Introduction
The Inovance NICE3000 series elevator integrated controller has undergone multiple firmware and hardware iterations since its inception. Version 3.3, as the mature release documented in the current user manual, introduces significant enhancements in its parameter system, protection mechanisms, and commissioning workflows compared to earlier versions. This article provides a systematic walkthrough of V3.3’s core functionalities — from version upgrade highlights, operation panel parameters, wiring configurations, and control mode commissioning, through to fault diagnosis and maintenance — based entirely on the NICE3000 V3.3 user manual’s technical content. Unlike earlier versions, V3.3 delivers substantial improvements in zero-servo functionality, independent through-door control, emergency power-loss self-coasting rescue, 31-to-40-floor expansion support, and fault record depth. These features will be the primary focus of this guide.
NICE3000 V3.3 Version Overview and Upgrade Highlights
Version Positioning and Hardware Consolidation
In the V3.3 controller model naming system, the NICE-L-B-40XX series synchronous motor controller has completed the functional integration and upgrade of the earlier NICE-L-IP-40XX and NICE-L-IP-40XX-SC models, serving as a full replacement for both. This means V3.3 users no longer need to distinguish between the IP and IP-SC hardware variants — a single B-series controller accommodates both UVW-type encoders and ERN1387-type SIN/COS encoders, simplifying selection and spare parts management.
At the main control board level, V3.3 recommends the MCTC-MCB-B board, which retains all MCB-A functionalities while adding a 28-pin J12 slot for direct insertion of the MCTC-PG-D (UVW encoder PG card) or MCTC-PG-E (SIN/COS encoder PG card), reducing external wiring and PG card mounting space. The MCB-A board is being phased out.
Key V3.3 Upgrade Features at a Glance
| Upgrade Area | Earlier Version Status | V3.3 Enhancement |
|---|---|---|
| Main Control Board | MCB-A only, external PG card required | MCB-B with built-in J12 slot, supports PG-D/PG-E direct insertion |
| Zero-Servo Function | Load-cell pre-torque compensation only | Added zero-servo current coefficient (F8-02), zero-servo speed loop KP/TI (F8-03/F8-04) |
| Load-Cell-Free Compensation | Not supported | Auto pre-torque compensation available with optional PG-C/PG-E + ERN1387 encoder |
| Through-Door Control | Simultaneous control only | 4 independent through-door control modes (FE-33 BIT15 + FC-04) |
| Floor Expansion | Maximum 31 floors | Supports 31–40 floor elevator commissioning, F6-00 maximum extended to 40 |
| Power Loss Emergency | UPS-powered operation only | Added synchronous motor self-coasting rescue scheme (star contactor short-circuit) |
| Fault Records | Limited record count | 11 fault history entries (FC-06–FC-31), including speed/current/bus voltage at fault |
| Protection Functions | Basic protection | 57 protection functions with 5-level fault classification system |
| Control Board Overspeed Detection | No independent overspeed judgment | Added Err56 control board overspeed protection (FC-01 BIT6 configurable) |
| DSP Communication Monitoring | None | Added Err57 DSP communication abnormality protection (FC-01 BIT5 configurable) |
Operation Panel and V3.3 New Parameters
Operation Panel Overview
NICE3000 V3.3 provides three commissioning tools: the Operation and Information Display Panel (OPR), the main control board small keyboard, and PC-based monitoring software. The operation panel features a 5-digit LED display showing running speed, bus voltage, output current, output frequency, current floor, and car load. The small keyboard uses a 3-digit LED display and operates via three keys (PRG/UP/SET) for mode switching and quick operations.
V3.3 enriches the FA group keyboard setting parameters with extensive run/stop status display options. Through the 16-bit binary settings of FA-01 (run display selection) and FA-02 (stop display selection), users can flexibly toggle among up to 12 running parameters and 12 standby parameters. Technicians switch between enabled parameters using the “>>” shift key.
