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The ABB BC810 (part number 3BSE031154R1) is a CEX-bus interconnection unit designed for AC800M controllers. It physically joins two separate CEX-bus segments, enabling redundant communication paths for critical I/O clusters. When a single CEX line fails, the BC810 maintains data flow through the secondary segment without manual intervention. This prevents downtime in process control, turbine monitoring, and safety system loops that demand continuous operation.
A BC810 installation isn’t just plugging a module – you need the correct termination units (TB850 or TB857), DIP switch alignment, and a clear understanding of CEX topology. This guide covers the complete redundant BC810 setup, from rack placement to final link verification.
CEX-bus is the high‑speed serial I/O backbone that links AC800M CPU modules to communication interfaces, drives, and remote I/O. Without redundancy, a single cable break or connector fault can isolate an entire I/O station.
Continuous process protection – no brownout or trip on single‑point failure.
Hot‑swap capability – faulty BC810 or bus cables can be replaced while the system runs.
Increased system availability – critical for oil & gas, power generation, and turbine control applications where unscheduled shutdowns cost millions.
Component | Part Numbers | Role |
|---|---|---|
BC810 interconnection unit | 3BSE031154R1 (module) | Joins two CEX segments, manages bus arbitration |
TB850 terminal base | 3BSE013234R1 | Standard DIN‑rail terminal unit, accepts one BC810 |
TB857 Redundant termination unit | 3BSE020690R1 | Holds two BC810 modules side‑by‑side for 1‑to‑1 redundant pairing |
BC810K01 kit | 3BSE001346R1 | Includes one BC810 + TB850 + mounting accessories – single‑unit redundant setup |
For most new installations, the BC810K01 kit is the simplest starting point. If you already have one TB850 in place, you only need a single BC810 module. Full 1‑to‑1 hot‑standby requires two BC810 modules and a TB857 base.
Verify part numbers: Confirm the BC810 label clearly shows 3BSE031154R1. Look for the correct firmware revision – the unit ships ready, but always cross‑check with the AC800M system configuration.
Check DIP switch defaults: The BC810 has an 8‑position DIP block on the side. Factory settings for address and termination are usually correct for first‑time installation, but we’ll review them shortly.
Inspect the CEX cables: Use ABB‑specified CEX‑bus cables with proper impedance and shielding. Damaged or uncertified cables will cause CRC errors and sporadic link faults.
Power down the CEX segment – even though BC810 supports hot insertion, you must not insert the module while the bus is actively loaded. Put the affected I/O stations in “configured stop” via Control Builder first.
Clip the TB850 or TB857 base onto a standard 35 mm DIN rail inside the AC800M rack. Leave enough space on each side for CEX cable routing. Ensure the grounding spring makes solid contact with the rail – poor grounding causes intermittent CEX faults that are hard to trace.
The 8‑pole DIP switch defines bus address, termination, and operating mode.
Switches 1–6: CEX station address. For a standalone interconnection unit, set all to OFF (address 0). If you use two BC810s in a TB857 for 1‑to‑1 redundancy, assign addresses 0 and 1 respectively.
Switch 7: CEX‑bus termination. ON enables the built‑in terminating resistor. This must be ON only if the BC810 is at the physical end of a CEX segment. Check your network drawing – if the cable continues to another node, keep it OFF.
Switch 8: Reserved – leave OFF.
Tip: Record your DIP settings before final installation. A common commissioning fault is leaving termination ON when the BC810 sits mid‑segment, causing signal reflection and CRC errors.
Align the BC810 with the terminal base guides and push firmly until the locking clips click. Do not force – the connector is keyed. The module’s front LED will light yellow briefly then turn green when it senses correct CEX voltage and no bus contention.
Two 9‑pin D‑sub connectors on the BC810 faceplate are labelled X1 and X2.
Connect the primary CEX cable to X1 (segment A).
Connect the secondary cable to X2 (segment B).
Use the screws on each connector to secure – loose connectors are the top cause of field failures.
