ABB CI855K01 3BSE018106R1 | MB300 Interface Module

The ABB CI855K01 3BSE018106R1 is a MasterBus 300 (MB300) communication interface for the ABB AC 800M controller family. It connects an AC 800M controller to existing MB300-based control-system equipment and allows newer System 800xA plant sections to communicate with legacy Advant controllers. ABB identifies the CI855 as an MB300 interface operating as an MB300 master.

The CI855K01 package includes the CI855 communication interface and TP853 baseplate. The baseplate provides two RJ45 Ethernet ports and connects the interface to the AC 800M CEX-Bus.

📋 Product Datasheet

ABB’s current product data lists the CI855 article number as 3BSE018106R1, MB300 protocol, 10 Mbit/s transmission speed, 200 datasets/s, line redundancy, hot swap capability, RJ45 connectivity, 150 mA typical 24 V consumption, and up to 12 units on the CEX-Bus.

⚙️ Main Features

🔹 MB300 Communication

CI855 provides the MasterBus 300 interface required to connect an AC 800M controller with MB300-based equipment.

🔹 Legacy System Integration

It can provide peer-to-peer communication between newer System 800xA/AC 800M plant sections and legacy Advant Controller 410, Advant Controller 450, and MasterPiece 200/1 systems.

🔹 Dual Ethernet Ports

The TP853 baseplate provides two RJ45 ports for MB300 network redundancy. ABB specifies line redundancy but no module redundancy for CI855.

🔹 Clock Synchronization

The interface supports clock synchronization across the MB300 communication network.

🔹 Dataset Communication

MB300 dataset communication allows process and control information to be exchanged between controllers and connected systems.

🔹 Hot Swap

ABB specifies hot-swap capability for the CI855 interface, which can simplify maintenance when the overall system architecture and maintenance procedure permit it.

🛠️ Operating Procedure & How to Use

1. Verify the Controller System

Before installation, confirm:

• AC 800M controller type
• CI855K01 / 3BSE018106R1
• TP853 baseplate
• CEX-Bus configuration
• MB300 network architecture
• Existing Advant/MB300 equipment
• System 800xA software version

The CI855 is specifically designed to operate through the AC 800M CEX-Bus using the TP853 baseplate.

2. Install the Baseplate

Mount the TP853 baseplate in the appropriate control cabinet location.

Make sure sufficient clearance is available around the module and RJ45 connectors.

3. Install CI855

Insert the CI855 interface into the TP853 baseplate and secure it according to the ABB installation procedure.

Do not force the module into position.

4. Connect MB300 Network

Connect the two RJ45 network ports according to the plant’s MB300 network design.

For a redundant network:

Port 1 → Primary MB300 Network

Port 2 → Redundant MB300 Network

The two network paths should be checked separately during commissioning.

5. Configure the AC 800M Application

Using the approved ABB engineering environment, configure the CI855 communication interface and required MB300 communication objects.

Typical configuration work includes:

• Interface assignment
• MB300 network parameters
• Controller/device addressing
• Dataset configuration
• Communication relationships
• Redundancy settings
• Clock synchronization

6. Verify Communication

After configuration, verify communication between the AC 800M controller and the connected MB300 devices.

Check both normal communication and redundant communication where applicable.

⚡ Power-On Sequence

1. 🔒 Place the process in an approved startup or maintenance condition.
2. 🔍 Verify the CI855K01 part number.
3. 🔍 Check the TP853 baseplate.
4. 🔍 Inspect CEX-Bus connections.
5. 🔍 Check both RJ45 network cables.
6. 🔍 Confirm the 24 VDC control supply.
7. ⚡ Energize the AC 800M system.
8. 🟢 Check CI855 diagnostic indications.
9. 🌐 Verify MB300 network communication.
10. 🔄 Check the redundant network path.
11. 🖥️ Verify communication in the engineering/operator system.
12. 📊 Check required datasets.
13. ⏱️ Verify clock synchronization.
14. ✅ Return the control system to normal operation.

🔌 Power-Off Sequence

1. 🛑 Place the controlled process in the approved shutdown condition.
2. 💾 Save the current controller and communication configuration.
3. 🔒 Confirm that the CI855 is not performing a critical active communication function.
4. 🌐 Stop or isolate relevant MB300 communication according to the plant procedure.
5. ⚡ Isolate the applicable control power when module removal is required.
6. 🔍 Confirm the module is safe to handle.
7. 🔧 Remove CI855 from the TP853 baseplate.
8. 🛡️ Protect the module against ESD.
9. 📦 Store it in antistatic packaging.

