ABB CI867 3BSE043661R1 – Communication Interface for AC 800M Network Integration

The ABB CI867 (part no. 3BSE043661R1) is a CEX-bus communication interface module for the AC 800M controller family. It’s designed to bridge the controller to plant networks and field devices—typically Ethernet- or fieldbus-based—so you can exchange real-time process data and diagnostics with third?party PLCs, drives, and HMIs. From my experience, it’s a straightforward way to expand an AC 800M into mixed-vendor systems without re-architecting your existing I/O.

• CEX-bus plug-in for AC 800M – Installs directly on the controller’s CEX-bus, no external power supply required.

• Industrial network connectivity – Used to link AC 800M with plant networks (commonly PROFINET/fieldbus variants); ideal for interoperating with third?party PLCs, HMIs, and drives.

• Deterministic I/O exchange – Supports cyclic data exchange and device diagnostics for stable control performance in most cases.

• Integrated diagnostics – Status LEDs and engineering tool messages help you pinpoint wiring, addressing, or device faults quickly.

• Engineering-friendly – Configured in Control Builder M; device descriptions (e.g., GSD/GSDML for the respective network) simplify mapping signals.

• Supports controller redundancy – Typically compatible with AC 800M redundant CPU configurations when the overall system is engineered for redundancy.

• Lifecycle stability – Proven hardware platform with long-term availability and global ABB service coverage.

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The CI867 suits plants that need the AC 800M to talk to external devices over a standardized plant network. I typically see it in water & wastewater SCADA interfaces, pulp & paper machine sections, metals rolling lines, food & beverage packaging cells, and mixed-vendor modernization projects where the AC 800M must coexist with existing PLCs or drives.

• Linking AC 800M sequences to third?party PLC-based skids or OEM packages

• High-speed I/O exchange with drives and HMI/SCADA nodes on the plant network

• Gradual migration projects—keeping legacy networks alive while adding new islands of automation

• Redundant control architectures needing networked I/O with diagnostic feedback

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• Reliability in harsh environments – Built for 24/7 operation in industrial cabinets; the thermal rating covers most plant rooms.

• Compatibility – Works within the AC 800M ecosystem; integrates cleanly with Control Builder M and standard device description files.

• Faster commissioning – Clear diagnostics and a predictable engineering workflow reduce startup time, which in many cases saves days.

• Lifecycle & support – ABB’s global service footprint and spare availability helps maintenance planning and reduces supply risk.

• Cost control – No extra power supply, minimal panel change, and reuse of existing networking where feasible.

Customer note: “We dropped the CI867 into an existing AC 800M rack and mapped signals to a third?party drive system. The diagnostics caught a grounding issue in minutes. Commissioning went smoother than expected.” – Maintenance Lead, metals plant

• Cabinet & environment – Install in a ventilated control cabinet; maintain ambient temperature within 0…+55°C and avoid direct heat sources.

• Wiring & grounding – Use shielded industrial cables as required by the network; bond shields at designated points and maintain proper grounding to reduce noise.

• Separation – Route network cables away from high-voltage and high-current wiring; respect bend radius and connector strain relief.

• CEX-bus handling – Power down or place the controller in a safe state before inserting/removing modules. Observe ESD precautions.

• Engineering – Import the correct device description (GSD/GSDML as applicable). Verify firmware compatibility in Control Builder M.

• Routine checks – Inspect connectors and LED status during PM rounds; clean dust, verify cabinet fans/filters, and keep firmware aligned with site standards.

• Spare strategy – Keep at least one tested spare for critical lines; label with current firmware to match the running system.

• CE compliant; typically cULus listed for industrial control equipment

• RoHS compliant hardware

• Additional marine/industry approvals may apply depending on hardware revision

• Manufacturer warranty: typically 12 months on new units (site policies may extend with service agreements)

If you’d like me to verify the exact protocol and connector set for your CI867, a quick photo of the module label or your Control Builder M hardware tree helps. You might notice that firmware variants dictate whether you get Ethernet-based or classic fieldbus behavior—sorting that early saves rework during I/O mapping.