Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | EI813F |
| ABB Product ID | 3BDH000022R1 |
| Product Type | Ethernet communication module |
| Controller Family | Freelance AC 800F |
| Ethernet Standard | 10BaseT |
| Transmission Medium | Shielded twisted-pair cable |
| Connector | RJ45 |
| Transmission Rate | 10 Mbit/s |
| Maximum Segment Length | 100 m |
| Maximum Nodes | 2 for the specified direct 10BaseT segment |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 1.5 W |
| Dimensions | 155 × 28 × 128 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g without battery; 170 g with battery |
| Battery | 3.6 V lithium battery, ≥950 mAh |
| Battery Low-Level Indication | ≤2.4 V |
| CPU Compatibility | PM 802F / PM 803F |
| Required Software | V7.1 and higher for the EI813F/PM803F combination |
| Installation | AC 800F Ethernet slot E1 or E2 |
ABB documentation describes the EI813F as a direct 10BaseT Ethernet module for the AC 800F system bus. The module has an RJ45 connector, electrical isolation, and a 10 Mbit/s transmission rate.
Product Introduction
The ABB EI813F is a 10BaseT Ethernet communication module for the Freelance AC 800F controller. It provides the controller’s connection to the system bus through shielded twisted-pair Ethernet and uses an RJ45 interface. The module can also be used for an AC 800F controller redundancy link, depending on the system arrangement. ABB lists the module under product ID 3BDH000022R1.
One important reason the EI813F remains relevant for legacy AC 800F maintenance is its battery-buffering capability. ABB specifically states that EI813F can provide memory and real-time-clock buffering for PM 802F and PM 803F controllers, with the PM 803F requiring EI811F, EI812F, or when this buffering function is needed.
EI813F
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls
Engineering Pain Point
A failed Ethernet module in an older AC 800F controller can look like a controller CPU failure because the controller may remain powered while losing system-bus communication.
With the , troubleshooting should distinguish between the Ethernet module, RJ45/cable connection, network device, controller CPU, and system configuration. Replacing the CPU module simply because the controller disappears from the network can lead to unnecessary hardware replacement.
Typical Applications
- ABB Freelance process-control systems — AC 800F system-bus communication.
- Legacy DCS installations — Ethernet connection between AC 800F controllers and the supervisory/control network.
- AC 800F controller redundancy — 10BaseT point-to-point redundancy links where configured for that purpose.
- Plant modernization projects — maintaining existing AC 800F hardware while preserving the original Ethernet architecture.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse with EI803F.
Both are 10BaseT modules, but ABB specifically states that should be used when PM 803F battery buffering is required. - Respect the E1/E2 slot restriction.
The AC 800F documentation states that Ethernet modules are installed exclusively in slots E1 and E2 and must not be inserted or removed while the controller is powered. - Do not treat the 10BaseT port as modern Ethernet.
This module operates at 10 Mbit/s. It belongs to the older AC 800F Ethernet architecture, so network topology and legacy equipment compatibility should be checked rather than assuming current Ethernet behavior. - Check the battery arrangement.
The has a battery holder, but the 3.6 V lithium battery is not included with the module according to the installation documentation. Battery condition can affect CPU memory and real-time-clock retention. - Check software compatibility.
ABB specifies software version 7.1 or higher for operation of with the PM 803F CPU. Do not assume an older AC 800F software installation supports every /PM 803F combination.
Related Products
- ABB EI803F — earlier/direct 10BaseT Ethernet module for AC 800F; similar network function, but it does not provide the same PM 803F battery-buffering capability.
- ABB EI811F — 10Base2 Ethernet module using thin coaxial cable; also supports battery buffering for PM 802F/PM 803F.
- ABB EI812F — AUI Ethernet module for external transceivers; supports alternative physical Ethernet media.
- ABB EI801F — earlier 10Base2 module for AC 800F system-bus connections.
- ABB EI802F — AUI-based Ethernet module supporting transceiver connections.
- ABB PM802F — AC 800F CPU/basic-unit family supported by the Ethernet architecture.
- ABB PM803F — higher-performance AC 800F CPU family for which can provide battery-buffering support when the required software level is installed.
- ABB SA811F — AC 800F power-supply module associated with PM 803F configurations.
- ABB SD812F — 24 VDC power-supply option for AC 800F configurations using PM 803F.
Procurement check: The correct identification is / 3BDH000022R1. For a replacement, verify the controller CPU, software revision, E1/E2 slot, Ethernet topology, and battery requirement. The is specifically a 10BaseT AC 800F Ethernet module, not a general-purpose Ethernet interface, so substituting a superficially similar communication card can create compatibility problems.
