The ABB PM856 series is part of the AC 800M family of modular, rail-mounted controllers, widely used in ABB’s System 800xA industrial automation environments. It is a non-redundant CPU module designed for process control, offering scalability and robust communication capabilities.

Key Specifications
The PM856AK01 (a common configuration) is a high-reliability processor unit with the following primary technical features:
- Processor & Memory: Equipped with an MPC860 processor running at 24 MHz. It features 16 MB of RAM (with ~10.3 MB available for applications) and 2 MB of Flash PROM for firmware.
- Communication: Includes two 10 Mbit/s RJ45 Ethernet ports for the Control Network and two RS-232C serial ports (one standard and one isolated for configuration tools).
- I/O Support: Supports up to 96 S800 I/O modules via the Modulebus, with connectivity for up to 12 CEX bus communication modules.
- Power Requirements: Operates on 24 V DC (19.2–30 V range), with a typical power consumption of 180 mA and a max of 300 mA.
- Physical: Designed for DIN rail mounting with a slide-and-lock mechanism. It has an IP20 protection rating and is designed for harsh industrial conditions (operating temperatures of 0 to +55 °C).
System Integration
- Configuration: The controller is programmed and managed using the 800xA Control Builder environment.
- Reliability: While it is a non-redundant unit (lacking internal hardware backup for CPU failure), it maintains full EMC certification and supports complex process automation tasks.
- Expansion: The system is modular, allowing for “step-by-step” expansion by adding communication or I/O modules to the CEX or Modulebus backplanes.
Common Part Numbers
You may encounter different part numbers depending on the specific kit or regional release. Note that PM856AK01 is the standard type designation for the processor unit kit.
- 3BSE066490R1 (Common article number for PM856AK01)
- 3BSE018104R1 (PM856K01 Processor Unit Kit)
Are you looking to replace an existing unit or expand an existing S800 I/O rack? If you provide the specific project requirements or current controller configuration, I can help you identify compatible base plates or communication modules for your setup.






