Product Overview

The ABB DSQC 266A is a  designed specifically for ABB industrial robot systems, serving as a critical component in ensuring safe operation in collaborative and industrial environments. It acts as a dedicated safety layer, monitoring and controlling safety-related functions to prevent hazardous situations involving robots, operators, and surrounding equipment. The DSQC 266A integrates advanced safety logic and communication capabilities, adhering to international safety standards such as EN ISO 13849-1 (PLe) and IEC 61508 (SIL 3), making it a trusted solution for applications where human-robot interaction is prevalent. Whether deployed in automotive assembly cells, electronics manufacturing facilities, or logistics warehouses with collaborative robots, the ABB DSQC 266A provides robust safety oversight, enabling seamless and secure human-machine collaboration.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Product Model	ABB DSQC 266A
Manufacturer	ABB
Product Type	Robot Safety Controller Module
Safety Inputs	16 safety-rated digital inputs
Safety Outputs	8 safety-rated digital outputs (2 A per channel)
Communication Interfaces	Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE), ABB safety bus
Operating Voltage	24 V DC ± 15%
Operating Temperature	0 to 55 °C
Dimensions (W x H x D)	160 mm x 200 mm x 90 mm
Weight	Approximately 1.8 kg
Safety Rating	EN ISO 13849-1 (PLe), IEC 61508 (SIL 3)

Key Features and Benefits

Advanced Safety Logic

The ABB DSQC 266A is equipped with a powerful safety processor that executes complex safety logic to monitor critical conditions such as robot position, speed, and separation distance from operators. It supports configurable safety functions including safe stop (SS1, SS2), safe operating stop (SOS), and safe speed monitoring (SMS), allowing customization to specific application risks. This advanced logic ensures that the robot transitions to a safe state rapidly—within milliseconds—when a safety breach is detected, minimizing the risk of injury or equipment damage.

Redundant Safety Architecture

To maximize reliability, the DSQC 266A features a redundant design with dual processors and independent input/output circuits. This redundancy ensures that a single fault in one component does not compromise the safety function, maintaining continuous safety oversight. The module performs self-diagnostics at startup and during operation, automatically detecting internal faults and transitioning to a safe state if a critical issue is identified. This architecture aligns with the highest safety integrity levels, making it suitable for high-risk applications where failure is not acceptable.

Seamless Safety Communication

With support for Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) and ABB’s proprietary safety bus, the ABB DSQC 266A enables real-time exchange of safety-related data between the robot controller, safety sensors (e.g., light curtains, laser scanners), and other safety devices. This high-speed communication ensures that safety signals are transmitted with minimal latency, critical for dynamic environments where robot movements and operator positions change rapidly. The module also integrates with ABB’s robot controllers (IRC5, OmniCore), allowing synchronized safety actions between the safety layer and the robot’s motion control system.

Flexible Safety Configuration

The DSQC 266A can be easily configured using ABB’s SafeMove Pro software, a user-friendly tool that enables engineers to design, test, and validate safety logic without low-level programming. The software provides pre-defined safety function blocks and a graphical interface for mapping inputs (e.g., emergency stops, light curtains) to outputs (e.g., robot stop signals, area alarms), simplifying setup and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This flexibility allows the module to adapt to evolving production needs, such as reconfiguring safety zones when process layouts change.

Integration with Collaborative Robots

Optimized for collaborative robot applications, the ABB DSQC 266A works seamlessly with ABB’s YuMi and GoFa collaborative robot series. It monitors force and torque sensors in collaborative robots to detect unexpected contact with humans, triggering a safe stop if contact exceeds predefined thresholds. This integration enables “hand-guiding” functionalities, where operators can safely teach robots new paths by physically guiding them, with the DSQC 266A ensuring the robot operates within safe speed and force limits during programming.

Related Models

We offer a one-year warranty for the ABB DSQC 266A module, ensuring its reliability and compliance with safety standards. Our pre-sales team provides expert consultation on safety system design, helping customers select the right configuration to address specific hazards. Our after-sales service includes assistance with installation, commissioning, and safety validation, ensuring the module operates as intended. If you require a customized safety solution or need help with integration, contact us immediately—we are dedicated to supporting safe robotic operations. The ABB DSQC 266A is widely used in collaborative workspaces, automotive assembly, electronics manufacturing, and logistics, providing the safety foundation for efficient human-robot collaboration.