Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product model | CI855K01 |
| Part number | 3BSE018106R1 |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product type | CEX-bus communication interface module (MB300) |
| System platform | AC 800M controller / System 800xA |
| Primary protocol | MasterBus 300 (MB300) |
| Interface | 2x independent RJ45 Ethernet ports (TXA/TXB) |
| Transmission rate | 10 Mbps half-duplex (MB300 standard) |
| Max cable distance | 100 m per segment (Cat5 shielded Ethernet) |
| Required base | TP853 CEX-bus terminal base (mandatory) |
| Redundancy | Dual-link hot standby, automatic failover |
| Hot-swap | Supported (with AC 800M rack) |
| Power supply | 24V DC via CEX-bus backplane (typ. 150 mA / 3.6 W) |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +55°C continuous |
| Storage temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
| Protection rating | IP20 (control cabinet use only) |
| Corrosion protection | ISA 71.04 G3 |
| Certifications | CE, DNV-GL, BV, LR (marine); RoHS/WEEE compliant |
| Weight | ~700 g (with TP853 base) |
| Dimensions | 59 mm x 185 mm x 127.5 mm |
Product Introduction
Brownfield DCS migrations live or die on inter-system communication. The CI855K01 is the module you reach for when an AC 800M controller needs to talk to a legacy Advant OCS or MasterPiece system without ripping out the old network. It is not a generic Ethernet card or a PROFIBUS gateway — it is purpose-built for MB300, ABB’s proprietary protocol that runs over standard shielded Ethernet cabling.
The module plugs into a TP853 CEX-bus base on the AC 800M rack and presents dual RJ45 ports for link redundancy. If one cable fails, the other takes over in milliseconds without a controller fault. It handles dataset exchange, clock synchronization, and point-to-point communication with Advant AC410/AC450 and MasterPiece 200/1 controllers. For plants running mixed-generation ABB architectures, the CI855K01 is the cleanest path to keep old and new controllers in sync. Just remember: it only does MB300. If you need PROFIBUS DP, that is the CI854AK01. For PROFINET IO, look at CI867K01.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake & Origin Verification: Confirm P/N 3BSE018106R1, board revision, serial number, and physical condition. Reject units with damaged RJ45 ports, bent pins, or missing labels.
- Live Functional Testing: Install in an AC 800M test rack with a TP853 base. Verify CEX-bus recognition in Control Builder M. Inject MB300 traffic and confirm dataset exchange with a peer node or simulator.
- Electrical Parameter Tests: Check 24V DC backplane power draw (~150 mA typical). Verify insulation resistance on Ethernet ports and continuity on both TXA/TXB channels. Look for shorted PHY circuits.
- Firmware/Config Verification: Read module identity and firmware revision. Confirm compatibility with the installed AC 800M controller release. Back up all readout data.
- Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging: Seal in ESD bags with desiccant. Include test summary, revision data, and photos. No unit ships without verified CEX-bus acceptance.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- Wrong base plate: The CI855K01 requires a TP853 CEX-bus base. Dropping it onto a standard TB850 or other base will not work. I have seen a commissioning team waste half a day because the base was swapped during a previous repair.
- It is only: Do not confuse CI855K01 with CI854AK01 (PROFIBUS DP) or CI867K01 (PROFINET IO). The model numbers look similar, but the protocols are not interchangeable. Verify the datasheet before ordering.
- Cable shielding matters: runs over standard Cat5 shielded Ethernet, but unshielded or poorly terminated cables cause intermittent link drops. Use proper RJ45 connectors and verify shield continuity.
- Revision and firmware mismatch: A CI855K01 with an older firmware revision may not initialize on a newer AC 800M controller release. Match the revision to the plant’s approved bill of materials.
- Dual-port redundancy is not automatic in software: Both TXA and TXB must be configured in the 800xA network topology. Plugging in both cables without proper configuration gives you a false sense of redundancy.
ABB CI855K01 3BSE018106R1
Application Scenarios
- Legacy Advant OCS to 800xA migration: Keeps AC410/AC450 controllers online while new AC 800M racks are commissioned, allowing phased migration without a full plant shutdown.
- Mixed-generation DCS interlocking: Enables cross-system permissive and trip signals between old MasterPiece 200/1 racks and new AC 800M controllers in power generation and chemical plants.
- Marine and offshore automation: ABB’s marine-certified variants (DNV-GL, BV, LR) make the suitable for vessel control systems where links legacy and modern ABB controllers.
- Pulp and paper mill upgrades: Maintains communication with existing Advant-based machine controls while new AC 800M controllers handle upgraded sections.
FAQ
- Is a PROFIBus module?
No. is for MasterBus 300 () only. For PROFIBUS DP, use CI854AK01. For PROFINET IO, use CI867K01. - Does it require a separate base?
Yes. It must be mounted on a TP853 CEX-bus terminal base. The provides the dual RJ45 connectors and DIN-rail mounting. - Can I hot-swap the ?
Yes, it supports hot insertion in an AC 800M rack. Follow ABB procedures and verify redundancy status before removing a module. - What is the maximum cable length?
Up to 100 m per segment using standard Cat5 shielded Ethernet cable. - Is still supported?
It is widely deployed in legacy and mixed-generation plants. For new projects, confirm current ABB lifecycle status and whether a migration path to newer communication modules is recommended. - Can I use it to connect to third-party PLCs?
Not directly. is an ABB-proprietary protocol. For third-party PLC integration, consider CI854AK01 (PROFIBUS DP), CI867K01 (PROFINET IO), or CI850K01 (Modbus). - Does it support network redundancy?
Yes. Dual RJ45 ports (TXA/TXB) provide link-level redundancy with automatic failover. Both links must be properly configured in 800xA.
