Description

The ABB 1MSC980010 Rev. F is a versatile serial communication module designed for the ABB AC 800M programmable automation controller platform. It provides dual independent serial ports (configurable as RS-232 or RS-485) to connect legacy field devices—such as power meters, protective relays, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and remote terminal units (RTUs)—into modern ABB System 800xA or standalone AC 800M control systems.

With support for Modbus RTU (Master/Slave), DF1. IEC 60870-5-101/104 subsets, and custom ASCII protocols, the 1MSC980010 Rev. F acts as a universal gateway, enabling seamless data exchange in hybrid automation environments.

Application Scenarios

At a U.S. municipal utility upgrading a 1990s-era substation, engineers needed to integrate 24 legacy SEL-351 protective relays and GE Multilin meters into a new ABB System 800xA SCADA platform. The ABB 1MSC980010 Rev. F modules were installed in redundant AC 800M racks, each configured as a Modbus RTU master polling devices over RS-485 multidrop networks. Within weeks, all fault records, breaker status, and energy data flowed into the operator HMI—without replacing a single field device. “The 1MSC980010 turned obsolete hardware into smart assets,” said the project lead. This case highlights its role as a cost-effective enabler of digital transformation.

 

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Dual-port independence allows one port to act as a Modbus master (polling meters) while the other serves as a Modbus slave (reporting data to a third-party SCADA)—eliminating the need for external protocol gateways.

Innovation Point 2: Hardware-level RS-485 biasing and termination control ensures reliable multidrop communication over long distances (up to 1.200 m), even in electrically noisy substations or motor control centers.

Innovation Point 3: Fully integrated into Control Builder M, enabling drag-and-drop protocol configuration, automatic tag mapping, and real-time traffic monitoring—reducing engineering time by up to 50% vs. generic serial cards.

Innovation Point 4: Rev. F includes enhanced ESD/EMC protection (IEC 61000-4-2/4) and improved firmware stability over earlier revisions—making it suitable for critical infrastructure.

Application Cases and Industry Value

In a Chilean copper mine, the 1MSC980010 Rev. F connected 18 ABB ACS880 drives and 12 Rockwell PowerFlex units to a central AC 800M controller using Modbus RTU over RS-485. Despite VFD-induced electrical noise, zero communication dropouts occurred over 2 years—thanks to the module’s robust differential signaling and galvanic isolation.

Similarly, a European wastewater plant used the 1MSC980010 to interface with aging Siemens S7-200 PLCs acting as local skid controllers. By configuring the ABB module as a Modbus slave, the legacy PLCs continued operating while reporting key data to the new central system—extending asset life and avoiding €200k+ in replacement costs.

Related Product Combination Solutions

ABB UFC762AE101 (3BHE006412R0101): 8-slot I/O baseplate—required to mount the 1MSC980010 Rev. F.

ABB PM864A / PM865: AC 800M CPUs that host the 1MSC980010 for system-wide communication.

ABB CI854A: For Profibus DP networks—complements 1MSC980010 in hybrid fieldbus architectures.

ABB ENP864: Ethernet module—for parallel IT/OT integration alongside serial devices.

ABB Control Builder M: Essential software for configuring protocols, mapping tags, and diagnosing links.

ABB TB840 / TB850: Terminal blocks with built-in RS-485 termination—simplify field wiring to 1MSC980010.

ABB DI810 / AI810: Digital/analog I/O modules often installed in the same baseplate for hybrid control.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Install the ABB 1MSC980010 Rev. F into a compatible AC 800M I/O baseplate (e.g., UFC762AE101). Configure port modes (RS-232/RS-485) via onboard DIP switches or software. Connect field wiring to terminal blocks with proper shielding and grounding—use twisted-pair cables for RS-485. In Control Builder M, assign communication parameters (baud rate, parity, device ID) and map data to controller tags.

Maintenance involves monitoring port LEDs and using Control Builder’s Serial Link Diagnostics tool to detect CRC errors, timeouts, or framing issues. Firmware updates can resolve compatibility problems with new device models. Store spares in ESD-safe packaging; static discharge can damage transceiver ICs.

We supply every ABB 1MSC980010 Rev. F as 100% new, factory-sealed stock from authorized ABB/HITACHI ENERGY channels—with full traceability, original labeling, and compliance documentation (CE, UL). Our team provides:

Free protocol compatibility checks

Wiring diagrams for RS-485 multidrop networks

24/7 technical support for integration issues

If any unit exhibits port failure, erratic communication, or firmware corruption, we guarantee immediate replacement—because in industrial automation, reliable serial communication remains mission-critical.