ABB CI869K01 3BSE049110R1 – Redundant Communication Interface for AC 800M Control System

The ABB CI869K01 (3BSE049110R1) is a high-reliability communication interface module designed specifically for redundancy setups in ABB’s AC 800M controller environment. It handles critical data exchange between redundant CPU units, ensuring system continuity during failover scenarios—something I’ve seen make a real difference in continuous-process industries like power generation and oil & gas.

Key Features

• Redundancy Support: Enables seamless hot-standby switching between dual AC 800M CPUs—typically used in applications where unplanned downtime isn’t an option.
• Dedicated Fiber-Optic Link: Uses fiber channel technology to transfer synchronization data with low latency and high noise immunity, which seems especially valuable in electrically noisy environments.
• Hot-Swappable Design: Can be replaced or serviced without powering down the system, provided redundancy is active—a feature that has helped several clients avoid production interruptions during maintenance.
• Integrated Diagnostics: LED indicators give immediate feedback on link status, heartbeat signals, and error conditions. From my experience, this simplifies troubleshooting more than you’d expect in a field setting.
• Backplane Integration: Mounts directly onto the S800 I/O bus, reducing external cabling needs and improving overall signal integrity.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This module is typically found in mission-critical automation systems. One client in Norway uses it in offshore gas compression stations where CPU redundancy ensures uninterrupted operation despite harsh conditions. You’ll also see it in thermal power plants managing turbine control logic, water treatment facilities relying on fail-safe PLC coordination, and large-scale HVAC systems in industrial complexes. In many cases, it’s part of a larger safety-instrumented setup where communication integrity is non-negotiable.

Advantages & Value

Procurement teams tend to favor this module not just for its reliability but because it integrates cleanly into existing ABB ecosystems—no middleware hacks or protocol converters needed. That reduces long-term integration costs. It also supports firmware updates through System 800xA, so patching doesn’t require physical access every time. While it’s not the cheapest comms module out there, the reduction in risk and engineering hours often justifies the price point, especially when factoring in uptime value.

Installation & Maintenance

Install in standard S800-compatible cabinets with adequate ventilation—avoid stacking heat-generating modules adjacent to it. Make sure fiber cables are properly seated and free from tight bends; one site reported intermittent faults due to a kinked cable behind the rack. Use dust caps when unused. For maintenance, periodic visual inspection of LEDs and cleaning of fiber ends with approved wipes is recommended. Firmware should be checked annually or aligned with controller upgrades. No calibration is required—it’s a digital-only interface.

Quality & Certifications

Certified to CE, UL, and CSA standards, with compliance to IEC 61131-2 and RoHS directives. Built under ISO 9001-certified manufacturing processes. Comes with a full 365-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. We’ve had very few returns—most issues trace back to incorrect installation or incompatible firmware versions rather than hardware failure.

Ordering Notes: Delivery within 1 week if in stock; otherwise, up to 4 weeks. Payment: 50% upfront, balance before shipment. Shipped via FedEx, UPS, or DHL depending on destination. All units tested prior to dispatch.