Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Model | CI855 |
| Article Number | 3BSE018106R1 |
| Product Type | AC 800M Communication Interface |
| Communication Protocol | ABB MasterBus 300 |
| Function | MB300 controller/operator-station communication |
| Master / Slave | Master |
| Transmission Speed | 10 Mbit/s |
| Dataset Performance | Up to 200 datasets/s |
| Line Redundancy | Yes |
| Module Redundancy | No |
| Hot Swap | Yes |
| CEX-Bus Capacity | Maximum 12 units |
| Ethernet Connectors | 2 × RJ45 female, 8-pin |
| Typical 24 V Consumption | 150 mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +70 °C |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Width | 59 mm |
| Height | 185 mm |
| Depth | 127.5 mm |
| Weight Including Base | Approx. 700 g |
ABB specifies CI855 as the MasterBus 300 communication interface for AC 800M. The module provides two Ethernet ports for MB300 network redundancy, supports clock synchronization and Dataset communication, and permits peer-to-peer communication with compatible legacy ABB controller sections.
The official ABB hardware selector specifies 10 Mbit/s, up to 200 datasets/s, line redundancy, hot swap, a maximum of 12 units on the CEX-Bus, and typical 24 V consumption of 150 mA.
Product Introduction
The ABB CI855 3BSE018106R1 is an AC 800M communication interface designed to connect the controller to ABB’s MasterBus 300 network. Its main purpose is legacy-system integration: an AC 800M/System 800xA installation can communicate with existing MB300-based ABB controllers and related system components without replacing the entire legacy control architecture.
This makes CI855 particularly relevant in phased modernization projects involving Advant Controller 410, Advant Controller 450, and MasterPiece 200/1 installations. ABB specifically identifies peer-to-peer communication, Dataset communication, clock synchronization, network redundancy, and hot replacement as supported functions.
CI855
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — Engineer’s Perspective
Engineering Pain Point
The main risk with CI855 is protocol identification. It uses ABB MasterBus 300, not PROFIBUS, Modbus TCP, DriveBus, or ordinary plant Ethernet. Replacing it with another AC 800M communication module because the connector appears similar can break the control-system communication architecture.
Typical Applications
- System 800xA modernization — retaining existing MB300 controller sections while introducing AC 800M.
- Advant Controller 410 integration — maintaining communication between legacy and newer control sections.
- Advant Controller 450 integration — providing MB300 connectivity from an AC 800M controller.
- MasterPiece 200/1 migration projects — supporting staged migration rather than wholesale replacement of legacy controllers.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse CI855 with CI854B.
CI854B is the AC 800M PROFIBUS DP-V1 master interface, while is the MasterBus 300 interface. They are not functional substitutes. - Do not assume module redundancy.
ABB specifies line redundancy: Yes, but module redundancy: No for . The two Ethernet ports support MB300 network redundancy; that does not mean two modules operate as a redundant pair. - Check the CEX-Bus arrangement.
ABB specifies a maximum of 12 units on the CEX-Bus. Existing CEX-Bus loading and controller configuration should be checked before adding or replacing communication modules. - Verify the baseplate and physical installation.
The uses a baseplate connection, and ABB’s documentation identifies the TP853 baseplate as the mounting/interface arrangement with the two RJ45 network connections. Do not approve a bare module when the installed assembly requires the complete mounting arrangement. - Confirm the legacy controller generation.
exists specifically to bridge AC 800M/System 800xA with -based legacy systems. If the existing system does not use , is probably the wrong communication interface.
Related Products
- ABB CI854B — PROFIBUS DP-V1 master interface for AC 800M; different protocol and application from .
- ABB CI853K01 — COMLI/Modbus RTU communication interface for AC 800M.
- ABB CI856 — S100 I/O communication interface for AC 800M.
- ABB CI857 — INSUM communication interface.
- ABB CI858 — DriveBus interface for ABB drives.
- ABB CI865 — Satt I/O communication interface.
- ABB CI867A — Modbus TCP communication interface.
- ABB CI869 — Advant Fieldbus 100 interface.
- ABB TP853 — baseplate associated with the installation.
- ABB AC 800M — controller platform hosting the communication interface.
ABB’s current communication-module overview clearly separates ‘s function from CI854B’s PROFIBUS DP-V1, CI856’s S100 I/O, CI857’s INSUM, CI858’s DriveBus, and other AC 800M interfaces.
Procurement Check
For a / 3BSE018106R1 replacement, verify:
Protocol → ABB MasterBus 300
Article → 3BSE018106R1
Network → dual Ethernet ports / line redundancy
Host → AC 800M / System 800xA
Legacy equipment → Advant Controller 410, Advant Controller 450, MasterPiece 200/1, or other documented equipment
Baseplate → verify TP853 and installed assembly
CEX-Bus → confirm available capacity
The most important procurement distinction is simple: is an interface, not a general-purpose Ethernet communication module. If the existing plant architecture depends on legacy ABB communication, matching the protocol and complete hardware configuration is more important than matching the physical module dimensions.
