Unleashing Speed and Precision: The Power of ABB’s AC 800PEC Control System

Bridging High-Speed Power and Process Automation

In the demanding world of modern power electronics, industrial equipment requires control systems that are exceptionally reliable, fast, and precise. ABB's AC 800PEC stands out as a high-end process control system designed specifically to bridge the gap between high-speed electronics and traditional industrial automation. By incorporating modular hardware and a flexible architecture, it offers a single, robust platform capable of handling everything from rapid power converters to standard, slower plant processes like cooling circuits and balance of plant

Unmatched Performance Through Optical Innovation
The defining strength of the AC 800PEC lies in its extraordinary processing performance and optimized hardware configuration. Featuring a powerful 750 MHz RISC processor with a 64-bit Floating-Point-Unit, the controller delivers an incredible analog and digital I/O cycle time of just 25 microseconds for fast-acting tasks. To eliminate electrical noise and ensure maximum safety in rugged industrial areas, all internal communication between the controller and its I/O modules is executed entirely through optical links. This fiber-optic design completely removes electrical connections and supports up to 36 bi-directional PowerLinks.

Smart Three-Level Software Architecture
To cater to complex industrial environments, the AC 800PEC implements a smart, three-level software structure optimized for different operational needs. Level 1 manages the slow-control monitoring and plant network functions using standard IEC 61131-3 programming tools. Level 2 tackles fast closed-loop control loops and protection tasks with cycle times under a few milliseconds, seamlessly integrated via MATLAB and Simulink. Finally, Level 3 operates directly on an FPGA chip with an ultra-fast cycle time under 100 microseconds to handle highly time-critical hardware functions like pulse-width modulators

Versatile Modules and Global Connectivity
Versatility is further enhanced by the system's vast family of specialized remote I/O modules and outstanding fieldbus connectivity. For example, the Combi IO and Measuring Interface boards allow for ultra-fast voltage and current sensing. Meanwhile, the dedicated PEBB and INT interface systems provide direct control over advanced IGBT and IGCT converters. On the communication side, integrated Ethernet ports and flexible AnyBus-S slots allow the controller to seamlessly interact with local process panels and standard industrial fieldbus networks like Profibus, Modbus, and CANopen.

Streamlining the Engineering Workflow
Ultimately, ABB has created a complete, integrated software ecosystem that simplifies the entire engineering workflow from development to maintenance. From initial application programming using Control Builder M to deep simulation monitoring with the PC-based PECView commissioning tool, operators have total control over their assets. By combining high-speed power electronic control with regular process logic into one modular, energy-efficient package that runs without forced cooling, the AC 800PEC sets a benchmark for industrial productivity and long-term operational profit.