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ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus HR Series Control and I/O

From:ABB | Author:LIAO | Time :2025-07-30 | 422 Browse: | 🔊 Click to read aloud ❚❚ | Share:

HR Series Control and I/O Achieving total plant automation with a single control and I/O platform

ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus is the new generation of ABB’s highly acclaimed Symphony family of distributed control systems – the world’s most widely used DCS in power generation and water management applications. In all, there are more than 7,000 Symphony DCS installations in operation all over the world, more than 5,000 of which are in power and water applications.

1.No other automation platform has such a long field record and large global installed base as ABB’s Symphony Plus family. For more than 35 years, the system has progressed through several evolutionary steps. From Network 90 in 1980, through INFI 90TM, INFI 90TM Open, and Symphony, to Symphony Plus, the system progression has followed ABB’s long-held policy of ‘Evolution without obsolescence,’ ensuring that each new generation enhances its predecessor all the while maintaining full compatibility with them.

2.Symphony Plus includes a comprehensive suite of standards-based control and I/O hardware and software that meets your requirements for total plant control. The suite's HR Series (Harmony Rack) meets the past, present and future needs of its users by protecting their previous control investments while delivering higher performance, reliability, and capacity. HR Series control-based systems feature scalable,

3.high-performance controllers, a comprehensive set of I/O options, fast, secure and redundant communications, an efficient easy-to-use engineering tool, and a state-of-the-art HMI workplace. Newest additions to the HR Series portfolio include an environmentally hardened DIN-rail mounted native remote I/O option and integration of intelligent electrical and field devices via PROFIBUS, HART and Modbus TCP communication protocols.

4.In summary, HR Series control-based solutions lower system life cycle costs and total cost of ownership by delivering the value needed to remain competitive in today’s challenging business environments: increasing reliability, minimizing equipment downtime, improving production yields, reducing maintenance and support costs, reusing physical and intellectual control and I/O investments, and adding new products and features with ease.



1.Overview Symphony Plus HR Series provides a scalable solution that spans and integrates loop, unit, area, plant and interplant controls. Its system communication architecture is based on a high-speed, high-throughput and highsecurity redundant INFI-Net control network. The scalable network supports any combination and quantity of control, engineering, operation and application interface nodes. Each node on the control network operates independently of other nodes. Acting as its own communication manager, the system requires no traffic directors. INFI-Net to INFI-Net communication modules support multinetwork system topologies that provide a system capacity of more than 62,000 nodes.

2.High system reliability and availability are key characteristics of this mission-critical control network. Reliability is bolstered by redundant hardware and communication paths. Extensive use of error checking and message acknowledgment assures accurate communication of critical process data. Patented exception reporting technology optimizes the use of control network bandwidth. The store and forward ring topology of INFI-Net, along with multi-master and multi-cast messaging features result in INFI-Net having an effective bandwidth that exceeds 300 Mbaud. INFI-Net communications are also highly deterministic

3.HR Series process control unit (PCUs) communication products including the NIS21/ NPM22 modules provide significant increases to performance and capacity compared to previous generations. Additionally, new HR Series INFI-Net to Computer Interface (ICI), INFINet to INFI-Net Local and Remote Bridge modules, and INFINet to PN800 (INFI-Net over Ethernet) Bridge modules are available

4.The Harmony OPC server provides OPC connectivity between devices on the INFI-Net control network and OPC client applications. In non-redundant and redundant configurations, it can be used in conjunction with ABB products such as DataLink and popular non-ABB products such as OSIsoft PI System and Aspen InfoPlus.21.

5.HR Series ICI800 Ethernet CIU provides Ethernetbased communication between INFI-Net and the system’s engineering tools, HMI and the Harmony OPC server for connection to thirdparty applications. As per NERC CIP-007-2 R5, SSL certifications authenticate its connections with interface applications, further safeguarding the integrity and privacy of the ICI800 communication path


HR Series Achieving greater levels of performance


1.Powerful, scalable control platform HR Series controllers are the latest in a long line of field-proven multi-function rack process controllers, and include the BRC300, BRC400, and the BRC410 bridge controllers (figure 3). This scalable family of controllers, based on a 160 MHz, 32-bit Freescale Coldfire processor, can be adapted to a broad spectrum of applications and process requirements. HR Series controllers feature an extensive library of more than 150 predefined control algorithms or function codes. These functions provide the power to easily design complex control strategies to fit any control application, including continuous, sequential, batch and advanced control. In addition to standard function blocks, HR Series controllers support C programming and batch functions.

