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Key Technical Specifications
- Product Model: PM864A
- Manufacturer: ABB
- System Family: AC 800M Controller Platform
- Order Code: 3BSE018162R1
- Processor Type: 32-bit RISC CPU with real-time operating system
- Memory: 4 MB program memory, 4 MB data memory (non-volatile)
- Redundancy Support: Full hot-standby redundancy with PM864A pair and redundant communication modules
- Communication Interfaces:
- Integrated RS-232 (service port)
- Supports CI854 (PROFIBUS DP), CI858 (FOUNDATION Fieldbus), CI871/CI873 (PROFINET IO), and other communication modules via backplane
- Optional Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP via CI86x modules
- Backplane Bus: Dual-redundant Profibus-based CEX bus (for I/O and module synchronization)
- Mechanical Form Factor: DIN-rail or rack-mounted (standard AC 800M rail)
- Status Indicators: RUN, STOP, RED (redundancy status), I/O COMM, and error LEDs
- Certifications: IEC 61131-3, IEC 61508 SIL2 (with appropriate configuration), CE, UL, cUL
Core Performance and Selection Advantages
The PM864A is a cornerstone of ABB’s scalable AC 800M control architecture, offering deterministic performance for both standard automation and safety-related tasks. Its key strength lies in high availability: when configured in a redundant pair, it provides seamless failover (<100 ms) without process interruption—critical for continuous operations like boiler control or pipeline pumping. Unlike legacy controllers, the PM864A supports modern engineering workflows through Control Builder M, enabling object-oriented programming, version control, and online change capabilities that reduce commissioning time by up to 30%.
The module’s modular communication design allows flexible fieldbus selection without CPU replacement—engineers can mix PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or Modbus TCP on the same controller via plug-in communication interfaces (CIs). This future-proofs installations against protocol obsolescence. Additionally, its non-volatile memory ensures program and variable retention during power loss, eliminating the need for battery backups—a common point of failure in older PLCs.
For safety-critical applications, the PM864A can be used in SIL2-certified safety loops when combined with ABB’s safety I/O (e.g., TU85x modules) and proper lifecycle management per IEC 61508. This eliminates the need for a separate safety PLC in many mid-complexity applications, reducing hardware footprint and integration cost.
ABB PM864A 3BSE018162R1
System Integration and Scalability
Integration into new or existing plants is streamlined through ABB’s Ability™ Edifice and System 800xA ecosystems. The PM864A acts as a native control node within 800xA, enabling unified HMI, alarm management, and asset diagnostics across electrical, process, and drive systems. For standalone applications, it operates independently with third-party SCADA via open protocols.
Scalability is a major advantage: a single PM864A can manage up to 10,000 I/O points across distributed stations using optical or copper CEX bus extenders (up to 10 km). Multiple controllers can coexist in the same plant, coordinated via Controller Area Network (CAN) or Ethernet-based OPC UA for batch sequencing or load sharing.
From a cybersecurity perspective, the PM864A supports secure firmware updates, access logging, and network segmentation—aligning with IEC 62443 principles. Firmware is regularly updated by ABB, ensuring long-term vulnerability patching.
As part of ABB’s long-life product policy, the PM864A is expected to remain available for decades, making it a low-risk choice for greenfield projects and brownfield upgrades replacing obsolete platforms like MOD 300, Bailey INFI 90, or even early AC 800F systems.
