ABB RDCO Series Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB RDCO Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The ABB RDCO (Remote Drive Communication Option) series is a family of fieldbus communication adapter modules engineered for integration with ABB ACS800, ACS600, and ACS550 series AC drives. These modules are deployed across continuous-process heavy industries including petrochemical refineries, nuclear auxiliary systems, pulp and paper mills, offshore platforms, and large-scale water treatment facilities. The RDCO series enables deterministic, real-time communication between variable frequency drives and plant-level control systems via standardized industrial fieldbus protocols. Their compact DIN-rail-compatible form factor and direct slot-mount installation into the drive's option slot D have made them a de facto standard in ABB drive communication infrastructure globally. Installed base estimates place RDCO-series modules in tens of thousands of drive cabinets across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, with many installations now exceeding 15 years of continuous operation.

The Evolution of RDCO Architecture

The RDCO series was introduced alongside the ACS600 drive platform in the mid-1990s as ABB's response to the growing demand for fieldbus-integrated motor control in process automation. The original RDCO-01 provided DDCS (Distributed Drives Communication System) fiber-optic connectivity, allowing daisy-chain topology between multiple drives and a master controller such as the AC80 or AC800M. This architecture was deterministic and immune to electromagnetic interference — a critical requirement in high-voltage switchgear environments.

With the launch of the ACS800 platform, ABB refined the RDCO form factor into the RDCO-01C, which added improved optical transceiver components and extended the DDCS channel count. The RDCO-02C introduced PROFIBUS-DP V1 support, enabling integration with Siemens S7 and other PROFIBUS masters without a gateway device. The RDCO-03C added DeviceNet compatibility for North American automotive and packaging markets. The RDCO-04C addressed Modbus RTU/TCP requirements for legacy SCADA systems.

As the ACS880 platform emerged in the 2010s, ABB transitioned communication options to the FENA, FPBA, and FDNA adapter families. The RDCO series entered its maintenance phase: no new hardware revisions are planned, but ABB and authorized distributors continue to supply spare units to support the large installed base. Sites operating ACS600 or ACS800 drives have no direct migration path to ACS880 communication adapters without drive replacement, making RDCO spare parts a long-term procurement requirement.

RDCO Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

DDCS / Fiber-Optic Communication Modules

• RDCO-01C: DDCS fiber-optic adapter for ACS800; single-channel, daisy-chain topology support.
• RDCO-01: Original DDCS fiber-optic module for ACS600; predecessor to RDCO-01C, same optical protocol.
• RDCO-01B: Intermediate hardware revision of DDCS adapter; improved transceiver reliability over RDCO-01.

PROFIBUS-DP Modules

• RDCO-02C: PROFIBUS-DP V1 adapter; supports cyclic and acyclic data exchange with DP masters.
• RDCO-02: Original PROFIBUS-DP V0 module for ACS600; cyclic I/O only, no acyclic services.
• RDCO-02B: Revised PROFIBUS-DP module; hardware update for improved bus termination stability.

DeviceNet Modules

• RDCO-03C: DeviceNet adapter; Group 2 Only server, explicit and I/O messaging support.
• RDCO-03: Original DeviceNet module for ACS600; compatible with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix scanners.

Modbus / Serial Communication Modules

• RDCO-04C: Modbus RTU/TCP adapter; supports RS-485 and Ethernet Modbus variants via external converter.
• RDCO-04: Original Modbus RTU module for ACS600; RS-485 interface, up to 115.2 kbps.

CANopen Modules

• RDCO-05C: CANopen adapter for ACS800; DS301 and DS402 drive profile support.
• RDCO-05: Original CANopen module for ACS600; compatible with CiA DS301 masters.

ControlNet Modules

• RDCO-06C: ControlNet adapter; scheduled and unscheduled messaging, compatible with Rockwell RSNetWorx.

Interbus Modules

• RDCO-07C: Interbus-S adapter for ACS800; remote bus and installation remote bus topologies.

LonWorks Modules

• RDCO-08C: LonWorks FTT-10A adapter; used in building automation and district energy applications.

Ethernet / EtherNet/IP Modules

• RDCO-09C: EtherNet/IP adapter for ACS800; implicit and explicit messaging, 10/100 Mbps.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete RDCO Series Parts

The RDCO series is classified by ABB as a mature product line. Several sub-variants — including the RDCO-01, RDCO-02, RDCO-03, RDCO-04, and RDCO-05 (non-C suffix) — have been discontinued from ABB's standard production schedule. Lead times through authorized distribution channels for C-suffix variants can extend to 16–26 weeks due to low-volume manufacturing runs.

Quality Control for the RDCO Range

RDCO modules incorporate a multi-layer PCB with high-density SMD components, optical transceiver assemblies (for DDCS variants), and a proprietary ABB option slot edge connector. Standard visual inspection is insufficient for functional verification of these modules. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all RDCO units:

• Optical transceiver power output test: RDCO-01/01B/01C units are tested for fiber-optic transmit power within ABB-specified limits using a calibrated optical power meter.
• Bus communication loopback test: PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, CANopen, and Modbus variants are connected to a protocol analyzer and verified for correct frame structure, timing, and error response.
• Option slot connector integrity check: Edge connector pins are inspected under magnification for oxidation, mechanical deformation, and solder joint integrity.
• Firmware version verification: Where accessible, embedded firmware version is read and compared against ABB's published revision history to identify units requiring update.
• Thermal cycling burn-in: Units are powered through a minimum 4-hour thermal cycle to screen for latent component failures before shipment.