Description

The ABB PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20 is a compact, high-performance tension electronics module engineered for precise web tension measurement and control in industrial manufacturing processes. As part of ABB’s Tension Electronics series, this unit interfaces directly with two Pressductor® load cells, providing an accurate and reliable analog SUM signal for tension monitoring and closed-loop control applications .

Designed with user-friendly operation in mind, the ABB PFEA111-20 features a 2 x 16 character multi-language digital display and configuration keys, allowing operators to set parameters, check system status, and view individual load cell signals, sum, or difference values in real time . Its compact DIN-rail mounting makes the ABB PFEA111-20 exceptionally easy to integrate into a wide variety of electrical cabinets and industrial environments .

 

Application Scenarios

In a high-speed printing press manufacturing facility, the ABB PFEA111-20 resolves a critical quality control issue by providing real-time, accurate tension feedback from two load cells mounted on a dancer roll assembly. Previously, the facility struggled with web breaks and misregistration due to tension fluctuations caused by varying paper roll diameters and acceleration/deceleration cycles. By integrating the ABB PFEA111-20 to process the load cell signals and output a fast, filtered analog SUM signal to the drive controller, the printing press now maintains consistent web tension across the entire production run. This has resulted in a significant reduction in web breaks, improved print registration accuracy, and reduced material waste, directly impacting the plant’s bottom line .

The ABB PFEA111-20 is indispensable across numerous industries where a continuous web of material is processed. In paper manufacturing, it ensures consistent tension from the reel to the winder, preventing wrinkles and tears. In the textile industry, it controls the tension of fabrics during weaving and finishing. The ABB PFEA111-20 is also widely used in film, foil, and packaging production, where precise tension control is essential for maintaining product thickness and uniformity . Its compatibility with ABB Pressductor® load cells such as PFCL 201, PFCL 301E, PFTL 101, PFTL 201, PFTL 301E, and PFRL 101 ensures seamless integration across diverse applications .

 

Parameters

Main Parameters	Value/Description
Product Model	PFEA111-20
Ordering/Material No.	3BSE050090R20 (replaces 3BSE028140R20)
Manufacturer	ABB (Sweden)
Product Category	Tension Electronics / Tension Control Module
Compatible Load Cells	PFCL 201/301E, PFTL 101/201/301E, PFRL 101
Number of Load Cell Inputs	2 channels, 0.5 A rms excitation current @ 330 Hz
Analog Outputs	1x Voltage (-5V to +11V), 1x Current (0-21 mA)
Output Filtering	Selectable step response: 15, 30, 75, 250, 750, 1500 ms
Display Options	A, B, A+B (SUM), A-B (difference) on 2 x 16 character LCD
Power Supply	24 V DC (18-36 V permissible)
Power Consumption	≤ 7.5 W
Control Accuracy	±0.1% of full scale
Operating Temperature	-20°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature	-40°C to +85°C
Protection Rating	IP20 (DIN-rail version)
Mounting	DIN rail (IP20) or optional enclosure (IP65)
Product Net Weight	0.2 kg

 

 

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Pressductor® Transducer Technology Integration
The ABB PFEA111-20 is specifically designed to work with ABB’s proprietary Pressductor® load cells. Unlike traditional strain gauge sensors that are susceptible to drift and require frequent recalibration, Pressductor® technology utilizes the magneto-elastic principle—measuring changes in magnetic properties of a steel element under mechanical stress . This provides a highly robust, stable, and inherently overload-protected signal. The ABB PFEA111-20 processes this unique signal, ensuring accurate and reliable tension measurement even in dusty, oily, or vibration-prone environments.

Innovation Point 2: Interactive Step-by-Step Commissioning
The ABB PFEA111-20 features a unique interactive menu that guides users through the commissioning process step by step, dramatically reducing the potential for configuration errors and significantly shortening startup time . This “FastSetUp” function empowers operators and technicians to set up the tension system correctly without extensive training.

Innovation Point 3: Versatile Signal Display and Processing
The ABB PFEA111-20 offers exceptional flexibility in how tension data is presented. The module can calculate and display the total web tension (SUM), the contribution from each individual load cell (A and B), or the difference between them (A-B) . This capability is invaluable for system diagnostics, allowing quick detection of imbalances or mechanical issues within the measuring roll assembly.

Innovation Point 4: High-Performance Analog Output with Adjustable Filtering
This module provides a fast analog SUM signal essential for real-time tension control loops. The ABB PFEA111-20 features independently scalable analog outputs (voltage and current) with adjustable filtering from 15 ms to 1500 ms step response . This allows the user to tailor the output’s response time to match the dynamics of the specific machine, ensuring stable control without compromising responsiveness.

Innovation Point 5: Built-in Self-Diagnostics and Maximum Load Memory
The ABB PFEA111-20 continuously supervises critical parameters and provides error messages if something goes wrong . The resettable maximum load memory stores peak load values, serving as a useful tool for maintenance teams to check for occasional overloads or mechanical issues .