Description

The ABB UNS0868A-P (HIEE305120R0001)​ is a high-quality, modular power supply unit designed for industrial automation and control systems. It serves as a critical component in providing stable, reliable DC power to ABB control equipment, ensuring consistent system operation in demanding industrial environments.

Application Scenarios

In a pharmaceutical manufacturing clean room, precise environmental control is critical for maintaining sterile conditions. The building management system controlling HVAC, pressure differentials, and temperature relies on ABB’s 800xA control platform. When a power fluctuation occurs, the entire control system’s reliability depends on the integrity of its power distribution. The ABB UNS0868A-P​ module functions as a primary or redundant power source within this system, converting incoming AC power to clean, regulated 24V DC power for controllers, I/O modules, and communication networks. Its robust design ensures that even with electrical noise common in industrial settings, the sensitive control electronics receive stable power, preventing system resets that could compromise environmental parameters and potentially ruin a batch of medication. This scenario highlights the UNS0868A-P’s role in providing the foundational power integrity necessary for mission-critical automation systems.

Parameter

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

The ABB UNS0868A-P​ represents more than just a power converter; it is a purpose-built component designed for maximum reliability in automation infrastructure.

Innovation Point 1: Robust Industrial Design for Maximum Uptime.​ Unlike commercial power supplies, the UNS0868A-P​ is engineered for harsh electrical environments. It incorporates advanced filtering to suppress both incoming line-borne disturbances and internally generated noise. Its wide-range input (e.g., 100-240V AC) automatically adapts to unstable mains voltage common in industrial areas, ensuring a stable output even during brownouts or surges. This directly targets the pain point of nuisance tripping and control system failures due to poor power quality.

Innovation Point 2: Optimized Thermal Management for Longevity.​ The module uses high-grade components and an efficient switching topology to minimize heat generation. Its mechanical design, often featuring a large surface area or integrated heat sinks, promotes optimal convection cooling. This focus on thermal performance prevents the primary cause of power supply failure—capacitor degradation due to heat—thereby significantly extending the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and supporting the 24/7 operational demands of process industries.

Innovation Point 3: Seamless Integration and Diagnostics.​ Designed as part of the ABB ecosystem, the UNS0868A-P​ often features a form factor and mounting compatible with other system components. It provides clear visual diagnostics through LED status indicators (Power Good, Alarm). In more advanced configurations, it can be part of a redundant power scheme, where two modules are paralleled with isolation diodes. This “N+1” redundancy ensures that the failure of a single UNS0868A-P​ does not cause a system shutdown, enabling maintenance to be performed without interrupting the controlled process.

Application Cases and Industry Value

Case Study: Redundant Power System Upgrade in a Water Treatment Plant

A large municipal water treatment plant experienced an unplanned shutdown when a single-point power supply failed in a control panel managing chemical dosing. This led to a temporary loss of coagulation control, requiring manual intervention and risking water quality compliance.

Solution & Outcome:​ The plant upgraded critical control panels by installing redundant power supplies, utilizing the ABB UNS0868A-P​ modules in a parallel, redundant configuration. Each panel was fitted with two UNS0868A-P​ units sharing the load. Six months post-installation, one module in a key panel failed. The redundant partner immediately carried the full load without any interruption to the control system. The faulty UNS0868A-P​ was replaced during a routine maintenance shift. The plant engineer reported: “Implementing redundancy with the UNS0868A-P​ modules was a cost-effective insurance policy. It transformed a potential plant trip into a simple scheduled component swap, guaranteeing continuous operation and protecting our compliance record.”

Related Product Combination Solutions

The ABB UNS0868A-P​ is a core component within a reliable control system power architecture:

ABB AC 800M / PM/PP Series Controllers:​ These high-performance controllers are primary loads, requiring clean, stable 24V DC power provided by the UNS0868A-P.

S800 I/O Modules & Power Supply Interfaces (e.g., SPDSI22):​ Remote I/O stations require local power, often derived from a central UNS0868A-P​ or fed by it via a protected distribution network.

Communication Interfaces (CI Modules):​ Network switches and communication processors (e.g., CI854) are critical loads for the UNS0868A-P.

Circuit Breakers and Protection Devices (e.g., ABB System Pro M compact):​ These devices protect the input and output circuits of the UNS0868A-P​ from overloads and short circuits.

Redundancy Modules:​ Dedicated diode modules or redundancy controllers that allow two or more UNS0868A-P​ units to be connected in parallel for load sharing and N+1 redundancy.

Power Distribution Blocks & DIN Rails:​ The physical infrastructure for neatly and safely distributing the 24V DC output from the UNS0868A-P​ to various loads in the cabinet.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS):​ Often installed upstream to provide AC power to the UNS0868A-P​ during brief mains outages, ensuring control system continuity.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installation of the ABB UNS0868A-P​ is designed for efficiency. The module is snapped onto a standard DIN rail within the control cabinet. Input power (AC) is connected to its clearly marked terminals, followed by the output DC connections to the system’s power distribution block. Critical steps include verifying the input voltage matches the supply, ensuring proper torque on terminals, and implementing appropriate fusing or circuit breakers on the input side as per local electrical codes and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Its modular, plug-and-play design allows for quick replacement if needed.

Routine maintenance is minimal but crucial. It involves periodic visual inspections for signs of overheating or dust accumulation, ensuring adequate ventilation, and checking terminal tightness during scheduled shutdowns. Monitoring the unit’s status LED provides immediate health indication. In a redundant setup, the system can often alert operators to a supply failure. Should a unit fail, replacement is straightforward: power down the module (or the entire cabinet if not redundant), disconnect wiring, unclip the old unit, clip in the new UNS0868A-P, and reconnect. We provide comprehensive lifecycle support for this component, from selection and system design assistance to supplying genuine, fully tested replacement units. Our technical team can advise on sizing, redundancy schemes, and troubleshooting to ensure your system’s power infrastructure remains robust and reliable.

Contact us for expert assistance in configuring or sourcing the ABB UNS0868A-P power supply module to build a reliable foundation for your control system.