F0 Group: Basic Parameters
| Code | Name | Range | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| F0-00 | Control mode | 0: Open-loop vector / 1: Closed-loop vector | 1 |
| F0-01 | Command source | 0: Panel control / 1: Distance control | 1 |
| F0-02 | Panel control speed | 0.050–F0-04 m/s | 0.050 m/s |
| F0-03 | Max running speed | 0.250–F0-04 m/s | 1.600 m/s |
| F0-04 | Rated speed | 0.250–4.000 m/s | 1.600 m/s |
| F0-05 | Rated load | 300–9999 kg | 1000 kg |
| F0-06 | Max frequency | 20.00–99.00 Hz | 50.00 Hz |
| F0-07 | Carrier frequency | 0.5–16.0 kHz | 6 kHz |
F8 Group: Enhanced Function Parameters (V3.3 Focus)
V3.3 significantly expands the F8 group, where each function code carries dual meanings for synchronous motor applications. The addition of zero-servo function parameters enables startup compensation even without a load-cell sensor:
| Code | Async Motor Meaning | Synchronous Motor Meaning (V3.3 New) | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| F8-01 | Pre-torque selection | Pre-torque selection (0: Disabled / 1: Load-cell compensation / 2: Auto compensation) | 0 |
| F8-02 | Pre-torque offset | Zero-servo current coefficient (0.20%–50.0%) | 15.0% |
| F8-03 | Drive-side gain | Zero-servo speed loop KP (0.00–1.00) | 0.50 |
| F8-04 | Brake-side gain | Zero-servo speed loop TI (0.00–2.00) | 0.60 |
| F8-09 | Emergency rescue speed | 0.000–0.100 m/s | 0.050 m/s |
| F8-10 | Emergency rescue selection | 0: Disabled / 1: UPS powered / 2: 48V battery | 0 |
| F8-11 | Stop torque output delay | 0.200–1.500 s | 0.200 s |
To enable load-cell-free auto pre-torque compensation: set F1-00=0 (SIN/COS encoder), F1-12=2048, F3-19 greater than 0.5, and F8-01=2. During tuning, start from the defaults (F8-02=15.0%, F8-03=0.50, F8-04=0.60) and gradually adjust the zero-servo current coefficient until backward slide after brake release is sufficiently small and the motor does not vibrate.
FC Group: Protection Function Parameters (V3.3 Enhanced)
V3.3 adds multiple program control selection bits in the FC group:
- FC-01 BIT4: Door-close judgment via light curtain — allows using light curtain signal instead of door-closed signal
- FC-01 BIT5: DSP communication judgment — controls Err57 DSP communication abnormality protection enablement
- FC-01 BIT6: Control board overspeed judgment — controls Err56 control board overspeed protection enablement
- FC-01 BIT7: Park-to-leveling function — allows elevator to continue low-speed running to the leveling position after a fault stop
- FC-04: Through-door control mode selection (0–3), combined with FE-33 BIT15 for 4 independent through-door control modes
Wiring and Terminal Configuration
Main Circuit Wiring
NICE3000 main circuit terminals include:
- R/S/T: Three-phase 380V AC power input (range: −15% to +20%)
- U/V/W: Controller output drive terminals, connected to the three-phase motor
- (+)/(-): DC bus positive/negative terminals; for controllers above 37 kW, connect external braking unit here
- (+)/PB: Braking resistor terminals (30 kW and below)
- PE: Grounding terminal; grounding resistance must not exceed 4Ω
Critical wiring precautions: Never connect input power to output terminals U/V/W; never connect braking resistor directly across (+) and (−); output cables should be routed through grounded metal conduits and separated from control circuit signal lines.
Main Control Board Terminal Configuration
The MCTC-MCB-A/B main control board implements signal input through multiple connector groups:
| Connector | Terminals | Function |
|---|---|---|
| CN1/CN9 | X1–X24 | 24 digital inputs, optically isolated, 24V/5mA, functions set by F5-01–F5-24 |
| CN1/CN9 | AI/M | Analog input (−10V to +10V), for load weighing device |
| CN3 | 24V/COM | External DC24V power input |
| CN3 | MOD+/MOD− | Modbus communication terminals (display control board serial communication) |
| CN3 | CAN+/CAN− | CANbus communication terminals (MCB to car-top board CTB communication) |
| CN6 | 15V/PGM/PGA/PGB/PE | Encoder interface: DC15V power, A/B phase pulse input, shield ground |
| CN7 | Y1–M1 through Y6–M6 | 6 relay normally-open outputs (5A/250VAC), functions set by F5-26–F5-31 |
| CN12 | — | Operation panel interface |
| CN2 | — | PC monitoring interface (RS232) |
Jumper J5 is the CAN communication matching resistor jumper; J6 is the external call matching resistor jumper. VER A/B/C versions short the upper two pins; other versions short the lower two pins.
