Close Menu
Get Parts Quote
Name
Company *
Phone *
Email *
Address
City
State / Province / Region
Zipcode
Country
Quantity *
Part Number *
Manufacturer
Preferred Condition
Additional Information
Cancel
2025-10-10 14:21:46

Unlocking Precision and Control: A Deep Dive into the ABB AO820 Analog Output Module

About the author
Sandy Lin
Written by Amikon Limited

This is my linkedin:

As a seasoned expert in the field of automation spare parts, Sandy has dedicated 15 years to Amikon, an industry-leading company, where she currently serves as Director. With profound product expertise and exceptional sales strategies, she has not only driven the company's continuous expansion in global markets but also established an extensive international client network.

Throughout Amikon's twenty-year journey, Sandy's sharp industry insights and outstanding leadership have made her a central force behind the company's global growth and sustained performance. Committed to delivering high-value solutions, she stands as a key figure bridging technology and markets while empowering industry progress.
In the world of industrial automation, precision, reliability, and flexibility are non-negotiable. The heart of any control system lies in its ability to accurately command field devices, and that's where a robust analog output module comes into play. Today, we're focusing on a workhorse in this category: the ABB AO820 (3BSE008546R1). This module is more than just a component; it's a critical link between your control logic and the physical process. Let's explore the key features that make it an excellent choice for demanding applications.

Unmatched Versatility in Signal Output
The ABB AO820 is designed to be a one-stop solution for your analog output needs. Its core strength lies in its four independent channels, each configurable to deliver a wide range of industry-standard signals. Whether your application requires a current loop for long-distance transmission or a voltage signal for local control, the AO820 has you covered. It supports:

Current Outputs: -20 to +20 mA, 0 to 20 mA, and the ubiquitous 4 to 20 mA.

Voltage Outputs: -10 to +10 V, 0 to 10 V, and 2 to 10 V.

This flexibility allows engineers to use a single module type across various parts of a system, simplifying spare parts inventory and reducing design complexity.

Built-In Reliability and Advanced Diagnostics
In an industrial setting, downtime is the enemy. The AO820 is engineered for maximum uptime with its sophisticated diagnostic and supervision capabilities. It doesn't just send a signal and hope for the best; it actively ensures command integrity.

Data Read-Back Verification: The module reads back the output data to the A/D converters, confirming that the correct command has been executed.

Continuous Open-Circuit Monitoring: It continuously checks for broken wires or disconnected cables, alerting operators before a minor issue becomes a major problem.

Process Voltage Supervision: If the control voltage disappears, the module generates a clear channel error signal that can be read directly via the ModuleBus, enabling rapid troubleshooting.

Robust Design for Demanding Environments
The technical specifications of the AO820 reveal a module built to perform reliably in harsh industrial environments. Key design features include:

Individual Channel Isolation: Each of the four channels is galvanically isolated from the others and from the common circuit. This prevents noise, ground loops, and faults in one channel from affecting the others, a critical feature for system stability.

High Fault Tolerance: With a rated insulation voltage of 50V and a dielectric test voltage of 500V AC, the module can withstand significant electrical stress. Its outputs are also short-circuit proof and current-limited, protecting both the module and connected devices.

Long-Distance Capability: Supporting a maximum field cable length of 600 meters (656 yards), the AO820 is ideal for sprawling plants and facilities.

High Performance and Speed
For dynamic control processes, speed and accuracy are paramount. The AO820 delivers on both fronts with impressive performance metrics:

High Resolution: With 12-bit resolution including sign, the module provides fine-grained control, ensuring your output signals are precise.

Rapid Response: A fast rise time of less than 0.7 ms and an update cycle time of ≤ 1.5 ms mean the module can keep up with high-speed control loops.

Excellent Accuracy: It maintains a maximum error of just 0.1% for voltage outputs and 0.15% for current outputs, guaranteeing that your commands are executed as intended.

Enhanced Safety with Output State Preservation (OSP)
What happens when a system detects a fault? The AO820 answers this critical question with its Output State Preservation (OSP) feature. In the event of an error or communication loss, the module can be configured to set its outputs to a predefined, safe state (such as 0V, hold last value, or a maximum value). This fail-safe behavior is essential for preventing hazardous conditions and ensuring a controlled shutdown or safe operation mode.

