Description
Key Technical Specifications
- Product Model: CI858-1
- Order Code: 3BSE018137R1
- Manufacturer: ABB
- Product Type: DriveBus Communication Interface
- Protocol: ABB DriveBus
- Max Drives: 24 per module
- Power Source: CEX Bus (No external 24V needed)
- Hot-Swap: Supported
- Max Modules/CPU: 2
- Connector: Optical / Fiber
- Mounting: Standard AC 800M DIN Rail
Product Introduction
DriveBus communication failures often masquerade as drive faults, wasting hours of troubleshooting. The ABB CI858-1 (3BSE018137R1) eliminates this ambiguity by serving as the dedicated physical and protocol bridge for ABB drives. Sitting on the CEX bus of the AC 800M controller, this module handles the deterministic, high-speed polling required for segmented drive applications in rolling mills and paper machines. It is not a general-purpose fieldbus card; it is a specialized drive interface.
Sourcing the CI858-1 is a critical maintenance task for plants running legacy AC 800M systems. With OEM production ceased, verified surplus is the only viable path for replacement. This module supports hot-swapping, allowing technicians to replace a failed unit without a full rack power-down, provided the backplane supports it. Bottom line — it keeps the drive network alive when the original support window closed years ago.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake & Origin Verification: We inspect the CI858-1 for physical damage to the optical connectors and verify the 3BSE018137R1 label matches the PCB silkscreen, rejecting units with bent CEX bus pins.
- Live Functional Testing: Modules are racked in a live AC 800M test chassis to verify DriveBus communication, ensuring the module successfully polls simulated drive nodes.
- Electrical Parameter Tests: Technicians verify CEX bus power draw is within spec (<200mA typical) and check for short circuits on the optical transmit/receive lines.
- Firmware/Config Verification: Internal firmware version is read via the controller to ensure compatibility with your existing AC 800M CPU revision.
- Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging: After passing functional tests, the CI858-1 is sealed in an ESD-safe bag with protective caps on the optical ports to prevent dust ingress during shipping.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- CEX Bus Power Limit: The CI858-1 draws power directly from the CEX bus. If you stack too many modules or have a weak power supply, the bus voltage sags. Verify your PM8xx CPU can support the total CEX load before adding a second .
- Optical Port Fragility: The fiber connectors on the are delicate. Never force the cable. If comms are intermittent, clean the optical face with a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol before condemning the module.
- NDBU Branching: If connecting >1 drive, you need an NDBU branch unit. Plugging drives directly in a daisy-chain without the NDBU will cause signal reflections and dropouts. Check the wiring diagram.
- Hot-Swap Timing: While hot-swappable, the requires a brief re-initialization period. Don’t panic if the drive bus doesn’t recover instantly; give the AC 800M 30-60 seconds to rebuild the DriveBus table.
ABB CI858-1 3BSE018137R1
Application Scenarios
- Paper Machine Sectional Drives: Provides the microsecond-level synchronization required for tension control across dozens of drive sections.
- Rolling Mill Main Drives: Handles high-torque vector control commands for steel rolling stands, where DriveBus latency must be minimal.
- Pulp Digester Feed Systems: Coordinates multiple screw feeders and valves, leveraging the ‘s ability to manage 24 devices on a single bus.
- Case Study: A paper mill experienced random “DriveBus Timeout” alarms on a 20-year-old AC 800M system. Diagnostics pointed to a failing with degraded optical output. Swapping in a verified surplus unit restored stable comms within 15 minutes, avoiding a $50k+ controller upgrade project.
FAQ
- No. The (3BSE018137R1) has specific firmware and hardware revisions. Mixing versions can cause DriveBus instability. Always match the exact suffix.
- Does this module need external 24V?
No. The is powered entirely via the CEX bus from the AC 800M CPU. External power is only for the connected drives, not the module itself. - Maximum 24 ABB drives per module. If you need more, install a second (max 2 per CPU) and distribute the drives logically.
- Is this module compatible with AC 500 PLCs?
No. The is strictly for the Advant AC 800M platform. AC 500 uses different communication modules (e.g., CI5xx series). - What fiber cable do I need?
Standard industrial POF (Plastic Optical Fiber) with BFOC/2.5 connectors. Verify the cable length doesn’t exceed the DriveBus spec (typically 50m for POF).
