Description

The ABB SC690 (3BSE005927R1) is a high-reliability communication module designed for the ABB AC 800M programmable automation controller, serving as the backbone of data exchange in System 800xA distributed control systems. Equipped with dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports featuring embedded switch functionality, the SC690 enables seamless connectivity between the controller and engineering workstations, operator interfaces, remote I/O, third-party devices, and enterprise networks.

Supporting industrial protocols such as Modbus TCP, IEC 61850 (in power applications), PROFIBUS DP (via gateway), and native AC 800M communication, the SC690 ensures deterministic, secure, and redundant data flow—critical for continuous processes in energy, utilities, and heavy industry.

Application Scenarios

At a 500 kV substation in Sweden undergoing digitalization, engineers needed to replace legacy serial communication cards with a modern, IEC 61850-compliant solution. They installed ABB SC690 (3BSE005927R1) modules in redundant AC 800M controllers to connect protective relays, bay controllers, and the System 800xA HMI over a single fiber-optic ring network. The SC690’s built-in switch eliminated the need for external managed switches, while its rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP) support ensured <200 ms recovery during link failures. During a lightning-induced cable fault, the system rerouted traffic automatically—preventing a blackout. “The SC690 turned our control network into a self-healing nervous system,” said the lead protection engineer.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Integrated 2-Port Switch Eliminates External Networking Hardware

Unlike basic NICs, the SC690 includes a managed Layer 2 switch, allowing direct daisy-chaining of HMIs, I/O stations, or drives—reducing cabinet space, cost, and single points of failure.

Innovation Point 2: Native IEC 61850 Support for Substation Automation

In power applications, the 3BSE005927R1 can publish/subscribe GOOSE messages and serve MMS reports directly from the AC 800M logic—enabling full compliance with digital substation standards without gateways.

Innovation Point 3: Deterministic Communication with Time Synchronization

Supports SNTP and IRIG-B (via companion modules) for time-stamped event logging (<1 ms accuracy), essential for sequence-of-events (SOE) analysis in fault investigations.

Innovation Point 4: Cybersecurity by Design

Features configurable IP filtering, MAC address lockdown, and VLAN tagging—aligning with IEC 62443 for secure OT network segmentation.

Application Cases and Industry Value

A combined-cycle power plant in Germany integrated ABB SC690 modules to unify turbine control, boiler management, and grid synchronization under a single System 800xA platform. Previously, separate networks handled each subsystem, causing data latency during ramp-up events. With the SC690. all controllers shared real-time setpoints over a single redundant ring. The plant achieved 15% faster load response and passed stringent ENTSO-E grid compliance tests on the first attempt.

In a mining operation in Chile, SC690 units connected AC 800M controllers to remote conveyor drives over 2 km of fiber. Despite extreme dust and temperature swings, zero communication outages occurred over 3 years—thanks to conformal coating and wide-temp design.

Related Product Combination Solutions

ABB PM864A / PM866A: AC 800M redundant CPU controllers that host the SC690

ABB CI854: Alternative PROFIBUS DP/PA communication module for fieldbus integration

ABB TB850: Fiber-optic media converter terminal base for SC690 in EMI-heavy areas

ABB System 800xA: Engineering and HMI platform fully optimized for SC690 data flow

ABB CP600: Panel-mounted HMI that communicates directly via SC690 Modbus TCP

ABB NSD600: Network security appliance for segmenting SC690 traffic per IEC 62443

ABB 3BSE005928R1: SC690 mounting carrier/base unit (if required for specific chassis)

ABB Asset Optimization Suite: Leverages SC690-delivered data for predictive maintenance

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

The ABB SC690 (3BSE005927R1) installs directly into the AC 800M controller rack—no external power or configuration hardware needed. After insertion, IP settings are assigned via Control Builder M or DHCP. For fiber links, ABB-approved media converters (e.g., TB850) plug into the RJ-45 ports.

Diagnostics include front-panel LEDs for link/activity/fault status and detailed error logs in System 800xA Diagnostics. In redundant setups, failed modules can be replaced live after initiating hot-swap mode—ensuring 24/7 availability.

We supply every ABB SC690 (3BSE005927R1) as genuine ABB-manufactured hardware, new in sealed packaging, with full firmware validation for AC 800M firmware versions v5.1 through v6.1. Each unit includes a certificate of authenticity and compatibility assurance.

Our certified ABB system engineers provide lifetime remote support for network topology design, protocol configuration, cybersecurity hardening, and troubleshooting—ensuring your communication layer remains robust, secure, and future-ready.