November 26, 2025 ABB Launches ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus

ABB expands digital simulation solutions with ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus launch.

• Engineers can now test and simulate how the drive behaves without needing physical hardware by using the ABB ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus, a digital version of a real industrial drive that runs the actual control software
• It allows industries to design, configure, and validate their systems virtually, reducing risks and avoiding delays caused by waiting for physical equipment
• By enabling accurate, hardware-free testing early in the project, it speeds up development, cuts commissioning time, and lowers costs; helping businesses bring products to market faster and more reliably

ABB today announces the launch of ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus, a high-fidelity Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) solution, that runs the actual low voltage drive control firmware to ensure accurate simulation of the drive’s behavior. The new solution delivers micro-second Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) simulation accuracy, allowing customers to accurately develop and validate their specific applications, long before the physical drive hardware is available. Customers can use ready-made virtual drive blocks to develop and test their applications – configuring grids, loads, processes, and system-level controls – just as they would with physical drives.

ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus expands the ABB simulation solutions portfolio. Those industrial operations that utilize low voltage VSDs to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs can now seamlessly progress from initial configuration and integration using the ACS880 Virtual Drive, through to sophisticated virtual development and validation with ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus. The final-stage hardware-based validation and real-time integration can be completed with ACS880 DriveLab. This combined workflow derisks projects, reduces commissioning time, and accelerates time-to-market.

“The simulation solutions portfolio represents our vision for model-based engineering, where simulation and real-world performance are connected,” said Adrian Daeppen, Global Offering Portfolio Manager of Motion High Power at ABB. “Our customers can build their own innovative businesses on top of our trusted technology. It connects digital engineering directly to commercial growth, helping our customers outrun their competition.”

A key capability of the ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus is its capacity to operate as an inverter, active rectifier, or DC/DC chopper within a virtual environment. Its powerful simulation features allow for easy expansion and customization, so that just as customers buy ABB drives to build applications, they can now use Virtual Drives on a PC to model their own systems and create simulations that replicate real-world applications.

“We are providing our customers with more than just a model, we are providing the authentic core of ABB drive technology,” said Xinhua Ke, Product Manager in Motion High Power at ABB. “With a verified foundation, universal integration, and baseline models for fast start, ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus is the ideal choice for customers aiming to innovate, accelerate development, and reduce risk.”

Through its IP-secure technology, this new solution also enables users to expand their service offerings. Using the digital models that replicate the behavior of physical drives, ABB’s partners can bundle the virtual drives with their own service and support, and resell licensed application solutions to their end-customers.

ACS880 Virtual Drive^Plus will be demonstrated at SPS25 in Nuremberg from November 25 to 27. Visit the ABB booth Hall 4, Booth 420 to see live demonstrations and speak with technical experts.

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

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

For more information please contact:

Media Relations
Email: media-motion@abb.com

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