ABB, New Generation Machine Drive

The new ACS380-E machine drive is specifically designed for industrial machinery applications and accelerates commissioning, installation, cabling and assembly while supporting compliance with strong cybersecurity requirements in the future. Built-in dual Ethernet ports and selectable protocols come standard, eliminating the need for separate optional modules, reducing complexity and installation time.

Additionally, thanks to versatile USB-C deployment and firmware access via Ethernet, the ACS380-E simplifies installation and keeps it up to date in terms of cybersecurity.

“The modern industrial environment requires equipment that provides connectivity, simplicity and cybersecurity, while also being easy to use and flexible,” said Prabhu Nagavi, ABB ACS380 Product Manager. “The advanced features of the ACS380-E enable our customers to confidently produce high-performance machines that meet today’s regulatory demands and are ready for tomorrow.”

ABB Introduces the ACS380-E

The ACS380-E represents a significant evolution in compact machinery drives, combining performance, connectivity and cybersecurity in a single integrated platform. Designed specifically for industrial machine builders, the drive simplifies commissioning, wiring and configuration processes while ensuring compliance with emerging regulatory requirements.

Unlike traditional drive architectures that require optional communication modules, the ACS380-E comes standard with dual Ethernet ports and selectable industrial protocols. This integrated connectivity reduces hardware complexity, shortens installation time and minimizes potential failure points within the control cabinet.

Integrated Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance

With increasing digitalization in industrial environments, cybersecurity is no longer optional. The ACS380-E integrates secure firmware handling, controlled access mechanisms and Ethernet-based update capability to support long-term operational integrity.

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The drive is designed to help machinery manufacturers comply with the upcoming EU Machinery Regulation requirements taking effect in 2027. By incorporating cybersecurity at the hardware and firmware level, the ACS380-E ensures that machine builders can meet future compliance standards without additional external solutions.

USB-C “cold startup” functionality allows firmware updates and parameter configuration without powering the main drive circuit. This feature enhances safety during commissioning and reduces downtime during maintenance operations.

Advanced Motor Control and Global Compatibility

From 2026 onward, the ACS380-E will support common rotor motor types across a wide global voltage range of 100–600 V. With ratings up to 22 kW at 400 V initially available, the platform is engineered for scalability as additional power ranges are introduced.

The drive delivers high-precision motor control suitable for packaging machines, conveyor systems, extrusion lines and multi-axis machinery. Optimized control algorithms improve torque response, speed stability and energy efficiency, particularly in dynamic load applications.

Its compact enclosure and flexible mounting options enable installation in space-constrained panels—an increasingly important requirement for OEM machine design.

Seamless Automation Integration

The ACS380-E integrates smoothly with major automation platforms, including ABB’s AC500 PLC and third-party control systems. This open integration capability allows machine builders to maintain architectural flexibility while standardizing drive solutions across product lines.

Through compatibility with ABB’s Drive Composer software ecosystem, including Drive Composer 3, users can benefit from advanced parameter configuration, adaptive programming tools and offline setup functionality. Digital configuration and monitoring tools significantly reduce commissioning time and simplify lifecycle management.

ABB Motion and Sustainable Electrification

As part of ABB’s Motion business area, the ACS380-E reflects the company’s long-standing expertise in electric powertrains and motor-driven systems. With more than 140 years of engineering heritage, ABB continues to develop electrification and automation technologies that enhance productivity while supporting decarbonization and energy efficiency goals.

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The ACS380-E is not only a next-generation machine drive; it represents a strategic response to the evolving demands of industrial automation—where performance, digital connectivity and cybersecurity must coexist within a compact and efficient solution.

Coming with integrated cybersecurity, the ACS380-E will help machinery manufacturers comply with the EU Machinery Directives that will come into force in 2027.

The ACS380-E drive will support all common rotor motor types across global voltage ranges (100-600 V) from 2026, providing superior motor control for applications such as packaging systems, conveyors, extrusion lines and multi-axis machines. It will also be ready to integrate seamlessly with all major automation systems, including ABB’s AC500 PLC and products from other key players in the market. The drive integrates effortlessly into tight panel spaces thanks to its compact structure and versatile installation options.

Developed with ABB’s Drive Composer software and compatible with the new Drive Composer 3, the ACS380-E also simplifies equipment monitoring and management, adaptive programming tools and rapid offline configuration functions. ABB launches next-generation machine drive designed for performance, connectivity and cybersecurity 2/3 The ACS380-E machine drive will be available in early July 2025 to cover ratings up to 22 kW at 400 V, with additional power ranges and options to follow.

The drive enables fast USB-C “cold startup” and firmware updates without external power supply or optional cards.

ABB is a global technology leader providing electrification and automation solutions for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By combining its expertise in engineering and digitalization, ABB contributes to making industries more efficient, productive and sustainable while operating at high performance. At ABB we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. ABB has over 140 years of history and more than 110,000 employees worldwide. The company’s shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

 

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ABB Movement is a global leader in motors and drives. It is at the heart of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonising and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. We support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability with our digitally enabled drives, motors and services. To help the world’s industries move forward leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions to a wide range of applications across all industrial segments. Building on more than 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 23,000 employees in 100 countries learn and develop every day.

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