Conclusion
The ABB AO820 3BSE008546R1 Analog Output Module is far more than a simple interface card. It is a comprehensively engineered solution that combines versatility, diagnostic intelligence, rugged construction, and high-speed performance. By choosing the AO820, you are not just installing a module; you are investing in the reliability, safety, and efficiency of your entire automation system. Its ability to adapt to various signal types while providing peace of mind through continuous self-supervision makes it a superior choice for any application where control precision is critical.

Keep your system in play!

Select
ABB
Accutrac
Acopian
AC Tech
Action Instruments
Adam
Adaptec
Advanced Input Devices
Advanced Micro Controls
AEG
AIS
Alcatel
Allen-Bradley
Allied Telesis
3M
Alstom
AMCI
Antex Electronics
Apparatebau Hundsbach
Array Electronic
Asea
ASTEC
Automation Direct
Aydin Controls
B&R
Balluff
Banner Engineering
Barco Sedo
Bartec
BECK
Beier
Beijer Electronics
Bently Nevada
Berthel
Biviator
Black Box
Block
Bofors Electronik
Bosch
Braun
CEAG
3COM
Crompton
Crouzet
Control Techniques
CTI-Control Technology Inc
Cutler-Hammer
Danfoss
DEC - Digital Equipment Corp
Delta Computer Systems
Delta Electronics
Digital
Digitronics
Durag
Dynapar
EATON
EBELT
Eberle
Elliot Automation
Emerson
Endress Hauser
Entrelec Schiele
ERMA
Eurotherm
Fanuc
Farnell
FEAS
Festo
Finder Varitec
Fischer Porter
Forney Engineering
Fuji Electric
Galil Motion Control
General Electric
Gildemeister
Gordos
Grayhill
Grenzebach Electronics
Harting
Hedin Tex
HEIDENHAIN
Helmholz
HIMA
Hirschmann
Hitachi
Honeywell
IBHsoftec
IBM
idec
IDS
IFM Electronic
INAT
INIVEN
Intel
Invensys
JAQUET
Jetter AG
Kent
KEPCO
Kettner
Kieback & Peter
Klockner Moeller
Kniel
Koyo
Krauss Maffei
Kuhnke
Lambda
Landis Gyr
Lauer
L&N - Leeds & Northrup
Lenze
Leukhardt Systems
LG GoldSec
Littlefuse
Lumberg
Lutze
Magnecraft
Mannesmann
Matsushita
Mean Well
Measurement Systems
Measurex
MEDAR
Micro Innovation AG
Micron Control Transformers
Mitsubishi
Molex
Moog
MTL Insturments Group
MTS
Murr Elektronik
NAIS
NEC
Netstal
Neumann
Omega Engineering
Omron
Opto 22
Orbitran Systems
PANALARM
Pepperl + Fuchs
Pester
Philips
Phoenix Contact
Pilz
Plasma
Potter & Brumfield
Red Lion
Reis Robotics
Reliance Electric
Rexroth
RIS - Rochester
Ronan
SAE Elektronik
SAIA
SATT Control
Sauter
Schaffner
Schiele
Schildknecht
Schiller Electric
Schleicher
Schneider Electric
Schrack Technik
Selectron
Sensycon
SEW
Sixnet
Spectrum Controls
Sprecher + Schuh
SPS Technologies
Square D
Stahl
STI - Scientific Technologies, Inc.
Struthers-Dunn
SysMik
Taylor
Tecnint HTE
Telemecanique
Timonta
Toshiba
Transition Networks
