Product Overview

The ABB DSQC1003 3HAC046408-001 IRC5 Expansion Board is an expansion board installed in the main computer unit of ABB IRC5 industrial robot controllers. It provides a serial communication channel and an additional slot for an AnybusCC fieldbus adapter, allowing the controller to support communication interfaces required by different industrial automation networks.

ABB identifies this component as an AnybusCC / RS232 expansion board, with type designation DSQC1003 and article number 3HAC046408-001. It is not a standalone controller or a complete fieldbus adapter. Instead, it serves as the hardware expansion platform into which a compatible communication adapter can be installed.

In a typical robotic production cell, the IRC5 controller coordinates robot movement while exchanging information with PLCs, distributed control systems, and other automation equipment. Different production environments may require different communication protocols. The DSQC1003 provides the physical expansion interface needed to accommodate compatible AnybusCC adapters.

The board includes an RS232 serial communication channel, designated COM1, which can be used to communicate with process equipment. It also provides one slot for installing a fieldbus adapter. These two functions make the board useful in IRC5 installations requiring additional communication interfaces.

For example, an ABB robot installed on an automotive assembly line may need to exchange operating status, production commands, and equipment signals with a central PLC. By installing the appropriate fieldbus adapter in the DSQC1003, the IRC5 controller can participate in the required industrial communication network.

The expansion board is installed in the computer unit, making it part of the controller’s internal hardware configuration. Its use depends on the installed computer unit and the required communication interface.

The DSQC1003 is particularly relevant when adding fieldbus connectivity to an existing IRC5 installation or replacing an existing expansion board during controller maintenance. Selecting the correct adapter separately is essential because DeviceNet, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET require different adapter hardware.

For maintenance engineers and system integrators, the 3HAC046408-001 provides a dedicated expansion platform for extending the communication capabilities of compatible ABB IRC5 robot controllers.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• RS232 Serial Communication: Provides a COM1 serial channel for communication with compatible process equipment.
• AnybusCC Adapter Slot: Includes one available slot for installing a compatible AnybusCC fieldbus adapter.
• Multiple Fieldbus Options: Supports different communication configurations through separately selected fieldbus adapters.
• IRC5 Computer Integration: Installs in the main computer unit rather than requiring a separate standalone enclosure.
• Modular Communication Expansion: Allows the required fieldbus interface to be selected according to the automation network.
• Dedicated Spare Part Identification: Uses ABB part number 3HAC046408-001 and board designation DSQC1003.
• Controller Maintenance Support: Can be replaced when the existing expansion board requires servicing or hardware replacement.
• Industrial Network Connectivity: Helps integrate ABB robot controllers into larger automated production systems.

Working Principle

The ABB DSQC1003 operates as an interface expansion board within the IRC5 controller’s main computer unit. Its primary purpose is to provide the hardware connections required for serial communication and the installation of an additional fieldbus adapter.

Its operation can be understood through the following functions.

RS232 Serial Channel Communication

The DSQC1003 includes one RS232 serial channel designated COM1. This interface can be used to communicate with compatible process equipment.

The serial connection is located on the expansion board inside the computer unit. Its communication parameters and connected equipment must be configured according to the specific application.

Fieldbus Adapter Installation

The board provides one slot for an AnybusCC fieldbus adapter. The adapter is installed on the expansion board rather than being integrated into the board itself.

ABB identifies the following compatible adapter options:

• AnybusCC DeviceNet slave – 3HAC045973-001 (DSQC1004).
• AnybusCC PROFIBUS slave – 3HAC026840-001 (DSQC 667).
• AnybusCC EtherNet/IP slave – 3HAC027652-014 (DSQC 669).
• AnybusCC PROFINET slave – 3HAC031670-001 (DSQC 688).

Each adapter establishes the corresponding fieldbus communication capability. The DSQC1003 provides the physical expansion interface that accommodates the selected adapter.

Controller Communication

After the appropriate adapter is installed and configured, the IRC5 controller can exchange data with compatible equipment on the selected fieldbus network.

