Description
ABB CI810B (3BSE020520R1) AF100 Fieldbus Communication Interface Module for ABB 800xA DCS
Product Introduction
The ABB CI810B, part number 3BSE020520R1, is an AF100 fieldbus communication interface module belonging to the ABB AC 800M controller family within the 800xA distributed control system. It serves as the data bridge between the AC800M controller and S800 I/O stations via the AF100 fieldbus. The module provides one AF100 port supporting fiber optic or electrical cable connection, enabling high‑speed cyclic data exchange with remote S800 I/O clusters. It supports redundant communication configuration to enhance system reliability. CI810B is installed inside the AC 800M controller rack and can be hot‑swapped during operation. Widely deployed in process industries, it is a frequently stocked spare module for preventive maintenance and emergency replacement of ABB 800xA DCS racks.
Specific Application Information
- AF100 fieldbus communication: Realise data transmission between AC800M CPU and distributed S800 I/O stations.
- Remote I/O expansion: Connect multiple S800 I/O units located in remote field cabinets to the central controller rack.
- Redundant communication setup: Support dual CI810B redundant pair for fault‑tolerant AF100 fieldbus link.
- Cyclic I/O data exchange: Transmit DI/DO, AI/AO measurement values and actuator command signals cyclically.
- Module status diagnostics: Continuously monitor fieldbus communication health, cable faults and S800 station status.
- 800xA system integration: Transfer I/O data to ABB 800xA operator workplace for display, alarm and operation.
- Fieldbus wiring media switching: Compatible with both electrical twisted‑pair and optical fiber transmission media.
- System expansion retrofit: Add extra remote S800 I/O clusters to existing AC800M control racks without replacing main CPU.

CI810B 3BSE020520R1
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | CI810B |
| ABB Part No. | 3BSE020520R1 |
| Product Type | Fieldbus Communication Interface |
| Applicable Platform | ABB AC 800M / 800xA DCS |
| Fieldbus | |
| Port | 1 channel, electrical / fiber optional |
| Max. Stations | Up to 32 I/O stations per link |
| Max Cable Distance | Electrical: 750 m; Multi‑mode fiber: 2000 m |
| Data Rate | 1.5 Mbps |
| Mounting | AC800M controller rack slot mounting |
| Hot Swap | Supported |
| Power Supply | Supplied from controller backplane |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C ~ +60°C |
| Humidity | 5% – 95%, non‑condensing |
| Certification | CE, UL listed |
Main Features
✅ dedicated interface: High‑speed 1.5Mbps fieldbus for remote I/O connection. ✅ Media selection flexibility: Support copper twisted pair or multi‑mode optical fiber for long‑distance field transmission. ✅ Redundancy capable: Dual CI810B redundant configuration for communication link fault tolerance. ✅ Hot‑swap capability: Module replacement without powering down the control rack or stopping controller operation. ✅ Rich front‑panel LED indicators: Real‑time status display for module run, communication and fault alarms. ✅ Large I/O station capacity: Single bus supports up to 32 I/O stations. ✅ Backplane powered: No separate external power supply required, powered directly from AC800M rack backplane. ✅ Seamless 800xA integration: Configured via ABB Control Builder M engineering software.
Application Scenarios
- Oil & Gas Refineries: Remote I/O communication for refining process control with ABB 800xA.
- Chemical Process Plants: Distributed I/O collection for reactor, pipeline and auxiliary production units.
- Pulp & Paper Industry: Paper machine process control with field‑located I/O cabinets.
- Metallurgical Plants: Rolling mill and furnace distributed automation control.
- Power Generation Plants: Boiler, turbine auxiliary system and water treatment DCS control.
- Mining Mineral Processing: Flotation, thickener and conveying process remote I/O acquisition.
- DCS Upgrade Projects: Expansion of remote I/O points for existing AC800M control systems.

CI810B 3BSE020520R1
Supporting Components
- controller rack and backplane
- CPU module (PM861, PM864 etc.)
- I/O stations (TU841 terminal base + I/O modules)
- electrical twisted‑pair cable / multi‑mode fiber optic cable
- terminators for bus end termination
- Control Builder M engineering software
- Redundant power supply for controller rack
- field terminal units and signal wiring accessories
- Fiber optic media converter for optical connection
Related Series Models (ABB & I/O Family, 8 Models)
- CI810B (3BSE020520R1) — AF100 Communication Interface (Target Item)
- PM864AK01 — AC800M Main Processor Unit
- CI840A — PROFIBUS DP Communication Interface
- CI854A — Modbus Communication Module
- DI810 — S800 Digital Input Module
- DO810 — S800 Digital Output Module
- AI810 — S800 Analog Input Module
- AO810 — S800 Analog Output Module


