Description
Product Core Brief
- Model: PFEA111-20
- Order code: 3BSE028140R0020
- Brand: ABB
- Series: ABB Tension Electronics PFEA11x
- Core Function: Tension control electronics for ABB Pressductor load cells, converting load cell signals into stable measurement and control outputs for web/strip tension systems.
- Product Type: Tension electronics / tension controller
- Key Specs: 2 load cell inputs | 1 analog voltage output | 1 analog current output | 24 VDC supply | IP20 DIN-rail version | digital display for A, B, A+B, A-B | adjustable filtering | compatible with PFCL/PFTL series
- Condition: New Original / New Surplus
Key Technical Specifications
- Order code: 3BSE028140R0020
- Product designation: PFEA111-20 tension electronics
- Load cell inputs: 2 channels, for ABB Pressductor load cells
- Analog outputs: 1 voltage output -5 to +11 V, max. 5 mA; 1 current output 0 to 21 mA, max. 550 Ω
- Power supply: DC 24 V, 18–36 V
- Power consumption: approx. 8 W at 24 V
- Display: 2 × 16 character digital display for A, B, A+B, A-B signals
- Filtering: Selectable digital filter for vibration and noise suppression
- Installation: DIN-rail mount, IP20 version
- Communication: No standard analog/digital I/O expansion like PFEA113; fieldbus options depend on revision and system integration
- Typical applications: Rolling mills, galvanizing lines, pickling lines, paper machines, film/foil processing lines, web handling systems
- Compatible sensors: ABB PFCL, PFTL, PFRL and related Pressductor load cells, subject to capacity and wiring confirmation
Product Introduction
The ABB PFEA111-20 3BSE028140R0020 is a compact tension electronics unit from the PFEA11x family. It is designed to interface with ABB Pressductor load cells and provide reliable tension measurement for continuous web or strip processes.
Unlike a full PLC or DCS controller, PFEA111-20 mainly functions as a dedicated tension signal conditioner and controller. It accepts two load cell channels, calculates sum and difference values, applies digital filtering, and outputs analog signals for PLC, DCS, drives, or local indicators. The “-20” suffix indicates the sensor input range class; the exact electrical range should be verified against the ABB product data sheet for PFEA11x v2.1 before replacement.
This unit is commonly used where stable tension measurement is required but extensive analog I/O or fieldbus expansion is not needed. For applications requiring more analog outputs, digital inputs, or advanced communication, PFEA113 or higher-function variants may be more suitable.
QA & Testing SOP
- Order code verification: Confirm PFEA111-20 and 3BSE028140R0020 on the nameplate. Check that it is the DIN-rail IP20 version required by the cabinet.
- Visual inspection: Inspect the housing, terminal blocks, display, and DIN-rail clip for damage, corrosion, or burnt components.
- Power supply check: Apply DC 24 V within 18–36 V and verify normal start-up, display illumination, and absence of alarm indications.
- Load cell input check: Confirm correct connection of two Pressductor load cells or the configured single/dual channel arrangement. Verify cable shielding and grounding.
- Output verification: Check the analog voltage and current outputs under known load conditions. Full validation requires the actual load cell and mechanical arrangement.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ Confirm the correct order code revision. The suffix “R0020” should match the existing unit. Do not substitute with PFEA112 or PFEA113 without checking I/O count, display function, and system wiring.
❗ Match the load cell type and capacity. PFEA111-20 must correspond to the installed Pressductor sensors. Wrong sensor type or capacity causes incorrect tension readings even if the electronics are functional.
❗ Verify analog output wiring. The voltage and current outputs have different load limits. Connecting them to incompatible inputs can cause signal errors.
❗ Check filtering and display settings. Excessive filtering slows response; insufficient filtering may cause unstable readings in vibrating environments.
❗ Keep it in an IP20 cabinet. This DIN-rail version is not suitable for direct washdown or outdoor installation.
Replacement steps:
- Pre-install: Record existing parameters, load cell wiring, analog output scaling, and display configuration.
- Removal: Isolate 24 VDC supply, disconnect load cell and analog output wiring, then release the unit from the DIN rail.
- Install: Mount the replacement, reconnect load cell cables with correct polarity and shielding, and verify analog output wiring.
- Commissioning: Energize, confirm display readings, verify A/B channel balance, check analog outputs, and validate tension values before returning to closed-loop control.
Technical FAQ
Is 3BSE028140R0020 the correct order code for PFEA111-20? PFEA111-20 is commonly associated with the 3BSE028140R20 series, but the exact revision suffix should be confirmed on the nameplate and against the ABB data sheet before replacement.
Can replace PFEA113? Not directly. PFEA113 provides more analog outputs, digital inputs, and different I/O capabilities. Substitution requires checking cabinet wiring, PLC/DCS mapping, and system configuration.
Which load cells are compatible? It supports ABB Pressductor load cells such as PFCL and PFTL series. Compatibility depends on sensor capacity, wiring, and mechanical arrangement.
Do you offer price flexibility? Yes. Pricing depends on condition, revision visibility, quantity, and urgency. New original stock and tested surplus units are quoted separately.
What warranty is included? Typical coverage is 12 months from delivery for functional defects, excluding incorrect wiring, parameter mismatch, or damage from improper installation. Final terms are confirmed on the quotation.
If you can share a photo of the existing nameplate or the connected load cell model, I can confirm whether this is a direct drop-in replacement for your tension system.



