System Overview
ABB (formerly Accuray and later ABB Automation) provides QCS systems widely used in paper mills worldwide. The Dilution Control System integrates with ABB QCS via the Digital Interface Unit (DIU) or direct Modbus TCP connection.
ABB acquired Accuray in 1990. Systems may still carry the Accuray brand, particularly older AC6 and AC6000 installations. Configuration is similar for both.
Supported Models
| System | Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ABB Industrial IT 800xA | Modbus TCP, OPC | Modern system, recommended interface: Modbus TCP |
| ABB QCS450 | Modbus TCP | Compact QCS solution |
| Accuray AC6000 | DIU, Modbus TCP | Widely installed, DIU preferred |
| Accuray AC6 | DIU | Legacy system, requires DIU |
| AccuRay 1190 | DIU, OPC | Earlier platform |
DIU Interface Setup
The Digital Interface Unit (DIU) provides direct access to profile data from ABB/Accuray systems.
DIU Network Configuration
-
Physical Connection
Connect the control PC to the DIU via Ethernet:
- Use a dedicated Ethernet port on the control PC
- Connect to the DIU's Ethernet interface
- Use CAT5e or better cabling
-
IP Configuration
Configure the control PC's network adapter:
DIU IP Address Obtain from ABB system configuration Control PC IP Same subnet as DIU (e.g., 192.168.10.x) Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 (typical) -
Verify Connectivity
ping [DIU_IP_ADDRESS]
DIU Configuration in ABB System
The DIU must be configured on the ABB system to export profile data. Contact your ABB service representative to configure:
- Profile data output (basis weight CD profile)
- Profile array size (number of databoxes)
- Update rate (scan interval)
- Data format (floating point recommended)
Modbus Configuration
For systems supporting Modbus TCP (AC6000, QCS450, 800xA), configure the connection as follows:
Dilution Control Settings
- Open Settings > Scanner Configuration
- Select Scanner Type:
ABB / Accuray - Select Interface:
Modbus TCP - Configure connection parameters:
Connection Settings
| IP Address | [DIU or QCS IP] |
From ABB configuration |
| Port | 502 |
Standard Modbus TCP port |
| Slave ID | 1 |
Default, may vary |
| Timeout | 3000 ms |
Connection timeout |
Profile Settings
| Number of Databoxes | 200 |
Match ABB configuration |
| Profile Register | 1000 |
Starting register for profile array |
| Data Type | Float 32-bit |
IEEE 754 floating point |
| Byte Order | Big Endian |
ABB default |
| Word Order | High-Low |
ABB default |
Register Map
Typical Modbus register map for ABB QCS profile data:
| Register | Count | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 400 | Float (2 regs) | Basis Weight Profile (200 points) |
| 1400 | 2 | Float | Profile Average (g/m²) |
| 1402 | 2 | Float | Profile 2-Sigma |
| 1404 | 1 | Int16 | Scanner Status (0=OK, 1=Error) |
| 1405 | 1 | Int16 | Profile Valid Flag (1=Valid) |
| 1406 | 1 | Int16 | Left Edge Databox |
| 1407 | 1 | Int16 | Right Edge Databox |
The register addresses shown are typical examples. Actual addresses depend on the ABB system configuration. Consult your ABB documentation or service representative for exact register mappings.
Testing & Verification
After configuration, verify the connection is working correctly:
-
Test Connection
Click Test Connection in the Scanner Configuration dialog. Expected result: "Connection successful"
-
Verify Profile Reception
Open the Profile Display panel. You should see:
- Live profile data updating with each scan
- Profile shape matching the paper web
- Correct number of databoxes
-
Check Profile Values
Verify the profile values are reasonable:
- Values should be in expected basis weight range (e.g., 40-400 g/m²)
- Profile average should match QCS display
- Edge detection should identify web edges correctly
-
Verify Zone Mapping
Create a deliberate profile disturbance (if safe to do so) and verify:
- The disturbance appears in the correct zone
- Mapping direction is correct (front-side/back-side)
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Connection timeout | Network routing issue | Verify IP addresses, check routing, confirm DIU is powered |
| Connection refused | Wrong port or Modbus not enabled | Confirm Modbus TCP is enabled in DIU/QCS settings |
| No data received | Wrong register addresses | Verify register map with ABB documentation |
| Garbled data | Byte order mismatch | Toggle Big/Little Endian and Word Order settings |
Profile Data Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Profile all zeros | Scanner parked or profile not enabled | Check scanner status in ABB system |
| Profile inverted | Mapping direction wrong | Toggle mapping direction in configuration |
| Profile offset | Mapping offsets incorrect | Adjust front/back side offsets |
| Profile not updating | Stale data or communication error | Check Profile Valid flag and timestamp |
For complex integration issues, contact ABB technical support with your system model and software version. They can provide specific register maps and configuration guidance.