Encoder Wiring Schemes
V3.3 supports four encoder types, corresponding to different PG card configurations:
- Push-pull / open-collector incremental: MCB-A/B has a built-in adapter circuit; no PG card required; encoder signal connects directly to CN6 PGA/PGB/PGM
- UVW-type encoder: MCB-A requires MCTC-PG-B; MCB-B can use MCTC-PG-B or direct-insert MCTC-PG-D via J12 slot
- ERN1387 SIN/COS encoder: MCB-A requires MCTC-PG-C; MCB-B can use MCTC-PG-C or direct-insert MCTC-PG-E via J12 slot
Encoder wiring must use shielded cable with the shield single-point grounded at the controller’s PE terminal. PG cables must be routed through separate metal conduits and must never run in close parallel with power circuits.
Elevator Control Modes and Commissioning
Commissioning Workflow Overview
V3.3 defines a complete elevator commissioning workflow:
- Peripheral circuit inspection (mechanical/electrical wiring/encoder/power/grounding)
- Motor parameter tuning (async motor static or no-load tuning; sync motor loaded or no-load tuning)
- Elevator specification parameter setup (F0/F1/F3/F6 groups)
- Inspection test run (set inspection speed via F3-11; verify direction/encoder/communication)
- Shaft parameter self-learning (F1-11=3; records leveling switch and forced deceleration switch positions)
- Load weighing self-learning (F8-00; empty car learning + loaded learning)
- Express test run (inner call/outer call/door open-close function tests)
- Function commissioning (FE-32/FE-33/F8-08 factory function settings)
- Comfort tuning (F3 group S-curve parameters + F2 group PI parameters + F8 group pre-torque parameters)
- Leveling accuracy check (F4-00 leveling adjustment; decrease for overshoot, increase for undershoot)
Motor Parameter Tuning Essentials
Asynchronous motor: F1-11=1 for static tuning (no need to detach steel ropes; motor does not rotate); F1-11=2 for no-load tuning (steel ropes must be detached; motor rotates). Before tuning, set F0-01=0 (panel control) and configure F1-01–F1-05 per motor nameplate.
Synchronous motor: Magnetic pole position identification must be performed before first operation. F1-11=1 for loaded tuning (inspection mode; motor rotates one full revolution); F1-11=2 for no-load tuning (steel ropes must be detached and brake manually released). Before tuning, ensure F0-00=1 (closed-loop vector), F8-01=0 (pre-torque disabled), and correctly set F1-00 (encoder type) and F1-12 (pulse count). Repeat tuning at least 3 times; the F1-06 encoder initial angle error should be within ±5 degrees.
Shaft Self-Learning
Shaft self-learning (F1-11=3) records elevator shaft switch positions and requires the following conditions: encoder and leveling sensor feedback are normal; elevator is at the lowest floor with the lower forced deceleration switch active; elevator is in inspection mode and can run in inspection; F6-00/F6-01 floor settings are correct; no system fault alarms. Self-learning can also be executed via small keyboard mode F-7. After completion, verify F3-12–F3-17 (forced deceleration positions) and F4-04–F4-65 (floor height data).
Comfort Tuning Key Parameters
V3.3 provides a systematic parameter guide for comfort tuning:
- F3-02/F3-05: Acceleration/deceleration (0.200–2.000 m/s²), default 0.600
- F3-03/F3-04: Inflection acceleration time 1/2 (0.300–4.000s), controls the S-curve start and end segment steepness
- F3-06/F3-07: Inflection deceleration time 1/2, controls the deceleration S-curve
- F3-18: Start zero-speed output time (0–1.000s), affects whether brake opening occurs at zero speed during startup
- F3-19: Curve run delay time, affects startup delay
- F3-20: End run delay time, affects whether brake closing occurs at zero speed during stopping
- F2-00–F2-07: Speed loop and current loop PI parameters; excessive proportional gain or insufficient integral time will cause oscillation
- F8-03/F8-04: Zero-servo speed loop KP/TI (V3.3 new), affects startup comfort in load-cell-free mode
Fault Diagnosis and V3.3 Enhanced Protection
Five-Level Fault Classification System
V3.3 classifies nearly 60 fault protections into 5 severity levels:
| Level | Handling | Typical Faults |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Display code + fault relay output; operation unaffected | Err22 leveling signal abnormal, Err46 re-leveling abnormal, Err51 CAN communication, Err52 external call communication |
| Level 2 | Display code + fault relay output; exits group control; normal operation continues | — |
| Level 3 | Distance control stops at nearest floor; others stop immediately; output blocked, brake closed | Err11 motor overload, Err31 DPRAM abnormal, Err39 motor overheat |
| Level 4 | Immediate output block and brake close; low-speed run allowed after stop (re-leveling/inspection) | Err10 system overload, Err12 input phase loss, Err13 output phase loss, Err30 position abnormal, Err35 shaft learning abnormal, Err40 runtime timeout |
