Description
ABB PD501-4CH Paperless Recorder
Product Overview
The ABB PD501-4CH is a compact, 4-channel paperless recorder from the ABB Measurement Products portfolio, specifically the PDPanel 500 series. It is designed for continuous data acquisition, display, and storage of process variables in industrial applications. As a «paperless» device, it replaces traditional circular or strip chart recorders by storing data in internal memory and displaying it on a color LCD screen, eliminating the need for paper, pens, and mechanical drives.
This recorder is capable of accepting up to 4 different analog input signals simultaneously. The «-4CH» suffix explicitly defines it as the 4-channel variant. It can measure a mix of signals such as temperature (via thermocouples or RTDs), voltage, current (e.g., 4-20mA from transmitters), resistance, and others, depending on its configuration. Its primary functions are to provide a clear, real-time graphical and numerical display of process trends, log historical data for analysis and compliance, and trigger alarms based on user-defined setpoints.
Technical Specifications
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Parameter
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Specification
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Model
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PD501-4CH
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Manufacturer
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ABB
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Product Type
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Compact Paperless Recorder (Data Logger)
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Display
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Color TFT LCD (size varies, typically 5.7″ or similar). High-resolution, clear graphical trend display.
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Input Channels
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4 Universal Analog Inputs. Each channel is independently configurable for:
• Thermocouples (TC): J, K, T, E, R, S, B, N, etc. • RTD: Pt100, Pt1000, Cu10, etc. (2-, 3-, or 4-wire). • DC Voltage: mV, V ranges (e.g., 0-10V, ±10V). • DC Current: 0/4-20mA, 0-24mA (with external shunt resistor). • Resistance. • Process (via transmitter): Scalable engineering units (e.g., °C, bar, %, l/min). |
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Sampling Rate
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Typically 1 sample per second per channel or faster.
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Recording Media
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Internal Flash Memory (size varies, e.g., 128 MB to several GB). Sufficient for months or years of data depending on sampling rate and active channels.
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Data Storage
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Ring Buffer or Stop-When-Full mode. Data can be exported via USB port to a USB flash drive or via Ethernet to a network drive/SCADA system.
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Alarm Outputs
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Each channel typically supports 2 or 4 programmable alarms (High, Low, Deviation, Rate-of-Change). Alarms can trigger internal relays (if equipped) or be communicated digitally.
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Communication
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Standard: USB port (for configuration and data export).
Optional/Eth Variant: Ethernet (PD501E-4CH) for network connectivity, supporting Modbus TCP/IP. Other options may include RS-485 for Modbus RTU. |
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Control Outputs (Optional)
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Some variants may include relay outputs for direct alarm annunciation or simple ON/OFF control, or analog retransmission outputs. The
-4CHbase model may not include these; they are often add-on options. |
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Power Supply
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Typically wide-range: 85-264V AC or 19-30V DC.
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Front Panel Protection
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High IP rating (e.g., IP65/NEMA 4X) for wash-down environments, with a sealed front membrane keypad.
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Mounting
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Panel cutout mounting. Comes with a sealing gasket.
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Main Features and Advantages
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Compact, All-in-One Design: Integrates display, data acquisition, and storage in a single, space-saving unit, ideal for replacing multiple single-point indicators or old chart recorders.
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Universal, Flexible Inputs: The ability to mix different sensor types (T/C, RTD, mA, V) on one device simplifies inventory and application engineering.
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High-Visibility Color Display: Provides real-time trends, bar graphs, digital readouts, and alarm status on a clear color screen, facilitating quick process assessment.
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Robust Data Logging & Export: Reliable internal storage with easy export via USB or network ensures secure data for process analysis, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
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Easy Configuration & Operation: Intuitive menu-driven setup via the front panel or PC configuration software. No consumables (paper, pens) required, reducing running costs and maintenance.
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Rugged Industrial Construction: Designed for harsh environments with a robust, sealed front bezel suitable for food & beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and water treatment applications.
Application Fields
The PD501-4CH is used wherever multiple process variables need to be monitored, trended, and recorded:
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Food & Beverage: Monitoring temperatures in pasteurizers, retorts, ovens, and storage tanks.
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Pharmaceutical: Recording temperature, pressure, and humidity in sterilization chambers (autoclaves) and cleanrooms.
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Water & Wastewater: Monitoring pH, conductivity, flow, and level in treatment processes.
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HVAC & Energy Management: Tracking temperatures, pressures, and energy consumption in building systems.
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Industrial Machinery: Recording process parameters on packaging machines, extruders, or furnaces for quality control and troubleshooting.
Related Products & System Integration
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Sensors & Transmitters: Thermocouples, RTDs, pressure/flow/level transmitters (with 4-20mA output) to connect to the recorder’s inputs.
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PC Configuration Software: ABB Panel 500 Configuration Tool or similar, for easier setup of channels, alarms, displays, and communication.
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USB Flash Drive: For direct data offloading from the front USB port.
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Communication Cables: Ethernet cable (for PD501E variant) or USB configuration cable.
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DIN Rail Mounting Kit: Optional accessory for alternative mounting.
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Alarm Annunciator/PLC: If relay outputs are not integrated, digital alarm signals can be sent via communication to external annunciators or PLCs.

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