Product Short Description
Product Introduction
The ABB RDCO-03 is a dedicated fiber-optic communication expansion module designed exclusively for the ABB ACS800 series variable frequency drives. It serves as an add-on component for the RMIO Motor Control and I/O Board (integrated in RDCU control units) and BCU control units, enabling high-speed, noise-immune data exchange via ABB’s proprietary DDCS (Drive Distributed Control System) protocol. This module provides four independent fiber-optic DDCS channels to connect drives with fieldbus adapters, I/O extensions, master/follower drive systems, and PC configuration tools. Available in both standard and coated-board (RDCO-03C) versions, it supports factory installation and retrofitting, ensuring reliable communication in industrial environments with high electrical interference.
Description
Technical Specifications
Communication & Optical Performance
- Protocol: ABB proprietary DDCS (Drive Distributed Control System)
- Channels: 4 fiber-optic DDCS channels (CH0, CH1, CH2, CH3)
- Data Rate: 5 MBd per channel (fixed)
- Optical Components: 5 MBd fiber-optic transceivers
- Fiber Compatibility: Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)
- Channel Assignments (Standard):
- CH0: Overriding system / Fieldbus adapter connection
- CH1: I/O option modules / Supply unit communication
- CH2: Master/Follower drive link
- CH3: PC tool connection (DriveWare, for ACS800 only)
- Isolation: Galvanic isolation between all channels and drive circuitry
Electrical Characteristics
- Power Supply: +5 V DC ±10% (supplied by the drive control unit)
- Power Consumption: Max. 200 mA
- Protection: Over-voltage and short-circuit protection for communication ports
Physical & Environmental
- Dimensions: 97 mm × 38 mm × 38 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight: Approx. 0.1 kg
- Mounting: Direct plug-in to RMIO/BCU control board
- Protection Rating: IP20 (rear)
- Operating Temperature: -10 °C to +55 °C (follows ACS800 drive specifications)
- Storage Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C
- Relative Humidity: 5%–95% RH (non-condensing)
- Vibration Resistance: Compliant with IEC 60068-2-6
- EMC Compliance: IEC 61000-4-2, IEC 61000-4-3, IEC 61000-4-4, IEC 61000-4-6; EN 50081-2, CISPR 11
- Certifications: CE, RoHS
Functional Features
High-Speed DDCS Communication
- Delivers 5 MBd data transmission for real-time drive-to-drive and drive-to-system communication.
- Enables deterministic, low-latency data exchange for precise multi-drive coordination.
- Supports full-duplex communication across all four channels for simultaneous data transfer.
Fiber-Optic Reliability
- Provides complete galvanic isolation to eliminate ground loops and electrical noise interference.
- Ensures secure, error-free communication in harsh industrial environments with high EMI.
- Supports long-distance connections using POF cables, suitable for industrial drive networks.
Flexible System Integration
- Plug-and-play design for easy installation on ACS800 RMIO and BCU control boards.
- Supports both factory pre-installation and field retrofitting for existing drive systems.
- Coated-board variant (RDCO-03C) offers enhanced protection against dust, moisture, and corrosive gases.
- Seamlessly integrates with ABB DriveWare software for drive configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics via CH3.
Master/Follower & Multi-Drive Control
- Facilitates precise speed and torque synchronization via the CH2 master/follower link.
- Enables cascaded drive control for complex multi-motor applications.
- Supports distributed I/O expansion via CH1, extending the drive’s I/O capacity remotely.
Diagnostics & Compatibility
- Built-in channel status indicators for quick troubleshooting of communication links.
- Fully compatible with all ACS800 series drive models and control units (RDCU, BCU).
- Supports firmware updates via the drive’s control system for feature enhancements.
Application Scenarios
Industrial Drive Systems
- Multi-Motor Synchronization: Paper machines, textile lines, and conveyor systems requiring precise master/follower control.
- Distributed I/O: Remote I/O modules connected to ACS800 drives for process monitoring in large factories.
- Drive Networking: Interconnection of multiple ACS800 drives in a common control network for coordinated operation.
Process Industries
- Pulp & Paper: High-speed production lines with multi-drive coordination for drying, calendaring, and winding.
- Metal Processing: Rolling mills, strip lines, and coil handling systems requiring synchronized motor control.
- Water & Wastewater: Pump stations and treatment plants with distributed drive control and remote I/O.
Material Handling & Logistics
- Conveyor Systems: Airport baggage handling, warehouse automation, and parcel sorting lines.
- Cranes & Hoists: Heavy-duty lifting equipment with multi-drive control for smooth and precise movement.
- Packaging Machinery: High-speed packaging lines with coordinated drive operation for filling, sealing, and labeling.
Specialized Industrial Applications
- Test Benches: Drive test systems with real-time data acquisition and control via PC tools.
- Marine & Offshore: Shipboard drive systems with coated-board (RDCO-03C) protection against harsh marine environments.
- Mining: Underground and surface mining equipment with robust communication in high-noise environments.






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