One of the common problems that can arise in ABB robots are alarms or errors related to the robot's axes. The codes that appear in the teach pendant can guide us on the origin of the problem. Let's see some examples.

On many occasions, in S4C or S4C+ robots, errors such as "38031, Resolve error" appear; it makes doubts about the origin of the problem in the entire measurement system. It could be a problem with the motor resolver, the wiring connecting the resolver and the SMB board, or even a faulty SMB.

If the error is occasional or it disappears by moving the axis causing the problem to other positions, we can ensure that it is most likely a wiring problem.

However, if the error is permanent, the number of possible causes increases.

As a first test, if we have a spare SMB, we will proceed to replace it and verify if the error has disappeared. If this is not the case, we must carry out checks on the resolver, and an oscilloscope would be necessary for this. If an oscilloscope is not available, there is a simple way to do it: it´s to measure the resistance of the windings of the resolver with a multimeter (tester). This method, in most cases, will be enough to identify the origin of the problem.

How to proceed? At the 9-pin Sub D connector of the resolver, we will measure the resistance between pins 3-7, 4-8 and 5-9.

The resistance between pins 4-8 and 5-9 must be identical, in the order of about 200 ohms, and between pins 3-7 in the order of 35 ohms.

In case the values are correct, we must connect the resolver and to measure the same from the resolver connector on the SMB to check the wiring.

If the measured values are far from the mentioned values, or if different values appear between 4-8 and 5-9, we can already be sure that the resolver is faulty; therefore, it will be necessary to replace the motor-resolver assembly or send the assembly for repair.

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