ABB PFEA113 Tension Electronics: Precision and Intelligence for Web Tension Control

Robust Pressductor® Technology for Reliable Measurement

The ABB PFEA113 tension electronics (order code 3BSE029382R0101) delivers high-precision web tension measurement for continuous processes such as paper, plastic film, metal foil, and textile manufacturing. At the heart of this system lies ABB’s patented Pressductor® technology, which operates on a magnetoelastic principle. Unlike conventional strain-gauge load cells that require physical bending or compression, Pressductor® sensors generate a signal through changes in an electromagnetic field when mechanical force is applied. This contact-free measuring principle offers exceptional overload tolerance, long-term stability, and resistance to harsh industrial environments. The PFEA113 can power up to four load cells simultaneously and supports single-roll, two-roll, and segmented roll configurations. Its multilingual digital display and intuitive keypad allow operators to view total tension, individual load cell signals, or differential values in real time, making it one of the most complete tension electronics available on the market today.

Flexible Installation and Robust Hardware Options

Designed to meet diverse installation requirements, the PFEA113 comes in two physical versions. The IP20 (unsealed) DIN-rail version is ideal for control cabinet mounting, while the IP65 (NEMA 4) wall-mounted enclosure is built for demanding environments where dust, moisture, or water jets are present. Both versions share the same high-performance measurement core, but the IP65 unit includes integrated cable glands and a rugged housing that simplifies external mounting. Proper cabling is critical for measurement accuracy: ABB recommends keeping load cell cables at least 0.3 meters away from noisy power cables, grounding cable screens at one end only, and using twisted pairs for signal and excitation circuits. When multiple IP20 units are installed in the same cabinet, synchronization via the SYNC terminals ensures interference-free operation. The maximum permitted cable resistance in the excitation circuit is 10 ohms for all compatible load cells, including PFCL 301E, PFTL 301E, PFRL 101, and PFTL 101. Additionally, the PFXC 141 junction box provides a protected connection point near the load cells, simplifying field wiring and maintenance.

Simplified Commissioning and Advanced Functional Features

Commissioning the PFEA113 is straightforward, thanks to a step-by-step guide that walks users through basic settings, load cell polarity checks, and function verification. The Fast Setup feature allows operators to configure the system using either hanging weights or direct wrap gain entry, significantly reducing setup time. For applications requiring extended functionality, the Complete Setup menu offers full control over language, display units, nominal load, zero setting, wrap gain, analog and digital outputs, filter settings, and Profibus DP parameters. The six analog outputs are individually configurable for voltage or current, and the four digital outputs can be programmed for level detection or status indication. Profibus DP communication enables seamless integration with PLCs, providing high-speed data exchange and remote commands such as zero set and gain scheduling. Built-in diagnostic functions continuously monitor system health, and the simulation mode allows operators to verify output configurations without applying actual web tension. All commissioning data can be documented in the provided form in Appendix H, ensuring traceability and simplifying future maintenance.

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