2.HR Series controller features include: • Enhanced controller reliability • More than 10x performance of previous generation controllers • Simultaneous support for all HR Series I/O, SD Series I/O and S800 I/O subsystems • Intelligent device integration via HART I/O and PROFIBUS DP V0, V1, V2 • Downloadable firmware • BRC400 / BRC410 specific enhancements: – Extended user configuration memory (2 MB NVRAM) – Support for 30,000 function blocks – Flexible online configuration capability – Modbus TCP device integration via 100 MB Ethernet port (BRC410 only)

3.High reliability and availability With redundant controller, communication, I/O and power options such as the recently released MPS IV (Modular Power System), HR Series controller subsystems provide the highest level of availability. Compliance with international standards assures the highest level of reliability and quality needed to meet the most rigorous global specifications and requirements. Backward compatibility through ABB’s ‘Evolution without obsolescence’ life cycle program ensures protection of installed investments while providing the most cost-effective and seamless way of introducing new functions and technology into a running plant. Together, the HR Series provides users with fast, accurate, uninterrupted control of their process, resulting in greater production efficiency, increased availability, and lower maintenance costs.

4.Soft controller reduces commissioning times For new plant, upgrade, or expansion projects, HR Series soft controllers can dramatically reduce commissioning and start-up time and costs by permitting thorough testing and pre-tuning of control loops prior to its implementation in the field. The HR Series soft controller uses the same control logic (ie, function block configuration) as the physical HR Series controllers. Coupled with virtual communication devices, the entire HR Series control-based system can be implemented within one or more PCs which allow for testing results made in the virtual environment to be directly transferable to the operating system environment.



1.Comprehensive I/O product portfolio S+ I/O, available for local and remote mounting, provides a wide variety of input/output and signal conditioning capabilities. In combination, these rack and DIN I/O modules can be combined to form the optimal automation solution

2.HR Series controllers can communicate with up to 64 rack I/O modules locally with additional remote rack I/O modules connected via the RIO22 module. Use of rack sequence of events (SOE) I/O modules provides one millisecond timestamp resolution across the entire rack system

3.HR Series I/O module types include: 

• Analog input (ASI, FEC) 

• Analog output (ASO) 

• Control input/output (CIS, QRS)

• Digital input (DSI) 

• Digital output (DSO) 

• Pulse input (DSM) 

• SOE digital input (SED)

4.Turbine control In addition to traditional signal-type I/O, HR Series provides for integrated turbine control via a series of turbine control-specific modules, including: • Hydraulic servo module (HSS) • Turbine protection module (TPS) • Turbine auto synchronization module (TAS) • Condition monitoring module (CMM)

5.These unique modules make it possible to provide a fully integrated single-vendor solution for all aspects of turbine automation. HR Series turbine modules are based on proven technology that controls steam turbines, gas turbines and hydroelectric turbines in more than 15 different countries around the world, and have been tested, accepted, and used by several major global turbine manufacturers as part of their standard offering. The combination of HR Series controllers and turbine I/O results in a powerful governor control system solution.

6.SD Series remote I/O option HR Series remote I/O capabilities are further expanded with use of the SD Series DIN rail mounted I/O products. Compatible with all HR Series controllers, BRC300 / 400 / 410, SD Series I/O connects directly to the controller via the HN800 I/O network without the need for an intermediate interface or gateway. SD Series I/O is configured using standard function blocks and includes traditional analog and digital I/O as well as integration with intelligent field devices via PROFIBUS DP and HART. 24 VDC power requirements, low module power consumption, and a module temperature rating of 70 DEGC (ambient) makes SD Series I/O the optimal choice for remote I/O applications. G3 coating makes SD Series I/O suitable for use in corrosive environments without requiring costly sealed cabinets or purging systems.


