ABB DSPC170 57310001-GL – High-Performance Drive Control Processor for Industrial Automation

If you’re working on maintaining or upgrading ABB’s industrial drive systems—especially in legacy ACS 600 or early ACS 800 series setups—the DSPC170 module tends to come up pretty frequently. This particular variant, 57310001-GL, is a control processor card that acts as the brain within the DCS (Drive Control System) platform. From my experience supporting plant engineers, it’s often the go-to replacement when dealing with communication faults, sluggish response times, or firmware instability in older drives.

Key Features

• Digital Signal Processing Core: Built around a dedicated DSP architecture, which handles real-time motor control algorithms efficiently. One thing I appreciate is how consistently it manages torque regulation even under fluctuating loads.
• Integrated Communication Interfaces: Supports optical fiber links (FOB) for connection to other modules like DMIO and DSCO cards. In most cases, this reduces electrical noise interference compared to copper-based signaling.
• Firmware Flexibility: Can be updated via service tools like DriveWindow Light or directly through the RMIO interface. Some users report smoother tuning after updating from older versions.
• Robust Diagnostics: Includes built-in LED indicators for status monitoring—RUN, RDY, COMM, and FAULT—which make field troubleshooting significantly faster than guessing with multimeters.
• Backward Compatibility: Designed to fit into existing DCS cabinets without adapter modifications. Typically used in retrofitting projects where full system upgrades aren’t cost-effective.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

You’ll typically find this board deployed in environments where reliable motor speed and torque control are critical—think paper mills, extrusion lines, conveyor systems, and HVAC drives in large commercial buildings. It appears that many water treatment plants still rely on these modules due to their proven durability over long operational cycles. While newer models have more advanced connectivity, the DSPC170 remains relevant in facilities running older ABB ACS drives because replacing entire cabinets can run into tens of thousands—something procurement teams tend to avoid unless absolutely necessary.

Advantages & Value

From a sourcing standpoint, keeping spares of this model makes sense—especially if your maintenance team supports multiple legacy installations. The compatibility across several generations of ABB drives means one spare unit can cover multiple machines. In many cases, downtime costs far exceed the price of holding inventory, so having a tested DSPC170 on hand reduces risk. Also worth noting: firmware files are widely available, and integration with standard ABB service tools simplifies commissioning.

Installation & Maintenance

When installing, make sure the DCS cabinet meets IP20 standards at minimum, with adequate ventilation—overheating tends to shorten the life of onboard capacitors. Always discharge static before handling; I’ve seen more than one unit fail post-installation due to ESD damage. Use only clean fiber optic connectors—dirt or scratches on the FOB cables can cause intermittent communication errors that look like processor faults. For maintenance, periodic visual inspection of LEDs during routine checks helps catch issues early. Firmware updates should be done cautiously—only when needed—and always backed up beforehand using DriveWindow.

Quality & Certifications

This module complies with CE, UL, and RoHS directives, reflecting ABB’s adherence to international safety and environmental standards. Each unit undergoes functional testing prior to shipment. The warranty period is 365 days from date of delivery—covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. That said, damage from incorrect installation, power surges, or physical impact isn’t covered, so proper handling matters.

Order Placement & Delivery

Most units ship within one week if in stock. For out-of-stock items, lead time typically doesn’t exceed four weeks. We accept payment via 50% advance, balance before dispatch. Full payment required for express delivery. Standard shipping methods include FedEx, UPS, and DHL—ideal for urgent replacements overseas. You might notice that some suppliers quote longer lead times, but we maintain active channels for legacy ABB parts, which helps reduce wait periods significantly.