The ABB PFEA112-20 (3BSE030369R0020) is a high-precision tension electronics controller designed for demanding industrial applications such as paper, plastic, and textile processing. This compact, rail-mounted version is engineered to process signals from tension load cells, providing accurate web tension measurement to ensure product quality and prevent material breakage. It features advanced digital filtering and user-friendly configuration tools to stabilize tension control in high-speed manufacturing environments.
Product Specifications
Technical Parameters
- Model Designation: PFEA112-20
- Product ID: 3BSE030369R0020
- Manufacturer: ABB
- Device Type: Tension Electronics (Compact Version)
- Number of Load Cell Inputs: 2 channels
- Output Signals: 0-10 V / 0-20 mA / 4-20 mA (Configurable)
- Display: Integrated 4-digit LED display for real-time monitoring
- Protection Class: IP20
Physical Datasheet
- Dimensions: 110mm x 45mm x 115mm
- Weight: 0.35 kg
- Country of Origin: Sweden
- Mounting: Standard DIN Rail (35mm)
- Supply Voltage: 24 V DC (18–36 V DC range)
Application Fields
The PFEA112-20 is essential in industries where web tension must be strictly monitored:
- Pulp & Paper: Monitoring tension on paper machines and winders.
- Converting: Precise control for laminating, coating, and printing processes.
- Metal Processing: Managing tension in thin-foil rolling mills.
- Textile Industry: Ensuring uniform tension during fabric weaving and finishing.
Product Usage Instructions
- Mounting: Clip the unit onto a standard DIN rail inside a ventilated control cabinet. Ensure adequate spacing for heat dissipation.
- Wiring: Connect the load cells to the input terminals following the specific wiring diagram for your sensor model. Connect the 24V DC power supply to the designated power terminals.
- Calibration: Perform a “Zero Set” with no tension on the rollers. Follow with a “Span Calibration” by applying a known weight or tension to the load cells to calibrate the output signal.
- Signal Output: Configure the analog output (e.g., 4-20mA) to interface with your PLC or Drive system for closed-loop tension control.
- Diagnostics: Use the front-panel display to check for error codes if signal drift or communication loss occurs.

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the PFEA111 and PFEA112-20? A: The PFEA112-20 includes additional features such as a PROFIBUS-DP interface for digital communication, whereas the PFEA111 is primarily an analog-based controller.
Q: Can I use this with non-ABB load cells? A: While optimized for ABB’s Pressductor® technology, it can often be interfaced with other strain-gauge based sensors, though technical parameters must be matched carefully.
Q: Where can I get technical support or a quote for this specific model? A: You can access detailed technical support and procurement information through our ABB PFEA112-20 3BSE030369R0020 Resource Center.
Product Related News
As global manufacturing shifts toward Industry 4.0, the ABB PFEA series remains a cornerstone for digitalized web-tension solutions. Recent industry updates highlight a surge in the integration of the PFEA112-20 into smart packaging lines, where high-speed data transmission via PROFIBUS is used to reduce material waste by up to 15%. ABB continues to support these modules as part of their commitment to sustainable manufacturing, providing firmware updates that improve signal processing speeds to handle the ultra-thin, biodegradable materials becoming common in the packaging sector. Maintenance providers emphasize that keeping these units updated ensures long-term stability and reduces the risk of costly downtime in continuous-flow production environments.
