The ABB PFSK152 (Part Number: 3BSE018877R1) is a high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and signal concentrator board designed for precise industrial measurement systems. It is a critical component of the ABB Stressometer flatness control system, used primarily in metal rolling mills to ensure the highest quality of strip flatness. The module acts as a high-speed data acquisition and processing hub, interfacing directly with load cells and tension electronics to provide real-time feedback to the process control network.
Product Introduction
The PFSK152 is more than a simple I/O card; it is an intelligent processing unit that utilizes a dual-channel architecture, often combining DSP and FPGA technologies. This allows the board to handle the extremely high-speed sampling required for flatness measurement while simultaneously performing complex mathematical filtering and signal health management.
By connecting to the DSP-UP (Processing Unit), the PFSK152 consolidates multiple analog and digital inputs from field sensors, converts them into digital data packets, and transmits them via high-speed Ethernet or serial interfaces to the central Distributed Control System (DCS).
Product Parameters (Datasheet)
| Parameter | Specification |
| Model Number | PFSK152 / PFSK 152 |
| Product ID | 3BSE018877R1 (Legacy) / 3BSE018877R2 (Active) |
| Type | Signal Concentrator / DSP Processor Board |
| Analog Inputs | 2 or 4 channels (Typically for load cell signals) |
| Analog Outputs | 4 channels (Voltage or Current) |
| Digital Inputs | 8 channels (Control signals) |
| Digital Outputs | 8 channels (Status/Alarm) |
| Processor | DSP + FPGA Hybrid Architecture |
| Communication | Ethernet, RS-232, Serial interfaces |
| Supply Voltage | +24 V DC (for module and external units) |
| Max Current (Ext) | 0.5 A for external unit supply |
| Weight | 0.466 kg – 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | Approx. 170mm x 110mm x 35mm |
Country of Origin
- Origin: Sweden (SE) — Manufactured in ABB’s Force Measurement division in Malmö.
Application Areas
The PFSK152 is a specialized industrial tool found in high-precision force measurement environments:
- Metal Rolling Mills: Integrated into ABB Stressometer 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 systems to measure and control strip flatness in aluminum, steel, and copper mills.
- Web Tension Control: Used in paper and plastic film manufacturing to synchronize multiple tension load cells across a wide machine.
- High-Performance Simulation: Applied in control simulation environments where high-speed signal processing and low-latency feedback are required.
- Condition Monitoring: Utilized for real-time health management and event recording of multi-axis motion control systems.
Product Usage Instructions
1. Mechanical Installation
- The PFSK152 must be installed in a dedicated slot within the Stressometer control rack.
- Ensure the power is completely disconnected before insertion to prevent damage to the ZYNQ-series SOC or backplane pins.
- The board uses specific rectangular connectors (typically 115-pin or 135-pin sub-cards) for field wiring; ensure these are locked into place.
2. Electrical Wiring
- Load Cell Connections: Connect the excitation current lines to the load cells. Ensure the shielding is correctly grounded to prevent EMI from affecting the sensitive analog inputs.
- Networking: Use the onboard Ethernet port for connection to the mill’s local control network for remote loading and online upgrades.
3. Zero Set and Calibration
- Before the production run, use the DCS interface to perform a Zero Set. This clears the pre-fault “false” differential current values caused by mechanical tare weights.
- Calibrate the analog outputs (0-10V or 4-20mA) to match the tension range of the specific rolling mill configuration.
4. Maintenance
- The module supports “Remote Loading” and “Health Management.” Use the ABB diagnostic software to check for “Differential Current” errors, which may indicate a failing cable or load cell.
Product Technical 说明 (Technical Details)
The PFSK152 is designed for deterministic reliability. In the event of a line short circuit, the board detects the voltage drop to approximately zero and freezes the pre-fault differential current value. This prevents the bias current from causing stability issues in the flatness control loop. Its integration with ZYNQ series SOCs enables it to manage over 64 motion axes within a single millisecond cycle, making it one of the fastest signal concentrators in the ABB catalog.
Product Q&A (Common Questions)
Q: What is the difference between 3BSE018877R1 and 3BSE018877R2? A: The R2 is the modern replacement for the R1. While they are functionally compatible, the R2 often features updated SOC components and improved firmware for better Ethernet switching and health management.
Q: Does this board require a fan for cooling? A: No, the PFSK152 is designed for passive convection within an ABB control cabinet, provided the ambient temperature does with not exceed 55°C.
Q: Can this board be used with third-party load cells? A: It is optimized for ABB Pressductor® technology and Stressometer rolls. Using it with non-ABB load cells may require specialized signal conditioning and custom firmware.
Q: How do I perform a firmware upgrade? A: The board supports Online Upgrades via the Ethernet port using the ABB Freelance or 800xA engineering toolset.
Q: What should I check if the “Health Management” system flags an error? A: Check the insulation resistance of the excitation cables and the line capacitance. High capacitance can lead to “false” differential currents that the PFSK152 must compensate for.
Summary of Compatible Spare Parts
| Part Number | Description |
| 3BSE018876R1 | PFSK151 – Auxiliary Signal Board |
| 3BSE006505R1 | PFSK142 – Control Unit |
| 3BSE009514R1 | PFSK160A – Processor Board |
| 3BSE015088R1 | PFSK162 – Communication Card |