📖 Product Usage Instructions

A typical architecture is:

AC 800M Controller → CEX-Bus → CI855 → TP853 → MB300 Network → Advant / MB300 Equipment

The main purpose of the CI855 is to bridge the AC 800M environment with existing MB300-based systems. This is particularly useful when an existing plant section is retained while newer System 800xA control functions are added.

ABB also specifies line redundancy, meaning the communication network can use redundant network paths. However, ABB lists module redundancy as not supported, so the network design should not be confused with redundant CI855 hardware.

🔍 Installation & Commissioning Checklist

Before commissioning:

• Confirm CI855K01 / 3BSE018106R1.

• Verify TP853 baseplate.

• Check AC 800M controller compatibility.

• Confirm CEX-Bus position.

• Inspect RJ45 connectors.

• Verify MB300 network topology.

• Check primary network.

• Check redundant network.

• Verify 24 VDC supply.

• Configure MB300 communication.

• Check controller/device addressing.

• Verify dataset communication.

• Test clock synchronization.

• Check network redundancy.

• Verify communication diagnostics.

• Record final configuration.

❓ Common Questions & Answers

Q: What is ABB CI855K01?

A: It is an MB300 communication interface module for the ABB AC 800M controller family. It allows AC 800M to communicate with MasterBus 300-based systems.

Q: What is the part number?

A: The ABB article number is 3BSE018106R1.

Q: What communication protocol does CI855 use?

A: It uses ABB’s MasterBus 300 (MB300) communication protocol.

Q: What is the communication speed?

A: ABB specifies 10 Mbit/s, with communication capacity listed as approximately 200 datasets per second.

Q: Does CI855 have redundant communication?

A: Yes. ABB specifies MB300 line redundancy. The interface itself does not provide module redundancy.

Q: How many CEX-Bus units can be installed?

A: ABB specifies a maximum of 12 units on the CEX-Bus.

Q: What baseplate is used with CI855K01?

A: The package includes the TP853 baseplate together with the CI855 interface module.

Q: How many Ethernet ports are available?

A: The TP853 baseplate provides two RJ45 Ethernet ports, supporting the redundant MB300 network connection.

Q: Can CI855 connect an AC 800M system to older ABB equipment?

A: Yes. One of its main purposes is communication between AC 800M/System 800xA installations and existing MB300-based controllers such as Advant Controller 410, Advant Controller 450, and MasterPiece 200/1.

Q: Is CI855 the same as CI856?

A: No. CI855 is the MB300 interface, while CI856 is an S100 I/O interface. ABB lists them as separate AC 800M communication interfaces.

Q: Is CI855 a controller CPU?

A: No. It is a communication interface module. The AC 800M processor performs the controller functions while CI855 handles MB300 communication.

Q: Can CI855 be used for a new installation?

A: It is primarily valuable when an installation needs MB300 connectivity or integration with existing ABB Advant/legacy equipment. For a new system, the required communication architecture should be checked against the current AC 800M/System 800xA design.

🔟 Recommended ABB Related Models

1. ABB CI855K01 3BSE018106R1 — MB300 Interface Module
2. ABB CI856K01 3BSE026055R1 — S100 I/O Interface
3. ABB CI867K01 3BSE043660R1 — MODBUS TCP Interface
4. ABB CI868K01 3BSE022400R1 — IEC 61850 Communication Interface
5. ABB CI869K01 3BSE049110R1 — Advant Fieldbus 100 Interface
6. ABB CI871K01 3BSE056899R1 — PROFINET Interface
7. ABB CI873K01 3BSE100182R1 — Ethernet/IP Interface
8. ABB CI874K01 3BSE090784R1 — OPC UA Client Interface
9. ABB CI853K01 3BSE018103R1 — Serial Communication Interface
10. ABB CI854AK01 3BSE030221R1 — PROFIBUS-DP Communication Interface

⚠️ Replacement note: These ABB communication modules are not direct substitutes for CI855K01. For replacement, verify the required protocol, AC 800M controller version, CEX-Bus configuration, baseplate, firmware/software compatibility, and network architecture.