ABB DSCS 116 Communication Processor Board

The ABB DSCS 116 (part number 57310001-ML) is a high-performance Communication Processor Board designed for the ABB MasterPiece 200 and Advant OCS (Open Control System) architectures. It functions as a specialized gateway and processor that manages the heavy data traffic between the central processing unit and various peripheral bus systems. By offloading communication tasks from the main CPU, the DSCS 116 ensures high-speed data integrity and deterministic system response times in complex industrial networks.

Technical Specifications and Datasheet

The following specifications define the physical and operational parameters for the DSCS 116 communication module.

Part Number: 57310001-ML / DSCS 116
Dimensions (H x W x D): 233 mm x 160 mm x 20 mm (Standard Eurocard)
Weight: 0.48 kg
Country of Origin: Sweden (SE)
Processor Type: Dedicated high-speed communication controller
Power Consumption: Typically 5V / 1.5A from the backplane
Operating Temperature: +5°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
Interface Protocols: MasterBus 300, AF100, and RCOM (Application dependent)

Application Fields

This processor board is a staple in large-scale legacy automation systems that require robust networking.

Power Plant Automation: Managing high-speed data exchange between turbine controllers and the central monitoring station.
Oil & Gas Refineries: Facilitating long-distance communication across distributed safety and control nodes.
Metals and Pulp/Paper Mills: Coordinating synchronized drive controls and complex logic sequences across the factory floor.
Chemical Processing: Ensuring reliable data logging and real-time process adjustments in hazardous environments.

Usage Instructions

To ensure the reliability of the DSCS 116 within your control system, follow these standard procedures:

Slot Assignment: The DSCS 116 must be inserted into a specific communication slot on the MasterPiece subrack. Consult your system’s hardware configuration diagram before installation.
Handling: This board contains sensitive CMOS electronic components. Use an ESD-protected environment and always wear a grounded wrist strap when handling the unit.
Address Configuration: Before powering up, verify that the hardware address (DIP switches or jumpers) on the board matches the software configuration in the Advant or Master engineer station.
Cable Termination: Ensure that all communication bus cables are properly terminated with the correct impedance resistors to prevent signal reflections and data errors.

Common Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Q: Can a DSCS 116 be replaced while the system is under power? A: No. Unlike modern “hot-swap” modules, the DSCS 116 requires the subrack power to be turned off before removal or insertion to prevent electrical damage to the backplane.

Q: What do the LED indicators on the front panel represent? A: Typically, a green LED indicates “Run/OK,” while a red or yellow LED indicates a “Fault” or “Halt” condition. If the Fault LED is blinking, it often indicates a configuration mismatch or a communication timeout.

Q: Is the DSCS 116 compatible with the newer AC800M controllers? A: The DSCS 116 belongs to the Master/Advant OCS family. To communicate with AC800M systems, you would typically need a bridge or gateway, as they use different internal bus architectures.

Q: How do I backup the configuration on this board? A: The configuration is usually stored in the central CPU’s non-volatile memory or on a separate memory card within the rack. When a new DSCS 116 is installed, the CPU downloads the necessary parameters to the board during the boot sequence.