ABB CI857K01 3BSE018144R1 | 10 Mbit/s INSUM Communication Unit

  • Model: CI857K01 3BSE018144R1
  • Brand: ABB
  • Series: AC 800M / System 800xA Communication Interface Family
  • Core Function: Connects AC 800M controllers with ABB INSUM motor control and intelligent switchgear systems through an Ethernet-based INSUM communication interface.
  • Product Type: Communication Interface Module
  • Key Specs:
    • ABB INSUM communication protocol, Master operation
    • 10 Mbit/s transmission speed
    • Supports up to 128 INSUM devices per CI857 interface
Category: SKU: ABB CI857K01 3BSE018144R1

Description

Product Overview

The ABB CI857K01 3BSE018144R1 is an INSUM Ethernet communication interface module designed for ABB AC 800M controller systems and System 800xA automation environments. The module provides the communication link between the controller level and ABB INSUM intelligent motor control units (MCUs), allowing process control systems to monitor and operate low-voltage motor management equipment through a dedicated industrial communication architecture. The ABB CI857K01 3BSE018144R1 is installed through the AC 800M CEX-Bus and operates as the master interface for INSUM networks.

Within an AC 800M-based DCS architecture, the CI857K01 3BSE018144R1 handles communication between application logic running in the controller and connected INSUM devices used for motor protection, motor control, diagnostics, and electrical distribution monitoring. The module supports Ethernet-based INSUM communication at 10 Mbit/s and can connect multiple motor control units through INSUM TCP/IP gateways. A single AC 800M controller configuration can support multiple CI857 modules depending on controller type and system design.

The ABB CI857K01 3BSE018144R1 remains widely used in plants maintaining ABB Advant, AC 800M, and System 800xA installations where motor management integration is already engineered around INSUM technology. Common applications include power plants, chemical facilities, water treatment systems, and process industries with centralized motor control. Replacement planning should include checking the AC 800M controller model, CEX-Bus configuration, INSUM network topology, gateway arrangement, and application library configuration. To be completely transparent, communication interface replacement requires validation of network addressing and controller configuration; installing the hardware alone does not restore the complete motor control communication path.

 

Product Introduction (Non-Templated)

When an INSUM communication interface fails, the controller may remain healthy while motor control information disappears from the DCS. The ABB CI857K01 3BSE018144R1 restores the communication path between AC 800M controllers and intelligent motor control equipment.

Designed for System 800xA and AC 800M platforms, this interface supports ABB INSUM master communication, 10 Mbit/s transmission, and connection of up to 128 INSUM devices through one interface module.

 

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Product Model CI857K01 3BSE018144R1
Manufacturer ABB
Product Type INSUM Ethernet Communication Interface
System Compatibility ABB AC 800M / System 800xA
Communication Protocol ABB INSUM
Communication Role Master
Transmission Speed 10 Mbit/s
Maximum CI857 Modules per AC 800M 6
Maximum INSUM Devices per CI857 128
Maximum INSUM Devices per AC 800M Up to 256 with PM864/PM866 controllers
CEX-Bus Connection Yes
External Power Supply Not required; powered via CEX-Bus
Connector Type RJ-45 female, 8-pin
Typical Current Consumption Approx. 150 mA
Hot Swap Support Yes
Module Redundancy No
Operating Temperature 0°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature -40°C to +70°C
Protection Rating IP20
Mounting AC 800M controller rack with TP853 baseplate
Width 59 mm
Height 185 mm
Depth 127.5 mm
Condition New Surplus, Factory Sealed

 

Related Products

  • ABB CI858K01 3BSE018135R1 — DriveBus communication interface for AC 800M systems. Used for ABB drive communication instead of INSUM motor management networks.
  • ABB CI865K01 3BSE040795R1 — Satt I/O communication interface. Designed for integration between AC 800M controllers and Satt I/O systems.
  • ABB CI860K01 3BSE032444R1 — FOUNDATION Fieldbus HSE communication interface. Used where field instrumentation networks require FF HSE connectivity.
  • ABB PM861K01 3BSE018157R1 — AC 800M controller package. Common controller platform used with CI857 communication modules.
  • ABB PM864K01 3BSE018161R1 — Higher-capacity AC 800M processor unit supporting larger System 800xA applications and multiple communication interfaces.
  • ABB PM866K01 3BSE050198R1 — AC 800M controller variant used in larger process automation installations requiring expanded application capacity.
  • ABB TP853 — Baseplate supplied with . Provides the physical mounting and CEX-Bus connection interface for the communication module.
  • ABB INSUM Motor Control Units (MCU) — Intelligent motor control devices connected through CI857 networks for motor protection, monitoring, and control functions.

CI857K01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the ABB 3BSE018144R1 compatible with my existing AC 800M DCS system?

The module is designed specifically for ABB AC 800M controller architectures, but compatibility depends on the installed system configuration.

Check:

  • AC 800M CPU model
  • Control Builder project version
  • CEX-Bus configuration
  • INSUM communication library
  • Existing motor control network design

The hardware must match the configured engineering environment.

2. Can I hot-swap this?

Yes, the CI857 supports hot swap according to ABB hardware specifications.

A controlled replacement procedure is still recommended:

  1. Confirm controller redundancy or maintenance condition
  2. Verify communication backup
  3. Remove the existing interface module
  4. Install the replacement unit
  5. Confirm INSUM communication status
  6. Check motor control diagnostics

3. Does the 3BSE018144R1 support firmware v3.1?

Firmware compatibility depends on the hardware revision and AC 800M engineering environment.

Verify:

  • firmware revision
  • Control Builder version
  • INSUM library version
  • Controller firmware compatibility

The communication module and controller software must be evaluated as one system.

4. Will I lose my motor control logic when replacing the ?

No. The does not store the main DCS application logic.

Before replacement:

  • Save AC 800M project files
  • Record INSUM network parameters
  • Document device addressing
  • Verify gateway settings

The control logic remains inside the AC 800M controller application.

5. How can I verify a New Surplus ABB 3BSE018144R1 is authentic?

Recommended inspection points:

  • Verify ABB nameplate marking
  • Confirm ordering code 3BSE018144R1
  • Inspect TP853 baseplate compatibility
  • Check RJ-45 communication ports
  • Review available inspection records

Communication modules should be checked for both hardware condition and configuration compatibility.

6. Can the support a legacy System 800xA upgrade project?

Yes, when the existing installation uses ABB INSUM motor control architecture.

Typical applications:

  • Motor control network restoration
  • AC 800M controller maintenance
  • Power plant electrical integration
  • Process plant lifecycle support

The existing INSUM device structure should be documented before replacement.

7. What should engineers check before commissioning the ?

Key verification points:

  1. Confirm CEX-Bus installation
  2. Verify module addressing
  3. Check INSUM gateway communication
  4. Confirm device discovery
  5. Validate motor status feedback
  6. Test start/stop commands

These checks confirm that the communication chain between the DCS and motor control equipment is functioning correctly.