HR Series Integrating field devices seamlessly

1.Device integration capability In today’s power generation and process industries, only about 10% of field instruments have a digital pathway back to the control system. This reduces smart devices to underutilized assets where the existing diagnostic and connection information residing in the field instruments is not utilized in system operations.

2.The HR Series seamlessly integrates intelligent field devices and protocols using PROFIBUS DP, HART, and Modbus TCP and RTU. This provides access to a wide range of intelligent field devices from both ABB and other third-party vendors including transmitters, actuators, motor control centers (MCC) and flame scanners. Each device’s resident information can then be used in control strategies and higher level applications. In addition to producing tighter and more reliable process control solutions, these solutions lower installation costs by reducing wiring and system footprint.

3.Intelligent Hart I/O HR Series controllers seamlessly integrate HART field devices through a variety of SD Series HART analog input and output modules. Besides the 4-20 mA primary variable, all secondary, tertiary and quaternary variables in a HART device can be accessed by Function Code control applications in the HR Series controller. Data can be calculated, used as part of a control strategy, or for display and alarm purposes at the system's HMI console

4.SD Series HART I/O features include: 

• Each channel’s secondary/tertiary/quaternary variables are available for use in control applications 

• Update rate of secondary/tertiary/quaternary variables is less than one second (AI05 and AO05)


HR Series Securing your control investments

1.Protecting the integrity and confidentiality of system data The process and power industries face intensifying cyber security risks. In order to increase stability, security and robustness in its solutions, ABB has established an independent Device Security Assurance Center (DSAC) where cyber security robustness is tested as part of the product development process. The DSAC test facility uses state-of-the-art open source, commercial and proprietary robustness and vulnerability analysis tools. All Symphony Plus Ethernet-based devices - including HR Series products such as the BRC410, ICI800, and IEB800 - are continually tested at the DSAC center in different configurations and with an explicit focus on operational performance. This ensures that all Symphony Plus products are robust, secure and of the highest quality

2.Seamless upgrade path protects investments True to ABB’s ‘Evolution without obsolescence’ commitment, HR Series products provide backward compatibility to previous generation Network 90, INFI 90, INFI 90 Open and Harmony hardware and software, including support for existing function code executions, custom user programs, and all foreign device interfaces. ABB's 'Evolution without obsolescence' ensures the protection of installed investments while providing the most predictable, cost-effective, risk-averse, and seamless way of introducing new functions and technology into a running plant.

3.Specifically, HR Series products: 

• Replace previous generation rack products on a form/fit/function basis 

• Preserve installed I/O through simultaneous connection to HR Series I/O, previous generation rack and block I/O, SD Series I/O and S800 I/O 

• Use the same field-proven INFI 90 function code algorithms as previous generation controllers (ie, MFCxx and MFPxx controllers) 

• Enhance existing Composer engineering tools with device management capabilities

4.Further, HR Series and SD Series control networks, INFI-Net and PN800 (INFI-Net over Ethernet) respectively can be connected via a self-configuring INFI-Net to Ethernet bridge (IEB800 module). This allows for the easy expansion of existing INFI-Net communication networks with INFI-Net on Ethernet technology and SD Series DIN rail mounted products. Additionally, resident data from either network is available for use in control applications or for display in applications connected to the other.


HR Series Efficient engineering tools for design and maintenance

1.Robust – efficient – comprehensive S+ Engineering is the comprehensive engineering tool set for HR Series based systems. The unified workbench offers all the necessary functionality needed to engineer, configure, administrate, secure, commission and maintain every component in your Symphony Plus Control System - from control and I/O, field instrumentation and electrical devices to network architecture, and operations, engineering, and advanced system applications.

2.Integrated control engineering S+ Engineering allows for easy reuse and upgrade of previous generation Symphony, INFI 90 OPEN, INFI 90, and Network 90 control applications. In addition, the extensive reuse concept of S+ Engineering allows users to optimize plant design with field-proven solutions based on ABB’s in-depth experience in the power and water industries.

