ABB DSQC Series Modules: DSQC345B 3HAB8101-2/07A & DSQC346C 3HAB8101-7/10A Drive Unit AAD

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB DSQC Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of DSQC Architecture

ABB's DSQC series spans more than three decades of robot controller development, tracking the evolution from the S3 controller (early 1980s) through S4, S4C, S4C+, and into the IRC5 platform introduced in 2004. Each controller generation introduced a new backplane bus standard and revised the DSQC module numbering scheme accordingly.

The S3 era (circa 1982–1992) used discrete analog servo boards with limited diagnostics. The S4 era (1992–2000) introduced the DSQC300-series boards — digital axis computers, I/O units, and fieldbus adapters — running on a proprietary VME-derived backplane. The S4C and S4C+ era (1998–2008) extended the DSQC300 and DSQC400 series with enhanced memory, DeviceNet and Profibus communication options, and improved axis synchronization. The IRC5 era (2004–present) migrated to the DSQC600 and DSQC800 series on a new drive module architecture, though many S4C+ installations remain in active production globally.

The DSQC345B and DSQC346C belong to the S4/S4C+ generation. These boards are no longer manufactured by ABB and are not available through standard distribution channels. Facilities still operating S4C+ controllers must source these modules from specialist aftermarket suppliers. Migrating an S4C+ robot to IRC5 requires mechanical recabling, software re-commissioning, and in many cases new end-of-arm tooling interfaces — a project cost that typically ranges from USD 40,000 to USD 120,000 per robot. Against that figure, sourcing a verified DSQC345B or DSQC346C from aftermarket inventory is the operationally rational decision.

DSQC Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following models represent confirmed members of the ABB DSQC series across S4, S4C, and S4C+ controller generations. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware function within the robot controller rack.

Axis Computer / CPU Modules

• DSQC301: Axis computer board for S4 controller; manages trajectory interpolation for up to 6 axes.
• DSQC328: Axis computer for S4C; upgraded memory and faster cycle time vs. DSQC301.
• DSQC373: Main computer board S4C+; runs RAPID program execution and axis coordination.
• DSQC374: Axis computer S4C+; paired with DSQC373 in dual-computer configurations for high-axis-count robots.

Drive / Servo Amplifier Modules

• DSQC345B (3HAB8101-2/07A): Drive Unit AAD for S4C+; servo amplifier board controlling axes 1–3 motor current output.
• DSQC346C (3HAB8101-7/10A): Drive Unit AAD for S4C+; servo amplifier board controlling axes 4–6 and external axis.
• DSQC361: Drive unit for IRB 6400 S4C; handles high-current axis 1–2 drive stages.
• DSQC363: Rectifier and DC bus module for S4C drive system; converts AC mains to DC bus voltage.

I/O Modules

• DSQC328A: Digital I/O board; 16 DI / 16 DO for S4C controller rack.
• DSQC332A: Analog I/O module; 4 AI / 4 AO, used for process signal integration in welding and dispensing applications.
• DSQC351A: Combi I/O board; combined digital and analog I/O for S4C+ systems.
• DSQC355A: Digital I/O expansion; 32 DI / 32 DO for high-density signal environments.

Communication / Fieldbus Adapter Modules

• DSQC340: DeviceNet master/slave adapter for S4C; connects robot controller to DeviceNet field devices.
• DSQC350: Profibus-DP adapter for S4C+; enables integration with Siemens S7 and other Profibus masters.
• DSQC352: Interbus-S adapter for S4C; used in legacy Phoenix Contact Interbus installations.
• DSQC378: Ethernet/IP adapter for S4C+; provides EtherNet/IP scanner functionality for modern network integration.

Power Supply Modules

• DSQC336: System power supply for S4C controller; provides regulated 24 VDC to logic boards.
• DSQC364: Drive system power supply for S4C+; supplies regulated voltages to axis drive boards including DSQC345B/346C.

Quality Control for the DSQC Series Range

DSQC drive and axis boards present specific failure modes that require targeted inspection protocols. DriveKNMS applies the following test sequence to all DSQC units prior to dispatch:

• Step 1 – Visual and mechanical inspection: Board examined under magnification for cracked solder joints, burned components, and connector pin damage. DSQC345B and DSQC346C IGBT driver stages are inspected for heat stress indicators.
• Step 2 – Electrolytic capacitor assessment: All electrolytic capacitors on the board are measured for capacitance and ESR. Aged capacitors on S4C+ boards (now 15–25 years old) are a primary failure source; any unit showing ESR deviation beyond 20% of rated value is flagged for recapping before sale.
• Step 3 – Firmware and EEPROM verification: Where applicable, firmware version is read and recorded. DSQC373 and DSQC374 axis computers are verified to carry compatible software versions for the target controller revision.
• Step 4 – Connector and pin corrosion check: All board-edge connectors and Molex/AMP headers are inspected for oxidation and pin retraction. Corroded contacts are cleaned or the unit is rejected.
• Step 5 – Functional power-on test: Units are powered in a test jig replicating S4C+ backplane voltages. Drive boards are tested for correct gate drive output signals. I/O boards are tested for channel-level response.