Description
ABB CP800A Communication Processor Module
Product Introduction
In an HPC800A controller, communication processing is handled separately from the main control processor. ABB CP800A is the Communication Processor Module assigned to the HPC800A architecture, providing PN800 Plant Network Communications while HC800A performs the control-processing role. ABB identifies CP800A specifically as the communication processor of HPC800A, rather than a general-purpose I/O or standalone network gateway.
The “A” suffix matters during replacement. CP800A is the conformal-coated version associated with HPC800A, and ABB’s HPC800A controller kit combines HC800A, CP800A, and MB810A mounting hardware. The communication processor therefore needs to be evaluated as part of the controller architecture, including the firmware/FPGA revision and the associated terminal and mounting hardware.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | CP800A |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Family | Symphony Plus SD Series / HPC800A |
| Product Type | Communication Processor Module |
| Primary Application | |
| Communication Function | PN800 Plant Network Communications |
| Controller Partner | HC800A |
| Mounting Base | MB810A |
| Conformal Coating | Yes |
| Product Classification | Central Unit |
| HS Code | 851762 |
| Approx. Height | 2.9 in |
| Approx. Width | 6.7 in |
| Approx. Length | 9.6 in |
| Net Weight | Approx. 0.449 kg |
| Typical Kit Association | Controller Kit |
| Firmware Example in Procurement Records | A_7.005 |
| FPGA Example in Procurement Records | Version 130 |
ABB’s product detail identifies as a central unit and states that it provides PN800 plant-network communications for with conformal coating. The dimensions and weight above are published product data from an ABB catalog-derived record. Firmware A_7.005 and FPGA version 130 are documented in recent procurement records, but they should be treated as observed configuration values, not universal requirements.
Major Features / Advantages
Dedicated PN800 communication processing
has a specific job within the architecture: it provides the controller’s PN800 plant-network communications. This separation keeps the communication function distinct from the HC800A control processor. For maintenance engineers, that distinction is useful because a network communication fault should not automatically lead to replacement of the main control processor.
CP800A
Designed for
The belongs to the conformal-coated generation. ABB’s controller-kit documentation identifies the redundant controller assembly as containing two HC800A processors, two communication processors, MB810A mounting bases, CTB810A/CTB811A communication terminal boards, and TER8x0A bus terminators.
This is a useful procurement distinction. A loose should not be evaluated independently from the controller generation in which it will operate.
Conformal-coated construction
The A version is conformal coated, which is one of the clearest differences between and the earlier CP800 family. Conformal coating is relevant in industrial cabinets where humidity, airborne contamination, or other environmental stresses are considered during equipment selection. It does not, by itself, make an installation suitable for every harsh environment; cabinet conditions and the complete system specification still control that decision.
Modular HPC800 architecture
HPC800 separates controller functions into dedicated modules. HC800/HC800A handles control processing, while CP800/ provides communication processing. The MB810/MB810A provides the mounting interface, with CTB810/CTB811 terminal boards supporting the communications side of the controller assembly.
That modular arrangement is useful during maintenance because a failed communication processor can potentially be isolated from the control processor and other controller hardware during fault diagnosis.
Relevant to redundant controller configurations
The redundant controller kit uses paired and modules. ABB’s documented kit configuration includes 2 × and 2 × , together with the associated mounting bases, terminal boards, and bus terminators.
For a redundant installation, this means a replacement should be checked against the companion module and controller configuration rather than simply installed based on physical fit.
Firmware and FPGA revision are procurement data
A 2025 procurement record specifies firmware A_7.005 and FPGA version 130 for the requested communication processor. A later 2026 procurement record repeats the same firmware/FPGA identification. This provides a useful field reference when checking an existing spare, but it should not be interpreted as proof that every in service must carry those exact revisions.
For a controller replacement, photograph the actual identification label and record firmware/FPGA information before approving the spare.
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
controller communication
The primary application is the Symphony Plus controller, where provides PN800 plant-network communication. The remains the control processor, so the two modules should not be treated as interchangeable.
Redundant systems
redundant controller assemblies use two control processors and two communication processors. When troubleshooting a redundant controller, compare the affected with its paired module rather than replacing both modules automatically.
