Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CI854AK01 |
| Material Number | 3BSE030220R1 |
| Brand | ABB |
| Product Type | PROFIBUS DP Communication Interface Module |
| Host Controller | ABB AC 800M series |
| Protocol | PROFIBUS DP-V1.0 (DP-V0 and DP-V1 supported) |
| Master/Slave | Class 1 Master |
| Channels | 2× PROFIBUS DP (RS-485) |
| Transmission Rate | 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s (auto-detect) |
| Connector Type | DB9 female (9-pin) |
| CEX-Bus Max Units | 12 |
| Power Supply | Via CEX-Bus from host controller (24V) |
| Power Consumption | Typ. 190 mA @ 24V |
| Line Redundancy | Yes |
| Module Redundancy | Yes |
| Hot Swap | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | +5°C to +55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Base Plate | TP854 (included in kit) |
| Base Plate Dimensions | 127.5 mm × 185 mm × 59 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.59–0.7 kg (with TP854 base) |
| Lifecycle Status | Classic (CI854B available for new installs) |
Product Introduction
You have an AC 800M controller rack, a plant floor full of PROFIBUS DP devices — drives, remote I/O blocks, valve positioners — and zero desire to rip out existing fieldbus cabling during a migration. The CI854AK01 is the module that bridges that gap. It mounts on the CEX-Bus of the AC 800M controller, draws power directly from the backplane (no separate 24V wiring), and gives you two independent PROFIBUS DP segments at up to 12 Mbit/s.
The module operates as a DP-V1 Class 1 master, handling both cyclic I/O exchange and acyclic parameterization/diagnostics. Dual channels support line redundancy and module redundancy, which matters when your process cannot tolerate a single bus fault taking down a production line. Hot-swap capability means you can replace a failed module without powering down the controller rack. The TP854 base plate accepts up to 4 sub-modules (DI/DO, AI/AO) and provides a high-speed Ethernet interface for web-based configuration and diagnostics. Bottom line — if your AC 800M system needs PROFIBUS DP connectivity, this is the standard interface module for that job.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake & Origin Verification
Photograph the full module label. Capture model CI854AK01, material number 3BSE030220R1, hardware revision, firmware version, and date code. Confirm the TP854 base plate is included if the listing claims a complete kit. Cross-reference the revision against the target AC 800M controller’s hardware configuration. - Visual & Mechanical Inspection
Inspect both DB9 connectors for bent or corroded pins. Check the CEX-Bus edge connector for damage or oxidation. Examine the PCB for cracked solder joints, burnt components, or moisture ingress. Verify TP854 mounting clips and sub-module slots are intact. - Electrical Parameter Tests
Measure CEX-Bus power rail continuity with a calibrated multimeter (Fluke 87V or equivalent). Verify the 24V input path and check current draw at nominal voltage — should sit near 190 mA with no load on the PROFIBUS segments. Confirm isolation between channels. - Functional Verification
Seat the module in a compatible AC 800M test rack. Power up and confirm the controller recognizes the module without hardware faults. Connect a PROFIBUS DP test segment to each channel. Verify link/activity LEDs illuminate. Run cyclic I/O exchange with a known slave device at multiple baud rates (9.6 kbit/s, 1.5 Mbit/s, 12 Mbit/s). Test acyclic read/write operations. Log all pass/fail results. - Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging
Attach a QC pass label with test date, channels verified, baud rates tested, and firmware revision. Pack in anti-static shielding bag with foam protection on DB9 connectors and CEX-Bus edge. Include a note that firmware must match the host controller before commissioning.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- Firmware Revision Mismatch
The controller boots but throws a hardware configuration fault or refuses to communicate with the module. Classic symptom of a firmware or hardware revision mismatch between the CI854AK01 and the AC 800M controller. Read the revision off the old module before pulling it. If the replacement carries a different revision, load the matching firmware package before inserting it into the production rack. - PROFIBUS Baud Rate and Cable Length
The module auto-detects common PROFIBUS baud rates, but that does not mean you can ignore segment design. At 12 Mbit/s, your segment length is severely limited. At 9.6 kbit/s, you can stretch much further. If you are seeing intermittent communication errors, check your cable length against the baud rate you configured. Shielded twisted pair, proper termination resistors at both ends, and keeping PROFIBUS cables away from VFD power cables are not optional. - CEX-Bus Slot Loading
The CEX-Bus supports a maximum of 12 units. If your rack is already packed with communication modules, adding a CI854AK01 without checking the unit count will cause configuration errors. Count your existing CEX-Bus modules before ordering. - Missing TP854 Base Plate
The CI854AK01 kit normally includes the base plate. Some surplus sellers list only the communication module without the base. The module cannot mount or function without it. Confirm the is included before purchasing. - ESD on DB9 Connectors
The RS-485 transceivers behind those DB9 ports are sensitive to static discharge. A hit during handling can degrade a port without visible damage — the link comes up but drops frames under load. Wear a grounded wrist strap during installation.

ABB 3BSE030220R1 CI854AK01
Application Scenarios
- Brownfield PROFIBUS DP migration — A plant upgrades from a legacy DCS to AC 800M controllers but retains hundreds of existing PROFIBUS DP field devices. The provides the communication bridge without requiring cable replacement.
- Drive system integration — Multiple ABB and third-party variable frequency drives on PROFIBUS DP segments connect through the to the AC 800M controller for speed control, status monitoring, and parameterization.
- Redundant fieldbus architecture — Critical process applications use both PROFIBUS DP channels in line redundancy mode. If one segment fails, the second channel maintains communication with field devices.
- Remote I/O expansion — Distributed I/O stations on PROFIBUS DP connect through the module, extending the controller’s I/O reach across large plant areas without additional controller hardware.
FAQ
Yes. is the type designation. 3BSE030220R1 is the ABB material/ordering number. They refer to the same PROFIBUS DP communication interface module.
What is the difference between CI854A, CI854AK01, and CI854B?
CI854A is the base module designation. is the complete kit that includes the CI854A communication module plus the base plate. CI854B is the newer PROFIBUS DP master module intended to replace CI854A in new installations.
Can I use this module with any ABB controller?
No. It is designed specifically for the AC 800M controller platform and connects via the CEX-Bus. It will not function with unrelated ABB controller families.
Does this module need external power?
No. It draws power from the AC 800M controller’s CEX-Bus at 24V, with typical consumption of 190 mA. No separate power supply wiring is required.
Can I hot-swap this module in a live system?
Yes. The supports hot swap. You can replace a failed module without powering down the controller rack.
Its lifecycle status is listed as “Classic.” For new installations, ABB recommends the CI854B as the current PROFIBUS DP master module. units are available through surplus and spare parts channels. Contact ABB with material number 3BSE030220R1 to confirm current availability.
What should I verify before buying a surplus unit?
Request a clear photo of the module label showing the model number, material number, hardware revision, and firmware version. Confirm the base plate is included. Ask whether the supplier performed any bench testing — specifically channel functionality at multiple baud rates. Verify the revision is compatible with your host controller before purchasing.



