Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | CI858K01 (3BSE018135R1) |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| System Platform | AC 800M Controller |
| Communication Protocol | ABB DriveBus |
| Transmission Speed | 4 Mbit/s |
| Physical Interface | Fiber-Optic Connectors |
| Drive Capacity | Max 24 ABB drives per module |
| Baseplate Requirement | TP858 (60 mm width) |
| Hot Swap Support | Yes |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +55°C |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Power Source | Powered via CEX bus (No external power needed) |
Product Introduction
If you’re running ABB drives in a paper mill or rolling mill, you know the DriveBus protocol is the only way to get deterministic, real-time control. The CI858K01 is your physical link for that. It plugs right into the AC 800M controller and shoots fiber-optic signals out to your drives. No messy copper wiring, no ground loop headaches. It’s a dedicated highway for drive control data.I like this module because it takes the load off the main CPU. It has its own soft-core processor to handle DMA and coordinate reports, meaning your main controller doesn’t choke when 24 drives are all updating their status at once. Just remember, this isn’t a standalone card. It absolutely requires the TP858 baseplate. Also, if you’re running more than a few drives, you’ll need an NDBU branch unit to keep the physical star topology clean. Don’t daisy-chain fiber-optic drives like they’re cheap Ethernet cables.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report:
Fiber-optic modules live or die by their transceivers. Here is our protocol:
- Optical Inspection: We check the fiber ports under magnification. Dust or scratches on the optical face will kill your link.
- Live Rack Test: Mounted on a TP858 baseplate in an AC 800M test rack. We verify the CEX bus powers it up and the DriveBus link establishes.
- Drive Handshake: We connect a test ABB drive and verify real-time parameter read/write at 4 Mbit/s.
- Thermal Check: Run it under load for 4 hours. Monitor the internal temp. If it runs hot, the optical transceiver is degrading.
- ESD Packaging: Sealed in anti-static with port covers installed.
The Engineer’s Warning:
Fiber-optic cables are fragile. I’ve seen techs yank a fiber cable out of a CI858 by grabbing the cable instead of the connector housing. The transceiver pulls right out of the board. Always grip the connector. Also, keep the dust caps ON until the exact second you plug it in. A single speck of dust in a 4 Mbit/s fiber link will cause intermittent dropouts that will drive you crazy for weeks. And yes, hot-swap is supported, but I still prefer pulling the drive offline in the software first.
Installation & Configuration Guide
- Pre-Installation: ⚠️ Verify you have the TP858 baseplate. Without it, this module is a paperweight. Take a photo of the fiber routing. Keep the dust caps on the new module until you’re ready.
- Removal: If hot-swapping, mark the drive as “maintenance” in the software first. Pull the fiber connectors straight out. Never twist. Release the DIN clip and slide the module off the TP858.
- Installation: Check the TP858 for bent pins before seating. Slide the CI858K01 onto the baseplate and lock the clip. Install fiber cables last, keeping the bend radius gentle.
- Power-On & Testing: The module draws power from the CEX bus. Watch the LEDs. You should see LINK/ACT indicators once the AC 800M boots. Go into Compact Control Builder and verify the DriveBus node count matches your physical setup.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Status | Model / Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Drop-in | CI858K01 (3BSE018135R1) | Direct replacement. Same protocol, same speed. |
| ⚠️ Verify | CI858 (3BSE018136R1) | Older revision. Same function, but check your AC 800M firmware compatibility. |
| ❌ Wrong Protocol | CI867K01 | This is a Modbus TCP module. Completely different protocol. Do not buy this expecting DriveBus. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use standard Ethernet cables with this?
Absolutely not. This is a fiber-optic interface. You need the correct fiber-optic cables and transceivers. Plugging in a copper Ethernet cable will physically damage the port.Do I need external power for this module?
No. It gets its power directly from the CEX bus on the AC 800M backplane. If it doesn’t power up, check your CPU and power supply first.How many drives can I actually hang on one CI858K01?
The hard limit is 24 drives per module. But practically speaking, if you’re running more than 10-12 drives, you need an NDBU branch unit to maintain the star topology. Don’t try to daisy-chain them.Is hot-swap really safe?
Yes, the DriveBus protocol supports it. But I always take the drives offline in the control software first. Yanking a live module out while drives are actively updating can cause a momentary bus fault. Better safe than sorry.Why is my LINK LED off?
90% of the time, it’s a dirty fiber connector or a broken cable. Clean the fiber ends with proper optical cleaning tools. If that doesn’t work, check your NDBU branch unit. Bad fiber is the #1 cause of DriveBus headaches.Does this work with third-party drives?
No. DriveBus is a proprietary ABB protocol. If you’re trying to talk to Siemens or Rockwell drives, you need a different comm module like the CI867 (Modbus TCP) or CI868 (PROFINET).