Legacy Symphony Plus maintenance
is relevant when maintaining installed Symphony Plus systems where a communication processor has failed or a tested spare is required. ABB’s spare-parts material specifically lists as a Symphony Plus communication processor and separately lists the HPC800 controller kits.
Communication-fault diagnosis
A controller that continues to execute its control application while losing plant-network communication can point toward the communication-processing path rather than the control processor. Before replacing , check the associated mounting base, terminal boards, bus termination, controller redundancy state, and configured firmware.
Related Products
- — Conformal-coated Control Processor Module of ; performs the main control-processing function.
- HC800 — Earlier HPC800 Control Processor Module; not automatically equivalent to .
- CP800 — Earlier Communication Processor Module for HPC800; verify generation and coating requirements before considering it as a replacement.
- MB810A — Conformal-coated Module Mounting Base; provides mounting locations for and .
- MB810 — HPC800 Module Mounting Base for the earlier generation.
- CTB810A — communication terminal board for the left side of the mounting base.
- CTB811A — communication terminal board for the right side.
- PNI800A — Plant Network Interface Module for connecting a PC to the network.
- — Controller platform using and modules.
- HPC800K02A — Redundant controller kit containing two and two modules plus associated hardware.
Engineer’s Guide — Field Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Do not confuse with .
The model names are easy to mix up. is the Control Processor Module; is the Communication Processor Module. They have different roles within .
2. Do not assume CP800 is an automatic substitute for .
is the conformal-coated version associated with . Check the controller generation and environmental requirements before accepting an earlier CP800 as a replacement.
3. Record firmware and FPGA revisions.
Recent procurement records identify with firmware A_7.005 and FPGA 130. These values are useful for comparison, but the actual installed configuration should be treated as the controlling reference.
4. Check the MB810A interface.
The is designed for the mounting architecture. Inspect the module connector, mounting base, and terminal-board connections before declaring the processor defective.
5. Check redundant-pair configuration.
In redundant systems, there are two communication processors. A replacement should be matched to the installed controller generation and configured consistently with the redundant architecture.
6. Do not infer network protocol details from generic listings.
ABB specifically identifies ‘s function as Plant Network Communications. I would not publish unsupported claims about Ethernet speed, connector pinout, Modbus, or other protocols without the exact system documentation.
7. Verify actual inventory condition.
For older automation hardware, a label alone does not establish whether the module is unused, refurbished, previously installed, or carrying the required firmware. Request photographs of the nameplate and revision information when procurement accuracy matters.
FAQ
What is ABB ?
ABB is the Communication Processor Module of . Its documented function is to provide Plant Network Communications for the conformal-coated controller architecture.
What is the difference between and ?
is the Control Processor Module, while is the Communication Processor Module. An controller uses these as separate functional modules. They are not substitutes for one another.
Is the same as CP800?
They belong to the same communication-processor family, but is the conformal-coated version intended for . ABB separately identifies and in its Symphony Plus product material. Physical fit alone should not be used to establish interchangeability.
What network does support?
ABB identifies the communication function as Plant Network Communications. Specific network topology, terminal-board configuration, and connected network equipment depend on the installation.
What firmware is associated with ?
A recent procurement specification identifies firmware A_7.005 with FPGA version 130 for . That is a useful reference for a particular configuration, but it should not be treated as a universal revision requirement for every .
What base is used with ?
The conformal-coated is the corresponding mounting base. ABB-related product documentation identifies the module positions as A = and B = .
Can be used in a redundant controller?
Yes. ABB’s documented redundant controller kit uses two control processors and two communication processors, together with and the associated communication terminal and termination hardware. The exact replacement must still match the installed configuration.
What should I verify before purchasing ?
Verify the model marking, conformal-coating version, firmware, FPGA revision, compatibility, controller generation, terminal-board configuration, and redundancy arrangement. For used inventory, also verify the actual physical condition rather than relying on a catalog photograph.
Procurement Note
is a communication processor, not the main control CPU. The most important purchasing check is therefore functional and generational matching: should be evaluated with the , , CTB810A/CTB811A, and the actual architecture in which it will operate. ABB’s documentation clearly separates from and identifies the A version as the conformal-coated communication processor.
For a replacement, record the installed firmware and FPGA versions before ordering. Recent procurement records identify A_7.005 / FPGA 130, but that should be treated as configuration evidence rather than an unconditional specification. Actual inventory condition and revision marking should be verified before purchase.
