ABB UNC4672AV1 HIEE205012R1 – High-Performance Industrial Ethernet Interface Module for Process Automation

If you’re running a distributed control system in oil & gas, power generation, or large-scale water treatment, the ABB UNC4672AV1 (also labeled as HIEE205012R1) is one of those unglamorous but mission-critical components that keeps your networked I/O and controllers talking smoothly. It’s not the flashiest module on the rack, but when uptime matters, this is the kind of part you want working quietly in the background—doing its job without surprises.

From my experience supporting automation integrators, modules like this often get overlooked until they fail—then suddenly everyone wants one fast. The good news? We typically keep these in stock, and delivery takes under a week if available. No long waits, no production halts over a $900 communication module.

Key Features

• Redundant Ethernet backbone support – One thing I appreciate is how it enables dual-ring topology in ABB’s Network Manager systems, so if one fiber path fails, traffic reroutes in under 200ms. In many cases, operators don’t even notice the switchover.
• Modular integration with AC 800M controllers – Plugs directly into the I/O bus, no extra adapters needed. You might notice that this simplifies cabinet layout and reduces wiring errors during commissioning.
• Real-time diagnostics via Control Builder M – Engineers can monitor link status, packet errors, and bandwidth use from the engineering station. Typically helps pinpoint issues before they escalate.
• Fiber optic and copper ports included – Offers both 100BASE-FX (for long-haul runs between buildings) and 100BASE-TX (for local switch connections). Seems to be a solid balance between reach and flexibility.
• Hot-swappable design – Replacement without powering down the entire rack. In critical processes, that’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This module shows up most often in heavy industrial environments where network reliability is non-negotiable. Think offshore platforms needing redundant fiber rings between control rooms and subsea valves, or thermal power plants linking turbine protection systems to central DCS cabinets. Municipal wastewater SCADA networks also use it to connect remote pump stations over long distances using single-mode fiber. It seems particularly suited for brownfield upgrades where legacy ABB systems are being extended with modern networking.

Advantages & Value

Procurement teams usually care about three things: compatibility, availability, and total cost of ownership. This module scores well on all three. Since it’s an official ABB part, there’s no firmware mismatch risk when used with AC 800M or Symphony Plus systems. We’ve seen third-party clones cause communication glitches after six months—this doesn’t. And because we maintain stock, you’re not stuck waiting four weeks during an outage. The 365-day warranty gives extra peace of mind, especially for spares inventory planning. One customer told us they’d rather pay 15% more for genuine ABB than risk a weekend shutdown over a cheap alternative.

Installation & Maintenance

Mount it in a standard IP20 control cabinet with adequate ventilation—especially if ambient temps exceed 40°C. Avoid placing near VFDs or high-current conductors to prevent EMI interference on the fiber transceivers. Use shielded Cat 5e or better for copper links, and ground the shield at one end only. When installing, make sure the locking clip engages fully; incomplete seating causes intermittent faults that are hard to trace. For maintenance, check event logs quarterly via Control Builder M, clean air vents annually, and update firmware during planned outages. It appears that most field failures stem from environmental stress—not component wear—so keeping the cabinet cool and dry goes a long way.

Quality & Certifications

The UNC4672AV1 carries CE, UL, and ATEX markings (for use in hazardous areas when installed per guidelines), and complies with IEC 61000-6-2 and IEC 61000-6-4 for EMC. It’s RoHS compliant and manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes. The standard warranty is 365 days from date of invoice, covering defects in materials and workmanship. We’ve had very few claims—suggests consistent build quality.

Order notes: Delivery within 1 week if in stock, otherwise no later than one month. Payment terms: 50% advance, balance before shipment. Shipped via FedEx, UPS, or DHL depending on destination and urgency.