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Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Model | CI858K01 |
| Order Code | 3BSE018135R1 |
| Product Type | DriveBus communication interface module |
| Controller Platform | ABB AC 800M / System 800xA |
| Protocol | ABB DriveBus (not generic PROFIBUS DP) |
| DriveBus Interface | Optical (2 connectors) |
| Max Drives per Module | Up to 24 ABB drives |
| Max Modules per Controller | Up to 2 CI858 per AC 800M controller |
| Hot Swap | Supported with AC 800M system |
| Power Supply | Powered via CEX bus; no separate 24 V DC required |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 59 × 185 × 127.5 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.55–0.70 kg depending on base/unit |
| Operating Temperature | Up to 55 °C ambient |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Certifications | CE; RoHS; marine approvals including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR |
Product Introduction
DriveBus failures show up quietly at first. A drive drops off scan. A torque reference stales. Then the paper machine, rolling mill, or sectional drive trips because one optical link went noisy. The CI858K01 is the piece that usually sits in the middle of that mess.This is an ABB DriveBus interface for AC 800M, order code 3BSE018135R1. It lets the controller talk to ABB drives and ABB-specific I/O over DriveBus instead of trying to manage every drive over a generic fieldbus or serial link. One CI858 can handle up to 24 drives, and an AC 800M controller can take two of them. It is powered from the CEX bus, so there is no separate 24 V DC feed to chase. It also supports hot swap within the AC 800M rack, which matters when you are trying to keep a running line alive. The optical interface is convenient for noise immunity, but it also means you must treat the fiber links, NDBU branching units, and topology seriously. This is not a plug-and-play Ethernet card.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report (SOP)
- Visual and counterfeit check: ABB labeling, order code 3BSE018135R1, hardware revision, serial number, country of origin.
- Connector inspection: Check optical DriveBus connectors for dust, scratches, bent keys, or damaged latches.
- Base/CEX check: Inspect TP858 base and CEX contacts for corrosion or burnt pins.
- Insulation/resistance check: Use a Fluke 115 or equivalent to verify no shorts on external terminals and no ground faults on auxiliary circuits.
- Live test on AC 800M test rack: Seat module, verify CEX bus recognition, check LED status, and confirm DriveBus link state.
- DriveBus scan verification: Confirm the controller sees the expected drive nodes and that no nodes are missing or faulted.
- Firmware/revision logging: Record module revision, base revision, and AC 800M hardware/firmware context.
- Anti-static packing: ESD bag, photo documentation, and revision labels before shipment.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
- Do not confuse CI858K01 with a PROFIBUS DP module. Some reseller pages call it PROFIBUS-DPV1, but ABB documentation describes CI858K01 / 3BSE018135R1 as a DriveBus interface for AC 800M. If your system uses PROFIBUS DP, you probably need a different CI module.
- Optical fiber is the silent failure point. Dirty connectors, wrong fiber type, or broken NDBU branches will look like “drive communication loss” even when the drives are healthy.
- Hot swap is not magic. CI858 supports hot swap with AC 800M, but pulling it during an active drive control loop can still cause faults, trips, or process upsets. Plan the changeover.
- Node count and topology matter. One CI858 supports up to 24 drives; beyond that you need additional modules or a different architecture. If NDBU branching units are used, verify the physical star/logical bus configuration matches the project.
I once replaced a “failed CI858” only to find the real problem was a contaminated optical connector on the DriveBus ring. The module was fine. The fiber was not. Always clean and inspect before condemning the board.
Installation & Configuration Guide
1. Pre-Installation
- ⚠️ Perform a controlled shutdown of the affected drive section if process safety allows.
- ⚠️ Lock out/tag out power where required by site procedure.
- Photograph the existing CI858K01, TP858 base, fiber routing, NDBU units, drive node addresses, and LED status.
- Record the AC 800M controller firmware version and project name.
2. Removal
- Label all optical fibers and any auxiliary wiring.
- Mark fiber orientation and port positions. Do not trust memory.
- Release the module from the base carefully. Avoid pulling on the optical connectors.
- Cap optical connectors immediately to prevent contamination.
3. Installation
- Verify the order code: CI858K01 / 3BSE018135R1.
- Inspect the TP858 base and CEX contacts before seating the new module.
- Seat the module firmly into the base.
- Reconnect optical fibers to the correct ports. Use proper fiber cleaning tools.
- Confirm NDBU branching units, terminations, and drive node addresses match the original configuration.
4. Power-On & Testing
- Restore control power and verify AC 800M controller status.
- Check CI858K01 LEDs for normal link and fault indications.
- Verify DriveBus node scan in the controller project.
- Confirm each drive is online, responding, and free of communication faults.
- Test a controlled stop and restart before returning the process to full production.
- Save and document the final configuration.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Compatibility Tier | Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Drop-in Replacement | ABB CI858K01, 3BSE018135R1, same hardware revision | Best option if revision, base, and DriveBus topology match |
| ⚠️ Software Compatible | Other ABB AC 800M DriveBus communication modules | May require project update, firmware alignment, or reconfiguration |
| ⚠️ System Upgrade | Newer AC 800M communication hardware | Expect engineering time, project migration, and I/O remapping |
| ❌ Hardware Mod Required | Generic PROFIBUS DP/Ethernet modules | Not a direct replacement for DriveBus; do not force it |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is CI858K01 a PROFIBUS DP module?
No. ABB product information identifies CI858K01 / 3BSE018135R1 as a DriveBus interface for AC 800M. Some third-party listings call it PROFIBUS-DPV1, but that conflicts with ABB’s own description. Verify with the official ABB hardware catalog before purchasing.Q2: How many drives can one CI858K01 handle?
Up to 24 ABB drives per CI858 module, and up to two CI858 modules per AC 800M controller.Q3: Does it need external 24 V DC power?
No. The CI858 is powered from the CEX bus through the AC 800M controller backplane.Q4: Can I hot-swap it?
CI858 supports hot swap within the AC 800M system, but you should still coordinate with operations and verify the drive control impact before removing it.Q5: What fiber type should I use?
The module uses optical DriveBus connectors, but the exact multimode/single-mode specification, wavelength, and distance limits must be confirmed from the ABB DriveBus/CI858 documentation and your installed fiber plant. Do not guess fiber types on a running DriveBus link.Q6: What if the new module has a different hardware revision?
Compare the label, base type, connector layout, and LED behavior before commissioning. A different revision can still work, but it must be validated in the existing AC 800M project.Q7: Is this part still in production?
Treat it as a legacy AC 800M communication module. Confirm current ABB availability, revision, and recommended migration path before designing it into a new system.