3.S+ Engineering’s seamless tool integration, powerful workflow automation, multi-user and remote access capabilities and comprehensive bulk import/export functions improve overall engineering efficiency. Integrated version control, version comparison and rollback framework offer progress tracking and significantly reduce commissioning time. Using intelligent bulk interfaces, S+ Engineering allows for full control of engineering data consistency in each phase of the project life cycle.

4.S+ Engineering’s Automation Architect provides for visual creation, editing, monitoring and tuning of control logic. Rather than textually programming strategies, the Automation Architect represents pre-defined control strategies as function blocks. By connecting function blocks, users are able to easily specify the signal flow of a control strategy and visually define the control strategy. Monitoring and tuning capabilities provide the ability to troubleshoot and maintain an operational system using the same information used to create the system

5.Secure user management The simple and intuitive workbench interface allows engineers to configure user information for the Windows and Engineering databases. It allows and secures the creation of user profiles along with their roles and project access permissions through Role Based Access Control (RBAC). Audit trail functionality tracks and archives user actions including system changes made at any engineering workstation onto a central database. These events can then be archived in the system’s historian for long term security audit purposes.

6.In addition to function blocks, S+ Engineering supports batch or sequential programming via the Batch Data Manager (BDM). BDM is a family of engineering tools used for creating, editing, managing, downloading, and debugging Batch 90, sequential, and user-defined function code configurations.


1.Reusable standard solutions S+ Engineering improves the quality of control strategy software by minimizing the risk of errors of starting from scratch. S+ Engineering allows users to define and maintain their field proven control logic through the use of it Control Logic Templates (CLT) and Configurable Function Codes (CFC).

2.CLTs are thought of as control strategy blueprints. Its linking functionality allows users to define logic that is controlled by the template or can be modified on each configured instance. Any subsequent changes made to a template can be propagated to all linked instances.

3.CFCs allow engineers to create specific control logic using standard Harmony function codes and then save it as a package which can then be used as a standard Harmony function code in control logic design. This simplifies the control logic design and documentation by eliminating the need to re-write the entire CFC logic contents in every instance it is used in the control scheme. The CFC can be represented by a custom shape, control logic, defined inputs, defined outputs, defined specifications and tag mapping. Black box options secure user intellectual investments in their control solutions.

4.Device management HART and PROFIBUS devices are fully integrated with Symphony Plus, yielding benefits far beyond reduced footprint and cable costs. The engineering suite supports configuration, commissioning and maintenance of HART and PROFIBUS devices using device type manager (DTM) technology. For field devices that have conventional device description files (GSD), a basic PROFIBUS DTM is available to allow standardized configuration. HART devices are integrated, configured and parameterized via standard HART protocol without the need for additional tools by using a standard HART DTM. Individual DTMs can be accessed from the engineering tool’s multiple data views, such as the system or location overview and others. S+ Engineering includes automatic net calculation and loading of process items by using the device specific channel configuration generated from the DTM.

5.On-line features allow for proactive device monitoring and notification of problems with quick access to device alerts and high priority conditions. A built-in web view provides a Device Status Dashboard, as well as an Event Viewer and Device Details pages, allow for quick drill-down to identify device root problems and corresponding resolution. This enables to users to take decisive action to increase plant reliability while lowering maintenance costs.


HR Series Field tested, field proven


Since its introduction in 2011, ABB has delivered or is delivering Symphony Plus solutions that control more than 70,000 MW of additional power generation. These solutions range in complexity from the simplest to the most challenging of automation requirements, and for power and water facilities of all sizes. Below is a sample of the breadth of Symphony Plus HR Series based solutions selected for power generation and water from installations around the world.













































