Description

The ABB COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C is a versatile serial communication interface module designed for the ABB AC 800M programmable automation controller (PAC) platform. It provides two independent, software-configurable serial ports—supporting RS-232 and RS-485 protocols—for seamless integration of legacy devices, smart instruments, barcode scanners, printers, and third-party subsystems into modern System 800xA architectures.

Engineered for industrial robustness and protocol flexibility, the COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C bridges the gap between older serial equipment and Ethernet-centric control systems, enabling cost-effective brownfield upgrades without replacing field assets—while maintaining full diagnostic visibility and data integrity.

Application Scenarios

At a European beverage bottling plant, production line efficiency was bottlenecked by manual data entry from standalone label printers and fill-level sensors using RS-232—a process prone to human error and traceability gaps. Integrating the ABB COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C into the AC 800M controller allowed real-time capture of batch codes and fill volumes directly from serial devices. Within weeks, data accuracy reached 100%, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) improved by 12%. “We didn’t replace a single printer,” said the automation lead. “We just gave them a voice in our DCS—thanks to the COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C.” In hybrid automation landscapes, this module turns silent legacy hardware into intelligent, connected assets.

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Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Per-Port Protocol and Electrical Flexibility

Each of the two ports on the COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C can be independently configured for RS-232 (point-to-point) or RS-485 (multi-drop)—and assigned different protocols (e.g., Modbus RTU on Port 1. custom ASCII on Port 2). This eliminates the need for external converters or multiple interface cards.

Innovation Point 2: Native Integration with AC 800M Logic

Unlike generic USB-to-serial adapters, the COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C appears as a native I/O resource in Control Builder M. Engineers use pre-certified function blocks (e.g., MODRTU_SEND/RECV) to exchange data directly with PLC logic—no PC-based drivers or middleware required.

Innovation Point 3: Real-Time Diagnostics and Error Logging

The module reports framing errors, parity faults, buffer overflows, and cable disconnections directly to the AC 800M CPU. These events appear in System 800xA alarm lists, enabling rapid troubleshooting of intermittent serial issues—common in electrically noisy plants.

Innovation Point 4: Backplane-Powered Simplicity

The COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C draws all power from the CPU backplane—no external 24V supply needed. Its compact form factor fits alongside redundant PM865 controllers without increasing panel depth, ideal for space-constrained retrofits.

Application Cases and Industry Value

In a pulp & paper mill, a decades-old moisture scanner used a proprietary RS-485 protocol to send sheet dryness data. Replacing it would cost 250.000andrequirea72−hourshutdown.Instead,engineersdeployedthe∗∗ABBCOM00342RCA023019A0004C∗∗,reverse−engineeredtheprotocolusingABB’sSerialFBLibrary,andintegratedreal−timemoisturevaluesintothegradecontrolloop.Theresult?Consistentpaperqualityand250.000andrequirea72−hourshutdown.Instead,engineersdeployedthe∗∗ABBCOM00342RCA023019A0004C∗∗,reverse−engineeredtheprotocolusingABB’sSerialFBLibrary,andintegratedreal−timemoisturevaluesintothegradecontrolloop.Theresult?Consistentpaperqualityand 180.000 saved in capital expenditure. The project proved that with the right interface, legacy isn’t liability—it’s leverage.

Similarly, in a hospital sterilization facility, the COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C connected autoclaves with RS-232 audit trails to the central BMS. Every cycle log—time, temperature, pressure—was automatically archived in compliance with ISO 13485. Manual logbooks were retired, and audit preparation time dropped from days to minutes.

Related Product Combination Solutions

PM865: Redundant AC 800M CPU—ideal host for COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C in critical applications

Control Builder M: Engineering suite—provides serial function blocks and configuration tools

3BHE032025R0101: Profibus DP module—complements COM0034 for hybrid field networks

PCD240A: Profinet communication module—for next-gen Ethernet integration alongside serial

TB520: Remote I/O station—can coexist in same architecture for distributed analog/digital I/O

2RCA023019A0004C: Full model suffix—ensures compatibility with latest firmware revisions

Serial FB Library: ABB’s certified function block package—for Modbus RTU, DF1. and custom protocols

UNS0882A-P: Analog output module—often used in same system for closed-loop control based on serial device data

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installing the ABB COM0034 2RCA023019A0004C requires powering down the AC 800M rack, inserting the module firmly into an available slot on the PM86x CPU backplane, and connecting shielded serial cables (DB9 for RS-232; terminal block for RS-485). Ensure cable shields are grounded at one end only to prevent ground loops. No jumpers or external power supplies are needed.

During commissioning, configure each port in Control Builder M: select electrical type, baud rate, data format, and protocol. Use ABB’s built-in serial monitor tool to validate data flow before linking to control logic. For maintenance, check the dual front-panel LEDs—flashing indicates active transmission/reception; solid red indicates a fault. All errors are logged in the controller’s diagnostic buffer for remote analysis.