| Level 5 | Immediate output block and brake close; running prohibited | Err01 inverter protection, Err02–Err07 overcurrent/overvoltage, Err09 undervoltage, Err14 module overheat, Err16/Err17/Err20 encoder fault, Err32 CPU abnormal, Err33 speed abnormal, Err41 safety circuit, Err42 door lock open, Err53 door lock short-circuit |
Key Fault Codes and Troubleshooting
| Code | Description | Common Causes | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Err02 | Acceleration overcurrent | Output ground/short circuit, motor not tuned, encoder signal abnormal | Check output wiring, re-run auto-tuning, check encoder shielding and conduit |
| Err16 | Encoder fault | Startup position fault, torque deviation excessive, speed deviation > 25% | Check encoder circuit wiring |
| Err20 | Rotary encoder fault | Encoder model mismatch, wiring error, persistent high low-speed current | Check F1-00 setting, encoder wiring, brake release |
| Err35 | Shaft self-learning data abnormal | Not started from lowest floor, no leveling signal within 45s, floor interval too small, max floor setting mismatch | Check F4-01=1, F0-00=1, lower forced deceleration switch active, F6-00 setting |
| Err36 | Run contactor feedback abnormal | Contactor not engaged when brake opens, feedback signal lost >1s during run, feedback stuck | Check contactor feedback contacts and main control board parameter consistency |
| Err53 | Door lock short-circuit fault | No door-lock open process detected during auto-run stop | Check door lock circuit operation, door lock contactor feedback contacts |
| Err56 | Control board overspeed (V3.3 new) | Feedback speed > 120% of setpoint when speed > 0.3 m/s; feedback speed < 80% of setpoint when speed > 0.08 m/s | Check encoder feedback; can be disabled via FC-01 BIT6=1 |
| Err57 | DSP communication abnormal (V3.3 new) | DSP and main board no communication > 500ms | Check control board to drive board wiring |
Fault History Record Function
V3.3 provides 11 fault history records: FC-06–FC-25 store the 1st through 10th fault information with month/day, and FC-26–FC-31 store detailed information of the most recent fault. The fault information is encoded as a 4-digit number: the upper two digits represent the floor, and the lower two digits represent the fault code. For example, “0130” indicates fault code 30 (elevator position abnormal) occurred at floor 1. Additionally, FC-27–FC-29 record the speed, current, and bus voltage at the time of the most recent fault, providing more comprehensive data for fault analysis.
Maintenance and Servicing
Routine Maintenance
- Check motor running sound for abnormalities and excessive vibration
- Check controller installation environment for changes (temperature/humidity/dust)
- Verify cooling fan operation and controller temperature
- Keep controller clean; remove surface dust, especially metal dust
- Clean cooling fan oil contamination
Periodic Maintenance
- Inspect and clean ventilation channels
- Check screw tightness
- Inspect controller for corrosion
- Check terminal connections for scuff marks
- Main circuit insulation test: use a 500V DC megger; insulation resistance must be ≥ 5MΩ; disconnect main circuit wires from the control unit before testing
Consumable Replacement Intervals
| Component | Lifespan | Failure Causes | Inspection Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling fan | 2–3 years | Bearing wear, blade aging | Check for blade cracks, abnormal startup sound |
| Filter electrolytic capacitor | 4–5 years | Poor power quality, high ambient temperature, frequent load transients, electrolyte aging | Check for leakage, safety valve protrusion, measure capacitance and insulation resistance |
Controllers in long-term storage must be energized at least once within 2 years for a minimum of 5 hours, with input voltage gradually raised to rated value via a variable transformer. During maintenance, always disconnect power, wait 2–3 minutes, then verify with a multimeter that the DC bus voltage does not exceed AC 36V before proceeding.
Conclusion
The Inovance NICE3000 V3.3 version represents a significant leap from “functional” to “refined” in elevator integrated control, driven by the MCB-B main control board upgrade, zero-servo function introduction, independent through-door control expansion, emergency power-loss self-coasting rescue scheme, 31–40 floor support, and the 5-level classification system covering 57 protection functions. The parameter system, wiring schemes, commissioning workflows, and fault diagnosis methods outlined in this article are based entirely on V3.3 manual specifications and differ from earlier versions in parameter definitions and protection logic. Technicians should always reference the V3.3 manual for parameter configuration and fault troubleshooting. For synchronous motor elevators equipped with ERN1387 SIN/COS encoders, the V3.3 load-cell-free auto pre-torque compensation feature significantly reduces commissioning difficulty while improving startup comfort — making it one of the most practically valuable upgrade features of this version.