ABB is often perceived as a giant in electrification and robotics. However, to truly understand ABB’s market dominance, one must look beyond the brand name and zoom into its "Series" —the specific families of products that have become benchmarks in their respective fields. From the classic ACS drives to the cutting-edge PoWa cobots, these series are the building blocks of modern industry.

In this post, we will dissect the major ABB series, analyze their standout products, review their industrial applications, and understand why they are critical for the Automation Extended era.

1. What Are the "ABB Series"?

The "ABB Series" refers to the specific product families designed for distinct industrial tasks. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all hardware, ABB organizes its portfolio into series categorized by function: Drives (ACS), Motors (M3/M2), PLC/Controls (AC/PM), Robotics (IRB/PoWa), and Process Instrumentation (266/P-300) .

2. Standout Products & Series

ABB ACS880-01-032A-3 Variable Speed Drive

The A high-performance member of ABB's ACS880 family, the ACS880-01-032A-3 stands out for its compact power density and flexible overload capability. Unlike standard single-rating drives, it supports both 15 kW normal duty and 11 kW heavy duty on the same hardware—making it ideal for everything from continuous processes like pumps and fans to demanding cyclic operations like conveyors and compressors.

ABB GJR2396200R1210 83SR51E-E Control Module

The ABB GJR2396200R1210 83SR51E-E is a high-performance process control module designed for ABB's distributed control systems (DCS). Specifically, this module is a standout due to its dual-channel architecture and dense I/O integration. Unlike standard control modules that require multiple separate cards for mixed signal types, the 83SR51E-E combines 4 digital inputs, 1 digital output, 2 analog inputs, and 1 analog output per channel across two independent channels , making it essential for precision control of electro-hydraulic, electro-pneumatic, and electric motor-driven actuators in oil & gas, metals, and power generation applications .

ABB APOW-11C Power Supply Board (3AUA0000061236)

The ABB APOW-11C is a specialized power supply board designed for ABB's industrial drive and wind turbine converter systems. Specifically, this board is a standout due to its critical role in ABB ACS800 series wind turbine converters. Unlike standard industrial power supplies that serve general-purpose automation, the APOW-11C is engineered specifically for the ACS800-104 R8i 690V converter platform, making it an essential component for wind turbines operating in harsh, high-altitude environments across major wind farms in China and globally .

3. Industrial Applications

4. The Importance of the "ABB Series"

Seamless Scalability

ABB recently launched the Automation Extended program. This strategy allows a plant running a Freelance DCS (Distributed Control System) to gradually integrate System 800xA features without shutting down production. The "Series" ensures that a new I/O module from 2026 fits into a rack from 2006 .

Energy Transition Support

With global pressure to reduce carbon footprints, the IE5 SynRM (Synchronous Reluctance Motor) series (often paired with ACS880 drives) offers the efficiency of permanent magnet motors without using rare earth magnets. This is critical for the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals of European and North American manufacturers .

Democratization of Automation

Historically, automation was for car giants. The Lite+ and PoWa series represent a strategic shift to serve small businesses. By lowering the cost of entry and offering "no-code" programming (drag-and-drop on a tablet), ABB is solving the global labor shortage crisis, allowing a 10-person factory to compete with a 100-person factory .

The ABB "Series" is more than a list of products; it is an ecosystem designed for continuity. Whether it is the robust ACS580 drive keeping a cement plant running, the PoWa cobot packing Christmas gifts, or the System 800xA managing a LNG carrier, the underlying philosophy is the same: Integration without disruption.

Contact number/email

Sales manager: Yuki Huang

WhatsApp: +86-17359287459

Email: sales6@askplc.com