Enhancing Reliability and Modernization: A Comprehensive Overview of ABB's Advant OCS and Advant 800xA Systems
What makes ABB's Advant OCS and Advant 800xA systems so widely adopted in the process industries?
Industrial operators choose these systems because they provide a robust and long-lifecycle automation platform capable of managing complex continuous and intermittent processes. Their architecture supports high availability, long lifecycle reliability, and scalability, which are critical for power generation, chemical, oil and gas, and other mission-critical industries.
How do these two systems differ in their positioning?
Advant OCS (Open Control System) represents ABB's mature and reliable DCS technology, providing superior stability and deterministic control performance; while the Advant 800xA system, based on the AC800M control platform, offers an advanced, object-oriented, and information-centric architecture suitable for digital transformation, integrated safety, and unified operations.
Technical Features and Applications of Advant OCS and 800xA (Based on Official Datasheet Concepts)
1. Advant OCS System Features
Advant OCS is an open, modular DCS platform capable of integrating analog, digital, and advanced control functions. Its key features include:
Powerful Hardware Architecture:
Advant controller modules (such as the AC400 series) provide deterministic control loops, redundant configurations, and long-term operational stability.
Flexible I/O Architecture:
Distributed I/O stations enable reliable field data acquisition. The system supports a variety of analog, digital, pulse, and communication I/O cards.
Open Communication Protocols:
Support for PROFIBUS, MODBUS, Advant Fieldbus 100, and point-to-point interfaces ensures compatibility with both legacy and modern field devices.
Extremely Long Service Life:
Many Advant OCS systems have been in operation for decades and can be upgraded to connect the OCS platform to the 800xA operating system environment.
Typical applications:
Power plants, petrochemical plants, water treatment systems, steel mills, cement plants, and large production lines requiring determinism and mature automation.
2. ABB 800xA System Features
The 800xA (Extended Automation) platform integrates process control, electrical control, safety systems, asset management, and information management into a single platform.
Modern AC800M Controller Platform:
The AC800M controller utilizes high-speed processors, redundant configurations, and modular I/O (S800, S900) to handle advanced process logic, batch control, and demanding continuous control.
Unified Operating Environment:
The 800xA system integrates automation, electrical control, and safety control into a single HMI platform, reducing engineering design time and operational complexity.
Object-Oriented Engineering Tools:
A rich engineering library supports function blocks, sequential function charts, and structured text programming.
Scalable Digital Architecture:
The 800xA supports OPC, IEC 61850, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, Profibus, HART, and Ethernet/IP, enabling the integration of digital field devices and intelligent asset monitoring.
Integration with Existing Advant Systems:
Existing Advant Controller 400 or Bailey INFI 90 systems can be seamlessly integrated into the 800xA, extending service life and enhancing operational monitoring.
Typical Applications:
Oil & Gas, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Pulp & Paper, Marine Systems, Power Generation, Mining, Food & Beverage, and any industry requiring integrated safety systems (SIL2/SIL3).
Common Controllers and Modules for Advant and 800xA Systems
Modular, high-performance controller platform for 800xA systems.
Supports S800 I/O, redundant CPU, and high-speed communication.
Widely used in digital process control industries.
AC800F Series
Compact controllers designed specifically for fieldbus systems.
Integrates FOUNDATION Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and H1 networks.
Suitable for modular plants, skid-mounted systems, and distributed control areas.
AC31 Series Controllers
Entry-level PLC series for machine automation and compact control tasks.
Available in relay, transistor, and analog range versions.
Widely used in HVAC, packaging, and general manufacturing automation.
Highly reliable, long-life DCS platform.
Renowned for its powerful loop control capabilities, modular I/O, and wide application in power generation.
It remains widely supported and has been integrated into the 800xA migration project.
ABB Advantage Product Series and Key Parameters (Summary Table)
|
ABB Series / Platform |
Key Features |
Typical CPU / Module Types |
System Role |
|
Advant OCS (AC400) |
Mature DCS, deterministic control, long lifecycle |
AC410, AC450, I/O modules |
Core process control |
|
800xA (AC800M) |
High-speed modern automation, scalable digital design, redundant architecture |
PM861, PM864, PM866, PM891 |
Advanced process and safety control |
|
AC800F |
Fieldbus-oriented control, compact modular design |
CPU80x series |
Distributed/Skid control |
|
AC31 Series |
Compact PLC for machine control |
AC31C, AC31G |
Equipment automation |
|
Bailey INFI 90 |
High-reliability loop control, long-term installed base |
NTCL01, NTAI05, NTPM01, NTDI01 |
Power generation DCS backbone |
|
S800 I/O |
Modular remote I/O platform |
DI/DO/AI/AO modules |
I/O integration for AC800M |
|
S900 I/O |
Intrinsically safe distributed I/O |
S900 analog/digital modules |
Hazardous area applications |
How Moore Automated Supports Customers with Rare and Discontinued ABB Components
Moore Automated specializes in sourcing, verifying, and delivering scarce, discontinued, or end-of-life ABB products. Since many facilities depend on legacy systems such as Advant OCS, Bailey INFI 90, or early 800xA components, Moore Automated provides:
Access to global inventory networks
Fast lead times for urgent maintenance
Competitive pricing for rare modules
Professional product testing and quality assurance
Support for migration and long-term spares strategy
Below are ABB models frequently searched by customers on Google and commonly supplied by Moore Automated:
AC800M Modules: PM864AK01, PM866K01, PM865, PM891
Advant OCS Modules: DSQC223, DSSR122, 3BSE004939R1, 57310256-AV
Bailey INFI 90: NTAI05, NTPM01, NTDI01, NFLF01, INFI90 BRC410
AC31 Series: 07KT94, 07CR41, 07KR264
S800 I/O: AI810, DI810, AO845, DO810
800xA Communication Modules: CI854A, CI862, CI869
Moore Automated’s mission is to help users maintain operational continuity, avoid costly downtime, and modernize at their own pace—all while sourcing ABB components with assured quality and competitive pricing.
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