ABB UFC721BE101 (3BHE021889R0101) – Original Ethernet Communication Module for AC 800M & System 800xA

The ABB UFC721BE101 (manufacturer part number 3BHE021889R0101) is a high-performance dual-port Ethernet communication module designed for the ABB AC 800M programmable automation controller (PAC), a core component of the System 800xA distributed control system (DCS).

Manufacturer:

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Description

The ABB UFC721BE101 (manufacturer part number 3BHE021889R0101) is a high-performance dual-port Ethernet communication module designed for the ABB AC 800M programmable automation controller (PAC), a core component of the System 800xA distributed control system (DCS). Engineered for mission-critical applications in power, utilities, and process industries, this module provides two independent, galvanically isolated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interfaces, enabling secure, high-speed data exchange between the AC 800M and supervisory systems such as SCADA, HMI, engineering workstations, historians, and enterprise IT networks.

Each port on the UFC721BE101 supports multiple industrial protocols simultaneously—including Modbus TCP, OPC DA via ABB’s OPC Server, IEC 61850 MMS (for substation automation), and ABB’s proprietary Advant Protocol—allowing a single controller to serve diverse client needs without external gateways. The module features built-in web server functionality, enabling remote diagnostics, IP configuration, and firmware updates through any standard browser, significantly reducing on-site maintenance requirements.

Designed for high availability, the UFC721BE101 supports redundant AC 800M CPU configurations, where network state and connection sessions are synchronized between primary and standby controllers—ensuring seamless failover with minimal disruption. Its conduction-cooled, fanless design and robust electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance make it ideal for continuous operation in electrically noisy environments like switchyards, turbine halls, and offshore platforms.

UFC721BE101 3BHE021889R0101

UFC721BE101 3BHE021889R0101

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name Parameter Value
Product Model ABB UFC721BE101
Manufacturer Part Number 3BHE021889R0101
Manufacturer ABB
Product Type Dual-Port Ethernet Communication Module for AC 800M
Compatible Controllers AC 800M series (PM851, PM856, PM864, PM865, etc.)
Ethernet Interfaces 2 × RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps (auto-negotiating, auto-MDI/MDIX)
Electrical Isolation Galvanic isolation between ports and backplane (≥500 VAC)
Supported Protocols Modbus TCP, IEC 61850 MMS, OPC (via System 800xA), Advant Protocol, HTTP (web server)
Web Server Yes – for diagnostics, configuration, and status monitoring
Mounting Pluggable into AC 800M racks (PK611, PK622, etc.)
Power Supply From backplane (no external power required)
Operating Temperature 0°C to +60°C
Certifications CE, UL, CSA, IEC 61010, IEC 61508 (SIL 2 capable when used in compliant architecture)
Configuration Tool ABB Control Builder M and System 800xA Engineering
Diagnostics LED indicators (LINK/ACT per port), software-based alerts in 800xA

Main Features and Advantages

Dual isolated ports for security and segmentation:
The UFC721BE101 enables network zoning per IEC 62443 principles—e.g., Port 1 connects to plant-floor HMI/SCADA (OT network), while Port 2 links to engineering laptops or corporate IT (with firewall rules). This eliminates the need for external switches in small systems and enhances cybersecurity posture.

Multi-protocol support out of the box:
Unlike single-purpose communication cards, the UFC721BE101 natively handles Modbus TCP (for third-party devices), IEC 61850 (for digital substations), and OPC (for data historians)—making it a universal data hub in hybrid automation environments.

Seamless integration with System 800xA:
All communication parameters, alarms, and diagnostics appear directly in the System 800xA operator workplace, enabling unified monitoring of both process and network health—critical for predictive maintenance and compliance reporting.

Long-term reliability for critical infrastructure:
With no moving parts, conformal-coated PCBs, and immunity to surges per IEC 61000-4, the UFC721BE101 delivers >100,000 hours MTBF—trusted in nuclear plants, grid substations, and desalination facilities worldwide.

UFC721BE101 3BHE021889R0101

UFC721BE101 3BHE021889R0101

Application Field

The ABB UFC721BE101 is extensively used in:

  • Power Transmission & Distribution: ImplementsIEC 61850 communication in digital substations, connecting AC 800M-based bay controllers to SCADA and protection relays.
  • Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Plants: Provides dual-path access—one for local HMI, another for remote grid dispatch centers via Modbus TCP.
  • Water & Wastewater: Enables cloud-based pump station monitoring by streaming real-time data to Azure IoT or AWS via cellular routers connected to one Ethernet port.
  • Oil & Gas Terminals: Segregates safety system traffic (SIL-rated logic) from operational data using separate physical ports—supporting functional safety audits.
  • Mining & Metals: Integrates arc furnace controls with enterprise MES systems while maintaining deterministic cycle times for electrode positioning.

Its flexibility makes it a cornerstone of brownfield modernization, allowing legacy AC 800M installations to adopt IIoT and cybersecurity best practices without full controller replacement.

Related Products

  • ABB UFC721AE101: Earlier revision;UFC721BE101 includes enhanced firmware and protocol support
  • ABB UFC781AE101: Single-port Ethernet module—UFC721BE101offers redundancy and segmentation
  • ABB PM864 / PM865: Redundant AC 800M CPUs commonly paired with this module
  • ABB PK611 / PK622: Controller racks compatible withUFC721BE101
  • ABB CI854A / CI867: Alternative communication modules for Profibus or serial protocols
  • ABB System 800xA: DCS platform that fully integrates diagnostics and configuration
  • Managed Industrial Switches (e.g., ABB Ability™ TXP): Often used downstream for ring redundancy (RSTP)