System and method for configuring a soft starter

An externally configurable motor controller system, comprising:

• a motor controller including solid state switches for controlling application of power to a motor, and a control circuit for controlling operation of the solid state switches, the control circuit comprising a programmed processor for commanding operation of the solid state switches, and a memory connected to the programmed processor storing parameters relating to operation of the solid state switches, and an interface circuit operatively connected to the programmed processor;
• an external configuration device including a memory for storing parameters relating to operation of the solid state switches and an interface for communication with the motor controller;
• and
• means operatively associated with the programmed processor and the external configuration device for transferring a configuration database file between the controller memory and the external device memory, the configuration database file comprising a plurality of the stored parameters relating to operation of the solid state switches.

An externally configurable soft starter system, comprising:

• a motor controller including solid state switches for controlling application of power to a motor, and a control circuit for controlling operation of the solid state switches, the control circuit comprising a programmed processor for commanding operation of the solid state switches, and a memory connected to the programmed processor storing parameters relating to operation of the solid state switches, and an interface circuit operatively connected to the programmed processor;
• an external configuration device including a memory for storing parameters relating to operation of the solid state switches and an interface for communication with the motor controller;
• and
• a configuration program operatively implemented in the programmed processor and the external configuration device for transferring a configuration database file between the controller memory and the external device memory, the configuration database file comprising a plurality of the stored parameters relating to operation of the solid state switches.