ABB TC570 3BSE001458R1

Product Overview

TC570 is a key communication hardware component in the ABB Advant Master distributed process control system. 3BSE001458R1 is defined as the Master Fieldbus Connection Unit. The core function is to serve as the physical interface and protocol gateway between the Advant Controller 410/450 series controllers and the Advant Fieldbus network.

In the system architecture of Advant Master, the controller is responsible for executing the core control logic, while a large number of field I/O devices are connected through Advant Fieldbus, a proprietary high-speed serial bus. The TC570 module is installed inside the controller's rack. One end communicates with the controller's CPU through the backplane bus, while the other end leads out the AFB bus and connects to the remote I/O station. It can be said that TC570 is the communication hub of the entire Advant Master I/O system. Without it, the controller cannot exchange data with any field devices.

Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

The ultimate reliability in the native system has been verified in the field for decades. The TC570 and its AFB bus have demonstrated outstanding stability and anti-interference ability in the Advant Master system, and are the heroes supporting the long-term operation of critical infrastructure.

The token ring mechanism of deterministic communication ensures the determinism and predictability of data transmission, making it highly suitable for closed-loop control applications.

A mature ecosystem has a complete engineering toolchain, rich documentation and experienced maintenance personnel.

Disadvantage

The technical platform is outdated. Advant Master is a Classic platform. ABB no longer upgrades its functions and mainly provides maintenance and support. New projects should no longer choose this platform.

Strong exclusivity but poor openness, AFB is ABB's proprietary protocol and is incompatible with modern open standards such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and OPC UA, making 3BSE001458R1 difficult to integrate with third-party systems or devices.

The cost and availability of spare parts. Over time, the cost of spare parts for older products such as TC570 may rise, and there is a risk of future production halts.

The engineering tools are outdated, and the engineering software that comes with them runs on old operating systems, making 3BSE001458R1 difficult to integrate with modern IT environments.

Product Updates and Technological Development

TC570 represents ABB's communication technology in the first-generation fully distributed DCS era:

From centralized to distributed. Before the advent of TC570, I/O was mostly centralized. The introduction of TC570 and AFB buses has enabled the true distributed deployment of I/O, marking an important milestone in the history of DCS development.

From proprietary to open and then to integrated. Although the underlying communication of ABB's subsequent AC 800M + S800 platform remains proprietary, its controller integrates a standard Ethernet interface and supports open protocols such as OPC, achieving a good integration with higher-level systems. The latest 800xA system has deeply integrated IT and OT.

The future of industrial communication is OPC UA over TSN. TSN can provide deterministic communication over standard Ethernet and is expected to eventually replace various proprietary fieldbuses. The technical route represented by TC570 has fulfilled its historical mission.