Description
ABB PM864A Processor Unit, Part No. 3BSE018162R1 for AC800M / System 800xA DCS Controller
Product Description
The PM864A (3BSE018162R1) is a high-performance 32-bit processor unit for ABB AC800M controllers under System 800xA architecture. It executes real-time control logic, handles process data acquisition, closed-loop regulation, alarm management and system diagnostics. This CPU supports redundant controller configuration for high-availability applications with switchover time less than 10 ms. It integrates dual Ethernet ports for control network communication, two RS232 serial ports, ModuleBus for S800 I/O and CEX-Bus for expansion communication modules. Application programs, firmware and parameters are stored in onboard flash memory, backed up by a lithium battery to retain real-time clock and data during power loss. Widely deployed in power, pulp & paper, chemical and metal industries for spare replacement, maintenance and retrofit of AC800M distributed control systems.

PM864A 3BSE018162R1
Technical Specifications
- Model: PM864A
- ABB Part Number: 3BSE018162R1
- Product Family: ABB AC800M, System 800xA
- Type: Processor Unit (CPU)
- Processor Clock: 96 MHz
- Memory: 32 MB RAM, onboard Flash memory
- Communication Interfaces:
- Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
- 2 × RS232C serial ports
- ModuleBus for S800 I/O
- CEX-Bus for communication expansion modules
- Redundancy: Supports dual redundant CPU hot standby
- Power Supply: 24 V DC (19.2–30 V DC), typical consumption 6 W
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C ~ +55 °C
- Storage Temperature: -40 °C ~ +85 °C
- Relative Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing
- Protection Class: IP20 (cabinet mounting)
- Mounting: DIN rail mount with TP830 baseplate
- Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg (CPU + baseplate)
- Battery: Lithium backup battery for RTC and memory retention
- Software: Configured via Control Builder M
Compatibility & Installation Pitfalls
Compatibility
- Baseplate: TP830 base unit
- I/O System: S800 I/O modules via ModuleBus
- Expansion Modules: CI854, CI858, CI867, CI853 and other CEX-bus communication modules
- Software: Control Builder M, System 800xA engineering and operation software
- Terminator: TB850 CEX-bus terminator, TB807 ModuleBus terminator
Installation Pitfalls
- Firmware Version Matching: New PM864A firmware must match the existing AC800M system and redundant partner CPU. Mismatched firmware leads to failed synchronization, communication faults or controller trip.
- Battery Maintenance: The lithium backup battery has limited service life. A depleted battery causes loss of real-time clock and retention data after power outage.
- Redundancy Synchronization: After CPU replacement, verify redundant sync status. Improper synchronization will fail hot standby switchover during a fault.
- ESD Protection: The CPU PCB is ESD sensitive. ESD wrist strap is mandatory when handling outside the baseplate.
- Terminator Installation: ModuleBus and CEX-Bus require correct terminators at bus endpoints. Missing or misplaced terminators cause unstable I/O communication.
- Hot Swap Risk: Although the unit supports hot-swap in some rack configurations, avoid online replacement during critical process interlock operation.
- IP Address & Configuration: After replacement, verify Ethernet IP settings, control network configuration and download the matching application program.

PM864A 3BSE018162R1
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Pre-Installation
- Verify part number PM864A / 3BSE018162R1. Inspect CPU, baseplate and connectors for physical damage.
- Back up AC800M application project, controller configuration, firmware version and all I/O parameters via Control Builder M.
- Record network IP addresses, redundancy settings and bus terminator layout.
- Isolate and lock out rack power if the controller controls critical process trips. Prepare ESD protection tools.
CPU Replacement & Installation
- Wear ESD wrist strap before handling the processor unit.
- Unlock DIN rail latch and extract the old PM864A from TP830 baseplate.
- Insert new into the TP830 baseplate, lock the slide mechanism.
- Confirm ModuleBus and CEX-Bus terminators are correctly fitted.
- Restore 24V DC rack power supply.
Post-Installation Verification
- Check CPU LED indicators, confirm no hardware faults during self-test.
- Download matching application and firmware if required.
- Validate Ethernet communication to 800xA server and HMI stations.
- Test redundant switchover function if installed in dual CPU configuration.
- Check S800 I/O data exchange via ModuleBus and all CEX-bus communication modules.
- Force test selected I/O points to verify control logic execution.
- Save updated project backup, record serial number, firmware version and commissioning date in equipment log.
Application Scenarios
- Power plant boiler, turbine and auxiliary process control
- Pulp and paper mill process and web line control
- Chemical plant continuous process DCS control
- Metal, cement and mining plant process automation
- Water treatment and HVAC large-scale control systems
- / System 800xA DCS maintenance, spare replacement and system upgrade projects
Supporting / Matching Components
- TP830 baseplate for
- TB850 CEX-Bus terminator
- TB807 ModuleBus terminator
- S800 series digital / analog I/O modules
- CI858 DriveBus, CI854 Profibus DP communication modules
- ABB Control Builder M engineering software
- 24V DC regulated industrial power supply
- Replacement lithium backup battery
Related ABB Model Recommendations ( CPU Family)
- PM864AK01: processor unit variant, 3BSE018161R1
- PM866: Higher performance controller with larger memory
- PM865: Mid-range redundant processor unit
- PM856: Older generation controller
- PM891: High-end controller for heavy computation

