Description
ABB CI855K01 3BSE018106R1
Product Introduction
The ABB CI855K01 3BSE018106R1 is a MasterBus 300 (MB300) communication interface for ABB AC 800M controllers used within System 800xA architectures. Its purpose is to connect an AC 800M-based control system with existing ABB control sections that communicate through the MasterBus 300 network. ABB identifies CI855 as an MB300 interface operating as a master, with a transmission rate of 10 Mbit/s and support for up to 200 datasets per second. The complete CI855K01 package includes the CI855 communication module and TP853 baseplate.
A significant reason for using ABB CI855K01 is integration with installed legacy ABB control equipment. ABB specifically identifies peer-to-peer communication between newer System 800xA sections using AC 800M and existing MB300-based controllers such as Advant Controller 410, Advant Controller 450, and MasterPiece 200/1. This makes the CI855 particularly relevant in modernization projects where an entire installed control network cannot be replaced at once. The interface supports MB300 network redundancy, clock synchronization, dataset communication, hot swap, and peer-to-peer communication.
The ABB CI855K01 3BSE018106R1 connects to the AC 800M CEX-Bus through its baseplate. The TP853 provides two Ethernet ports for the MB300 network arrangement and provides DIN-rail mounting. ABB specifies a typical 24 V consumption of 150 mA, an operating temperature of 0 to +55 °C, IP20 protection, and a maximum of 12 units on the CEX-Bus. The module is therefore a dedicated heritage-network interface rather than a general-purpose Ethernet communication card.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Model | CI855K01 |
| ABB Article Number | 3BSE018106R1 |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Type | AC 800M Communication Interface |
| Communication Protocol | ABB MasterBus 300 (MB300) |
| Communication Role | Master |
| Transmission Speed | 10 Mbit/s |
| Dataset Capacity | 200 datasets/s |
| Network Redundancy | Yes |
| Module Redundancy | No |
| Hot Swap | Yes |
| Baseplate | TP853 |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 |
| Connector | RJ45 female, 8-pin |
| CEX-Bus Capacity | Maximum 12 units |
| Typical 24 V Consumption | 150 mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +70 °C |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Corrosion Protection | G3, ISA 71.04 |
| Width | 59 mm |
| Height | 185 mm |
| Depth | 127.5 mm |
| Weight Including Base | Approximately 700 g |
| Mounting | DIN rail via TP853 baseplate |
ABB’s current product selector and data sheet provide the communication, electrical, environmental, dimensional, and CEX-Bus specifications above.
CI855K01
Main Features and Engineering Considerations
MasterBus 300 integration
The primary function of is communication. It allows an AC 800M controller to communicate with installed ABB equipment based on the MasterBus 300 architecture. This is particularly important in brownfield plants where legacy controllers remain operational while portions of the control system are migrated to System 800xA.
Dual Ethernet interface
The TP853 baseplate provides two RJ45 Ethernet connections for the network. ABB identifies network redundancy as a CI855 feature. The two ports should not be interpreted as two independent application Ethernet interfaces; they belong to the communication architecture.
Legacy-system modernization
CI855 is particularly useful when an engineering team needs to retain existing Advant or MasterPiece control equipment while introducing AC 800M/System 800xA hardware. ABB specifically cites Advant Controller 410, Advant Controller 450, and MasterPiece 200/1 as examples of -based equipment that can communicate with the newer AC 800M architecture.
CEX-Bus installation
The interface is connected to the AC 800M CEX-Bus through the TP853 baseplate. ABB specifies a maximum of 12 units on the CEX-Bus. Before replacing a CI855, check the controller’s existing CEX-Bus population rather than treating the interface as an isolated Ethernet accessory.
Hot swap
ABB lists hot swap as a feature. Even so, plant procedures should determine whether the particular control-system configuration permits removal under power. A hot-swappable hardware capability does not eliminate site-specific operating and maintenance restrictions.
No module redundancy
A common procurement mistake is confusing network redundancy with module redundancy. ABB explicitly lists line/network redundancy: yes, while module redundancy: no for . A redundant network therefore does not mean that two modules automatically provide controller-level communication-interface redundancy.
Do not confuse with CI854
is the MasterBus 300 interface. CI854/CI854B is the PROFIBUS DP-V1 interface. The model numbers are similar, but they serve completely different communication architectures. ABB’s current AC 800M selector lists CI854B as PROFIBUS DP-V1 and as MasterBus 300.
Application Scenarios
- ABB AC 800M controller installations
- System 800xA control systems
- MasterBus 300 network integration
- Advant Controller 410 modernization projects
- Advant Controller 450 modernization projects
- MasterPiece 200/1 integration
- Brownfield DCS migration
- Legacy ABB controller communication
- Peer-to-peer communication between legacy and newer ABB control sections
- network redundancy applications
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
1. Verify the protocol before ordering.
is . It is not a PROFIBUS interface, Modbus interface, or generic Ethernet communication card.
2. Confirm the complete kit.
includes the interface and baseplate. Check whether the existing installation requires the complete package or only the communication module.
3. Check the CEX-Bus loading.
ABB specifies a maximum of 12 units on the CEX-Bus. Review the existing controller configuration before adding or replacing communication interfaces.
4. Do not assume module redundancy.
The network can be redundant, but ABB specifies no module redundancy for . Redundancy architecture must therefore be evaluated at the system level.
5. Check legacy-controller compatibility.
If the purpose is migration from an Advant or MasterPiece system, verify the actual controller type, configuration, datasets, addressing, and existing network topology.
6. Check the baseplate and cabling.
A replacement communication module should be inspected together with the baseplate, RJ45 connections, CEX-Bus installation, and network wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an ABB AC 800M communication interface for MasterBus 300 networks.
What is the ABB article number?
The kit is 3BSE018106R1.
What protocol does use?
ABB MasterBus 300 ().
Is a PROFIBUS module?
No. CI854B is the AC 800M PROFIBUS DP-V1 interface; is the interface.
Does support network redundancy?
Yes. ABB specifies line/network redundancy. It does not provide module redundancy.
What baseplate is supplied with ?
The package includes the baseplate.
Can it communicate with legacy ABB controllers?
Yes. ABB specifically identifies Advant Controller 410, Advant Controller 450, and MasterPiece 200/1 as examples of -based controllers that can communicate through with AC 800M/System 800xA.
Procurement Note
For an exact replacement, specify ABB , 3BSE018106R1 and verify whether the required supply is the complete + package. Confirm the installed AC 800M controller, CEX-Bus configuration, topology, legacy controller type, and redundancy arrangement before commissioning. Do not substitute CI854B merely because both are AC 800M communication interfaces; their network protocols and system roles are different.
