cabinet, directly on the machine or close to the motor.

Thanks to the common platform, you can design a machine with cabinet inverters for central axes and i550 protec inverters for decentralized axes, and still use one engineering tool and one parameter set philosophy. For a broader overview of drive types and their applications, see our article on modern drive technology.

Why Use a Decentralized Inverter?

In a classic layout, every frequency inverter sits in the main control cabinet and a shielded motor cable runs to each motor. In large or modular machines, this means long and expensive cables, large cabinets and more heat to remove. A decentralized drive like the i550 protec solves these problems:

Shorter shielded motor cables - the inverter is mounted close to the motor, which reduces cable cost and EMC issues.
Smaller control cabinet - less space and less cooling is needed when the inverter does not have to be mounted in the cabinet.
Modular machines - each machine module can be delivered with its own drive, tested in advance and connected on site with one supply and one communication cable.
Local operation - the optional service switch and control elements allow maintenance staff to operate the drive directly at the machine.

Typical application areas include conveyor and traveling drives, hoist drives, pumps and fans, packaging machines, winders and extruders, wherever speed control is needed and there is not enough space in the control cabinet.

IO-Link or Fieldbus? Choosing the Communication for the i550 protec

The i550 protec is available with several communication options. IO-Link is a simple and cost-effective choice for smaller drives, while industrial Ethernet fieldbuses offer more bandwidth and functions.

Criterion	IO-Link	Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT)
Topology	Point-to-point, one device per IO-Link master port	Network with switches, line or star topology
Cable	Standard unshielded 3-wire or 5-wire sensor cable with M12 connectors	Shielded Ethernet cable
Process data	Small, a few bytes (control and status words, speed)	Larger telegrams, more data per cycle
Configuration	IODD file for the device, GSDML or similar for the master	GSDML, EDS or ESI file for the device
Typical use	Simple speed control of conveyors, pumps and fans	Drives needing fast data exchange or advanced functions

On a Siemens S7-1200 or S7-1500 controller, the IO-Link master is integrated in TIA Portal through its GSDML file, and the inverter appears as a device on one of the master ports, as shown in this article. Before you start, search the Lenze product page for the current GSDML and IODD files and the device documentation, and take the control and status word definitions from the manual. If you plan to connect the drive directly over PROFINET instead, our Modbus, PROFINET and OPC UA communication training explains the configuration of drives and network devices step by step.

Lenze i550 protec - FAQ

What is the Lenze i550 protec?

It is a decentralized frequency inverter from the Lenze i500 series with a high degree of protection (IP66), designed for mounting outside the control cabinet, close to the motor.

How do you connect the i550 protec to a Siemens PLC?

With the IO-Link version, connect the inverter to a port of an IO-Link master, add the master to the TIA Portal project using its GSDML file, assign the process data (status and control words) and load the IODD file to read the inverter parameters.

Which software is used to commission the i550 protec?

Lenze EASY Starter, connected via the micro USB diagnostic interface, or the optional keypad or Wi-Fi module for commissioning without a laptop.

Does the i550 protec support safety functions?

Yes, optionally. The Safe Torque Off (STO) function removes the torque-generating energy from the motor and is rated up to SIL 3 and Performance Level e. It is the basis for safe stopping functions, but the complete safety function must still be designed and validated for your machine. Our safety programming course for Siemens PLCs shows how STO and other safety functions are integrated with a PLC.

Summary

The Lenze i550 protec inverter provides reliable and versatile drive solutions with easy configuration and diagnostics, making it a suitable choice for various industrial applications, especially when the inverter must be installed outside the control cabinet and exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Thank you for reading! If you're interested in learning more, explore our courses for in-depth training: Control Byte Courses.