For example, a robot controller connected to an EtherNet/IP network can exchange supported signals with a PLC. These signals may include robot operating status, production commands, and application-specific control information.

The actual data exchange depends on the selected adapter, network configuration, and controller software.

Integration with the Main Computer Unit

The DSQC1003 is installed in the IRC5 computer unit. Its position within the controller allows the expansion board and fieldbus adapter to become part of the controller’s communication hardware arrangement.

When servicing the board, technicians must follow the prescribed removal and installation procedure, including electrical isolation and electrostatic discharge precautions.

Role in the ABB IRC5 Control Architecture

The DSQC1003 serves as a communication expansion component within the ABB IRC5 controller architecture. It provides the hardware platform for connecting an additional fieldbus adapter and supports the associated RS232 serial communication channel.

A simplified communication arrangement is:

ABB IRC5 Controller → DSQC1003 Expansion Board → AnybusCC Fieldbus Adapter → Industrial Network → PLC / Automation Equipment

In an automated production line, the IRC5 controller manages robot movements while the selected fieldbus adapter handles communication with external automation equipment.

The DSQC1003 makes this communication expansion possible by providing the required adapter installation slot.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the Board Identification: Confirm that the replacement is ABB DSQC1003, part number 3HAC046408-001.
2. Check Computer Unit Compatibility: Verify that the installed IRC5 main computer unit supports the DSQC1003 expansion board.
3. Identify the Required Fieldbus: Determine whether the application requires DeviceNet, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, or PROFINET communication.
4. Select the Correct Adapter: Confirm that the separately installed AnybusCC adapter matches the intended communication protocol.
5. Back Up Controller Configuration: Preserve the relevant controller and fieldbus configuration before performing hardware maintenance.
6. Disconnect Main Power: Switch off and isolate the controller’s mains power before accessing the computer unit.
7. Observe ESD Precautions: Use appropriate electrostatic discharge protection when handling the expansion board and associated electronic components.
8. Access the Computer Unit: Open the controller enclosure according to the ABB maintenance instructions and locate the expansion board.
9. Remove the Existing Board: Follow the specified removal sequence and carefully disconnect the relevant interfaces.
10. Install the Replacement Board: Position the DSQC1003 correctly and secure the board according to the applicable ABB procedure.
11. Verify Adapter Installation: Check that the AnybusCC adapter is correctly seated and that the associated connections are properly installed.
12. Test Communication: Restore power according to the commissioning procedure and verify the serial channel or configured fieldbus communication before returning the robot to production.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Provides an expansion slot for one compatible AnybusCC fieldbus adapter.
• Includes an RS232 serial communication channel.
• Supports multiple industrial communication protocol options through separate adapters.
• Installs directly in the IRC5 main computer unit.
• Allows communication hardware to be selected according to system requirements.
• Provides a dedicated replacement part number for maintenance and spare-parts management.

Technical FAQs

What is the difference between DSQC1003 and DSQC1004?

DSQC1003 is the IRC5 expansion board that provides the RS232 serial channel and fieldbus adapter slot. DSQC1004 is an AnybusCC DeviceNet slave adapter that can be installed in the expansion board. They perform different functions and are not interchangeable.

Which fieldbus adapters can be installed on the DSQC1003?

Compatible adapter options include DeviceNet, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET variants. The corresponding ABB adapter models include DSQC1004, DSQC 667, DSQC 669, and DSQC 688. Only one fieldbus adapter slot is available on the DSQC1003.

Does the DSQC1003 include a fieldbus adapter?

No. The DSQC1003 expansion board and the fieldbus adapter are separate components. The board provides the slot for the adapter, which must be selected according to the required communication protocol.

What is the RS232 COM1 channel used for?

The COM1 channel provides serial communication with compatible process equipment. Its communication settings and connected equipment depend on the specific IRC5 application. The separate console connector on the expansion board is intended for debugging purposes only.