  • AMAT 0101-57017 PCA, AKT MUX (Multiplexer) Board
  • AMAT 0100-76042 PCA, Digital I/O Interface Board (76K Series)
  • AMAT 0190-35310 0100-35175 PCA, Viking Interconnect Board Viking Valve Manifold Assembly
  • AMAT 0100-09162 H-Bridge Stepper Motor Driver PCB manufactured for Applied Materials
  • AMAT 0100-09115 high-precision Analog Input PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
  • AMAT 0100-09102 ower and Signal Distribution PCB
  • AMAT 0100-09099 PCA, System Controller / VME Interface Board
  • AMAT 0100-02735 Digital input/output (input/output) interface printed circuit board
  • AMAT 0100-01577 PCB, Step/Direction Motor Interface
  • AMAT 0100-00957 Simulation Input/Output (A-I/O) Control Printed Circuit Board
  • AMAT 0100-00048 Diagnostic/Interface PCB
  • AMAT 0100-00003 B-Sized VME Module
  • AMAT 0101-57144 AKT Multiplexer
  • AMAT 0100-71121 AKT Chamber Control CVD 25K Board
  • AMAT 0190-24116 Analog I/O Plugin Module
  • AMAT 0190-72235 Viking Valve / Diaphragm Valve
  • AMAT 0190-08680 Special dual-channel DeviceNet scanning card
  • AMAT 0190-26769 high-performance Universal Vacuum Gauge
  • AMAT 0090-04247 high-performance ATX Power Supply Module
  • AMAT 0190-23623-001 RF Impedance Matching Network
  • AMAT 0190-26495 6-Channel Temperature Controller
  • AMAT 0190-26463 Temperature Controller / Thermal Control Module
  • AMAT 0190-22205 6-Channel Temperature Controller
  • AMAT 0010-17261 Temperature Control (TC) Module
  • AMAT AS00720-02 cPCI (CompactPCI) Power Supply PCB
  • AMAT AS00700-02 Analog Input / Analog Output Board
  • AMAT AS00800-02 Internal PCB Assembly
  • AMAT 0190-10156 Communication interface board
  • AMAT 0190-05410 Card, Dual Industry Pack Carrier, cPCI Bus
  • AMAT 0190-02076 Water Leak Detector / CCM Board
  • AMAT 0010-25469 Mechanical/Electromechanical Assembly
  • AMAT 0190-17272 4-Channel Magnet Driver / Servo Controller
  • AMAT 0010-13445 Assy, Monitor Base, Stand Alone
  • AMAT 0190-06329 Chamber AC Power
  • AMAT 0190-28658 high-precision component
  • ABB GX0010 (GNT6014108R1) High-Performance Logic & Communication Module
  • AMAT 1400-00207 High-Performance RF Match Controller for Semiconductor Systems
  • AMAT 0100-00396 high-precision control module
  • AMAT 0100-11002 Digital I/O (DI/DO) Interface Card
  • AMAT 0190-15779 Interface Control Module
  • AMAT 0010-23716 Cavity integrated piping and signal interface assembly
  • AMAT 0190-14502 Control Interface Module
  • AMAT 0195-14157.RMA high-precision Chamber Signal Interface and I/O Control Module
  • AMAT 0021-84842 high-precision Chamber Component
  • AMAT 0200-00672 high-precision Chamber Interface and Signal Distribution Board
  • AMAT 0190-37519 high-precision RF (Radio Frequency) Interface Module
  • AMAT 0100-71267 high-performance industrial control module
  • AMAT COMPONENT SIDE
  • SST 5136-PFB-PCI high-performance Profibus interface card
  • SST SST-DN3-PCI-2 DSQC658 high-performance, dual-channel DeviceNet interface card
  • SST SST-PFB-CLX Top-level Profibus communication module
  • SST 5136-DN-PC high-performance DeviceNet interface card
  • SST 5136-RE-VME communication interface module
  • SST SST-PB3-VME-1 and SST-PB3-VME-2 Interface card
  • SST 5136-DNP-PCI High-performance DeviceNet interface card
  • SST 5136-PFB-VME High-performance Profibus interface card
  • MOOG QAIO2/2-AV D137-001-011 Analog Extension Module
  • D136-002-002 high-performance Moog Servo Controller
  • D136E001-001 Moog Servo Controller
  • Moog M128-010 Industrial Power Supply Unit
  • Moog T161-902A-00-B4-2-2A Digital Brushless Servo Controller
  • Motorola MVME2604-4351 PowerPlus VME64 Single Board Computer
  • Motorola 01-W3914B VME CPU Controller Board
  • Motorola MVME162-513A High-Performance VME Embedded Controller
  • Motorola MVME2434 VME Processor Module
  • Motorola MVME-147A SINGLE-BOARD COMPUTER
  • Motorola MVME147 SINGLE-BOARD COMPUTER
  • Motorola MPC2004 BurstRAM™ Secondary Cache Module
