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 controller memory connected to the programmed processor storing configuration information 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 uploading a configuration database file from the controller memory to the external configuration device memory, and for subsequently downloading the uploaded configuration database file from the external configuration device memory to the controller 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 controller memory connected to the programmed processor storing configuration information 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 uploading a configuration database file from the controller memory to the external configuration device memory, and for subsequently downloading the uploaded configuration database file from the external configuration device memory to the controller memory, the configuration database file comprising a plurality of the stored parameters relating to operation of the solid state switches.