The 216AB61 is a binary output unit within the ABB REG 216 numerical generator protection system. It is designed to transmit signals generated by protection functions to external relay units, enabling remote signaling and alarm functions. As a key signal output interface module in the REG 216 system, it is widely used in protection and control applications for medium- and high-voltage substations, power plants, large motors, and other electrical equipment.
The 216AB61 unit features a modular, plug-in design compatible with standard 19-inch equipment racks, offering high flexibility and scalability. Each unit provides 32 independent binary output channels, which can be flexibly configured for system alarms or protection function signaling.
2. Hardware Structure & Design
2.1 Physical Construction
The 216AB61 is a 1-division (1T) wide plug-in unit installed in the 216MB66 or 216MB68 equipment rack of the REG 216 system. Its front panel includes status indicators, test interfaces, and a shorting pin socket for easy operation and diagnostics.
2.2 Electrical Characteristics
Internal Power Supply: 5 V DC, derived from the system's 24 V auxiliary DC supply via an internal DC/DC converter.
Output Type: Binary signal output capable of driving relay coils and similar loads.
Communication Interface: Data exchange with other system units (e.g., the 216VC62a processing unit) via the B448C parallel bus.
2.3 Key Components
Bus Interface Circuit: Facilitates communication with the B448C bus.
Output Register & Monitor: Stores output status and monitors channel operation.
Output Driver Stage: Provides sufficient current to drive external relays.
3. Core Functions
3.1 Signal Output Capacity
Each 216AB61 unit provides 32 independent binary output channels, divided into two groups:
In systems with multiple 216AB61 units, channel numbering extends sequentially (e.g., CHO33–CHO64).
3.2 System Alarm Function
The first 216AB61 unit (located in rack division 12) reserves channels CHO01 and CHO02 for system-level alarms:
CHO01: System Ready signal, linked to the "SML" bus line. Active during normal operation; resets to logic "0" in case of system errors or if the protection program is not running.
CHO02: No System Defect signal, linked to the "CK" bus line. Activated after system initialization and resets if any device failure blocks the "CK" bus line.
3.3 Protection Function Signaling
All other output channels can be configured to transmit signals from protection functions, such as:
Overcurrent, overvoltage, differential protection trip signals
Logic function output status
User-defined alarm or control signals
3.4 Channel Status Indication
Each output channel has a yellow LED indicator that lights up when the channel is activated and remains illuminated as long as the corresponding function is active.
4. Operating Principle
4.1 Signal Flow
Data Reception: Receives output status data from the 216VC62a processing unit via the B448C bus.
Register Update: The output register updates each channel's status based on received data.
Output Driving: The output driver stage controls external relays or signaling devices accordingly.
Status Feedback: The output monitor tracks channel status in real time, reflected via front-panel LEDs and system diagnostics.
4.2 System Integration
The 216AB61 works in conjunction with other system units:
With 216VC62a Processing Unit: Receives protection activation signals.
With 216GA61 Output Relay Unit: Connected via standard cables to drive internal auxiliary relays K1–K16, providing electrical isolation and signal amplification.
With B448C Bus: Operates as a slave device, receiving commands from the master device (e.g., 216VC62a).
4.3 Redundancy & Reliability
The unit supports redundant auxiliary power design. If one 216NG6x power supply fails, the 216AB61 can continue operating via the alternate supply, ensuring system reliability.
5. Signal Indication & Status Monitoring
5.1 Front Panel Indicators
Red AL LED: Indicates internal unit failure.
Yellow CH OUT LEDs (01–32): Indicate activation status of each output channel.
Green Power LED: Illuminates when the unit is powered.
5.2 Passive Mode
Inserting the PSV (Passive) shorting pin on the front panel blocks all output channels. In this mode:
This mode is useful for system debugging, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
6. Configuration & Settings
6.1 Jumper Settings
A plug-in jumper XJ1 on the PCB controls whether system alarm channels (CHO01, CHO02) are enabled:
First 216AB61 (rack division 12): XJ1 in X4–X5 position (system alarms enabled).
Additional 216AB61 units: XJ1 in X3–XX4 position (system alarms disabled; all channels available for protection signals).
6.2 Software Configuration
Using a portable user interface connected to the 216VC62a processing unit, users can:
Assign protection function signals to specific output channels
Set signal retention time, logic combinations, etc.
View channel status and diagnostic information
7. Self-Diagnostics & Safety Features
7.1 Self-Monitoring
The unit continuously monitors for:
Internal 5 V power supply failure
Output driver stage short circuits
Bus communication timeouts
Auxiliary power (UP) failure
7.2 System Alarm Mechanism
Upon detecting a fault:
7.3 Protection Blocking
In case of severe faults (e.g., output driver short circuit), the system can automatically block affected channels to prevent maloperation, with events logged for analysis.
