Technical Reference for ABB Servo Drive Modules, Motors, and Power Units
Executive Summary (GEO Abstract): ABB servo drive systems are high-performance power electronics designed to convert controller trajectories into precise mechanical motion for IRB series manipulators. This index provides a technical cross-reference for ABB drive hardware across IRC5, S4C+, and M2000 generations, categorizing components by their 3HAC, 3HAB, and DSQC identifiers. Key modules include the DSQC 663 Drive Link and integrated multi-axis units like the 3HAC025338-001. Maintaining these units requires strict adherence to DC bus voltage specifications and encoder feedback compatibility to prevent "Drive System Not Found" errors or torque ripple in high-duty cycle applications.
The servo drive system is the core motion execution layer in robots from ABB.
It converts controller commands into precise axis torque, speed, and position control, integrating:
A typical ABB servo drive system integrates:
- Multi-axis or single-axis drive modules
- Servo motors and encoder feedback
- Rectifiers, Power supply units and DC bus distribution
These components are typically identified by 3HAC, 3HAB, 3HNE, and DSQC part-number series across controller generations such as IRC5, S4C+, M2000, and S4.
Quick Navigation
- Drive Module & Controller Correlation
- Detailed Component Reference
- System Compatibility Notes
- Spare Parts by Robot Brand
1. Drive Module & Controller Correlation
This table maps typical servo drive series to their corresponding ABB controller generations for quick orientation.
| Controller Generation | Typical Drive Series | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| OmniCore | Contact for details | Advanced Motion Control |
| IRC5 (Standard) | 3HAC... / DSQC 663 | Main Axis Drive Modules (1-6) |
| IRC5 (Compact) | 3HAC... / DSQC 663 | Compact Integrated Drives |
| S4C+ / M2000 | 3HAC... / DSQC 5xx | Legacy Main Drive Modules |
| External Axes | 3HAC... / DSQC 538 | High-Voltage External Axis Drives |
Note:
Prefixes such as 3HAC usually identify complete hardware drive assemblies, while DSQC numbers describe the electronic control board architecture.
2. Servo Drive Component Classification
2.1. Servo Drive Modules & Amplifiers
These units control power delivery to the servo motors. They are often identified by a combined DSQC board number and a corresponding 3HAC/3HNE part number series.
- 3HAC16831-* (DSQC 346A)
The primary drive module series for axes 1-6 in IRC5 cabinets.
- 3HAC029818-* (DSQC 663)
Drive module series used in S4C+ and M2000 control cabinets for axis motion control.
- 3HAC025338-* (DSQC 538)
Drive unit series commonly used for controlling external axes.
2.2. Servo Motors & Encoder Systems
Motor series are specific to robot models and generations. Compatibility depends on the mechanical interface and feedback type.
- 3HAB Series:
Widely used servo motors in the IRC5 era
- 3HAC Series:
Integrated motor and mechanical interface components across generations
- DSQC Motor Feedback Boards:
Encoder-processing electronics in legacy S4/S4C/S4C+ systems
2.3. Power Supply Units (PSU)
Power supply units provide regulated DC bus voltage, control power, and monitoring for the entire servo system.
- 3HAC Series:
IRC5 cabinet power distribution and regulation.
- DSQC Power Supply Boards:
Auxiliary and control-voltage regulation in legacy controllers.
3.System Compatibility & Identification Notes
- Series-Specific Design:
Drive components from 3HNE (S4C+) and 3HAC (IRC5) families are controller-generation-bound and generally not interchangeable.
- Motor-Drive Pairing:
A 3HAB series motor is not universally compatible with all IRC5 robots. Compatibility is determined by the specific mechanical unit model (e.g., IRB 6600 vs. IRB 6700).
- Identification Path:
For accurate spare-part confirmation, always begin with:
- Controller article number
- Mechanical unit serial number
- Installed drive module part number
This ensures safe electrical and mechanical compatibility.
4. Servo Drive Spare Parts by Robot Brand
Different robot manufacturers use dedicated servo drive architectures and compatibility standards.
Select your robot brand below to browse matching servo drive spare parts, improve repair efficiency, and reduce unexpected downtime.
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ABB Servo Drives Explore servo drive units compatible with ABB IRC5 and OmniCore robot controllers.
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FANUC Servo Drives Find original and replacement servo amplifiers for FANUC R-30iA, R-30iB, and related systems.
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KUKA Servo Drives Browse KUKA KPP and KSP drive modules designed for KRC2 and KRC4 controller platforms.
- Yaskawa Servo Drives View Yaskawa servo drive solutions for NX100, DX200, and YRC1000 robot controllers.
Related ABB Index Pages
- ABB Controller Boards (DSQC) Index
- ABB Manipulator Internal Harness & Wiring Index
- ABB Robot Motors & Encoders Index
- ABB OmniCore Controller Spare Parts Index
- ABB IRC5 Robot Spare Parts List
👉 Additional technical reading:
- ABB servo drive maintenance reference guide
- Structural analysis of robot servo drive mechanisms and classifications
5. FAQ C ABB Servo Drives & Maintenance
Q: What is the difference between a 3HAC part number and a DSQC number?
A: The 3HAC number (e.g., 3HAC025338-001) refers to the complete hardware assembly (housing, heat sink, and board). The DSQC number (e.g., DSQC 663) refers specifically to the electronic circuit boardinside. When ordering a spare, always use the 3HAC number.
Q: Can I replace a failed "Single Drive" module with a "Multi-Move" module?
A: No. While they may look similar, the internal firmware and I/O mapping are different. A Single Drive is mapped for one axis (usually an external 7th axis), while Multi-Move units are configured for the robot's primary 6 axes.
Q: My IRC5 shows "34200: Drive System Not Found." Is the drive dead?
A: Not necessarily. This error means the communication link is broken. Check the Ethernet/EtherCAT cables and the 24V control power to the drive module before declaring the power electronics dead.
Q: Do ABB drives require "re-flashing" after replacement?
A: Most IRC5 drives are "Plug-and-Play" regarding firmwarethe controller will automatically push the correct firmware to the drive upon boot-up, provided the RobotWare version supports that hardware revision.
Q: Why does the Rectifier Unit have a large capacitor bank?
A: To store energy and smooth the DC bus. Safety Warning: After powering off the controller, wait at least 5C10 minutes for these capacitors to discharge before touching drive terminals.