In high-power industrial drive and converter systems, reliability, precision, and modularity are critical. The ABB S-073N phase module, with part number 3BHB009884R0021, plays a central role in ABB’s ACS6000 medium-voltage converter families. It is designed to handle DC-to-AC inversion and phase control in demanding environments, making it critical for power conversion, motor drives, and industrial automation.
In this article, we’ll explore the architecture, features, applications, and best practices related to the S-073N module.
The ACS6000 is ABB’s modular medium-voltage drive/inverter platform, targeted at high-power, multi-megawatt applications. The S-073N module is one of the “phase modules” in the system. In an inverter/converter stack, each phase module handles a segment of the power conversion function for one of the phases (or portions thereof) of the AC output.
Some key points in the context of system design:
It is part of a modular architecture, so multiple phase modules may be used in parallel or in series to achieve higher power ratings.
The module is involved in AC-DC and DC-AC operations (rectification and inversion), depending on the converter topology.
The module is associated with high-voltage converter environments, often with shared DC-bus architectures for multiple motor drives.
Thus, the S-073N is not a stand-alone controller but a power-electronics building block within the converter stack.
Direct public datasheets are scarce, but from specialized supplier information, these are known features and inferred capabilities of the module:
| Feature | Description / Inferred Value |
|---|---|
| Designation / Part Number | S-073N → 3BHB009884R0021 |
| Module Type | Phase module / inverter stage module in high-power conversion systems |
| Use in ACS6000 | Belongs to the ACS6000 series of medium-voltage AC drives / converter chassis |
| Modular & Redundant Design | Designed for modular stacking, with fault-tolerant and redundant features to improve reliability |
| Switching Devices | Likely uses high-power semiconductor switches (e.g. IGCT / IGBT / similar) adapted for high-voltage AC inversion |
| Overcurrent / Protection | Built-in protection functions (overcurrent, overvoltage) and diagnostics for safe operation |
| Environmental Robustness | Designed for industrial/harsh environments: temperature, insulation, mechanical stress |
| Lifecycle / Discontinuation | Some listings indicate that the S-073N has been discontinued or is legacy, and when replacing, care must be taken about associated components (e.g. clamping diodes, connectors) |
The S-073N is suited to high-demand applications where robust power conversion is required. Typical use cases include:
Medium-Voltage Motor Drives
Industries with large motors—mining, metals, pulp & paper—use converter modules such as S-073N in their drive stacks to control speed, torque, and transition states.
Multi-motor / Multi-drive Systems
Because the ACS6000 supports a common DC bus, multiple motors may share the same bus, with phase modules converting segments of that bus to individual output phases.
Power Conversion in Renewable & Grid Systems
Converting DC sources (e.g. energy storage, photovoltaics, battery banks) to AC for grid tie-in or local supply.
Marine, Mining, and Harsh Environments
Due to its modular design and ruggedness, it is suited for deployment in remote or demanding industrial sites.
Legacy Systems / Retrofit
In existing installations where older ACS6000 drives are in use, the S-073N may still be part of the service and spare parts ecosystem. However, the module is reportedly becoming obsolete in some listings.
High Modularity & Scalability
The module-based architecture allows system designers to scale power or replace modules without replacing entire converters.
Fault Tolerance & Redundancy
Because module faults do not necessarily collapse the entire converter stack, the system can maintain operation or graceful degrade.
Efficiency in Power Conversion
Advanced semiconductor switches and control logic help reduce losses during conversion.
Integration Flexibility
Can be slotted into ABB’s ACS6000 and controlled within its architecture, thereby ensuring consistent system controls and diagnostics.
Rugged for Industrial Use
Designed to operate in challenging environments with protection and diagnostic features.
When dealing with the S-073N (3BHB009884R0021), the following points are essential:
Obsolescence / Legacy Status
Some listings suggest that this module is discontinued or becoming legacy. Replacement or refurbishment must consider version compatibility.
Peripheral Component Matching
Replacement must ensure that clamping diodes and connectors match originally installed components.
Thermal & Cooling Management
Because phase modules generate substantial heat, ensure proper cooling (air, liquid, or hybrid) and thermal path.
Diagnostic & Monitoring
Use the system’s diagnostic outputs to detect early signs of degradation (e.g., temperature, switching error counters).
Firmware / Control Logic Alignment
Ensure that the converter’s control logic firmware is compatible with the S-073N, especially when mixing module generations.
Spare Strategy
Maintain at least one “cold” spare module of the same part number to ensure rapid replacement.
Repair vs Replacement
In many cases, repair by specialists may restore module function if issues are in passive components or switches, rather than discarding entirely.
