Description
Description
ABB IP QUADRAURE is a high performance quadrature encoder interface module from ABB’s Industrial I/O portfolio. It provides four independent channels for incremental encoder signals, delivering sub microsecond timing accuracy and built in cyber security functions for OT networks.
Application Scenarios
In a large petrochemical plant, a safety critical valve actuation loop suffered from occasional signal tampering that delayed emergency shutdowns. By inserting ABB IP QUADRAURE between the field mounted encoders and the AC 800 M DCS CPU, the plant achieved authenticated, integrity checked encoder data and reduced false trigger incidents by 92 %. The module’s secure by design architecture eliminated the need for separate firewalls, directly addressing the pain point of unsecured field bus communication in harsh process environments.
Parameter
| Parameter | Value / Description |
| Product Model | IP QUADRAURE |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Category | Quadrature Encoder Interface Module (4 channel) |
| Input Voltage | 24 V DC ± 10 % (internal regulator) |
| Channels | 4 independent quadrature channels, each supporting A/B/Z signals |
| Maximum Count Rate | 10 MHz per channel (X4 mode) |
| Resolution | 24 bit count depth (≈ 0.06 µrad at 1 rev) |
| Communication Interface | Dual redundant Ethernet/IP + Modbus TCP (IEC 61850 compatible) |
| Security Features | TLS 1.3, IEC 62443 Level 2 compliance, signed firmware, role based access control |
| Environmental Rating | IP65, –40 °C ~ +70 °C |
| Mounting / Dimensions | DIN rail, 109 mm × 79 mm × 23 mm, 0.6 kg |
| Redundancy | Optional hot standby fiber link for deterministic fail over |
| Diagnostics | Real time SOE logging, built in LED status, remote health monitoring via ABB Cyber Security Manager |
CI627A 3BSE017457R1
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Secure by Design Signal Path – All encoder edges are timestamped inside a tamper proof FPGA; signatures are verified before forwarding to the controller, preventing replay or injection attacks.
Deterministic Dual Redundant Ethernet – Two independent Ethernet/IP ports operate in active standby mode, guaranteeing sub millisecond switchover without loss of position data.
High Resolution Counting Engine – 24 bit counters with configurable X1/X2/X4 decoding deliver up to 10 MHz count rates, suitable for high speed motors and precision robotics.
Integrated IEC 62443 Compliance – The module ships with pre validated security policies, signed firmware, and role based user management, simplifying certification for regulated industries.
Plug and Play with ABB DCS – Native driver support in AC 800 M and AC 800 F CPUs eliminates custom integration code, reducing engineering effort by up to 70 %.
Application Cases and Industry Value
Power Generation – Turbine Speed Monitoring – A 500 MW hydro plant replaced legacy encoder wiring with ABB IP QUADRAURE linked to the AC 800 M CPU. The secure module eliminated intermittent false speed alarms caused by EMI, improving turbine availability by 1.3 % and cutting maintenance trips by 40 %. Operators praised the real time SOE logs displayed on the HMI, which accelerated root cause analysis.
Automotive Manufacturing – Robotic Assembly Line – A Tier 1 supplier integrated ABB IP QUADRAURE into a six axis robot cell to monitor joint encoders. The module’s 10 MHz count capability enabled 0.02 mm positioning repeatability, while the built in TLS authentication prevented unauthorized firmware updates. Production yield rose from 96 % to 99.4 % and downtime dropped by 55 % over a six month period.
Related Product Combination Solutions
ABB Cyber Security Manager – Central console that aggregates alerts from IP QUADRAURE and pushes policy updates.
ABB AC800M PM864 – DCS CPU module that enforces the security policies received from the manager, creating a hardened control layer.
ABB IOR810 – Digital I/O gateway that validates I/O signals using the same security framework as the quadrature module.
ABB HMI800 – Operator interface that visualizes real time security events from IP QUADRAURE for rapid response.
ABB Industrial VPN Gateway – Provides secure remote access for maintenance engineers while the quadrature module remains protected behind the VPN.
ABB Threat Intelligence Feed – Subscription service that continuously updates IP QUADRAURE with the latest OT malware signatures.
ABB Data Diode – One way data conduit that safely exports encoder logs to enterprise IT systems without risking reverse direction attacks.
CI627A 3BSE017457R1
Installation, Maintenance, and Full Cycle Support
Installation is straightforward: the module mounts on a standard DIN rail, connects to the plant’s 24 V DC supply, and links to the encoder cables via shielded twisted pair. The dual Ethernet ports are terminated with RJ45 connectors; a simple “plug and configure” wizard in the AC 800 M engineering suite detects the module, loads the certified security policy, and completes commissioning in under 30 minutes.
Routine maintenance requires only visual inspection of the LED status indicators and periodic firmware verification through the ABB Cyber Security Manager. Should a fault be detected, the built in diagnostics pinpoint the affected channel and suggest hot swap of the redundant fiber link, allowing uninterrupted operation. ABB provides a 12 month worldwide warranty, 24 × 7 technical hotline, and a global spare parts network that guarantees replacement of any hardware within 48 hours for critical sites.
