Specifying the right component is the first step; successful installation and integration are what lead to a reliable system. For engineers and technicians working with ABB Unitrol® or Modcell® controllers, integrating the ABB VBX01TA Bus Extender is a straightforward process when following a structured approach. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step overview of the physical installation, cabling, and system integration of the VBX01TA module.
Pre-Installation: Planning and Precautions
Warning: All installation and maintenance work must be performed by qualified personnel trained in electrical safety and the specific control system. Always de-energize the equipment before starting work.
Step 1: Verify Compatibility
Before procurement, confirm that the VBX01TA module is compatible with your specific controller model (e.g., Unitrol® 1020) and its firmware version. Consult the product manual or contact ABB support to avoid compatibility issues.
Step 2: Gather Required Materials
You will need:
- The ABB VBX01TA Bus Extender module.
- An expansion chassis (e.g., a Modcell 15 expansion unit) with a compatible backplane.
- The specialized shielded bus extension cable designed for this purpose (check the manual for the specific part number, e.g., a cable with Fischer or LEMO connectors).
- Appropriate tools for mounting the chassis.
Step-by-Step Installation Procedure
Step 1: Mount the Expansion Chassis
Securely mount the empty expansion chassis in the desired location within the control cabinet or an adjacent cabinet. Ensure there is adequate space for airflow and future maintenance access.
Step 2: De-energize the Main Controller
Completely power down the main controller chassis. This is a critical safety step.
Step 3: Install the VBX01TA Module in the Main Chassis
- Locate the dedicated slot for the bus extender module in the main Unitrol/Modcell chassis. This is typically a specific slot designated for this function (refer to the hardware manual).
- Carefully insert the VBX01TA module into this slot, ensuring it is firmly seated in the backplane connector.
Step 4: Install a Termination Module in the Expansion Chassis
The expansion chassis will require a termination module (often called a "BT" or Bus Termination module) to be installed in the corresponding slot. This module terminates the extended bus signal. Consult the expansion chassis manual for the correct module and slot.
Step 5: Connect the Bus Extension Cable
- Route the shielded bus cable between the main chassis and the expansion chassis. Avoid running the cable parallel to high-voltage power cables to prevent electrical noise interference.
- Connect one end of the cable securely to the port on the front of the VBX01TA module.
- Connect the other end to the port on the termination module in the expansion chassis.
- Ensure the connectors are fully seated and, if applicable, screwed down to the mating connector for a secure connection.
Step 6: Power Up and System Integration
1. Apply Power
Re-energize the main controller chassis first, followed by the expansion chassis if it has a separate power supply.
2. System Recognition
The main controller's CPU will automatically recognize the VBX01TA module and the extended bus during its startup self-test. It will then scan the expansion chassis and identify any I/O modules installed there.
3. Software Configuration (Engineering Tool)
- Connect your engineering laptop running the appropriate ABB software (e.g., Toolkit 600 for Unitrol) to the controller.
- In the hardware configuration of your project, you now need to add the expansion chassis and define the I/O modules you have installed in it.
- The software will provide a graphical representation of the system, showing the main chassis connected via the VBX01TA to the expansion chassis.
- You can then assign I/O addresses and integrate the new points into your control logic, just as you would with local modules.
Best Practices and Troubleshooting Tips
- Grounding: Ensure both the main and expansion chassis are properly grounded according to ABB's guidelines.
- Cable Integrity: Do not kink or damage the bus extension cable. A damaged cable can cause communication errors and system instability.
- Module Handling: Always handle electronic modules with care, using an ESD (electrostatic discharge) wrist strap if possible.
Conclusion
Installing the ABB VBX01TA Bus Extender is a systematic process that, when executed correctly, seamlessly expands the capabilities of your control system. By following these hardware installation and software configuration steps, you can reliably scale your ABB Unitrol or Modcell system to meet new challenges, ensuring long-term performance and adaptability.
