ABB CI873K01 (3BSE058899R1) – Redundant Communication Interface for AC 800M Controllers

If you’re upgrading or maintaining an ABB AC 800M control system, the CI873K01 module tends to come up pretty early in the planning. It’s not flashy, but it handles a critical job—managing redundant Profibus DP communication between controllers and field devices. From what I’ve seen across power plants and pulp & paper setups, this module is often the quiet workhorse that keeps process continuity intact during network hiccups.

Key Features

• Redundant Profibus DP master functionality – One thing I appreciate is how smoothly it fails over. In many cases, operators don’t even notice when one channel drops—the switch is near-instant.
• Hot-swappable design – You might notice that maintenance windows shrink significantly. No need to shut down the rack just to replace a faulty unit.
• Integrated diagnostics via Control Builder M – Real-time status monitoring makes troubleshooting faster. We’ve had clients resolve comms issues remotely just by checking error logs through the software.
• Supports up to 126 slave devices per segment – That’s typically more than enough for most medium-scale processes. Some wastewater treatment sites max it out, but most stay under 80 for stability.
• Optical fiber ring support with OLM compatibility – Helps extend reach across large facilities while minimizing EMI interference, which seems to matter most in steel mills or heavy motor environments.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This module shows up most in industries where uptime matters and fieldbus reliability can’t be compromised. Power generation units use it to keep turbines talking to DCS systems during grid fluctuations. Chemical plants rely on its redundancy when handling batch sequences with time-critical valve actions. I’ve also seen it in offshore platforms—where access is limited, so remote diagnostics and failover capability are essential.

Advantages & Value

Procurement teams tend to like this model because it avoids integration surprises. It’s native to ABB’s ecosystem, so there’s no middleware or protocol translation needed—just plug in and configure via standard tools. The long-term cost benefit comes from reduced downtime risk. One client in Sweden reported recovering nearly 14 hours of unplanned stoppage annually after switching to redundant CI873K01 links. Also worth noting: firmware updates are backward compatible in most cases, which helps avoid forced upgrades downstream.

Installation & Maintenance

Install it in a clean, dry cabinet meeting IP20 standards. Ventilation matters—keep ambient below 60°C, especially if multiple modules are clustered. Use shielded fiber cables and ground them at one end only to prevent ground loops. Wiring should follow ABB’s separation guidelines between power and signal lines. For maintenance, we recommend checking diagnostic logs monthly and verifying redundancy status quarterly. Cleaning dust off heatsinks every six months helps too. Firmware updates are occasional but important; they usually fix small timing bugs that could affect sync in high-load scenarios.

Quality & Certifications

The CI873K01 carries CE, UL, and CSA certifications, and complies with IEC 61131-2 and ISO 9001 standards. It’s also RoHS compliant, which simplifies disposal and import in EU regions. Each unit ships with a 365-day warranty—covering defects and performance failures under normal operating conditions. Repairs or replacements are handled directly through authorized service centers, typically within two weeks.

Delivery is typically within one week if in stock. For larger orders or legacy variants, lead time won’t exceed four weeks. Payment is 50% upfront, with the balance due before shipment. We ship via FedEx, UPS, or DHL depending on destination and urgency.