Motor line starting and ramp starting with VFD

Variable frequency drives are important power electronic devices. When we start an electric motor, we are increasing from 0 speed to full operating speed. A VFD ensures that the motor accelerates (increases its speed) to its full speed in a smooth manner, without causing much irregularities. In other words, VFDs make the motor accelerate uniformly.
VFDs are also easy to install and use. VFD drives are not only for starting motors (like the normal starters), but for easy speed control as well.

The difference between line starting a motor and ramp starting the motor with a variable frequency drive is that the motor/load does not pull the 6-7 times rated current of the motor, because the motor winding are not saturated with the full EMF produced to get the motor to synchronous speed it is ramped to it. If you are not trying to control the motors speed from process control then a soft start will serve the same purpose. The VFD drive main purpose is to control the V/F of the motor.

You will have to adjust the ramp time on the VFD or soft starter to over the force required to turn whatever the motor is turning, this can be accomplished with both devices. Soft starter is less expensive than variable frequency drive, thus it has limitations.