Description
ABB 500CIM06 1MRB150077R0111 Communication Card
Product Introduction
The ABB 500CIM06 1MRB150077R0111 is a communication processor card used in the ABB REB500/REB500sys distributed busbar protection system. ABB documentation identifies the 500CIM06 as the communication processor responsible for interfaces including IEC 60870-5-103 and IEC 61850, while the exact ordering record distinguishes 1MRB150077R0111 from the LON-capable 1MRB150077R0112 variant. This is therefore a protection-system communication component, not a general-purpose PLC communications card.
Within the REB500 architecture, ABB 500CIM06 1MRB150077R0111 provides the communications path needed to integrate the busbar protection system with station-level automation and monitoring infrastructure. ABB’s REB500 documentation describes the CIM module as an optional communication processor and shows it installed in the central unit. The documented hardware includes two serial interfaces, an optical LON/IEC 103 interface, two Ethernet LAN interfaces, status LEDs, and a socket for the optional 500LBI02 LON interface. The Ethernet interfaces are not equivalent to unrestricted Ethernet communication ports; their function depends on the REB500 hardware and software architecture.
The ABB 500CIM06 1MRB150077R0111 is particularly relevant when maintaining legacy REB500 installations where the protection system must exchange measurements, status information, alarms, system settings, and protection-function information with higher-level station systems. ABB documentation states that the communication module can integrate REB500 into station automation and station monitoring systems. For replacement procurement, the complete ABB part number is critical because 1MRB150077R0111 and 1MRB150077R0112 are different communication configurations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 500CIM06 |
| ABB Part Number | 1MRB150077R0111 |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Type | Communication processor / communication card |
| Primary System | / REB500sys |
| Application | Distributed busbar protection |
| Documented Communication Configuration | IEC 60870-5-103, IEC 61850 |
| Serial Interfaces | 2 × serial interfaces |
| Serial Connector | 8-pin RJ-45 |
| Optical Interface | LON / IEC 103 |
| Ethernet Interfaces | 2 × RJ-45 LAN interfaces |
| LAN1 Function | HMI500 connection on applicable master configuration |
| LAN2 | Not used in the cited documentation version |
| LON Expansion | Socket provided for 500LBI02 |
| LON Variant Part Number | 1MRB150077R0112 |
| Diagnostic Interface | Serial2 / system diagnostic functions |
| Indicators | Multiple status/data-transfer LEDs |
| Central Unit Slot | Slot 19 |
| Mounting | Plug-in central-unit module |
| Communication Protocol | IEC 60870-5-103 / IEC 61850 configuration |
| Protection Rating | Not applicable as a standalone field enclosure |
| Operating Temperature | Verify against the applicable system specification |
| Power Supply | Supplied through the central-unit architecture; exact card-level consumption not established in the reviewed documentation |
The interface description is based on ABB’s /REB500sys operating documentation.
500CIM06 1MRB150077R0111
Main Features and Engineering Considerations
-specific communication processor
The 500CIM06 is designed around the protection architecture. It should not be treated as a generic serial-to-Ethernet converter or standalone IEC protocol gateway. Its firmware, slot position, backplane connection, and relationship with the CPU and HMI are part of the functional design.
IEC 60870-5-103 and IEC 61850 configuration
The ordering information specifically identifies 1MRB150077R0111 as the 500CIM06 communication card for IEC 103 and IEC 61850. ABB separately identifies 1MRB150077R0112 as the version with IEC 103, IEC 61850, and LON. This distinction should be retained in procurement records.
Multiple physical interfaces
ABB documentation describes two serial interfaces, an optical LON/IEC 103 interface, and two Ethernet interfaces. Serial1 can be used for IEC 103 when the optical interface is occupied by LON, while Serial2 is used for diagnostic information. The module also provides Ethernet connectivity associated with the system and HMI functions.
LON hardware is a separate consideration
For an installation using LON as the interbay bus, ABB specifies the 500CIM06 together with a 500LBI02 LON bus interface. The optical LON connection uses fiber cabling and the documented hardware configuration includes the LON interface as an additional module/submodule.
Station automation integration
The communication module allows to communicate with station automation and station monitoring systems. The information exchanged can include current and voltage measurements, input/output status, alarms, system settings, and protection-function settings.
