General Description

PCD230A is a high‑end 32‑bit RISC controller designed for ABB’s critical process automation and generator excitation systems. It acts as the central “brain” in DCS and excitation control racks, delivering high‑speed logic, complex algorithm execution, and seamless network integration.

Typically deployed in 1:1 hot‑swap redundant pairs for zero downtime, it connects to S800 I/O, fieldbuses, and HMI servers in power plants, metallurgy, and chemical industries.

Technical Specifications

Core System

CPU: 32‑bit RISC / PowerPC, 500 MHz

Memory: 2 MB RAM, 8 MB Flash

Max I/O Points: 2048 (via expansion)

Electrical

Supply Voltage: DC 9–36 V (redundant input)

Power Consumption: ≤ 25 W

Isolation: 1000 VDC (field side)

Communication Interfaces

Ethernet: 2 × 10/100 Mbps (Modbus TCP/IP, PROFINET)

Serial: RS‑485, CAN, Modbus RTU

Fieldbus: PROFIBUS DP, DeviceNet (optional)

Environmental

Operating Temp: −20 °C … +55 °C

Storage Temp: −40 °C … +85 °C

Humidity: 5%–95% RH, non‑condensing

Protection Class: IP30

Mechanical

Dimensions (H×W×D): 132 × 105 × 52 mm

Weight: ~1.0–1.3 kg

Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail / ABB standard rack

Redundancy: 1:1 hot‑swap supported

Key Features

High‑Speed Processing: 500 MHz CPU for complex control loops & excitation algorithms.

Redundancy Ready: Native 1:1 hot swap ensures millisecond‑level bumpless transfer.

Multi‑Protocol Networking: Dual Ethernet + fieldbus ports for flexible system integration.

Industrial Hardened: Wide temperature & high isolation for power/heavy industry environments.

Hot‑Swappable: Online replacement without stopping the process.

Application Scope

Generator static excitation systems (UNITROL 6000, PEC80)

Distributed Control Systems (DCS) (AC 800M, 800xA)

Power plants, metallurgy, chemical, oil & gas, and process automation