The PM860AK01 is a high-performance processor unit within the ABB Ability™ System 800xA series, designed specifically for industrial automation and control applications. This product consists of the PM860A processor module and the TP830 baseplate module. It features powerful real-time processing capabilities, rich communication interfaces, and high reliability, making it suitable for various demanding industrial environments such as process industries, manufacturing automation, and energy management.
The PM860AK01 adopts a modular design, supports DIN rail mounting, and boasts an IP20 protection rating, allowing for direct installation and use in industrial settings without the need for additional enclosures. Its hardware is based on international standards and supports mainstream industrial communication protocols like Ethernet and PROFIBUS DP, enabling seamless integration into the ABB 800xA extended automation system or Symphony Plus system for efficient and reliable process control and monitoring.
2. Product Composition and Architecture
The PM860AK01 comprises the following core components:
PM860A Processor Module:
Equipped with an MPC860 microprocessor running at 48 MHz.
Features 16 MB of SDRAM to support application execution and data storage.
Includes a built-in real-time clock, LED status indicators, an INIT pushbutton, and a CompactFlash interface for application loading and cold-retain data storage.
TP830 Baseplate Module:
Provides power input, communication ports, and expansion bus interfaces.
Supports internal or external battery backup to prevent memory data loss during power outages.
Integrates dual RJ45 Ethernet ports (CN1, CN2), two RJ45 serial ports (COM3, COM4), and expansion interfaces such as the Electrical ModuleBus, Optical ModuleBus, and CEX-Bus.
Installation and Connection:
Utilizes a slide-and-lock DIN rail mounting mechanism for easy installation and removal.
Each TP830 baseplate is equipped with a unique Ethernet MAC address label for easy network identification and management.
3. Key Features and Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
| High-Performance Processing | The 48 MHz MPC860 processor executes 1000 boolean operations in just 0.23 ms, twice as fast as the PM851A/PM856A, making it suitable for high-speed control tasks. |
| Large Memory Capacity | 16 MB of SDRAM provides ample space for application execution, supporting complex control logic and data processing. |
| Multiple Communication Interfaces | Dual Ethernet ports, two RS-232C serial ports, and expansion capabilities via ModuleBus and CEX-Bus support various network topologies and device connections. |
| High-Reliability Design | Supports internal or external battery backup, preserving data for weeks to months after a power loss. Features a 5 ms internal power reservoir for orderly power-down. |
| Modular Expandability | Can connect up to 12 S800 I/O units (Electrical ModuleBus) or 7 S800 I/O clusters (Optical ModuleBus), offering flexibility to adapt to changing system scales. |
| Industrial-Grade Protection | IP20 protection rating suits industrial field environments. Wide operating temperature range (0 to +55°C) meets demanding operational conditions. |
| Full Certification & Compliance | Certified with CE, UL, cULus, RoHS, WEEE, and more. Complies with EMC, electrical safety, and environmental standards. |
| Easy Integration & Maintenance | Configurable with the 800xA Control Builder tool. Features LED status indicators and an INIT pushbutton for simplified fault diagnosis and system recovery. |
4. Performance Comparison
The PM860A offers significantly better application program execution performance compared to the PM851A and PM856A. If the execution time for a given application on the PM860A is T, the execution time on the PM851A or PM856A is approximately 2T. For example:
This difference stems from optimizations in processor architecture and memory configuration, making the PM860A more suitable for control scenarios with higher real-time requirements.
5. Application Areas
The PM860AK01 is suitable for the following industrial applications:
Process Industries: Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for chemical, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, etc.
Manufacturing Automation: Production line control, material handling, assembly systems.
Energy Management: Power monitoring, substation automation, renewable energy systems.
Water & Wastewater Treatment: Pump station control, water quality monitoring, network dispatch.
Transportation Infrastructure: Tunnel control, lighting systems, environmental monitoring.
6. System Integration & Compatibility
Software Platform: Supports the ABB 800xA extended automation system. Configurable and programmable via Control Builder.
Communication Protocols: Compatible with mainstream industrial protocols like Ethernet TCP/IP, PROFIBUS DP, Modbus.
I/O System: Directly connects to the ABB S800 I/O family, supporting analog, digital, communication, and other module types.
Redundancy & High Availability: Supports power supply redundancy (via SA/SB status inputs). Can be configured in redundant pairs with similar processors for enhanced system availability (Note: PM860AK01 itself does not include redundancy features; system-level configuration is required).
Maintenance & Diagnostics: Service tools can be connected via COM4 for remote diagnostics, firmware updates, and data backup.