Central-unit slot position
ABB documentation shows the CIM module installed in slot 19 of the central unit. This is useful during troubleshooting because a communication failure can involve not only the CIM card but also the central-unit backplane, CPU, optical interface, configuration, or station-bus wiring.
Application Scenarios
Distributed Busbar Protection
The primary application is ABB /REB500sys distributed busbar protection. The CIM module provides the communications interface between the protection system and higher-level station systems.
Station Automation Systems
500CIM06 can be used to integrate into a station automation system, allowing protection-system information to be exchanged with station-level control infrastructure.
Station Monitoring Systems
The module also supports integration of into station monitoring systems for acquisition of protection-system measurements, statuses, alarms, and related information.
Interbay Bus Communication
Depending on the configuration, the CIM module participates in interbay communication. LON-based configurations require the associated 500LBI02 hardware and appropriate optical-fiber infrastructure.
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
Pitfall 1 — Ordering only “500CIM06”
This is the most important procurement issue. ABB documents 1MRB150077R0111 for IEC 103/IEC 61850 and 1MRB150077R0112 for IEC 103/IEC 61850 plus LON. Do not substitute between these variants without checking the system configuration.
Pitfall 2 — Assuming the Ethernet ports are generic network ports
The documentation assigns specific functions to the LAN interfaces. LAN1 is associated with HMI500 on the applicable master configuration, while LAN2 was documented as unused in the cited version. Do not connect the module based solely on the presence of an RJ-45 connector.
Pitfall 3 — Forgetting the 500LBI02
A system configured for LON requires the appropriate LON interface hardware. The CIM card alone does not necessarily provide the complete LON hardware configuration.
Pitfall 4 — Replacing the card without checking configuration
Communication failures may originate from configuration, station-bus addressing, optical interfaces, CPU communication, or cabling. A replacement CIM card should be tested against the actual configuration rather than judged only by whether its LEDs illuminate.
Pitfall 5 — Confusing CIM with CPU
The 500CIM06 is the communication processor/interface module. The central unit also uses 500CPU05 processor modules. These components are not interchangeable.
Pitfall 6 — Ignoring legacy firmware compatibility
A physically identical replacement may still require verification of /REB500sys software and configuration compatibility. Preserve the existing configuration and communication settings before replacing the module.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABB 500CIM06 1MRB150077R0111?
It is a communication processor card for the ABB /REB500sys distributed busbar protection system. The specified ordering configuration supports IEC 60870-5-103 and IEC 61850.
What system uses 500CIM06?
The primary documented system is ABB /REB500sys distributed busbar protection.
What communication protocols are associated with 1MRB150077R0111?
ABB’s ordering documentation identifies IEC 60870-5-103 and IEC 61850 for 1MRB150077R0111. The LON-capable version is separately identified as 1MRB150077R0112.
Does 500CIM06 support LON?
The 500CIM06 hardware architecture supports LON when the appropriate 500LBI02 interface is installed. However, the exact ordering code matters: 1MRB150077R0112 is the documented configuration explicitly listed for IEC 103, IEC 61850, and LON, whereas 1MRB150077R0111 is listed for IEC 103 and IEC 61850.
Where is the CIM module installed?
ABB documentation shows the 500CIM06 in slot 19 of the central unit.
Is it a PLC communication module?
Not in the conventional sense. It is a communication processor designed specifically for the protection system and its station/interbay communication architecture.
What information can exchange through the communication system?
ABB documentation identifies current and voltage measurements, input/output statuses, alarms, system settings, and protection-function settings among the information handled by the communication architecture.
Procurement Note
Specify the complete identifier as:
ABB 500CIM06 — 1MRB150077R0111
For an installed system, verify the existing protocol configuration, firmware/software generation, central-unit slot, 500CPU05 arrangement, HMI500 connection, and any 500LBI02 LON hardware before accepting a replacement.
For used or refurbished stock, request photographs of the actual module label, front panel, connectors, and PCB revision. A unit marked only “500CIM06” is not enough to establish that it matches 1MRB150077R0111. The distinction between R0111 and R0112 can affect the available communication architecture, so the complete ABB ordering number should remain the controlling identification during procurement.
