In high-precision industrial scenarios such as material winding, stretching and conveying, the stability of tension control directly determines product quality and production line efficiency. The PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20, a high-performance industrial tension control module from ABB’s Pressductor® series, is a core control component specially built for these demanding applications.
As a key part of ABB’s tension electronics platform, this module achieves stable tension regulation with advanced closed-loop control algorithms and acts as a central control unit in automation systems. It processes two tension sensor input signals simultaneously, calculates the tension sum SUM(A+B) and difference DIFF(A‑B) in real time, provides accurate tension feedback for PLC/DCS systems, and forms a complete “detection‑calculation‑control” closed-loop system.
Built on more than 70 years of ABB’s industrial automation expertise, the PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20 features a modular design and supports quick standard DIN rail mounting, which simplifies both system integration and later maintenance. It integrates multiple mainstream industrial communication protocols and can connect seamlessly to automation platforms such as ABB 800xA for remote monitoring and data exchange.
In continuous production processes including metal processing, paper printing, textile and packaging, this module reliably ensures the accuracy and stability of tension control, effectively prevents material breakage, wrinkling and slack, and delivers dependable control assurance for modern industrial production lines.
2 load cell inputs (compatible with ABB PFCL/PFTL series)
Output Signals
0‑10V DC, 4‑20mA, voltage pulse
Power Supply
24 V DC (operating range 18‑36V)
Power Consumption
5‑7.5 W
Operating Temperature
-20°C to +70°C (wide temp version -40°C to +85°C)
Storage Temperature
-40°C to +85°C
Relative Humidity
5%‑95% RH (non-condensing)
Protection Rating
IP20 (IP65 protective enclosure optional)
Communication Protocols
Modbus RTU, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, Profibus
Control Functions
PID control, cascade control, feedforward control
Sampling Rate
10 MS/s per channel
Resolution
16-bit ADC
Dimensions
132mm×105mm×52mm (or 90mm×60mm×30mm)
Weight
0.2‑0.8 kg
Installation
35mm DIN rail mounting
Key Features and Advantages
The strongest advantage of the PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20 is its combination of high-precision measurement and stable, reliable control. Equipped with a 16-bit ADC and advanced digital filtering, it reaches a measurement accuracy of ±0.1% and displays real-time values for channel A, channel B, their sum and difference. Operators can monitor tension status and adjust parameters through a straightforward interface.
It supports multiple control modes including manual, automatic and constant tension, allowing users to switch flexibly based on on-site processes. PID tuning further refines control performance to match line requirements.
Multi-protocol compatibility and strong system integration are another major highlight. It comes with Modbus RTU, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet and Profibus, and integrates smoothly into mainstream platforms such as ABB 800xA, Siemens SIMATIC and Rockwell ControlLogix. This cross-brand compatibility greatly reduces integration difficulty and cost. The module also supports cascade expansion, so multiple units can work together for multi-channel synchronous control on complex lines.
For reliability and safety, the PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20 uses fully industrial-grade components and passes IEC61000‑4 EMC tests, delivering strong anti-interference performance for tough industrial environments. The built-in self-diagnostic system monitors sensor disconnection, signal overranging and other faults in real time, triggering alarms or shutdown protection. It supports SD card data logging for trend analysis and fault tracing, supporting preventive maintenance. Its compact DIN rail design fits well in space-limited control cabinets.
Application Areas
The PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20 is widely and maturely applied in the metal processing industry, especially for precision processes such as stainless steel cold rolling, aluminum foil slitting and strip rolling.
On high-speed rolling lines, it monitors strip tension in real time and dynamically adjusts roll pressure via closed-loop control, limiting thickness fluctuation to ±0.01mm. Used at Ningbo Baoxin Stainless Steel, it achieved wide-range tension control from 7‑280kN, ensured stable production of 30μm ultra-thin strip, and raised product qualification rate by over 15%.
The paper and printing industry is another core application. In coaters, gravure printers and flexographic presses, it precisely controls web tension and avoids register deviation and paper breaks. A large packaging company reduced film tension fluctuation to ±0.5%, cut material waste significantly, and improved efficiency by 12%. In continuous casting mold oscillation monitoring, it connects vibration, speed and flow sensors and communicates with PLC via Profibus‑DP for multi-parameter coordinated control.
It is also widely adopted in new material processing, including lithium battery separator coating, photovoltaic backsheet slitting and special film stretching. On lithium battery separator lines, it ensures coating uniformity within ±1μm, greatly improving battery performance consistency. Traditional industries such as textile machinery, packaging machinery and plastic film lines also use its high-precision control to upgrade both product quality and productivity.
Related Products
PFEA111-20: Standard tension control module, IP20, for inside control cabinets
PFEA111-65: High-protection version, IP65, for direct harsh environment mounting
PFEA112-20: Enhanced module with 4 sensor inputs, for complex multi-channel control
PFEA113: Advanced control unit with Profibus DP, supports 4 load cells for large-scale systems
PFEA121: Economic tension controller with simplified functions for cost-sensitive applications
PFCL201C-10kN: Pillow-block magnetoelastic tension sensor, provides measurement signals for this module
PFCA401: Advanced control unit with richer functions for complex multi-sensor systems
3BSE028140R20: Legacy part number, functionally identical to PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20
BC810/BC820: Communication bus modules, expand communication capabilities with this unit
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation Preparation
Before installing the PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20, carefully review the technical manual and safety specifications. Confirm the environment meets operating requirements for temperature, humidity and EMC. Prepare a standard 35mm DIN rail, suitable tools and cables. Inspect the module for physical damage and clean connectors.
Avoid mounting near high-temperature sources, strong EMI or heavy vibration, and leave enough clearance for heat dissipation.
Maintenance Recommendations
The PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20 is maintenance-free, but regular inspections support long-term stable performance. Check operation every 6 months using front-panel indicators and diagnostic software.
Clean dust from the surface, keep ventilation clear, and inspect cables and terminal tightness. Increase inspection frequency in harsh environments to maintain sealing. If control accuracy or communication issues appear, use ABB official diagnostic tools or contact authorized service for professional support.
Product Warranty
ABB provides comprehensive quality assurance and global after-sales support for the PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20. All units undergo strict inspection and testing to meet ABB’s global quality standards for industrial environments.
The module carries a 12-month warranty. ABB will repair or replace units defective in materials or workmanship free of charge during the warranty period. The professional technical team offers installation guidance, integration consultation and fault diagnosis to ensure optimal performance.
ABB provides ongoing support including software updates, training and spare parts. Its global service network ensures timely professional help worldwide. Choosing the PFEA111-20 3BSE050090R20 means not only a high-performance tension control module, but also the solid backing of ABB’s 70+ years of industrial automation expertise and continuous innovation.