Description
ABB PFXA401SF (3BSE024388R4) – PROFIBUS DP Single‑Mode Fiber Link Adapter for Long‑Distance, Noise‑Immune Fieldbus
The ABB PFXA401SF, order code 3BSE024388R4, is a field-proven fiber optic adapter used to extend PROFIBUS DP segments over single‑mode fiber. From my experience, plants add this unit where electrical RS‑485 cabling struggles with EMC, long cable runs, or mixed grounding. It sits in the control cabinet, bridges copper PROFIBUS DP to optical fiber, and keeps the rest of your network architecture intact—no changes to PLC logic. You might notice that it’s especially handy in brownfield upgrades where you need a drop‑in solution to push an existing DP segment much further with stable timings.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Lead time: In-stock items ship in about 1 week; no more than 1 month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
- Express: FedEx, UPS, DHL
- Tested before shipment: Functional check and visual inspection, anti‑static packaging
Key Features
- Single‑mode fiber extension for PROFIBUS DP – Typically deployed when you need reliable communication over long distances or across high‑noise areas.
- Electrical to optical isolation – Breaks ground loops and reduces EMC susceptibility on RS‑485 copper runs.
- Transparent to the PLC/DCS – No application changes; it appears as a standard DP link component to controllers and devices.
- DIN‑rail cabinet mounting – Fits standard TS‑35 rails for fast installation alongside existing I/O and network gear.
- Industrial power input – 24 VDC supply typical for control cabinets.
- Designed for ABB ecosystems – Commonly used with ABB PROFIBUS DP networks in Freelance/800xA environments, and compatible with multi‑vendor DP devices in most cases.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | ABB PFXA401SF, Order code 3BSE024388R4 |
| Function | PROFIBUS DP electrical (RS‑485) to single‑mode fiber optic adapter/link |
| HS Code | 8517.62 – Data transmission apparatus (typical classification for industrial communication interfaces) |
| Power Requirements | 24 VDC nominal (control cabinet supply) |
| Operating Temperature | Typically 0 to +55°C in enclosed cabinets (confirm exact rating from ABB datasheet) |
| Signal I/O Types | PROFIBUS DP (RS‑485 copper); Single‑mode fiber optic link |
| Communication Interfaces | PROFIBUS DP segment interface; fiber optic SM interface for long‑distance runs |
| Installation Method | DIN‑rail (TS‑35) cabinet mounting, front access for wiring |
| Form Factor | Compact module sized for standard control panels; light weight for easy rail support |
Application Fields
Plants typically deploy the PFXA401SF wherever PROFIBUS must cross long distances or harsh electrical environments. Common cases include:
- Process automation (refining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals) where cabinets are far from field skids
- Water & wastewater facilities connecting remote pump stations or clarifiers
- Metals, mining and cement, where VFDs and heavy machinery create significant EMI
- Power generation and utilities – turbine halls to control rooms over single‑mode fiber
- Food & beverage lines with distributed PROFIBUS nodes across multiple halls
A maintenance engineer told us they swapped copper for fiber after intermittent DP faults near large drives; the PFXA401SF stabilized the segment without touching device parameters—just a tidy cabinet rewire and it ran for months with zero retries logged.
Advantages & Value
- Reliability – Optical isolation helps reduce CRC errors and bus resets in noisy areas.
- Compatibility – Works within ABB PROFIBUS DP networks and, in many cases, mixed‑vendor DP topologies.
- Cost control – Extends existing DP infrastructure over fiber without replacing PLCs, remote I/O, or device GSDs.
- Simple lifecycle – Standard 24 VDC supply, DIN‑rail mounting, and straightforward wiring save installation time.
- Technical support – Documentation and diagnostics align with common ABB fieldbus practices, easing commissioning.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet environment – Mount on TS‑35 rail in a clean, ventilated enclosure; keep ambient within typical control‑room ranges and avoid direct heat sources.
- Wiring tips – Use shielded PROFIBUS cable on the copper side; maintain proper termination. Route fiber away from sharp bends; observe minimum bend radius for single‑mode.
- Grounding & EMC – Bond shields at designated points; separate power and signal wiring. Fiber side provides galvanic isolation, which usually helps in high‑noise bays.
- Commissioning – Verify DP baud rate and segment planning; check optical power with a light meter if available to confirm link budget.
- Routine maintenance – Periodically clean fiber connectors, inspect for cable stress, and log DP diagnostics. Firmware updates are rarely needed for passive link adapters, but if supported, schedule during planned outages.
- Safety – De‑energize 24 VDC before wiring; use ESD protection when handling electronics; cap fiber connectors when not in use.
Quality & Certifications
- Certifications – CE and RoHS compliance are typical for ABB industrial networking components; manufacturing under ISO 9001 quality systems.
- Warranty – 12 months (365 days) replacement/repair support as stated above.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.