VFD Vibes

Yaskawa America, Inc.

VFD Vibes is the podcast for anyone curious about variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their impact on modern motor control. Hosted by Greg Weichman, a 20-year veteran in industrial automation, the series features expert interviews, real-world case studies, and practical tips on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. From powering pumping systems and conveyor belts to enabling advanced factory automation, each episode explores how VFDs enhance efficiency and innovation across industries. Stay up to date with the latest trends in energy efficiency, smart device connectivity, and intelligent manufacturing with insights from Yaskawa experts and other industry leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of VFDs, VFD Vibes has something for you. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  1. Sep 7

    Getting in Sync with Permanent Magnet Motors

    Permanent magnet motors are becoming increasingly common in industrial applications, offering higher efficiency, greater power density, and unique design flexibility. But how do they really differ from the induction motors we’ve relied on for decades? In this episode of VFD Vibes, Greg is joined by Yaskawa’s Kenan Wang to break down how permanent magnet motors work, their advantages and tradeoffs, and where they make the most sense. They also dive into what makes controlling a PM motor with a VFD different. From synchronization and vector control to motor tuning and encoder feedback, learn what it takes to get the best performance from a PM motor application.   02:03 Permanent Magnet Motors Explained 07:00 PM vs. Induction: Torque, Slip, and Overload 12:55 PM Motor Advantages and Tradeoffs 19:21 Where PM Motors Make Sense 22:58 Controlling PM Motors with a VFD 26:18 Vector Control, Sensorless, and Encoders 29:41 Setup, Tuning, and Common Pitfalls 34:40 Getting the Most from PM Motors   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  2. Jun 1

    From Intern to Leader

    What happens after the internship ends? Host Greg Weichman talks with three Yaskawa employees who started their careers as interns and went on to grow into leadership roles across the company. From technical support and engineering labs to product development and channel management, each guest shares how their internship experience helped shape their career path. You’ll hear firsthand stories about meaningful projects, hands-on learning, mentorship, customer interaction, and the real-world challenges that accelerated their growth. Along the way, the conversation explores how internships build technical skills, professional confidence, and long-term relationships that can influence an entire career. Whether you're a student considering an internship, an engineer early in your career, or a company thinking about talent development, this episode offers practical advice and real examples of how internships can become something much bigger. 00:59 Josh From Intern to Channel Manager 09:09 Josh Advice for Applicants 10:21 Ty From Intern to Senior Manager 17:27 Ty Advice Why Internships Matter 18:34 Mark Co Op to Engineering Manager 23:08 Mentor Moment and CLAIR Advice Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  3. Apr 6

    From Classroom to Career

    Internships are more than just summer jobs—they’re the starting point for real careers. Host Greg Weichman sits down with Nancy Flowers to break down how internship programs benefit both students and employers, and what makes Yaskawa’s approach stand out. With nearly two decades at Yaskawa and years of experience leading the intern program, Nancy shares how the company builds long-term talent pipelines through hands-on experience, mentorship, and meaningful work. From how students find internships and stand out in the application process to how Yaskawa recruits, gathers feedback, and continuously improves the program, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what a modern internship should be. Whether you're a student exploring your first opportunity or an employer thinking about developing future talent, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world perspective. 01:29 Internships: More Than Just a Summer Job 07:14 Real Work, Not Busywork: Inside the Program 09:56 Mentorship, Teams & Opportunities Beyond Engineering 12:55 The Skills Interns Walk Away With 15:36 How Feedback Shapes a Better Internship Experience 19:26 From Intern to Leader + What Sets the Best Apart Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  4. Mar 2

    Medium Voltage, Major Performance

    When low voltage VFDs reach their limits, medium voltage takes over. Host Greg Weichman and guest Tim Scheidell break down what medium voltage (MV) really means and how MV VFDs differ from low voltage drives in system design, internal topology, commissioning, safety, and real-world applications.   With Tim’s experience working with large-scale drive systems, they explore multi-level architectures, power cells, harmonic performance, maintenance expectations, and the industries that depend on MV solutions. Whether you're new to medium voltage or evaluating when it makes sense to move beyond 480V systems, this episode gives you the clarity needed to understand where MV fits and why it matters.   02:23 What Counts as Medium Voltage 04:15 Why Step Up to MV 05:53 Design Differences Inside an MV Drive 15:22 Safety, Commissioning, and Maintenance 21:05 Where MV Is Used 22:52 When LV Still Wins 25:31 Future MV Trends   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  5. 12/01/2025

