ABB expands digital simulation solutions with ACS880 Virtual DrivePlus launch
26/11/2025 ABB Motion Services
- Engineers can now test and simulate how the drive behaves without needing physical hardware by using the ABB ACS880 Virtual DrivePlus, 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 DrivePlus, 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 DrivePlus 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 DrivePlus. 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 DrivePlus 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 DrivePlus 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 DrivePlus 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.
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