The ABB SACO 64D4 (ordering code AA358) is a high-density digital annunciator unit designed for the centralized supervision of discrete process signals. As part of the SPACOM system, it is engineered to provide clear visual and audible signaling for up to 64 independent alarm channels, making it a standard choice for large-scale power plant control rooms and electrical substations.
Technical Functionality
The SACO 64D4 operates by monitoring dry contacts or voltage-coded inputs. Each of the 64 channels features an independent LED indicator on the front panel. The unit processes incoming alarms through user-selectable signaling sequences (such as ISA standard sequences) and coordinates with internal or external sirens. It includes sophisticated event-recording capabilities, storing the chronological order of alarms with millisecond resolution to assist in post-fault analysis.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Model | SACO 64D4 |
| Ordering Code | AA358 |
| Input Channels | 64 Digital Channels |
| Indicator Type | LED (Standard Green/Red/Yellow options) |
| Communication | SPA-bus protocol (Serial or Fiber-optic) |
| Auxiliary Supply | 80–265 V AC/DC or 18–60 V DC |
| Event Register | Stores last 50 events with time tags |
| Mounting | 19″ Rack-mount (4U height) |
Operational Precautions
- Configuration Switch Settings: The alarm sequences and delay times are set via internal DIP switches. Ensure the unit is powered down before adjusting these to prevent logic errors during initialization.
- Input Filtering: The unit includes adjustable hardware and software filters to eliminate “contact bounce.” For high-vibration environments, increase the input delay (e.g., to 100 ms) to avoid nuisance tripping.
- Power Supply Polarity: When using the 18–60 V DC variant, verify the wiring polarity at the rear terminals; incorrect connection can damage the internal DC/DC converter module.
Common Questions Q&A
Q: Can the SACO 64D4 be linked to a central SCADA system? A: Yes. Using the integrated SPA-bus port, the unit can be networked to a remote station. For modern Ethernet-based systems, a SPA-ZC series gateway is required to convert the signal to IEC 61850 or Modbus TCP.
Q: Is it possible to use different alarm sequences for different channels? A: No, the signaling sequence (e.g., manual or automatic reset) is typically global for the entire 64-channel block, though individual channel delays can sometimes be customized.
Recommended Similar Models
- SACO 16D1: A compact 16-channel digital annunciator for smaller sub-panels.
- SACO 16A3: The analog equivalent for monitoring continuous 4–20 mA signals.
- SPA-ZC 22: A communication interface module for integrating SACO units into fiber networks.
- SACO 64D4-2: A variant with specialized field-contact voltage requirements.
- SPAC 310 C: A feeder protection unit that incorporates basic annunciation features.
Technical specifications and inventory details for the ABB SACO 64D4 AA358 are available through our current industrial automation catalog.



