Month: December 2025

Modularity and connectivity for any size and performance

Scalability in size – from small and compact to large and modular

For any application size, the optimum hardware configuration

is easily achieved: the processing power can either be

centralized at one location with distributed logical I/O devices,

or intelligent I/O devices can carry out specific tasks in

the field to enhance performance and relieve the central processor.

Three system architectures provide scalability from small and

compact to large and modular systems:

Compact

One processor module with integrated, fast I/O devices. This

configuration is ideally suited for:

− Smaller applications

− Limited-space applications

− Intelligent field devices, e.g. subsystems in distributed applications

Standard

One processor module with separate, fast logical I/O

devices. This configuration is ideally suited for:

− Standard industrial applications with central processing

− Small applications with detached, fast I/O Modular

One or several central processor modules with separate, fast,

intelligent I/O and fast logical I/O devices.

Full and trouble-free integration into higher-level plant control

systems as well as future expansions and reconfigurations

are easy thanks to the fully modular architecture.

Transparent software structure and easy programming

The AC 800PEC is the perfect way to unite the system design

capabilities of ABB’s ControlIT with the control and simulation

capabilities of MATLAB® / Simulink®. Quick implementation of

complex control algorithms (e.g. model predictive control)

reduces development cycles and costs. Furthermore, the

system is open to future technologies.

Implementation of the AC 800PEC software on the three

performance levels provides an exceptional range of control

and communication functionality:

Level 1: System engineering (ControlIT)

ABB’s ControlIT supports all 5 IEC61131-3 programming

languages and uses ABB’s Control Builder as the program

ming tool. This is the level on which system engineers

implement functions that do not require high-speed perform

ance but demand quick and easy adaptation to a specific project.

AC 800PEC controllers can also be fully integrated into

ABB’s 800xA automation systems.

Level 2: Product & control development (MATLAB / Simulink™)

Fast closed-loop control applications are designed using

MATLAB® / Simulink®. C-code is automatically generated and

downloaded to the embedded device using Real-Time

Workshop® from MathWorks®.

Typically, it is on this level that control developers will

implement the control, the protection, the state machine and other functions.

Level 3: Communication & very fast logic (VHDL)

Extremely fast processes are programmed in VHDL. Proto

cols and some control logic requiring extremely short cycle

times are implemented on this level. The standardized tasks

are available as firmware modules and are not accessible to

the application developers.

Tuned for performance and efficiency

Powerful hardware for efficient high-speed processing

The AC 800PEC combines the floating-point computing

performance of the CPU with the flexibility and high speed

capability of an FPGA.

The system is separated into three performance levels

covering different cycle times. Control tasks are allocated

depending on their speed requirements:

− Very fast tasks down to 25 ns

− Fast tasks down to 100 μs

− Slow tasks down to 1 ms

The hardware architecture of the AC 800PEC is an ideal

match to the three-level software structure.

To support the short processing cycle times, the AC 800PEC

provides a fast I/O system. Depending on the speed of the I/O

connection, it is possible to achieve data throughput times

below 100 μs – including the time required to read, transmit,

process, transmit and write the signal.

The AC 800PEC is an efficient and flexible controller family.

Thanks to its short cycle times, fast I/O, high processing

power and advanced control using MATLAB® / Simulink®, the

AC 800PEC:

− Increases process quality and output

− Saves development and engineering costs

− Reduces the energy consumption of your products

− Shortens time-to-market for your development project

− Saves headcount and resources in engineering and

software development

− Enhances Return on Assets (ROA)

The modular structure of the AC 800PEC control system

means it can adapt to any application size, from the largest

industrial plants and propulsion systems down to very

compact products where space and cost are critical.

All over the world, many thousands of processors are now

proving their worth in a wide variety of extremely demanding applications.

Built to control power – in industry, utilities and traction

ABB is a globally active company with full process know-how

in a wide field of industrial, utility, traction, marine and other

applications. As a result, the AC 800PEC is a key controller

for ABB’s own range of industrial applications, and also for

third party products and systems.

The AC 800PEC is an efficient and flexible controller family.

Thanks to its short cycle times, fast I/O, high processing

power and advanced control using MATLAB® / Simulink®, the

AC 800PEC:

− Increases process quality and output

− Saves development and engineering costs

− Reduces the energy consumption of your products

− Shortens time-to-market for your development project

− Saves headcount and resources in engineering and

software development

− Enhances Return on Assets (ROA)

The AC 800PEC, the ultimate approach for high demands

The AC 800PEC provides the unique combination of features

required in demanding applications:

− Short cycle times down to 100 μs

− High processing power

− Fast communication and I/O

− Programming tools:

− System engineering with IEC61131-3 languages using

ABB’s Control Builder, either as Compact or Profes sional version

− Product & control development using MATLAB® /

Simulink® for model-based design, easily bridging the

gap from simulation to implementation

− Full integration into ABB’s System 800xA

− Innovative and flexible use of FPGAs to include protocols

and application functionality in the devices without

creating additional processor load

− Optical communication

− Industrial grade hardware with no moving parts

− Long life cycle, easy upgrading

Can you imagine a process with a cycle time of less than 100 μs?

We can – and we’ve built the AC 800PEC to achieve it

High-performance applications with extremely fast control

algorithms – cycle times that range from 100 microseconds

for fast control loops to seconds for long-term operational

transients – require specialized control devices.

That is why we have designed the AC 800PEC, extending the

capabilities of ABB’s well-known ControlIT automation

technology to handle the very high-speed algorithms of

processes such as power electronics applications. We’ve

even gone a step further: now, a single processor unit

combines these high-speed controls with the low-speed

process control tasks usually carried out by separate PLC units.

To facilitate the implementation of control algorithms, the AC

800PEC can be programmed using MATLAB® / Simulink® –

the code is automatically generated from the model and can

be downloaded without manual interaction.

Embedded into a robust and flexible system structure with

integrated standard communication, the AC 800PEC is

unique in the field of industrial process controllers.