ABB SC560 | AC 800F Serial Communication Module | New Project Integration Guide

Description

Key Technical Specifications

• Product Model: SC560
• Manufacturer: ABB
• System Family: System 800xA (AC 800F Controller Platform)
• Communication Ports: 2 independent serial channels (configurable as RS-232 or RS-485)
• Supported Protocols: Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, DF1, Siemens 3964R, and user-defined protocols via Function Block Library
• Data Rate: Up to 115.2 kbps per channel
• Electrical Isolation: 500 VAC between field side and backplane
• Mounting: Plugs into AC 800F I/O rack (e.g., TK810A chassis)
• Diagnostic Features: LED indicators per port (TX/RX, Fault); runtime diagnostics accessible via Automation Builder
• Power Consumption: ~2.5 W (supplied via backplane)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C

Core Performance and Selection Advantages

The SC560 addresses a persistent engineering challenge in modern DCS deployments: integrating reliable, low-latency communication with legacy instruments, analyzers, or OEM skid controls that only support serial protocols. Unlike generic USB-to-serial adapters or external gateways, the SC560 is natively integrated into the AC 800F controller architecture, eliminating external points of failure and reducing panel space.

Performance-wise, it offers deterministic communication timing with microsecond-level jitter control, critical for time-sensitive polling of safety-related devices. Each channel operates independently with dedicated buffers, preventing one slow device from blocking the other—a common issue with shared-port converters. Compared to older ABB modules like the SC540, the SC560 supports higher baud rates and more flexible protocol mapping via standardized function blocks in Automation Builder, significantly reducing custom code development.

From a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective, the SC560 reduces project risk and cost by eliminating external protocol converters, which would otherwise require separate power supplies, mounting, cabling, and cybersecurity hardening. Its diagnostics are visible directly in the 800xA alarm system, enabling faster troubleshooting during commissioning and operation. For projects involving dozens of serial devices—common in water treatment, pulp & paper, or retrofitted power plants—this integration translates into measurable savings in engineering hours and long-term maintenance effort.

System Integration and Expandability

The SC560 is fully supported within ABB Automation Builder, where each serial channel is configured using pre-certified driver libraries (e.g., Modbus Master/Slave). This unified engineering environment ensures consistent version control, simplifies simulation, and accelerates FAT/SAT validation. Configuration changes can be downloaded online without disrupting other I/O.

In terms of networking, while the SC560 itself handles only serial traffic, it enables seamless data flow from legacy devices into the broader 800xA information layer. Process variables acquired via Modbus RTU, for example, appear as native tags in the 800xA aspect directory and can be exposed to SCADA, MES, or cloud analytics platforms via built-in OPC UA servers—no additional middleware required.

Regarding scalability, up to four SC560 modules can be installed in a single AC 800F I/O chassis, supporting up to eight independent serial links. Multiple chassis can be networked via Profibus or Ethernet, enabling large-scale serial integration across a plant. The module’s hot-plug capability allows replacement during operation, minimizing downtime. Given ABB’s ongoing commitment to the AC 800F platform and long-term availability guarantees, the SC560 represents a low-risk, future-proof solution for serial connectivity in new and expanding 800xA systems.