    Channel Champions

    In a world of fast shipping, online marketplaces, and shifting customer expectations, does the traditional distribution model still deliver? Host Greg Weichman sits down with Josh Julius, Yaskawa’s Industrial Channel Manager, to explore why the channel partner model remains a strategic cornerstone and what makes this model so powerful in the industrial automation space. With over a decade of experience at Yaskawa, Josh shares real-world examples, challenges, and behind-the-scenes insights into what makes a great channel partner, how Yaskawa supports its network, and the growing risks of the gray market. They discuss the importance of local inventory, industry expertise, solution selling, and trust—showing how distribution partners act as force multipliers in delivering value to customers. Whether you’re a distributor, an end user, or just curious about how the industrial supply chain really works, this episode breaks it all down. 03:17 Understanding the Distribution Partner Model 07:21 Real-World Examples of Distribution Value 09:05 Challenges in Supporting Distribution Partners 15:43 The Gray Market and Its Implications 18:39 Qualities of Strong Distribution Partners 23:25 Yaskawa's Support for Channel Partners 25:51 Future of Distribution and Final Thoughts Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  6. 10/06/2025

    From Setup to Savings: How to Get the Best Out of Your VFD

    Getting the most out of your drive goes far beyond the purchase. Host Greg Weichman breaks down what really makes a difference — from installation and motor selection to tuning, cooling, and preventative maintenance — all in order to help you extend the life of your VFD and maximize efficiency. Inspired by an article from Yaskawa technical training expert Paul Avery, this episode explores how proper setup, smart features, and simple upkeep can dramatically improve performance and ROI. Whether you’re an installer, end user, or sales professional, this episode offers a high-level guide to better drive reliability, energy savings, and system longevity. Tune in to learn how a few key best practices can turn your VFD into a long-term advantage for your operation. 02:08 Importance of Proper Installation 02:58 Motor and Motor Cable Considerations 05:54 Model Your Motor with Auto-Tune 06:38 Advanced Drive Features for Efficiency 08:26 Maintaining Your VFD for Longevity 11:05 Preventative Maintenance Checklist 14:09 Future of VFD Maintenance with AI Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  7. 09/08/2025

    Stay Grounded: The Key to VFD Reliability and Safety

    Getting grounding and bonding right isn’t just about meeting electrical code — it’s about protecting your equipment, preventing EMI, and keeping your VFDs running the way they should. In this episode of VFD Vibes, host Greg Weichman welcomes back application engineer Joe Pottebaum to break down what proper grounding and bonding really mean. Joe explains the difference between system ground, equipment ground, and protective earth — and why confusing these terms can lead to nuisance trips, premature failures, or even dangerous conditions. You’ll also hear best practices for grounding VFDs and motors, insights on shielded cable vs. conduit wiring, and a real-world look at problems like ground loops, noise, and EMI. With decades of field experience, Joe shares practical advice for installers, engineers, and troubleshooters alike — showing how good grounding and bonding choices can prevent costly downtime and extend the life of your drives. 02:07 Defining Grounding and Bonding 06:55 Best Practices for Grounding VFDs 15:14 Cables, Conduits, and EMI  21:33 Troubleshooting and Real-World Examples 28:03 Protecting Your Investment 31:52 How to learn more or get help Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  8. 08/11/2025

    Know Your Source: Power System Configurations and VFD Performance

    Not all three-phase power systems are created equal — and the wrong setup can spell trouble for your VFDs. In this episode of VFD Vibes, host Greg Weichman sits down with application engineer Joe Pottebaum to unpack the world of power system configurations and their impact on variable frequency drive applications. From the fundamentals of single-phase versus three-phase power to the nuances of wye, delta, corner-grounded, and high-resistance grounded systems, Greg and Joe cover the configurations you’re most likely to encounter in the field — and the implications each has for your installation. You’ll hear how these systems evolved, why grounding strategy matters, and what can go wrong if you don’t match your VFD to the supply. Along the way, Joe shares field-tested advice on dealing with imbalanced systems, open-delta supplies, and ungrounded installations — plus how Yaskawa drives are built to handle real-world conditions that challenge other brands. Whether you’re an installer, engineer, or troubleshooting tech, this episode gives you the knowledge to spot risks before you press “Start.”   01:54 Single Phase vs. Three Phase Power 02:50 Applications of Single Phase Power 06:22 Three Phase Power in Industrial Settings 10:05 The Evolution of Three Phase Power 16:27 Grounding and Safety in Power Systems 25:06 Resistance Grounding and Line-to-Line vs. Line-to-Ground Faults 29:24 Challenges of High Resistance Grounding 32:14 System Grounding Standards 36:11 Impact of Ungrounded Systems 46:03 Delta vs. Wye Connected Systems 48:15 Yaskawa's Solutions for Imbalanced Systems Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

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About

VFD Vibes is the podcast for anyone curious about variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their impact on modern motor control. Hosted by Greg Weichman, a 20-year veteran in industrial automation, the series features expert interviews, real-world case studies, and practical tips on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. From powering pumping systems and conveyor belts to enabling advanced factory automation, each episode explores how VFDs enhance efficiency and innovation across industries. Stay up to date with the latest trends in energy efficiency, smart device connectivity, and intelligent manufacturing with insights from Yaskawa experts and other industry leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of VFDs, VFD Vibes has something for you. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Information

  • Creator
    Yaskawa America, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    VFD Vibes