ABB PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101 | Industrial DCS Communication Controller with Redundant Operation

  • Brand: ABB
  • Model: PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101
  • Product Type: Communication Processor Module
  • Series: Procontic PCD Series (ABB Procontic DCS Family)
  • Core Function: Manages data exchange between Procontic DCS controllers and distributed I/O modules; supports redundant communication paths and protocol conversion for industrial automation networks.
  • Key Specs: PowerPC 405 processor, 256MB RAM, supports Profibus DP/Modbus TCP/IEC 60870-5-101, -40°C to +70°C operating temperature, SIL 2 certified (IEC 61508).
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Description

PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101: Product Overview
The PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101 is a communication processor module within ABB’s Procontic PCD series, designed for integration into Procontic distributed control systems (DCS) to serve as the central data highway for controller-to-I/O communication. Its role is to manage high-speed data exchange between Procontic C100/C200 series controllers and distributed I/O modules (e.g., S800 series), ensuring deterministic transmission of control commands (setpoints, interlocks) and process data (sensor readings, device status) across large-scale industrial architectures. For continuous process industries—such as oil refining, chemical manufacturing, and power generation—it mitigates communication bottlenecks and enhances system availability, critical for maintaining process stability.
Functionally, the module implements a dual-redundant architecture with automatic failover, processing cyclic data (up to 1,024 bytes per I/O station) and acyclic messages (diagnostic/config commands). It supports multiple industrial protocols, including Profibus DP (up to 12 Mbps), Modbus TCP, and IEC 60870-5-101, enabling integration with legacy and modern field devices. As part of the Procontic PCD family, the PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101 leverages ABB’s DCS platform advantages: uniform engineering tools (Procontic Engineer), hot-swappable components, and seamless compatibility with Procontic asset management suites. This design simplifies network scalability and reduces lifecycle costs by enabling reuse of communication configurations across projects.

ABB PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101

ABB PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101

PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101: Technical Specifications
  • Model Number: PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101
  • Manufacturer: ABB
  • Product Type: Communication Processor Module
  • Processor: PowerPC 405, 333 MHz
  • Memory: 256MB RAM, 1GB Flash (firmware/user configuration)
  • Redundancy: Dual-port active/standby (automatic failover ≤50ms)
  • Communication Protocols: Profibus DP (up to 12 Mbps), Modbus TCP, IEC 60870-5-101, Ethernet IP (optional)
  • I/O Station Capacity: Up to 64 Procontic S800 I/O stations per segment
  • Data Throughput: Up to 10,000 I/O points per second (cyclic exchange)
  • Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
  • Humidity Range: 5% to 95% non-condensing
  • Power Supply: 24V DC (nominal, 18-32V DC range), redundant inputs supported
  • Power Consumption: 10W (typical, dual ports active)
  • Dimensions: 245mm x 135mm x 115mm (width x height x depth, fits Procontic rack)
  • Weight: 1.0kg
  • Certifications: CE, UL, cULus, SIL 2 (IEC 61508, when integrated with safety logic)

    ABB PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101

    ABB PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101

Core Features & Customer Value
Redundant Architecture Ensures Uninterrupted Data Flow: The PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101’s dual-port active/standby design guarantees continuous communication, with automatic failover in ≤50ms. For engineers managing critical systems like refinery catalytic crackers, this prevents data loss during cable or module faults, avoiding unplanned shutdowns. Maintenance teams can repair the primary link without interrupting control, as the standby port maintains I/O updates.
Multi-Protocol Support for Legacy and Modern Integration: The module supports Profibus DP, Modbus TCP, and IEC 60870-5-101, enabling connection to legacy Procontic I/O (S800 series) and third-party devices (e.g., Siemens S7-1200 PLCs). For a chemical plant upgrading its DCS, this avoids costly replacement of existing field devices, preserving prior investments in wiring and sensors.
High Data Throughput for Dense I/O Networks: With a throughput of 10,000 I/O points per second, the module efficiently handles large-scale systems (e.g., 50+ I/O stations). In a power plant’s boiler control system, this ensures real-time transmission of 5,000+ temperature/pressure signals to the Procontic C200 controller, maintaining stable steam generation.
Seamless Integration with Procontic Ecosystem: As a native Procontic PCD component, the module uses ABB’s Procontic Engineer software for configuration, tuning, and firmware updates. Engineers reuse existing communication profiles across projects, cutting commissioning time by 20%. Hot-swappable design minimizes downtime during maintenance.
Rugged Design for Harsh Environments: Operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C and 5-95% RH tolerance enable outdoor installations (e.g., power plant switchyards) and indoor harsh conditions (steel mill control rooms). Compact size (245x135x115mm) fits into space-constrained racks.
Typical Applications
The PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101 is deployed in Procontic DCS environments requiring reliable communication. In a petroleum refinery’s crude distillation unit, it links a Procontic C200 controller to 40 S800 I/O stations (monitoring 8,000+ temperature/pressure points). Dual-port redundancy ensures continuity if a cable is damaged during maintenance, preventing loss of tray temperature data critical for separation efficiency.
At a chemical plant’s ethylene cracker, the module connects the Procontic safety controller to S800 I/O stations hosting emergency shutdown (ESD) inputs (flame detectors, pressure switches). Its ≤50ms failover time meets SIL 2 requirements, while Modbus TCP sends ESD status to the plant’s historian for compliance reporting.
In a municipal water treatment plant, the PCD232A 3BHE022293R0101 interfaces the Procontic C100 controller with remote I/O racks (pump status, valve positions) via IEC 60870-5-101. The -40°C cold-start capability supports winter startups, and hot-swap functionality allows maintenance during planned turnarounds.
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