ABB 3BSC980008R112 Communication interface module

ABB 3BSC980008R112 

It is a high-performance fieldbus communication interface module, mainly used for ABB’s AC 800M series programmable logic controller (PLC)

Core Product Description

Product Name: CI854A Communication Interface Module

Product Model: 3BSC980008R112

Basic Description:
The ABB 3BSC980008R112 (model CI854A) is a high-performance Fieldbus Communication Interface Module primarily used with ABB’s AC 800M series Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). It acts as a bridge between the AC 800M controller and external devices or higher-level networks, enabling data exchange and conversion between different communication protocols.

Detailed Functions & Features

1. Communication Protocol:

   • It primarily supports the Profibus DP (Decentralized Periphery) protocol.

   • In a Profibus network, it typically operates as a DP Master, responsible for managing and cyclically exchanging data with distributed I/O slaves (such as remote I/Os, variable frequency drives, sensors, etc.).

2. Physical Interface:

   • The module front features a Sub-D 9-pin male connector for connecting to the Profibus DP network.

   • It plugs directly into the AC 800M controller baseplate or expansion unit via its backplane connector.

3. Primary Functions:

   • Protocol Conversion: Performs bidirectional conversion between the AC 800M controller’s internal backplane bus protocol and the field-level Profibus DP network protocol.

   • Data Exchange: Periodically reads and writes input/output data with connected Profibus DP slaves.

   • Network Management: As the master, it is responsible for diagnosing the status of slaves on the network and managing network configuration and parameters.

   • System Integration: Seamlessly integrates into ABB’s automation systems such as System 800xA or Compact Product Suite, and is configured and managed via unified engineering software.

4. Technical Specifications:

   • Baud Rate: Supports standard Profibus DP speeds, from 9.6 kbps to 12 Mbps, which can be auto-detected or manually set.

   • Maximum Slaves: Can connect to up to 125 Profibus DP slaves (the actual number is limited by controller processing power and configuration).

   • Diagnostics: Provides powerful diagnostic functions, including module self-status, communication errors, and slave failures, facilitating quick troubleshooting.

   • Electrical Isolation: Provides necessary electrical isolation to protect the controller side from interference and damage from the field side.

Application Areas

The CI854A module is widely used in industrial fields requiring high reliability and distributed control, such as:

• Chemicals & Petrochemicals

• Oil & Gas

• Pulp & Paper

• Water & Wastewater Treatment

• Power & Energy

• Metals & Mining

In these applications, it is commonly used to connect various field devices, including:

• Remote I/O Stations

• Variable Frequency Drives

• Motor Starters

• Process Instruments (Flow meters, Level transmitters, etc.)

• Valve Positioners

Position in the Control System

To understand its role, it can be thought of as the “network interface card” for the AC 800M control system:

AC 800M High-Performance Controller (CPU) ← (Backplane Bus) → CI854A Module ← (Profibus DP Network) → Various Field Slave Devices

Configuration & Programming

This module is configured using ABB’s engineering and configuration software (such as Control Builder M). In the software, users need to:

1. Add the CI854A module in the hardware configuration.

2. Set the Profibus network parameters (e.g., baud rate).

3. Import or configure the GSD file for each connected slave to define its I/O data structure and behavior.

4. Download the configured hardware program to the AC 800M controller.