ABB PFEA113-20 Torque Monitoring Module

Description

What This Product Solves
In web tension systems and high-precision material handling, reliable tension measurement and control are essential. The PFEA113-20 tension electronics module is designed to process signals from multiple load cells, provide stable amplification, and deliver well-conditioned outputs to drive or regulate web tension in processes such as paper, film, textile, or foil production. By centralizing tension sensing and signal conditioning, it reduces drift, compensates for environmental disturbances, and simplifies integration with supervisory controls and PLCs. This module is particularly valuable during line modernization, capacity upgrades, or retrofits where maintaining consistent tension is critical for product quality and process stability. With robust diagnostics, configurable analog outputs, and multi-load-cell support, it helps minimize downtime, improve calibration reliability, and streamline maintenance planning. The model designation serves as a clear reference point for spare parts, service, and upgrade programs within ABB’s tension electronics ecosystem.

How the Product Works & Fits into a System
PFEA113-20 is designed to sit within a tension control loop, receiving signals from multiple load cells and conditioning them for the control system. It typically connects to load cells on a web-processing line, aggregates the data, and provides outputs or interfaces to the main controller or distributed control system. The module supports plug-in expansion for additional load cells, configurable gain, and scaling to match the control strategy, enabling precise web tension management. In a complete system, it works alongside display units, control panels, and drive systems to maintain stable tension, prevent over-tensioning, and optimize product consistency. The model designation anchors configuration and maintenance discussions, ensuring compatibility with ABB’s tension electronics family and standard system architectures.

Technical Highlights Summary
Model Number PFEA113-20 3BSE028144R0020
Brand ABB
Type Tension electronics / load-cell signal processor
Input Voltage DC 24 V nominal (18–36 V range typical)
Power Requirement 7.5 W (typical)
Load Cell Inputs Up to four load cells
Analog Outputs Six configurable analog outputs (voltage/current)
Digital Outputs Status/Alarm outputs
Display Multi-language display with basic diagnostic readouts
IP Rating IP20 (DIN-rail version) or IP65 (on enclosure variants)
Operating Temperature Variant-dependent
Mounting Style DIN-rail or panel-mount (variant dependent)
Dimensions Variant-dependent
Weight Variant-dependent
Communication Profibus DP or other fieldbus options (variant dependent)
Compliance CE RoHS
Environment Electrical noise tolerance and EMI considerations (variant dependent)

Real-World Benefits
Selecting PFEA113-20 provides a robust, error-tolerant tension management solution for web-processing lines. It offers reliable multi-load-cell processing, scalable outputs, and clear diagnostics that simplify operator troubleshooting and maintenance planning. The device’s design minimizes drift and improves repeatability, which translates into steadier web tension, reduced web breaks, and improved product quality. Its modular nature supports straightforward expansions and upgrades, reducing the engineering effort required to scale tension control as production demands evolve. The model designation becomes a dependable anchor in maintenance manuals and spare-parts inventories, enabling faster procurement and service response across sites using ABB tension electronics ecosystems.

Typical Use Cases
Ideal for web tension control in industries such as paper, film, textiles, and plastic film production. In these settings, precise tension management is crucial to prevent web breaks, ensure uniform winding, and maintain consistent product thickness and quality. It’s well-suited for modernization projects where multiple load cells feed a central controller, enabling scalable monitoring and control with integrated diagnostics.

Compatible or Alternative Products
PFEA113-20 3BSE028144R0020 – Base tension electronics with four load-cell inputs
PFEA111-20 – Earlier version with similar functional footprint
PFEA112-20 – Mid-range tension electronics with extended diagnostics
PFEA113-20-IP65 – Enclosure variant for harsher environments
PFEA113-20-DIN – DIN-rail variant with different mounting accessories
PFEA114-20 – Extended-channel version for additional load cells
PFEA113-20-Display – Variant with integrated display

Setup Notes & Maintenance Insights
Before installation, confirm the PFEA113-20 variant matches the intended load-cell configuration, display, and control interfaces. Verify the power supply range and ensure proper grounding to minimize noise pickup on load-cell signals. During commissioning, calibrate each load cell, verify linearity across the operating range, and validate outputs against the controller’s inputs. Ongoing maintenance should include regular checks of load-cell wiring, connector integrity, and display readability, plus periodic functional tests of the tension loop under typical production speeds. Maintain an updated spare-parts kit for load cells, cables, and connectors. Document calibration constants and installation baselines to facilitate future upgrades or service events.