Description
- Model: ABB PFEA113-20 (3BSE028144R0020)
- Brand: ABB (Sweden)
- Series: Tension Electronics PFEA Series
- Core Function: High-precision web tension measurement and processing
- Type: Tension Electronics Unit (IP20 version)
- Key Specs: 24 V DC Power | 4 load cell inputs | Profibus-DP Communication
- Input Voltage: 24 V DC (18 – 36 V DC range)
- Power Consumption: 8 W maximum
- Load Cell Inputs: Supports up to 4 ABB Load Cells (PFCL, PFTL series)
- Analog Outputs: 2 x 0-10 V / 4-20 mA (Configurable)
- Digital Inputs: 2 x 24 V DC (for zero setting/gain)
- Communication Protocol: Profibus-DP (up to 12 Mbit/s)
- Display: Integrated 2 x 16 character backlit LCD
- Accuracy: 0.05% of rated capacity
- Protection Rating: IP20 (Cabinet mounted)
- Operating Temperature: 0 to +55 °C

ABB PFEA113-20 3BSE028144R0020
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
In high-speed web processing industries like paper manufacturing or metal foiling, even a 0.5% deviation in tension can lead to a web break. When a web breaks, you’re not just losing material; you’re looking at hours of re-threading and cleaning. If your PFEA113-20 fails, the tension control loop opens, and the machine stops. Finding this specific version with Profibus-DP support on a short lead time is often the difference between a minor delay and a disastrous week of downtime.
Typical Application Scenarios:
- Paper and Board Mills Used on the dry end of the paper machine to ensure consistent winding tension, preventing telescoping rolls or core crushed.
- Metal Processing Monitoring tension in aluminum or steel foil rolling mills where precise force measurement is critical to prevent material deformation.
- Converting & Printing Managing tension across multiple rollers in high-speed printing presses to maintain color registration and prevent wrinkles.
- Textile Industry Controlling the let-off and take-up of fabric rolls in dyeing and finishing ranges.
Case Study: The 2:00 AM Web Break
Background: A large paper mill in East China experienced intermittent “Tension Deviation” alarms on their main winder. Eventually, the signal dropped entirely. Problem: The existing PFEA113-20 unit had a faulty analog output stage. The mill didn’t have a spare with the Profibus-DP interface, and the local OEM quoted a 10-week lead time. Solution: They reached out to us at 9:00 PM. We verified the 3BSE028144R0020 model in our inventory and performed a live power-on test. By 11:00 PM, the unit was with the courier. Result: The part arrived at 10:00 AM the next day. The site engineer swapped the unit, reloaded the Profibus address via the front panel, and had the winder running by noon. Total downtime: 14 hours vs. a potential 10 weeks.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Original Model | Replacement Model | Compatibility | Key Difference | Modification | Cost Impact |
| PFEA113-20 | PFEA113-65 | ⚠️ Software Compatible | IP65 Housing version | Needs external mounting | +25% |
| PFEA113-20 | PFEA111-20 | ❌ Incompatible | No Profibus support | Cannot use in bus systems | -30% |
| PFEA113-20 | PFEA113-20 (Newer Rev) | ✅ Direct Replace | Updated firmware | None (Verify GSD file) | Same |
Pro-Tip: If you are moving from an older PFEA111 (standard) to a PFEA113 (Profibus), you can’t just swap them. The PFEA113 requires a GSD file for your PLC (like S7-400 or AC800M) to recognize the device on the network.

ABB PFEA113-20 3BSE028144R0020
Troubleshooting Quick Reference
| Symptom | Potential Cause | Part Relevance | Quick Check | Action |
| Display Blank | No 24V supply | ❌ Low | Measure Terminals X1:1 & X1:2 | Check fuse/power supply |
| “Load Cell Error” | Cable break/Short | ⚠️ Medium | Measure resistance of load cell | Check wiring at X2/X3 |
| Profibus BF LED Red | Wrong Bus Address | ✅ High | Check address in menu vs. PLC | Match address via front keys |
| Fluctuating Signal | Grounding issue | ⚠️ Medium | Check shield continuity | Ensure single-point ground |
| “CPU Fail” on LCD | Internal Hardware | ✅ High | Cycle power; check if error persists | Replace PFEA113 unit |
Engineer’s Advice on Replacement: Before you pull the old unit out, photograph the wiring! These terminal blocks are dense. Also, scroll through the menu on the old unit (if it still powers up) and write down the “Nominal Load” and “Gain” settings. It makes commissioning the new unit take 5 minutes instead of an hour of calibration.

ABB PFEA113-20 3BSE028144R0020
Quality Assurance SOP
We treat these electronics as precision instruments, not just “parts.” Our testing process includes:
- Incoming Inspection: We verify the 3BSE028144R0020 label against the internal firmware version. We check for any signs of board-level repairs or heat stress.
- Functional Live Test: The unit is mounted on our ABB test rack. We use a load cell simulator to sweep the input from 0 to 100% and verify the output on a calibrated Fluke 87V multimeter.
- Communication Check: We connect the unit to a Siemens S7-300 test PLC via Profibus to ensure the handshake is successful and data cyclic exchange is stable.
- Physical Integrity: We ensure all terminal screws are present and the LCD backlight is crisp and legible.
- Final Packing: The unit is placed in an ESD-shielded bag, wrapped in heavy-duty bubble wrap, and boxed for international transit.
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