Brief Product Description

CI853K01, part number 3BSE018103R1, is a hot‑swappable dual‑channel RS232‑C serial communication interface module for ABB AC 800M and System 800xA DCS control platforms. Equipped with two independent RJ‑45 serial ports, it supports Modbus RTU, COMLI, 3964R and custom serial protocols, enabling reliable point‑to‑point data exchange between the main controller, legacy instruments, third‑party meters, drives and auxiliary sub‑systems. Designed for 24‑hour continuous operation, this rack‑mount communication card delivers stable serial connectivity for process‑automation and power‑plant control systems.

Product ID: 3BSE018103R1

ABB model name: CI853K01

Catalog Description: CI853K01 Dual RS232-C Interface

Detailed description:

Package including:

-CI853, Communication Interface

-TP853, Baseplate

Product net depth: 127.5 mm

Product net height: 186 mm

Product net width: 59 mm

Net weight of product: 0.7 kg

Core Product Functions

• Two independent RS232‑C serial communication channels via RJ‑45 connectors
• Support Modbus RTU, ABB COMLI, Siemens 3964R and user‑defined serial protocols
• Configurable baud‑rate from 75 bps up to 115200 bps for flexible serial‑device matching
• Operates in both master and slave communication modes according to project configuration
• Hot‑swap capable; allows module replacement without shutting down the AC 800M control rack
• Real‑time bidirectional data transmission between DCS controller and field serial instruments
• Built‑in hardware self‑diagnostics with front‑panel LED status and fault‑alarm indicators
• Compatible with high‑integrity HI safety‑controller configurations for safety‑monitoring loops
• Seamless configuration through ABB Control Builder M engineering software

Application Scenarios

• Power‑plant boiler, turbine and generator DCS control system serial‑device integration
• Oil & gas, refinery and petrochemical plant process monitoring and instrument data acquisition
• Chemical factory hybrid control system connecting legacy transmitters, protection relays and analyzers
• Water‑treatment, pulp‑and‑paper and metallurgical industrial automation serial‑communication racks
• Upgrade and retrofit projects for connecting old serial‑based equipment to modern ABB 800xA DCS
• Spare replacement communication module for maintenance of existing AC 800M control installations

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: Module powers on but cannot establish serial communication with field devices?
  A: Check RS232 wiring pin‑out, baud‑rate, parity‑bit protocol parameter matching, loose back‑plane contact or faulty serial cables.
• Q: Serial data is intermittent or data readings are lost during operation?
  A: Verify cable shielding and grounding, reduce electromagnetic interference, shorten RS232 transmission distance or re‑tune communication timeout settings.
• Q: Can CI853K01 be hot‑swapped while the control rack remains powered‑on?
  A: Hot‑swap is supported; however, stop related serial‑communication loops before replacement to avoid temporary data loss.
• Q: Can this module work with other brands of PLC or DCS controllers?
  A: It is a dedicated communication card for ABB AC 800M / 800xA system; cross‑brand controller compatibility is not available.

• Q: Is 3BSE018103R1 still available for new‑build automation projects?
  A: This legacy serial‑communication module has reached end‑of‑life. Only surplus and refurbished spare‑part units are supplied for existing‑site maintenance work.

3BSE018103R1.pdf