Product Short Description
Product Introduction
The APP-ETH-PCU-C PCU2000ETH is a dedicated industrial-grade PCI communication card engineered for seamless integration between host computers and industrial automation networks. It is a key component in ABB’s industrial communication ecosystem, providing a high-performance, real-time Ethernet interface for SCADA, HMI, and PLC-based control systems. The card features an on-board AMD SC520 processor to offload communication tasks from the host CPU, eliminating data bottlenecks and ensuring deterministic data transfer for time-critical industrial applications. It supports a comprehensive suite of industrial protocols and is certified for compatibility with over 50 major SCADA/HMI software packages, enabling plug-and-play integration into diverse industrial environments. The card is designed for universal PCI 3.3V/5V slots and is RoHS compliant, with a focus on reliability, EMC robustness, and long-term system availability. Note that the product is listed as discontinued by the manufacturer, with replacement options available through Molex technical support.
Description
Technical Specifications
Core Hardware Parameters
- Card Type: Industrial Ethernet Communication Card (PCI Form Factor)
- Host Interface: Universal PCI 3.3V/5V (Plug-and-Play Compatible)
- On-Board Processor: AMD SC520, 133 MHz
- Memory: 8 MB SDRAM, 1 MB Flash Memory
- DPRAM: 32 KB Shared Memory for High-Speed Host Communication
- Power Consumption: 5.5 W (From PCI Bus, No External Power Required)
- Net Weight: 140 g
- Dimensions (L × W): 175 mm × 107 mm
Communication Interfaces
- Ethernet Port: 1 × RJ45, 10/100 Mbps (Auto-Negotiation, Auto-MDI/MDI-X)
- Link Indicators: 4 × LEDs (TX, RX, Link, 100 Mbps)
- Supported Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, ICMP, ARP, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC DA
- Protocol Support: All Protocols Run Simultaneously Without Performance Degradation
Digital I/O & Diagnostics
- Discrete Input: 1 × Opto-Coupled Input (DC 10–30 V or AC 24 V, 50/60 Hz)
- Watchdog Output: 1 × Floating Dry Contact (24 V DC, 0.25 A) for System Health Monitoring
- Diagnostics: On-Board Self-Test, LED Status Indicators, Host-Level Diagnostic APIs
Environmental Specifications
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +65°C
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Relative Humidity: 5–95% RH (Non-Condensing)
- Vibration Resistance: Complies with IEC 60068-2-6
- Shock Resistance: Complies with IEC 60068-2-27
Certifications & Compliance
- EMC: EN 55022 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN 61000-6-2
- Safety: CE Certified
- Environmental: RoHS Compliant
- Software Compatibility: Certified for Over 50 SCADA/HMI Packages (Including ABB System 800xA, Wonderware, Siemens WinCC)
Functional Features
1. Real-Time Communication Offload
- On-Board Processing: The AMD SC520 processor handles all industrial protocol processing, freeing the host CPU for control and visualization tasks.
- Deterministic Data Transfer: Ensures low-latency, jitter-free communication for time-critical industrial processes.
- High-Speed DPRAM: 32 KB shared memory enables direct, high-throughput data exchange between the card and host applications.
2. Comprehensive Protocol Support
- Multi-Protocol Simultaneity: Runs TCP/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and OPC DA simultaneously without performance loss.
- OPC DA Integration: Native OPC DA server support for seamless connectivity with standard HMI/SCADA software.
- DLL/DDE/DAServer Interfaces: Multiple programming interfaces for custom application development and legacy system integration.
3. Robust Industrial Design
- EMC Hardening: Meets strict EN 61000-6-2 industrial EMC standards, ensuring operation in high-interference environments.
- Watchdog Functionality: The dedicated watchdog output monitors system health and triggers a safe state upon communication or host failure.
- Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Universal PCI 3.3V/5V slot support enables easy installation in a wide range of industrial PCs and servers.
4. Advanced Diagnostics & Reliability
- Comprehensive Status Monitoring: LED indicators for link status, data transmission, and speed, plus host-level diagnostic data for remote troubleshooting.
- Long-Term Availability: Industrial-grade components and RoHS compliance ensure compatibility with modern and legacy systems.
- Redundancy Support: Works with OPC server redundancy to enhance system reliability in critical applications.
5. Software Ecosystem
- Free Technical Support: Provided by Molex for the lifetime of the product.
- Firmware Updates: Support for firmware upgrades to maintain compatibility with new protocols and software versions.
- Driver Support: Win32 NDIS drivers for Windows operating systems, enabling the card to function as a standard Ethernet adapter when required.
Application Scenarios
1. ABB Industrial Automation Systems
- System 800xA Integration: Serves as the primary Ethernet interface for connecting industrial PCs to ABB’s System 800xA DCS, enabling real-time data acquisition and control.
- ABB PLC Communication: Facilitates high-speed data exchange between ABB AC500, AC800M, and AC31 PLCs and SCADA systems.
- Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Monitoring: Connects ABB ACS800, ACS580, and ACS380 VFDs to host systems for remote monitoring, parameter adjustment, and fault diagnosis.
2. Process Control Industries
- Oil & Gas: Enables real-time monitoring and control of drilling rigs, refineries, and pipeline systems, with support for hazardous area communication protocols.
- Chemical & Petrochemical: Facilitates data acquisition from reactors, distillation columns, and storage tanks, ensuring compliance with strict process control standards.
- Power Generation: Connects turbine control systems, boiler management, and substation automation equipment to central SCADA systems for grid stability and efficiency.
3. Manufacturing & Discrete Automation
- Automotive Production: Integrates robotic cells, assembly lines, and quality control systems into a unified communication network.
- Food & Beverage: Enables traceability and process control in packaging, filling, and sterilization lines, with support for hygienic industrial environments.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Facilitates high-speed data transfer for SMT machines, test equipment, and inventory management systems.
4. Infrastructure & Utilities
- Water & Wastewater Treatment: Connects pump stations, clarifiers, and chemical dosing systems to central monitoring systems for efficient resource management.
- Smart Grids: Enables communication between smart meters, substation controllers, and grid management systems for real-time load balancing.
- Building Automation: Integrates HVAC, lighting, and security systems into a single Ethernet network for energy efficiency and centralized control.
5. Legacy System Modernization
- Protocol Conversion: Converts legacy serial or Profibus communication to Ethernet for integration with modern SCADA/HMI systems.
- Host Upgrades: Enables industrial PCs to communicate with new ABB devices without replacing existing control hardware.
- Data Migration: Facilitates the transfer of historical process data from legacy systems to modern databases for analysis and compliance.






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