ABB CI871A PROFINET IO Communication Interface
An AC 800M communication interface that connects PROFINET IO devices through industrial Ethernet.
Overview
ABB CI871A is a CEX-Bus communication interface for AC 800M controllers. It provides the PROFINET IO master function used to exchange cyclic and acyclic data with connected PROFINET IO devices.
The interface uses the TP867 baseplate. Although two RJ45 connectors are present, ABB specifies CH1 as the PROFINET channel; the installation is routed through the required Ethernet switching architecture.
Engineering Data
Functions
CEX-Bus logic, communication functions and DC/DC conversion are integrated in the module.
Module redundancy is supported; line redundancy is not specified for CI871A.
The documented software boundary begins with System 800xA 6.0.3.3 and 6.1.1 and continues with later supported releases.
The environmental profile includes pollution degree 2, G3 corrosive-gas resistance and 5–95% non-condensing humidity.
Applications
- PROFINET IO device integration in AC 800M automation systems.
- Controller installations requiring a dedicated CEX-Bus PROFINET master.
- Redundant CI871A interface arrangements where the project architecture supports module redundancy.
- Modernization work where the System 800xA release and TP867 baseplate are verified before commissioning.
Lifecycle & Service
- Confirm System 800xA and controller firmware compatibility before adding or replacing CI871A.
- Record the CEX-Bus slot, TP867 baseplate identity, IP settings, device names and switch ports before removal.
- Do not treat the second RJ45 as an independent PROFINET line-redundancy path.
- After exchange, verify controller diagnostics, device discovery, cyclic data and the redundancy state defined by the project.
FAQ
Q01Does CI871A provide a built-in two-port PROFINET switch?+
No. ABB documents two RJ45 connectors but specifies only CH1 for PROFINET communication; the required network topology is completed with the approved Ethernet switching equipment.
Q02What should be exported before a CI871A replacement?+
Export the controller project and record the CEX-Bus position, device-name assignments, IP plan, switch connections and redundancy configuration.
Q03Can CI871A be introduced into an older System 800xA installation without a software review?+
No. The controller and System 800xA release must fall within ABB's documented support boundary before the interface is commissioned.
Q04What evidence confirms a redundant CI871A pair is healthy?+
Review both module states, the controller hardware tree, switchover diagnostics and communication continuity with every configured PROFINET IO device.
Q05Which details should accompany a CI871A quotation request?+
Send the ABB article number, current module label, TP867 baseplate label, AC 800M controller type, software release and required quantity.
