Product Overview

The PDP800 is a high-performance PROFIBUS DP master communication module manufactured by ABB for the ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus distributed control system (DCS) . This module serves as a critical gateway between Symphony Plus controllers and intelligent field devices, enabling seamless integration of smart transmitters, actuators, motor control centers (MCCs), intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), and other PROFIBUS-compliant equipment . As part of the Symphony Plus SD Series, the PDP800 significantly reduces installation costs by minimizing wiring and system footprint while delivering tighter, more reliable process control solutions .

The PDP800 supports PROFIBUS DP protocols V0, V1, and V2, offering comprehensive communication capabilities including 1 ms time stamping for precise event sequencing . The module is built on FPGA technology with intellectual property cores from Softing, eliminating the need for a dedicated ASIC and enabling flexible implementation of ABB’s advanced redundancy concepts . With a 32-bit ColdFire processor running at 160 MHz and 128 MB of DRAM, the PDP800 delivers exceptional performance for demanding process automation applications . The module supports both electrical and fiber optic PROFIBUS DP links up to 12 Mbps, with fiber optic distances reaching 15 km . The PDP800 is fully integrated with ABB’s S+ Engineering suite, allowing configuration and maintenance of PROFIBUS networks and devices through Device Type Manager (DTM) technology and standard GSD files .

 

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	PDP800
Manufacturer	ABB
Product Type	PROFIBUS DP Master Communication Module (SD Series)
System Compatibility	ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus DCS
Supported Protocols	PROFIBUS DP V0, V1, V2; PROFIBUS PA (via DP/PA Linking Device)
Communication Speed	9.6 kbps to 12 Mbps (selectable baud rates)
Max. Slave Devices	Up to 125 PROFIBUS DP Slaves
Transmission Distance (Electrical)	Up to 1.2 km
Transmission Distance (Fiber Optic)	Up to 15 km
Processor	ColdFire 32-bit MCF54418 @ 160 MHz
Memory	128 MB DRAM, 4 MB Flash ROM
Module Redundancy	Yes
Line Redundancy	Yes
Hot-Swap Support	Yes
Time Stamping Accuracy	1 ms (PROFIBUS DP V2)
Interfaces	2 x 9-pin D-Sub (PROFIBUS DP Redundant), 1 x Mini USB (Diagnostic)
Power Requirements	24 VDC ± 10% at 150 mA; 3.6 W typical
Mounting	35 mm DIN-rail (Horizontal), PTU810 Mounting Base
Dimensions (W x H x D)	124 mm x 186 mm x 127 mm (with base)
Weight	0.61 kg (non-redundant) / 0.79 kg (redundant with base)
Operating Temperature	0°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature	-40°C to +85°C
Protection Class	IP20
Relative Humidity	20% to 95% @ 40°C (non-condensing)
MTBF	261,051 hours (per MIL-HDBK-217-FN2)
Certifications	CE, UL, CSA, RoHS Compliant

 

Main Features and Advantages

Full PROFIBUS DP Protocol Support: The PDP800 supports PROFIBUS DP V0, V1, and V2, providing comprehensive compatibility with a wide range of field devices . DP V2 support enables advanced features including 1 ms time stamping of device events, which is critical for sequence of events (SOE) functionality in power generation and process applications . The module also supports PROFIBUS PA devices through DP/PA linking devices, extending the reach of the Symphony Plus system to intrinsically safe and two-wire fieldbus installations .

Comprehensive Redundancy Architecture: The PDP800 is designed for high availability with full redundancy support at multiple levels, including module redundancy, PROFIBUS DP line redundancy, power redundancy, and controller communication bus (HN800) redundancy . All redundancy options are independent, ensuring the highest level of availability and reliability for critical process control applications. The system allows for uninterrupted switchover from the active master to the backup, minimizing downtime during maintenance or failure events .

High-Speed and Long-Distance Communication: With communication speeds up to 12 Mbps and support for both electrical and fiber optic media, the PDP800 offers exceptional flexibility in network deployment . Fiber optic extensions enable PROFIBUS I/O modules and devices to be placed up to 15 km from the master module, ideal for large-scale facilities such as power plants, refineries, and chemical complexes . The module supports up to 125 slave devices per network, accommodating extensive instrumentation and control requirements .

Seamless Engineering Integration: The PDP800 is fully integrated with ABB’s S+ Engineering workbench, allowing configuration, commissioning, and maintenance of PROFIBUS devices using Device Type Manager (DTM) technology . For field devices with conventional GSD files, a basic PROFIBUS DTM is available to enable standardized configuration. The PDP800 also supports automatic net calculation and loading of process items using device-specific channel configurations generated from the DTM, significantly simplifying engineering workflows and reducing project costs .

Robust Industrial Design: The PDP800 features IP20 protection and operates reliably across a wide temperature range from 0°C to 55°C, with storage capability from -40°C to 85°C . The module is tested to rigorous environmental standards including vibration, shock, ESD, surge, and radiated RFI immunity, ensuring dependable operation in demanding industrial conditions . The PDP800 supports hot-swap replacement, enabling online module exchange without system shutdown .

 

Application Field

Power Generation: The PDP800 is extensively deployed in thermal, hydroelectric, and nuclear power plants, where it integrates intelligent field devices with Symphony Plus DCS for boiler, turbine, and balance-of-plant control . The module supports turbine control solutions including turbine protection (TP800), valve positioning (VP800), generator auto-synchronization (AS800), and condition monitoring (MCM800) through PROFIBUS DP V2 connectivity . The PDP800 is particularly valued for its 1 ms time stamping capability, which enables precise sequence of events recording essential for turbine and generator protection applications .

Oil, Gas, and Chemical Processing: In refineries, petrochemical plants, and natural gas processing facilities, the PDP800 connects Symphony Plus controllers to a wide range of PROFIBUS devices including pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, flow meters, valve positioners, and analyzers . The module’s support for fiber optic communication up to 15 km enables distributed I/O installations across large processing complexes, reducing cabling costs and improving signal integrity. The PDP800 also facilitates integration of third-party PROFIBUS-compliant devices, providing flexibility in device selection while maintaining system-wide interoperability .

Water and Wastewater Treatment: Municipal and industrial water treatment facilities utilize the PDP800 to connect Symphony Plus DCS to PROFIBUS devices distributed across pumping stations, treatment units, and reservoir monitoring points . The module’s fiber optic communication capability supports installations in geographically dispersed water infrastructure, while its robust environmental specifications ensure reliable operation in potentially humid and corrosive conditions.

Legacy System Migration and Upgrades: As a current and supported Symphony Plus component, the PDP800 serves both new installations and modernization projects for legacy INFI 90 systems . The PDP800 allows facilities to upgrade their communication infrastructure while preserving existing PROFIBUS field devices and cabling, protecting capital investments and enabling gradual migration to the Symphony Plus platform. The module’s backward compatibility features make it an ideal choice for power and water industry applications where “evolutio