Description
The ABB EI813F (Part Number: 3BDH000022R1) is a high-speed Ethernet Communication Interface module designed for the Freelance AC 800F distributed control system (DCS). It serves as the primary gateway for connecting the AC 800F controller to the system bus (DigiNet) or for integrating external Ethernet-based devices.
Product Parameters (Datasheet)
- Model Number: EI813F
- Part Number: 3BDH000022R1
- System Compatibility: Freelance AC 800F Controller
- Interface Ports: 2x RJ45 Ethernet Ports (10/100 Mbps)
- Protocol Support: TCP/IP, UDP, Modbus TCP, and DigiNet (System Bus)
- Redundancy: Supports line redundancy for high-availability system bus communication
- Isolation: Built-in galvanic isolation for protection against network surges
- Transmission Rate: 10/100 MBit/s (Autosensing)
- Status Indicators: LED diagnostics for Link, Activity, Speed, and Module Status

ABB EI813F 3BDH000022R1


ABB EI813F 3BDH000022R1
Country of Origin
The EI813F is engineered and manufactured by ABB in Germany, designed specifically for the Freelance automation platform.
Application Fields
The EI813F is a critical networking component in various industrial sectors:
- Process Automation: Linking AC 800F controllers to the operator stations (DigiVis).
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical: Providing high-speed data exchange for batch processing and monitoring.
- Energy Management: Interfacing with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) via Modbus TCP.
- Water & Wastewater: Facilitating decentralized communication between remote pumping stations and central control.
- Food & Beverage: Coordinating synchronized control over high-speed production and packaging lines.
Product Usage Instructions
- Installation: Insert the EI813F module into one of the designated I/O slots on the AC 800F controller backplane. Ensure the module is firmly seated before powering up the controller.
- Network Configuration: Connect your Ethernet cables to the RJ45 ports. If implementing system redundancy, use both ports and connect them to independent network switches.
- IP Addressing: Use the Freelance Engineering tool (Control Engineering) to assign a static IP address to the module. Ensure the subnet mask and gateway match your network architecture.
- Protocol Setup: Define the communication task (e.g., Modbus TCP Master/Slave or System Bus) within the hardware configuration of your project.
- LED Monitoring: Verify the “Link” LED is solid green. A flashing “Act” (Activity) LED indicates that data packets are successfully being transmitted and received.
Product Technical Description
Technically, the EI813F is a specialized network processor. Unlike standard commercial Ethernet cards, it is built to handle the deterministic timing requirements of a DCS. It manages the DigiNet protocol, which allows multiple AC 800F controllers to share global variables and time synchronization data across the entire plant. The module’s dual-port design is not just for a switch function; it is primarily intended for Media Redundancy, ensuring that if one network cable is severed, the controller maintains its connection to the operator stations without interruption.
Q&A (Common Questions)
Q: Can I use the EI813F as a standard internet router? A: No, the EI813F is a specialized industrial interface. While it uses standard Ethernet physical layers, its internal logic is optimized for industrial protocols like Modbus TCP and DigiNet.
Q: What is the difference between the EI813F and the older EI812F? A: The EI813F is the modern replacement for the EI811F/EI812F, offering improved processing power, 10/100 Mbps autosensing, and better integration with current Freelance software versions.
Q: Does the module require an external 24V supply? A: No, the EI813F draws its operating power directly from the AC 800F controller backplane.
Q: Can I hot-swap this module? A: While the AC 800F supports various hot-swap functions, it is recommended to stop the controller’s task or ensure a redundant processor is active before removing a primary communication interface to avoid losing control of the process.
Similar Model Recommendations
- ABB EI811F (Legacy Ethernet Interface)
- ABB FI830F (Profibus DP Interface for AC 800F)
- ABB FI840F (Foundation Fieldbus Interface)
- ABB PM 802F (Central Processing Unit)
- ABB SA 811F (Power Supply for AC 800F)
For technical support or to procure the ABB EI813F, please contact our automation specialists.
