ABB CI858-1 (3BSE018137R1) Interface Module – DriveBus/DDCS link for AC 800M integration with ABB drives

The ABB CI858-1, order code 3BSE018137R1, is an interface module for the AC 800M controller family that provides a high-speed DriveBus (DDCS) connection to ABB industrial drives. From my experience, this module is used when you want tight, deterministic control and diagnostics of ABB drives such as ACS and DCS families without adding third‑party gateways. You might notice that engineering is straightforward in Control Builder M, and in many cases it reduces commissioning time compared to generic fieldbus setups.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

Key Features

• DriveBus/DDCS connectivity – Direct fiber-optic link to ABB drives for fast cyclic control and diagnostics, typically with low jitter.
• Tight integration with AC 800M – Configured in Control Builder M; signals map neatly to controller variables for streamlined engineering.
• Deterministic performance – Designed for motion and speed/torque applications where response time and repeatability matter.
• Reduced gateway complexity – One thing I appreciate is it removes the need for external protocol converters in many cases, cutting points of failure.
• Industrial robustness – Fiber links help with EMC immunity in harsh cabinets, and the module adopts the proven AC 800M form factor.
• Diagnostics and status – Clear module and link status indications simplify commissioning and troubleshooting.
• System bus integration – Communicates to the PM8xx CPU over the CEX-bus for reliable backplane bandwidth.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This module typically appears wherever ABB drives are central to the process:

• Metals and rolling mills – coordinated drive control for stands, unwinders, and shears
• Pulp & paper – line speed control, sectional drive groups, winding/unwinding
• Mining & minerals – conveyors, hoists, crushers with robust EMC conditions
• Marine & offshore – propulsion and thruster drives integration with AC 800M
• Power & water – pump/fan drives with need for deterministic control

A maintenance supervisor told us their team shaved hours off start-up because DDCS diagnostics made it obvious when a fiber was reversed or a node address mismatched — simple, but it saved a night shift.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability – Fiber links and the AC 800M platform typically deliver stable performance in high‑noise cabinets.
• Compatibility – Purpose‑built for ABB drive families; fewer interoperability surprises during FAT/SAT.
• Reduced total cost – Eliminates extra gateways and licensing in many cases; leaner spares strategy.
• Lifecycle support – Firmware and tools aligned with Control Builder M versions, making upgrades predictable.
• Scalability – Add channels and drives as your line grows, while keeping controller engineering consistent.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel & environment – Mount on the correct TB8xx base; keep cabinet temperature within 0…55 °C with adequate ventilation.
• Wiring & fibers – Use the recommended DDCS fiber type and observe minimum bend radius; segregate from high‑voltage cables for EMC.
• Power – Ensure stable 24 V DC system supply to the AC 800M base; verify grounding and shield termination points.
• Configuration – Match module/drives firmware packs to your Control Builder M version; set node addresses and update the hardware tree.
• Safety – De‑energize before handling; observe ESD precautions when inserting/removing modules.
• Routine maintenance – Periodically inspect fiber connectors for dust, check LED status, back up project files, and review firmware advisories before updates.

Quality & Certifications

• Conforms to industrial EMC and safety standards; CE marking (typical)
• cULus recognition for North America (commonly applied on AC 800M modules)
• RoHS-compliant materials in most cases; produced under ISO 9001 quality systems
• Manufacturer warranty typically 12 months; we support 365‑day warranty on supply

If you’re pairing CI858-1 with specific ABB drive families (e.g., ACS/DCS series), share the firmware level and number of drives. We’ll help verify DDCS channel counts, base unit compatibility, and recommended fiber kits so your FAT goes smoothly the first time.