ABB NKAS Series Modules NKAS01-15 Analog Module TU Cable

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB NKAS Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of NKAS Architecture

The NKAS cable series was introduced alongside ABB's S800 I/O system in the mid-1990s as part of the Advant OCS platform. Early variants were designed for the Advant Controller 110 (AC110) and AC450 environments, providing passive cable interconnects between I/O modules and field terminal units. With the transition to the AC800M platform (introduced circa 1999–2001), the NKAS series was extended and standardized to support the ModuleBus backplane communication architecture. The cables interface S800 I/O modules — including AI810, AO810, DI810, DO810, and their successor variants — to TB820 and TB840 ModuleBus Termination Units and associated field wiring panels.

NKAS Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly referenced models within the ABB NKAS series. Each entry reflects a distinct cable length, connector configuration, or termination unit compatibility variant:

NKAS01-15: 1.5 m TU cable for S800 analog I/O module to field terminal unit interconnect.
NKAS01-30: 3.0 m TU cable, extended reach for panel-to-module analog signal routing.
NKAS01-50: 5.0 m TU cable for increased cabinet depth or remote mounting configurations.
NKAS01-100: 10.0 m TU cable for long-distance analog signal runs within control room enclosures.
NKAS02-15: 1.5 m TU cable variant for digital I/O module termination unit interface.
NKAS02-30: 3.0 m digital I/O TU cable, compatible with DI810/DO810 module families.
NKAS02-50: 5.0 m digital I/O TU cable for extended panel wiring configurations.
NKAS03-15: 1.5 m cable for TB820 ModuleBus Termination Unit to S800 I/O module connection.
NKAS03-30: 3.0 m TB820-compatible TU cable for standard rack-to-field wiring.
NKAS03-50: 5.0 m TB820-compatible TU cable for deep enclosure or remote I/O panel use.
NKAS04-15: 1.5 m cable for TB840 redundant ModuleBus Termination Unit configurations.
NKAS04-30: 3.0 m TB840-compatible TU cable supporting redundant I/O architectures.
NKAS05-15: 1.5 m cable for AI835/AI845 HART-enabled analog input module termination.
NKAS05-30: 3.0 m HART analog input TU cable for AI835/AI845 module families.
NKAS06-15: 1.5 m cable for AO845 HART analog output module to field terminal unit.
NKAS06-30: 3.0 m AO845-compatible TU cable for extended analog output signal routing.
NKAS07-15: 1.5 m cable for temperature input modules (TU810/TU830) in thermocouple/RTD applications.
NKAS08-15: 1.5 m cable for pulse counter and frequency input module termination units.

Quality Control for the NKAS Range

ABB NKAS cables, while passive interconnect components, are subject to failure modes including connector pin corrosion, shielding degradation, and insulation breakdown — particularly in units sourced from long-term warehouse storage or decommissioned plant environments. DriveKNMS applies a structured inspection protocol to all NKAS inventory prior to dispatch:

Connector integrity is verified under magnification for pin straightness, contact surface oxidation, and locking latch function. Cable shielding continuity is tested end-to-end using a calibrated low-resistance ohmmeter. Insulation resistance is measured at 500 VDC between signal conductors and shield to confirm dielectric integrity. Connector housing is inspected for mechanical damage, UV degradation, and correct strain relief seating. Each unit is individually bagged and labeled with inspection date, technician ID, and test result record. Cables destined for HART-enabled analog module applications (AI835, AO845) undergo additional signal path impedance verification to confirm compatibility with 4–20 mA HART communication overlays.