  • Motorola MVME162PA-344E Embedded Controller
  • Motorola MVME162 Embedded Controller
  • Motorola MVME167-33B Single-Board Computer
  • Motorola MVME5101-0131 Single Board Computer
  • Motorola MVME5100 Series VME Processor Modules
  • Motorola MVME374 Intelligent VMEbus Ethernet Controller Board
  • Motorola APM-420A Advanced Power Monitor & RF Control Module
  • Motorola RSG2PMC & RSG2PMCF-NK2 High-Density Processor & Communication Modules
  • Motorola 0188679 & 0190530 | Industrial Control & Signal Processing Modules
  • Motorola MVME3100 single-board
  • Motorola DB1-1 DB1-FALCON | High-Performance VMEbus Main Processor
  • Motorola L0115012 & L0115032 | Specialized Control Modules
  • MOTOROLA 5264 High-Performance VME Memory Expansion Board
  • MOTOROLA 188987-008R / 188987-008R001 High-Precision Analog I/O Module
  • MOTOROLA AET-3047 Industrial Automation Mounting Frame
  • MOTOROLA MVME761-001 VMEbus Rear Transition Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME2604-761 High-Performance VME Processor with Extended I/O
  • MOTOROLA 84-W8865B01B VME Intelligent Peripheral Controller
  • MOTOROLA 84-W8973B01A High-Density Industrial Memory Module
  • MOTOROLA MVIP301 IndustryPack Serial Communication Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME51005E-0163 High-Performance VME PowerPC Processor Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME2431 VME Processor Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME147S-1 VME Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-223 Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA BOARD 466023 High-Performance Intelligent Embedded Computer
  • MOTOROLA 01-W3324F Memory Expansion Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME172PA-652SE VME Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA FLN4234A ACE3600 CPU3680 Processor Module
  • Motorola MVME333-2 Controller Communications Module Specs
  • MOTOROLA MVME335 PCB California VME Module 0733500
  • EMERSON MOTOROLA MVME-147SRF / MVME147SRF MPU VME MODULE
  • MOTOROLA MVME705A Serial Transition Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME705B 6-Channel Serial Transition Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME712A MVME712AM I/O Transition Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME715P Rear Transition Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME172 VME Embedded Controller
  • SAMSUNG SSAS-PRO RSPC-X32 ALARM AND MONITORING SYSTEM MODULE
  • MOTOROLA TMCP700 W33378F High-Performance Industrial Computing Module
  • MOTOROLA VME Single Board Computer MVME188A
  • MOTOROLA MVME162PA-344 High-Performance Embedded VME Controller
  • MOTOROLA FAB 0340-1049 High-Efficiency Intelligent Embedded Module
  • MOTOROLA 30-W2960B01A High-Performance Industrial Interface Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME712M Transition Module.
  • MOTOROLA MVME5500 Series VME Single-Board
  • MOTOROLA MVME300 High-Reliability GPIB VMEbus Controller
  • MOTOROLA CPCI-6020TM High-Performance CompactPCI Transition Module
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-210 Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-522A 01-W3960B/61C Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-512A Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-512 Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-220 Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-13 Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-10 Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MVME162-012 Embedded Controller
  • MOTOROLA MCP750 CompactPCI Host Slot Processor
  • Phoenix 2320267 QUINT-UPS/ 24DC/ 24DC/10/3.4AH - Uninterruptible power supply
  • Phoenix QUINT4-PS/3AC/24DC/40 - Power supply 2904623
  • Phoenix 2904622 QUINT4-PS/3AC/24DC/20 - Power supply
  • Phoenix 2905012 QUINT-PS/96-110DC/24DC/10/CO - DC/DC converter, protective coating
  • Phoenix 2905011 QUINT-PS/60-72DC/24DC/10/CO - DC/DC converter, protective coating