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The ABB CI873AK01 is a high-performance communication module designed for the ABB AC 800M distributed control system (DCS), enabling seamless integration with EtherNet/IP networks in industrial automation environments. As part of the CI87x family, this module provides dual RJ45 Ethernet ports with full support for the ODVA-certified EtherNet/IP protocol, allowing the AC 800M controller to exchange real-time I/O and messaging data with Rockwell Automation PLCs, drives, HMIs, and other CIP-enabled devices. Its primary role is to bridge ABB’s proprietary control architecture with third-party systems that rely on open industrial Ethernet standards—eliminating gateways and reducing system complexity.
Positioned as a critical enabler of interoperability in hybrid control architectures, the ABB CI873AK01 supports both implicit (cyclic I/O) and explicit (messaging) communication, making it suitable for high-speed motion coordination, batch process integration, or asset monitoring across vendor boundaries. The module installs directly into the AC 800M controller rack and is hot-swappable in redundant configurations, ensuring continuous operation during maintenance. For plants running legacy ABB systems alongside modern Rockwell or Schneider equipment, the ABB CI873AK01 delivers a certified, low-latency pathway for data exchange without compromising safety or determinism. Its reliability in demanding process industries—such as oil & gas, power generation, and chemicals—has made it a long-standing staple in brownfield integration projects worldwide.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | CI873AK01 |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Type | Communication Module (EtherNet/IP Interface) |
| Compatible System | ABB AC 800M Controller (PM86x series) |
| Communication Protocol | EtherNet/IP (CIP), TCP/IP, UDP |
| Physical Interfaces | 2 x 10/100 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet ports (dual-homed) |
| Redundancy Support | Yes – supports redundant controller and network configurations |
| Electrical Isolation | 500 VAC between field side and backplane |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Power Consumption | ～3.5 W (supplied via AC 800M backplane) |
| Mounting | DIN rail-mounted within AC 800M I/O rack |
| Certifications | CE, UL, cUL, ATEX (for use in hazardous area control rooms) |
Main Features and Advantages
Dual-port architecture for network resilience:
The ABB CI873AK01 features two independent Ethernet ports that support linear, ring, or redundant topologies. In a dual-controller AC 800M setup, each port can connect to a separate network switch, enabling automatic failover if one link fails—critical for continuous processes where communication loss triggers shutdowns.
The ABB CI873AK01 features two independent Ethernet ports that support linear, ring, or redundant topologies. In a dual-controller AC 800M setup, each port can connect to a separate network switch, enabling automatic failover if one link fails—critical for continuous processes where communication loss triggers shutdowns.
Native EtherNet/IP without external gateways:
Unlike older solutions requiring protocol converters, the ABB CI873AK01 implements EtherNet/IP at the firmware level. It can act as an adapter (Class 1 I/O device) and communicate directly with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, or GuardLogix controllers using standard EDS files. This reduces latency, simplifies engineering, and avoids single points of failure.
Unlike older solutions requiring protocol converters, the ABB CI873AK01 implements EtherNet/IP at the firmware level. It can act as an adapter (Class 1 I/O device) and communicate directly with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, or GuardLogix controllers using standard EDS files. This reduces latency, simplifies engineering, and avoids single points of failure.
Seamless integration with ABB System 800xA:
When used in a System 800xA environment, the ABB CI873AK01 appears as a managed asset with full diagnostics visible in the Engineering Workplace. Engineers can monitor connection status, packet errors, and I/O scan times without leaving the ABB ecosystem—streamlining troubleshooting and lifecycle management.
When used in a System 800xA environment, the ABB CI873AK01 appears as a managed asset with full diagnostics visible in the Engineering Workplace. Engineers can monitor connection status, packet errors, and I/O scan times without leaving the ABB ecosystem—streamlining troubleshooting and lifecycle management.
Hot-swap capable in redundant systems:
In AC 800M High Availability (HA) configurations, the ABB CI873AK01 can be replaced while the system is online. The standby controller maintains communication through its own CI873 module, ensuring zero disruption to EtherNet/IP-connected devices during maintenance.
In AC 800M High Availability (HA) configurations, the ABB CI873AK01 can be replaced while the system is online. The standby controller maintains communication through its own CI873 module, ensuring zero disruption to EtherNet/IP-connected devices during maintenance.
Robust for industrial environments:
Despite being a communication card, the ABB CI873AK01 meets the same ruggedness standards as I/O modules—withstanding electrical noise, temperature swings, and vibration common in plant floors. Its conformal-coated PCB and shielded connectors ensure long-term reliability even in harsh conditions.
Despite being a communication card, the ABB CI873AK01 meets the same ruggedness standards as I/O modules—withstanding electrical noise, temperature swings, and vibration common in plant floors. Its conformal-coated PCB and shielded connectors ensure long-term reliability even in harsh conditions.
Application Field
The ABB CI873AK01 is widely deployed in integrated automation systems where ABB’s AC 800M DCS must coexist with Rockwell-based machinery or subsystems. In oil refineries, it connects the central ABB DCS to skid-mounted compressors controlled by Allen-Bradley PLCs, enabling unified operator visibility and coordinated emergency shutdowns. Similarly, in power plants, the ABB CI873AK01 links boiler controls (on AC 800M) to turbine protection systems or auxiliary drives running on EtherNet/IP—ensuring synchronized ramp-up and trip logic.
In mining and metals facilities, the ABB CI873AK01 integrates ABB-controlled conveyors with Rockwell-managed crushers and feeders, allowing centralized production scheduling and bottleneck analysis. For water treatment plants undergoing phased upgrades, it allows legacy ABB SCADA systems to ingest data from new EtherNet/IP-enabled analyzers or pumps without replacing the entire control layer. Because many of these sites operate 24/7, the ABB CI873AK01’s reliability and hot-swap capability make it indispensable for minimizing downtime during expansions or repairs.
Related Products
CI874: Modbus TCP variant of the same form factor; used for non-EtherNet/IP integrations
CI854A: PROFIBUS DP communication module for AC 800M; alternative for Siemens or legacy field devices
PM864A: Primary AC 800M CPU controller; required to host the CI873AK01
TK871: Fiber-optic media converter kit; extends CI873AK01 connectivity beyond 100 meters
CI873BK01: Functionally identical but with different hardware revision; backward compatible
AC 800M Connect: ABB software tool used to configure and test CI873AK01 communication objects
System 800xA Asset Optimization: Enables predictive maintenance on CI873AK01 via embedded diagnostics
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation preparation: Before installing the ABB CI873AK01, confirm that your AC 800M controller (e.g., PM864A or PM865A) is running firmware version 5.1 SP2 or higher—earlier versions lack full EtherNet/IP object support. Verify that the target I/O rack has an available slot with proper backplane power. If deploying in a redundant system, ensure both primary and standby controllers have identical ABB CI873AK01 modules installed. Use only shielded Cat5e or better cable, grounded at one end, to minimize EMI in electrically noisy environments.
Maintenance recommendations: The ABB CI873AK01 requires no routine calibration, but network performance should be monitored via System 800xA or AC 800M Connect for rising error counters or retransmissions. If communication drops intermittently, check switch port duplex settings—ABB CI873AK01 operates in full-duplex only. Keep spare ABB CI873AK01 units powered off in static-safe storage; when needed, they can be inserted without reconfiguration if the GSD/EDS file and tag database remain unchanged. Always back up the controller application before hardware replacement.
