Description

The ABB UNS0119A-P V101 is a high-performance dual-port Ethernet communication module designed for the ABB AC 800M programmable logic controller (PLC) platform within the System 800xA distributed control system (DCS). It enables real-time data exchange over industrial Ethernet networks using open standards such as Modbus TCP, IEC 61850. MMS, and OPC UA, making it essential for power generation, transmission, and heavy process industries.

As a successor to older serial-based modules (like CS513), the ABB UNS0119A-P V101 delivers gigabit-speed connectivity, hardware-level redundancy, and deep integration with ABB’s automation ecosystem—eliminating gateways, reducing latency, and enhancing cybersecurity posture.

Application Scenarios

At a 500 kV substation in Germany, engineers needed to replace aging RTUs that used RS-485 Modbus. The new solution required IEC 61850 compliance for grid operator mandates. By installing the ABB UNS0119A-P V101 into an AC 800M rack alongside protection relays, they established direct IEC 61850 GOOSE and MMS communication with the control center. Data latency dropped from 500 ms to <20 ms, enabling faster fault isolation during line disturbances. “This module turned our legacy bay controllers into smart grid nodes,” said the substation automation lead. In modern energy infrastructure, the ABB UNS0119A-P V101 doesn’t just connect—it transforms.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Native IEC 61850 in Hardware

Unlike generic Ethernet cards requiring software stacks, the ABB UNS0119A-P V101 includes dedicated processing for IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging—ensuring deterministic <4 ms publish/subscribe performance critical for substation automation.

Innovation Point 2: Dual Independent Ports with Switch Bypass

Each port operates independently, allowing one to connect to the plant LAN and the other to a peer AC 800M or HMI. In redundant topologies, it supports ring protocols without external managed switches.

Innovation Point 3: Built-In Cybersecurity Foundation

When used with ABB’s 800xA Security Extension, the ABB UNS0119A-P V101 enforces MAC address filtering, VLAN tagging, and secure firmware validation—meeting NERC CIP and ISO/IEC 27001 requirements.

Innovation Point 4: Seamless Migration Path from Legacy Systems

Existing applications using CS513 (serial) can be upgraded by replacing the module and reconfiguring tags in Control Builder M—no rewiring or field device changes needed.

Application Cases and Industry Value

Power Plant Integration: In a U.S. combined-cycle facility, the ABB UNS0119A-P V101 connected gas turbine DCS data directly to the utility’s SCADA via Modbus TCP over fiber. This eliminated a third-party protocol converter that previously caused 2–3 weekly communication drops.

Water Treatment Modernization: A municipal plant in Spain used the module to link 12 remote pumping stations to a central 800xA system via cellular routers. The UNS0119A-P’s low overhead and robust TCP stack maintained connection even with 30% packet loss.

Mining Conveyor Control: In Chile, dual UNS0119A-P modules enabled redundant peer-to-peer synchronization between two AC 800M controllers managing a 15-km ore conveyor—achieving <10 ms inter-controller messaging for coordinated starts/stops.

Related Product Combination Solutions

ABB UAC389 / UAC390: Primary CPU modules—process data routed through UNS0119A-P V101

ABB TK811V015-HS: Hot-swap I/O baseplate—for zero-downtime replacement of UNS0119A-P V101

ABB Control Builder M: Engineering tool—used to configure communication objects and map IEC 61850 data sets

ABB 800xA System: Full DCS platform—where UNS0119A-P V101 data appears in HMI, historian, and alarm management

ABB CI874: Foundation Fieldbus module—complements UNS0119A-P V101 in hybrid process networks

Hirschmann MACH4002: Managed switch—enables PRP/HSR when paired with UNS0119A-P V101 for substation use

ABB REF615 / REL670: Protection relays—communicate natively with UNS0119A-P V101 via IEC 61850

ABB UNS0118A-P: Single-port predecessor—often replaced by UNS0119A-P V101 for added redundancy

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Install the ABB UNS0119A-P V101 into an AC 800M baseplate with power off. Use industrial-grade Cat 6A shielded cable, grounding the shield at the cabinet end only. Assign static IPs or enable DHCP via Control Builder M. For IEC 61850. import SCL files to auto-generate GOOSE datasets.

Maintenance is minimal: no fans, batteries, or moving parts. Monitor port LEDs (green = link, yellow = activity) and review network error counters in 800xA diagnostics. Firmware updates are delivered securely through ABB’s update manager and validated against application checksums.

Although newer modules like the UNS0120A-P exist, ABB continues to support the UNS0119A-P V101 through 2030+, and authorized partners offer tested refurbished units with 12-month warranties.