ABB SPICI800 | Serial Peripheral Interface to CI Communication Module
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ABB SPICI800 | Serial Peripheral Interface to CI Communication Module

  • Brand: ABB
  • Model: SPICI800
  • Product Type: Serial Communication Interface Module
  • Series: AC800M Controller Accessories
  • Core Function: Provides serial communication interface between AC800M controllers and external devices via SPI-to-CI protocol conversion.
  • Key Specs: Supports SPI/CI protocols; 2 serial ports; 9600–115200 bps transmission rate.
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Part number: ABB SPICI800
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Description

SPICI800: Product Overview
This component is a serial communication interface module designed for integration with ABB’s AC800M series distributed control system (DCS) controllers. In an automation architecture, it functions as a protocol converter and gateway, bridging the controller’s Control Interface (CI) bus with external devices that utilize Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) or standard serial communication protocols. Its primary role is to enable data exchange between the AC800M controller and legacy or specialized equipment—such as sensors, indicators, or small programmable logic controllers (PLCs)—that lack native CI bus compatibility.
The core functionality involves converting parallel data from the controller’s CI bus into serial SPI signals (and vice versa), while supporting configurable parameters like baud rate, parity, and stop bits. It handles discrete and low-speed analog signal data, ensuring reliable transmission in industrial environments. The module also incorporates basic diagnostics to monitor communication integrity, such as detecting frame errors or device non-responsiveness.
It belongs to the AC800M controller accessory family, which emphasizes modularity and backward compatibility. The benefit of this platform is the ability to extend the controller’s connectivity without replacing core components, allowing gradual system upgrades. This approach reduces upfront costs and simplifies maintenance, as engineers can leverage existing AC800M engineering tools (e.g., Control Builder M) for configuration.
SPICI800: Technical Specifications
  • Model Number: SPICI800
  • Manufacturer: ABB
  • Product Type: Serial Communication Interface Module
  • Protocol Support: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), CI (Control Interface), Modbus RTU (via configuration)
  • Number of Ports: 2 (independent serial channels)
  • Transmission Rate: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps (configurable)
  • Power Supply: 24 VDC (±10% tolerance)
  • Isolation: Channel-to-channel and channel-to-bus (1500 Vrms)
  • Signal Types: Digital (UART), limited analog (via external ADC/DAC integration)
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C
  • Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
  • Dimensions: 90mm x 60mm x 25mm (WxHxD)
  • Weight: 0.15kg
Core Features & Customer Value​
Protocol flexibility and legacy integration: The module supports SPI and CI protocols natively, with optional Modbus RTU emulation. For engineers, this eliminates the need for separate protocol converters when connecting older devices (e.g., 1990s-era sensors) to modern AC800M controllers. The ability to configure baud rates and parity via software allows adaptation to diverse field equipment without hardware modifications, reducing retrofit costs.
Electrical isolation for reliability: Channel-to-channel and channel-to-bus isolation (1500 Vrms) prevents ground loops and transient voltage spikes from affecting the controller. In a paper mill, for example, this ensures that a motor starter’s electrical noise does not corrupt data from a connected flow meter, maintaining process accuracy.
Compact design and low power draw: The small form factor (90x60x25mm) minimizes cabinet space, critical in facilities with dense control panels. The 24VDC supply draws less than 2W, contributing to overall system energy efficiency. For maintenance teams, the lightweight module (0.15kg) simplifies handling during replacements.
Seamless AC800M integration: As a native accessory, the module is configured using ABB’s Control Builder M software, which is already familiar to AC800M users. This avoids training on third-party tools and ensures consistent diagnostic logging. The module’s status (e.g., “communication active,” “port error”) is displayed directly in the controller’s HMI, streamlining troubleshooting.

Typical Applications​
In a food and beverage packaging line, the module connects an AC800M controller to a SPI-based barcode scanner used for product verification. The scanner reads codes on containers, and the module transmits the data to the controller for quality checks, with isolation preventing interference from nearby conveyor motors.
At a water treatment plant, it interfaces the controller with a legacy SPI-based pH sensor in a remote sampling station. The sensor’s analog output is digitized externally and sent via SPI; the module converts this to CI protocol for the controller to adjust chemical dosing.
In a small-scale power generator, the module links the AC800M controller to a Modbus RTU-enabled generator monitor. It emulates CI protocol for the controller while translating Modbus RTU commands to the monitor, enabling remote start/stop and status monitoring.

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