TR Electronic
Unicomp
UniOP
Vibro-Meter
VIPA
Visolux
Wachendorff Advantech
Wago
Weidmuller
Westronics
Wieland
Wöhrle
Wolf
Woodward
Yokogawa
Ziehl-Abegg
Xycom
Epro
bachmann
Saftronics
Siemens
KEB
Opti Mate
Arista
MKS
Matrix
Motortronics
Metso Auttomation
ProSoft
Nikki Denso
K-TEK
Motorola VME
Force Computers Inc
Berger Lahr
ICS Triplex
Sharp PLC
YASKAWA
SCA Schucker
Grossenbacher
Bremer
Molex Woodhead
Alfa Laval
Siemens Robicon
Perkins
Proface
Supcon
Carlo Gavazzi
DEA
SST
Hollysys
SOLIDSTATE CONTROLS
ETEK
OPTEK
KUKA
WHEDCO
indramat
Miscellaneous Manufacturers
TEKTRONIX
Rorze
DEIF
SIPOS
TICS TRIPLEX
SHINKAWA
ANYBUS
HVA
GERMAN POWER
KONTRON
ENTEK
TEL
SYSTEM
KOLLMORGEN
LAZER
PRECISION DIGITAL
LUBRIQUIPINC
NOKIA
SIEI-Gefran
MSA AUER MUT
KEBA
ANRITSU
DALSA
Load Sharer
SICK
Brad
SCHENCK
STAIGER MOHILO
ENTERASYS
USB-LG
TRS
BIOQUELL
SCHMERSAL
CORECO
KEYENCE
BIZERBA
BAUERBAUER
CONTROL
PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC
APPLIED MATERIALS
NMB
NI
Weishaupt
Weinview
CISCO
PARKER
Lenovo
KONECRANES
TURBUL
HMS
HOFFMAN
HUTTINGER
TDK-Lambda
RESOLVER
Knick
ATLAS
GAMX
TDK
CAMERON
NSK
Tamagawa
GIDDINGS & LEWIS
BENDER
SABO
WOODHEAD
FRICK YORK
SHENLER
BALDOR
Lam Research
NTN BEARING
ETA
WEST INSTRUMENTS
TDK-Lambda
Fireye
DAHUA
TESCH
ACROSSER
FLUKE
Sanyo Denki
Bruel & Kjaer
EPSON
HIOKI
Mettler Toledo
RAYTEK
EPCOS
DFI
SEMIKRON
Huawei
INDUSTRONIC
ASI-HVE
BARTEC POLARIS
AMAT
GD Bologna
Precise Automation
RADISYS
ZEISS 
Reveal Imaging
Saiernico
ASEM
Advantech
ANSALDO
ELpro
MARCONI
EBMPAPST
ROTORK
KONGSBERG
SOCAPEL
TAIYO
SUN
York
KURODA
ADLINK
Notifier
HBM
Infineon
LNIC
Saipwell
JIANGYIN ZHONGHE
W.E.ST. Elektronik
EXPO
DEEP SEA ELECTRONICS
BECKHOFF
BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION
Drager
ZENTRO ELEKTRONIK
ATOS
TRSystemtechnik
JDS Uniphase
ADEPT
REO
Panametrics
Xenus
SIGMATEK DIAS
S.C.E Elettronica
EKF
ETEL
STOBER POSIDYN
HANSHIN
DDK
EITZENBERGER
LTI MOTION
XP Power
Panasonic
Matrox
SBS Technologies
WARTSILA
MURPHY
MADOKA
Arcnet Danpex
Littelfuse
TACAN
Hurco
SAMGONG
ALPHA
Luxco
Nautibus
PAWO Systems
Haver&boecker
VAISALA
Consilium
SERIPLEX
MTU
ALPHI
OPTIMATION INC
NTRON
TMEIC GLOBAL
BAUMER
SANYO-DENKI
Seica
ISE Reiter
Seal
ICP ELECTRONICS
Axiomtek
Bautz
Sonosys
Vacon
Nematron
Watt Drive
Sieb & Meyer
Danaher Motion
DEMAG
Digifas
Divus
Bühler
RMV ELECTRONICS
Ono Sokki
Orbotech
PLATING ELECTRONIC
NORD NORDAC
Circuit Line
Berges
AIENSN
SZM
CHATILLON
ACS GROUP
ADVANTEST
Sekidenko
DOLD
TURCK
API Controls
ASAHI KEIKI
QUALIFLOW
ASML
ASTRO
COGNEX
Contec
ESTIC
Fishman
IAI
TeleFrank
Internix
AUMA
PROVIBTECH
K-TRON
Lemforder
IXYS
ALERTON
MOXA
Get Parts Quote
Newsroom

Related articles Browse All