Description
The ABB CI527A (3BSE035684R1) is a half-length Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) network interface card designed to link standard PC-based platforms with ABB’s proprietary Advant Fieldbus 100 (AF100) control network. Primarily installed inside System 800xA Connectivity Servers or specialized engineering workstations running the AC 100 OPC Server, the CI527A provides the critical hardware bridging layer and integrated twisted-pair (TWP) modems needed for high-speed, deterministic data exchange with legacy Advant Master controllers or modern AC 800M systems.
Commercial and Availability Status
- Product Condition: New Original (New Surplus) or Refurbished (Fully Bench-Tested)
- Regulatory Status: Exempt from the scope of 2011/65/EU (RoHS) under Article 2(4) applications within the Advant Master Process Control System framework.
- Warranty: 12-Month Comprehensive Warranty
- Estimated Lead Time: 1–3 business days (Global express priority shipping)
- Pricing Note: List pricing is indicative due to the specialized nature of Advant Fieldbus network components. Contact our sales desk for an active, firm quotation.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Model Number | CI527A |
| ABB Part Number | 3BSE035684R1 |
| Product Type | PCI Bus Communication Module / Coupler Card |
| Network Interface | Advant Fieldbus 100 (AF100) |
| Host Bus Compatibility | Half-length PCI slot; Universal signaling supports both 3.3 V and 5 V PCI backplanes |
| Physical Network Connection | Dual Twisted Pair (TWP) via integrated modems |
| Transmission Rate | 1.5 Mbit/s |
| Media Redundancy | Full native support for dual-channel redundant media |
| Time Synchronization | High-precision, full hardware-time synchronization capability |
| Form Factor Dimensions | 130.5 mm (W) × 18 mm (H) × 234 mm (D) |
| Net Weight | 0.185 kg (0.41 lbs) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C (+32 to +131 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | −40 to +70 °C (−40 to +158 °F) |
| Predecessor Model | CI527 (5 V PCI only; replaced completely by the CI527A universal card) |
System Integration and Field Constraints
Universal Card Migration
The CI527A serves as the direct hardware replacement for the obsolete CI527 interface module. While the older CI527 card was mechanically and electrically restricted to older 5 V PCI expansion slots, the CI527A features a universal keyed design. This allows engineers to migrate legacy communication links over to newer industrial PC chassis equipped with 3.3 V or universal PCI sockets without needing to redesign the baseline AF100 cabling infrastructure.
AC 100 OPC Server Integration
In a typical System 800xA architecture layout, the AC 100 OPC Server executes directly within the designated Connectivity Server node. This software layer requires a physical CI527A card located on the local PCI bus to interface with the AF100 fieldbus network. On the opposite side of the architecture, an AC 800M controller cluster connects to this exact same AF100 bus utilizing a CI869 CEX-Bus communication module, creating an operational bridge between legacy Advant controllers and current hardware profiles.
Field Engineering Note: Prior to inserting the CI527A into the PC motherboard slot, ensure the server platform is fully powered down and standard static-safe ESD guidelines are strictly followed. Mismatched driver installations or seating the card into an ungrounded expansion slot can destroy the internal AF100 twisted-pair modem ICs, leading to immediate communication timeouts or fatal “Device Unresponsive” diagnostic loops during startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CI527A card require external modems to connect to the twisted-pair network?
No. The CI527A is equipped with two integrated twisted-pair modems on the board. The dual-channel twisted-pair (TWP) network drops can be terminated directly into the card’s external connection port without the need for standalone external modems.
Can the CI527A handle full line and media redundancy?
Yes. The card features native hardware support for media redundancy across the AF100 network. It manages data traffic over two independent twisted-pair lines concurrently, allowing the system to maintain a stable, uncorrupted data stream if one network cable is physically broken or experiences severe electromagnetic interference (EMI).
How do I configure the station address for the CI527A on the AF100 network?
Unlike industrial I/O blocks that rely on physical rotary dials or DIP switches, the AF100 station address for the CI527A card is typically defined via software properties within the AC 100 OPC Server configuration tool or the Advant Station engineering suite. Ensure that this virtual node address is completely unique across the active fieldbus network to prevent data collision errors.