If you are using a single BC810 in a TB850, you are building a simple redundant path: one cable going toward the CPU, the other toward the remote station.
Restore CEX‑bus power. Monitor the BC810 front LEDs:
– PWR (green) – module powered.
– ERR (red) – off when healthy; blinking indicates bus error.
– ACT (yellow) – blinks with bus activity.
If ERR stays solid red, re‑check DIP switch 7 (termination) and verify cable continuity. Also check that no other device on the segment has a conflicting address.
For full hot‑standby, you need two BC810 modules mounted in a TB857 base. The procedure is similar, but you must:
Set the two modules to different addresses (e.g., 0 and 1) using DIP switches 1–6.
Connect the same pair of CEX cables to both BC810s – X1 of both modules wired to the primary segment, X2 to the secondary.
In the AC800M hardware configuration, enable BC810 redundancy. This tells the CPU to automatically switch to the standby module upon fault detection.
Important: The TB857 has internal arbitration logic; do not mix BC810 with other CEX modules in the same base.
Check | Expected Result |
|---|---|
DIP switch address matches configuration | No address conflict LED |
Termination resistor enabled only at segment ends | No bus reflection errors |
Both CEX cables firmly screwed | Stable link activity LED |
No ERR red LED | Bus operates normally |
Read CEX status in Control Builder | Link status up, no CRC increment |
ERR LED solid red → Termination conflict or shorted cable. Disconnect cables one by one to isolate.
Frequent link drop after commissioning → Check CEX cable shield grounding. Often a missing ground strap on the DIN rail.
One segment works, other doesn’t → Swap cables at BC810 faceplate to rule out a bad X1/X2 port. If the fault follows the cable, replace the cable; if it stays on the same port, replace the BC810.
BC810 not recognized in Control Builder → Confirm the module type code matches 3BSE031154R1 in the hardware tree. A mismatch will keep the module offline.
BC810K01 (3BSE001346R1): A complete kit with one BC810 module, TB850 termination unit, and mounting accessories. Ideal for adding a first redundant CEX segment.
Single BC810 (3BSE031154R1): Module only. Order when you already have a spare TB850 or are replacing a faulty unit.
TB857 + two BC810s: For critical loops that need 1‑to‑1 redundancy. The TB857 builds a dual‑module base without extra wiring.
Keeping your AC800M controller running demands quick access to genuine spare modules and termination accessories. At Joyoung Industrial Automation Parts, we stock BC810, TB850, TB857, and full BC810K01 kits for immediate shipment.
Same‑day dispatch from our warehouse for most ABB control system parts.
Technical support from engineers who understand CEX‑bus topology and AC800M redundancy.
Verified genuine ABB products, not refurbished or third‑party copies.
Email chen@htechplc.com or call +86‑181‑5013‑7565 to confirm stock, pricing, and delivery. Supply chain delays don’t stop your plant – we deliver the parts you need, when you need them.
Q: Can I install a BC810 while the AC800M is running?
A: No. Although the BC810 supports hot‑swap of the module itself, you must stop the CEX segment traffic first. Inserting the module on a live, loaded bus can corrupt I/O data. Always use Control Builder to place the segment in stop/configured mode, then insert the BC810, and finally restart the bus.
Q: What’s the maximum CEX cable length with BC810?
A: ABB specifies up to 100 meters per segment with the standard shielded cable. Cable quality matters more than length – use ABB‑certified cables to avoid signal degradation.
Q: How do I know if I need termination on or off?
A: The BC810 must have termination ON (DIP switch 7) only if it’s physically located at the end of a CEX daisy‑chain. If any other device connects after it, leave the termination OFF. Incorrect termination is the #1 reason for BUS‑ERR faults.
Q: Is the BC810 compatible with AC800M High Integrity controllers?
A: Yes, the BC810 works with both standard AC800M and AC800M HI controllers, as long as the CEX‑bus interface matches. Firmware compatibility is built‑in; no special version is needed.
For technical questions about BC810 configuration or to order ABB spares, reach out directly to our automation specialists.
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