ABB CI570 3BSE001440R1: AC800M Communication Interface Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB CI570 Series Technical Notes

The ABB CI570 (catalog reference 3BSE001440R1) is a PROFIBUS DP communication interface module designed for integration within the ABB AC800M distributed control system platform. This series occupies a critical position in global heavy industry infrastructure, with documented installations across petrochemical complexes, nuclear power auxiliary systems, offshore oil and gas platforms, and large-scale refinery automation networks. The AC800M controller family — of which the CI570 is a core communication component — represents ABB's primary DCS architecture deployed across more than 100 countries. The CI570 module provides a PROFIBUS DP master/slave interface that connects the AC800M controller backplane to field device networks, enabling deterministic real-time communication with remote I/O stations, variable frequency drives, and intelligent field instruments. Its role in process-critical environments makes it one of the most frequently sourced spare parts in the ABB ecosystem.

The Evolution of CI570 Architecture

The CI570 module was introduced as part of ABB's transition from the earlier Advant OCS / MOD 300 platform to the unified AC800M architecture in the late 1990s. Early revisions of the CI570 operated exclusively as PROFIBUS DP-V0 masters, supporting cyclic data exchange with Class 1 master functionality. Subsequent hardware revisions introduced DP-V1 acyclic services, enabling parameterization and diagnostic reads from intelligent PROFIBUS slaves without interrupting cyclic communication — a requirement that became standard in pharmaceutical and nuclear auxiliary applications where device health monitoring is mandatory.

The CI570 interfaces directly with the AC800M PM851, PM856, PM860, and PM864 processor modules via the internal CEX-Bus (Controller Extension Bus), which operates at a fixed 40 MHz clock. This backplane architecture imposes a maximum of 12 CI-series modules per controller node, a constraint that system integrators must account for during network segmentation design. Compatibility with the S800 I/O family (AI810, AO810, DI810, DO810, etc.) over PROFIBUS DP remains the primary use case, though the CI570 also supports third-party PROFIBUS devices conforming to EN 50170.

As the AC800M platform has entered its mature/sustaining phase, ABB has positioned the AC800M xA (Extended Automation) as the forward migration path. However, the installed base of CI570 modules remains extensive, and ABB has committed to spare parts availability through its long-term service agreements. For sites not yet migrating, the CI570 continues to be the only certified communication interface for PROFIBUS DP within the original AC800M backplane architecture.

CI570 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified components within the ABB AC800M / S800 I/O ecosystem that are directly associated with or operationally paired with the CI570 communication interface. All part numbers are cross-referenced against ABB's published product documentation.

Communication Interface Modules (CI Series)

• CI570 / 3BSE001440R1: PROFIBUS DP master/slave interface module for AC800M; supports DP-V0 and DP-V1 services; max 125 slaves per segment.
• CI572 / 3BSE003827R1: PROFIBUS DP interface with extended diagnostics; supports redundant PROFIBUS ring topology configurations.
• CI575 / 3BSE006388R1: DeviceNet communication interface for AC800M; supports explicit and implicit messaging; max 64 nodes.
• CI577 / 3BSE006388R2: DeviceNet interface, revision 2; updated firmware for improved node recovery after bus fault.
• CI580 / 3BSE000868R1: FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 interface; supports 16 FF devices per segment; used in refinery and chemical plant applications.
• CI581 / 3BSE000868R2: FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 interface, revision 2; enhanced segment power conditioning.
• CI582 / 3BSE018106R1: FOUNDATION Fieldbus HSE (High Speed Ethernet) linking device interface for AC800M.
• CI626 / 3BSE005023R1: Advant Fieldbus 100 (AF100) interface; used in legacy Advant OCS migration projects where AF100 field segments are retained.
• CI627 / 3BSE005023R2: AF100 interface, revision 2; backward compatible with CI626 installations.
• CI628 / 3BSE009921R1: AF100 interface with optical fiber port; used in high-EMI environments such as arc furnace control rooms.
• CI630 / 3BSE013000R1: Ethernet TCP/IP communication interface for AC800M; supports Modbus TCP and generic socket communication.
• CI631 / 3BSE014666R1: Ethernet interface with dual-port switch; supports RSTP ring topology for high-availability networks.
• CI632 / 3BSE014666R2: Ethernet interface, revision 2; updated to support PROFINET IO controller functionality.
• CI635 / 3BSE022161R1: PROFINET IO controller interface for AC800M; IRT (Isochronous Real-Time) capable; used in motion-integrated process applications.
• CI660 / 3BSE026055R1: IEC 61850 communication interface; used in substation automation and power distribution control applications.
• CI665 / 3BSE065546R1: IEC 61850 Edition 2 interface; supports GOOSE messaging and MMS protocol for protection relay integration.

AC800M Processor Modules (PM Series) — Commonly Paired with CI570

• PM851 / 3BSE018100R1: AC800M base processor; 32 MB RAM; supports up to 8 CI modules per node.
• PM856 / 3BSE066490R1: AC800M processor with extended memory; 64 MB RAM; supports redundant processor configuration.
• PM860 / 3BSE066495R1: AC800M high-performance processor; 128 MB RAM; used in large-scale DCS applications exceeding 10,000 I/O points.
• PM864 / 3BSE018161R1: AC800M processor with integrated Ethernet port; supports direct OPC DA/UA server functionality.

Quality Control for the CI570 Range

The CI570 module incorporates a dual-layer PCB design with a dedicated PROFIBUS ASIC (ABB proprietary) and an onboard microcontroller managing CEX-Bus arbitration. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol to all CI570 units prior to dispatch:

• Backplane Bus Integrity Test: Each module is seated in a live AC800M test rack and verified for correct CEX-Bus enumeration and address assignment.
• PROFIBUS DP Functional Test: The module is configured as a Class 1 DP master and cyclic communication is established with a reference S800 I/O station (minimum 8 slaves). GSD file parameterization and DP-V1 acyclic read/write services are verified.
• Firmware Version Verification: Onboard firmware is read and compared against ABB's published revision matrix. Modules with outdated firmware are updated using ABB's Control Builder M toolchain prior to shipment.
• Thermal Cycling: Units are subjected to a 4-hour thermal cycle (0°C to 55°C) to screen for latent solder joint failures common in aged backplane connector assemblies.
• Isolation and Leakage Test: PROFIBUS port isolation is verified to confirm compliance with EN 50170 electrical isolation requirements (500V AC, 1 minute).