ABB DSBB175 – High-Performance Drive Communication Board for Industrial Automation

If you’re integrating ABB drives into a larger control system—especially in manufacturing or process environments—the DSBB175 is one board that tends to fly under the radar but plays a critical role. It’s not the main drive module, but rather the communication backbone that allows your ACS800 or similar ABB drive to talk reliably over DeviceNet. From my experience, it’s often the missing link when legacy systems need stable I/O handling without jumping to full Ethernet/IP.

Key Features

• DeviceNet Integration – Enables seamless connection between ABB ACS800 series drives and DeviceNet networks, which is still widely used in material handling and conveyor systems.
• Hot-Swappable Design – You might notice that in many cases, maintenance downtime drops significantly because you can replace or install this board without powering down the entire drive cabinet.
• Diagnostics Support – Built-in LED indicators make troubleshooting faster. One thing I appreciate is how clearly it signals network status, node address conflicts, or communication faults.
• Robust Data Throughput – Supports data rates up to 500 kbps, which typically handles most discrete automation tasks without lag, especially in packaging lines or fan/pump arrays.
• Backward Compatibility – Works with older ABB drive firmware versions, though upgrading to the latest usually unlocks better error logging and cyclic I/O mapping.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

The DSBB175 shows up most often in conveyor-based systems—think automotive assembly lines, airport baggage handling, or food processing plants where timing and coordination matter. It’s also common in retrofits where older PLCs use DeviceNet but newer drives need integration. In some cases, customers have used it as a cost-effective alternative to full Profibus or Ethernet modules when high-speed isn’t critical.

Advantages & Value

Procurement teams tend to like this board because it extends the life of existing DeviceNet infrastructure. You’re not forced into a full network overhaul just to upgrade drives. Plus, since it’s an OEM ABB part, compatibility issues are rare—something third-party clones can’t always claim. Firmware updates are handled through the drive itself, so no separate tooling is required. Over time, that reduces support overhead.

Installation & Maintenance

Install only in enclosed drive cabinets meeting IP54 or higher—this isn’t a standalone field device. Make sure ventilation around the drive is adequate, especially if operating near 60°C. When plugging in the board, align the pins carefully; force-fitting damages the backplane. One tip: set the node address using the DIP switches before power-up to avoid bus conflicts. For maintenance, check connection integrity every six months, and verify network health through the drive’s built-in diagnostics menu. Firmware updates should be done during scheduled stops—it appears that skipping them rarely causes failure, but they do improve error reporting.

Quality & Certifications

The DSBB175 carries CE, UL, and RoHS compliance—standard for ABB industrial electronics. It’s designed and tested to meet IEC 61800-3 for adjustable speed electrical power drive systems. Warranty is 365 days from date of shipment, covering defects in materials and workmanship. No extended warranty is available, but failure rates are low—typically under 2% over three years based on field reports.

Our Order Placement Process & Guarantees

We keep select units in stock for immediate dispatch. Delivery takes about one week if available; otherwise, no more than four weeks. Payment requires 50% upfront, with the balance due before shipment. We ship via FedEx, UPS, or DHL depending on destination and urgency. Units are double-boxed with anti-static protection—especially important for sensitive control boards like this one.