Description
ABB EI802F AUI Ethernet Module | AC 800F System Bus Interface
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | EI802F |
| Product Type | AUI Ethernet Module |
| System | ABB AC 800F |
| Ethernet Standard | 10 Mbit/s Ethernet |
| Physical Interface | AUI |
| Connector Type | 15-pin AUI interface |
| Network Media | Depends on external transceiver |
| Supported Network Examples | 10Base5, 10BaseT, 10BaseFL |
| Installation Slots | E1 / E2 |
| Transmission Rate | 10 Mbit/s |
| Buffer Battery | 3.6 V lithium battery supported |
| Low-Battery Indication | ≤ 2.4 V |
| Power Dissipation | Approx. 3.0 W without transceiver supply |
| Power Dissipation with Transceiver Supply | Approx. 6.2 W |
| System Function | AC 800F system-bus Ethernet interface |
ABB documentation identifies EI802F as the AUI Ethernet module and explains that the external transceiver determines the actual Ethernet transmission medium. The module itself does not contain the MAU/transceiver.
Product Introduction
ABB EI802F AUI Ethernet Module
The ABB EI802F is an Ethernet communication module for the AC 800F FieldController. Its standardized AUI interface allows an external transceiver to provide the required physical Ethernet medium, making the module suitable for installations where existing cabling, EMC requirements, or network architecture make direct 10Base2 connection unsuitable.
The module contains the LAN controller responsible for Ethernet frame processing, with data exchanged with the AC 800F CPU through DMA. This reduces the amount of Ethernet processing handled directly by the main processor. ABB specifies installation only in the E1 or E2 slots.
EI802F
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — Engineer’s Perspective
Engineering Pain Point
EI802F is normally encountered in older AC 800F installations where the controller communicates with the system bus through an AUI-based Ethernet architecture. The external transceiver and cabling are part of the engineering configuration, so replacing the module alone does not establish whether the network will operate correctly.
Typical Applications
- AC 800F system-bus communication — Provides the Ethernet interface between the FieldController and the higher-level control system.
- Legacy Ethernet installations — Suitable where an existing AUI/transceiver architecture remains in service.
- 10Base5 networks — Supports connection through the appropriate external transceiver.
- 10BaseT or fiber arrangements — Possible through compatible external AUI transceivers rather than a direct module connection.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not mistake for EI803F.
EI803F is the direct 10BaseT Ethernet module. uses AUI, with the physical network medium determined by the external transceiver. - Do not substitute for EI812F on PM803F when battery buffering is required.
ABB explicitly states that used with PM803F does not ensure battery buffering. EI812F is the corresponding AUI module for the later AC 800F configuration. - Check the external transceiver.
The AUI interface itself does not determine whether the installation uses coaxial, twisted-pair, or fiber Ethernet. The transceiver and associated cabling must match the plant network. - Do not hot-swap the Ethernet module.
ABB specifically states that AC 800F Ethernet modules must not be inserted or removed while the controller is powered. Installation should be performed with the AC 800F switched off and appropriate ESD precautions followed. - Check the buffer battery condition.
includes a battery holder. ABB documents a 3.6 V lithium battery arrangement and a low-battery indication; removing the battery holder while the controller is off can cause RAM and real-time-clock data loss if there is no other battery-backed Ethernet module in the other E slot.
Related Products
- ABB EI801F — 10Base2 Ethernet module using direct thin-coaxial connection.
- ABB EI803F — Direct 10BaseT Ethernet module; unlike , it does not require an external AUI transceiver.
- ABB EI811F — Later-generation 10Base2 Ethernet module.
- ABB EI812F — Later-generation AUI Ethernet module; important alternative for PM803F battery-buffering requirements.
- ABB EI813F — Later-generation direct 10BaseT Ethernet module.
- ABB PM802F — AC 800F basic unit used with the earlier Ethernet-module family.
- ABB PM803F — Later AC 800F basic unit; requires careful selection of the Ethernet module because of battery-buffering differences.
- ABB AM801F — Battery backup module for the earlier PM802F configuration.
- ABB AM811F — Battery backup module associated with PM802F/PM803F configurations where the required battery-buffering arrangement is present.
Procurement Check
For an replacement, verify:
+ AC 800F basic unit + E1/E2 slot + AUI transceiver + network medium + battery-buffering requirement.
The critical distinction is that is an AUI Ethernet interface, not a direct RJ45 Ethernet module. If the existing cabinet uses a direct twisted-pair connection, EI803F or a later-generation module may be the actual hardware configuration, and the complete part number should be checked before substitution.
