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FANUC Robot Controller
Servo/Axis · Intermediate · 15-60 minutes
Fanuc Robot SRVO-043 - DCAL alarm (regenerative)
SRVO-043 DCAL alarm occurs when the regenerative discharge circuit cannot dissipate the kinetic energy being converted to electrical energy during motor deceleration. This happens when the regenerative resistor bank or unit reaches its thermal capacity limit, typically due to motion profiles with excessive deceleration rates, heavy payloads on vertical axes moving downward, or insufficient recovery time between high-energy moves.
Fanuc Robot SRVO-043 - DCAL alarm (regenerative)
DCAL alarm (regenerative)
The energy produced by regenerative discharge during deceleration is excessive. The regenerative resistor or unit cannot dissipate all the energy generated by the decelerating motors.
Root Cause Summary
SRVO-043 DCAL alarm occurs when the regenerative discharge circuit cannot dissipate the kinetic energy being converted to electrical energy during motor deceleration. This happens when the regenerative resistor bank or unit reaches its thermal capacity limit, typically due to motion profiles with excessive deceleration rates, heavy payloads on vertical axes moving downward, or insufficient recovery time between high-energy moves.
Safety
Causes and Fixes
Review motion program acceleration parameters
Navigate to MENU > NEXT > SYSTEM > Motion and check the acceleration override settings. Review your TP program for FINE positioning versus CNT (continuous) motion. Excessive CNT values (CNT100-CNT150) combined with high speeds cause rapid deceleration at corners. Reduce CNT values to CNT50-CNT75 or use FINE at critical points to extend deceleration time.
Use Data > Host Comm > Error Log to check the exact position/line number where SRVO-043 occurred. This will identify the specific move causing regeneration issues.
Reduce overall speed override and acceleration
Temporarily reduce speed override to 50-75% from the teach pendant (hold SHIFT + speed keys) and test the cycle. If alarm clears, the motion profile is the issue. Check system variable $SCR.$MAXACCEL (parameter 1420-1427 for each axis) to reduce maximum acceleration values by 10-20%.
Modifying $MAXACCEL affects all programs. Create a backup before changes using MENU > FILE > Backup > to USB.
Add strategic dwell times for thermal recovery
Insert WAIT 0.5 or WAIT 1.0 (500ms-1000ms) commands after high-speed moves in your TP program, especially before the next rapid motion. This allows the regenerative resistor to cool between energy bursts. Monitor DC bus voltage at MENU > NEXT > SYSTEM > Variables > $MOR_GRP[1].$DCVOLT to verify voltage drops below 400V during dwells.
For palletizing: add dwells at the approach point before each layer change. For machine tending: add dwells during part load/unload wait states where robot motion isn't time-critical.
Analyze energy consumption pattern
Enable energy monitoring by setting parameter 19730 (Energy monitor enable) to 1. Run your cycle and review MENU > STATUS > Energy to see regenerative power peaks. Values consistently above 5-7kW indicate motion profile redesign is needed. Consider splitting single long moves into multiple shorter segments with lower acceleration.
R-30iB Plus controllers have enhanced energy monitoring. Check the regenerative duty cycle on the energy graph - sustained periods above 80% will trigger SRVO-043.
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