Description

Technical Specifications

• Product Model: PCD231 B:PEC80-CCI (PCD231B101)
• Order Number: 3BHE025541R0101
• Brand: ABB
• Warranty: One Year
• Product Type: Excitation Control Module / Converter Control Interface (CCI)
• Platform: AC 800PEC, PEC80 form factor
• Input Voltage: +24 V DC
• Operating Temperature: –20 °C to +55 °C
• Storage Temperature: –40 °C to +85 °C
• Response Time: < 100 µs (real-time converter firing loop)
• Protection Class: IP20 (cabinet-mounted module)
• Accuracy Class: Field current regulation ±0.5 % of rated value (typical)
• Output Frequency: Converter firing pulse rate up to several kHz (rectifier-dependent)
• Rated Current Range: Not applicable (control module); field current monitored via 10 V DC analog output
• Communication Interface: Fiber-optic / high-speed serial link to AC 800PEC master controller
• Supported Protocols: ABB AC 800PEC internal bus; MODBUS, PROFIBUS DP, and Ethernet via system controller
• Overload Capacity: Not applicable (signal-level control module)
• Dimensions: 73.5 mm (W) × 373 mm (H) × 142 mm (D)
• Weight: 1.43 kg (net)
• 

Product Overview

The PCD231 B:PEC80-CCI (3BHE025541R0101) is an ABB excitation control module and Converter Control Interface (CCI) engineered for the UNITROL 6000 X-power static excitation system. Built on the AC 800PEC platform in a PEC80 form factor, it serves as the real-time control bridge between the system master controller and the thyristor rectifier bridges, generating precise firing pulses that regulate field current in synchronous generators and motors. The module combines high-speed DSP and FPGA processing to execute current-loop and voltage-regulation algorithms with sub-millisecond response, supporting both single-channel and dual-redundant excitation architectures. It accepts setpoints and configuration from the AC 800PEC master over a fiber-optic or high-speed serial link, and returns measured field current through a 10 V DC analog output for monitoring and protection. Power-plant and industrial-drive engineers use it in steam, gas, and hydro turbine excitation systems, synchronous motor drives, and SVC / synchronous condenser installations where stable field-current control directly determines generator terminal voltage, reactive-power sharing, and grid-code compliance.

Role in the UNITROL 6000 Excitation System

The PCD231 CCI sits in the control chain between the supervisory controller and the power hardware:

1. AC 800PEC master controller runs AVR (automatic voltage regulator), VAR/PF control, and limit functions.
2. PCD231 CCI module receives the desired field-current setpoint and generates timed gate pulses for each thyristor in the rectifier bridge.
3. Rectifier bridge converts the three-phase AC supply into controlled DC field current.
4. Field winding of the synchronous machine receives the regulated current, establishing the magnetic field that determines terminal voltage.

Each rectifier bridge in a UNITROL 6000 cabinet is typically paired with one PCD231 CCI, allowing multi-bridge parallel operation for high-field-current machines.