In the communication architecture of ABB Bailey INFI 90 Distributed Control System (DCS), the IIMCP01 has always been an irreplaceable core processing component—this dedicated multi-bus communication processor card for the system is the multi-protocol communication hub of the entire industrial control network. It enables seamless data exchange between the INFI 90 system, various industrial network protocols and third-party devices, and integrates operator consoles, process control units and all types of field devices into a unified control environment with its robust communication capabilities. More importantly, it supports the processing of up to 10,000 tags, and this data exchange capability is perfectly tailored to the massive communication needs of large-scale industrial projects.
Frankly speaking, as an exclusive communication card for the INFI 90 series, the design of the IIMCP01 has always revolved around the actual needs of industrial sites. Whether it is the compatible adaptation of multiple protocols or the processing capacity of large tag volumes, it is all to make the communication link of large DCS systems smoother and more stable.
Technical Specifications
Parameter Name
Parameter Value
Product Model
IIMCP01
Manufacturer
ABB
Product Type
Multi-Bus Communications Processor Card
Input Voltage
Typical 24V DC (5 VDC provided by backplane)
Power Consumption
Approx. 4 W
Supported Communication Protocols
Modbus RTU (Master/Slave), Asynchronous serial links (configurable as RS-232/RS-485); Compatible with Ethernet, Profibus, Modbus, OPC
Physical Dimensions
Main: 160 mm × 120 mm × 45 mm; Reference: 22 mm × 124 mm × 126 mm
Weight
Main: Approx. 1 kg; Reference: 1.5 kg
Operating Temperature Range
Main: 0°C to +60°C (non-condensing environment); Reference: -20°C to +60°C
Installation Method
Plug-in module for standard INFI 90 / Harmony rack (single-wide card)
Tag Handling Capacity
Supports Plant Loop communication for up to 10,000 tags
Core Function
Sends and retrieves data between operator consoles and other process control units
Key Features and Advantages
The IIMCP01 can become the communication core of the INFI 90 DCS by virtue of its unique communication integration capability and extreme system compatibility—these two points are precisely the key pain points of equipment integration in complex industrial environments. It natively supports Modbus RTU Master/Slave dual modes and is equipped with a freely configurable RS-232/RS-485 interface. When connecting various serial field devices, there is no need to install additional gateways or modify controller logic, which directly saves a lot of debugging work, reduces the overall complexity of the system and effectively controls integration costs.
In terms of power supply design, the IIMCP01 also has an ingenious design tailored to industrial sites—it adopts a backplane-powered design and does not require any external power supply modules. This design not only simplifies the wiring in the control cabinet and reduces potential fault points caused by external power supplies, but also allows the card to be seamlessly integrated into the standard INFI 90/Harmony rack and achieve high-efficiency communication through the backplane system bus. Moreover, its modular structure design leaves ample space for subsequent system upgrades and expansions. As long as there is on-site demand, communication channels can be easily added without major changes to the original architecture.
Deterministic data exchange capability is another highlight of the IIMCP01. Through a configurable polling mechanism, it can realize low-jitter and high-timeliness transmission of critical signals, which is undoubtedly the top priority for the stability and reliability of process control. More thoughtfully, the module is equipped with status LEDs and clear diagnostic functions. Without going through complicated system logs, you can quickly verify the communication status and troubleshoot faults. For the on-site maintenance team, this can effectively reduce the maintenance time during planned outages.
Application Fields
The application scenarios of the IIMCP01 are mostly concentrated in the process industries with stringent requirements for system integration and communication reliability. After all, its multi-protocol compatibility and large tag processing capability are perfectly tailored to the needs of such industries.
In the oil and gas industry, from upstream exploration, midstream gathering and transportation to downstream refining and chemical processing, the IIMCP01 acts as a communication bridge between the control system and field devices. Whether it is valve positioners, flow meters or compressor control units, stable data interaction can be achieved through it to ensure smooth control communication throughout the entire process.
Production installations in the chemical industry are often a mix of multi-brand control systems, and data intercommunication between heterogeneous systems has always been a difficult problem. With its multi-protocol support capability, the IIMCP01 can become a core component for the seamless integration of such heterogeneous systems, enabling unimpeded data flow between different platforms. In the power generation field, whether it is thermal power or nuclear power projects, it is a standard component in the plant DCS, responsible for connecting distributed control systems, safety systems and various plant monitoring devices. It can stably handle the communication needs of tens of thousands of tags and become a communication guarantee for the safe and stable operation of generating units.
In addition, on the automated production lines of large manufacturing industries, the IIMCP01 can also realize the coordinated operation of PLCs, drives and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) on the production line with its reliable communication capabilities, ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the production process. Its characteristic of stable operation in multi-drop RS-485 networks also makes it particularly suitable for connecting widely distributed Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and stably transmitting various on-site data back to the central INFI 90/Harmony controller.
Related Products
In the practical application of the INFI 90 system, the IIMCP01 can be used with a variety of ABB exclusive modules to achieve functional complementarity and system expansion. The core compatible models are as follows:
IIMCP02: Multi-bus communication processor module of the same series, a redundant/upgraded version of the IIMCP01, supporting higher serial throughput and larger data maps
IMMFP01/IMMFP02: Multi-Function Processor modules, the core components for executing control strategies in the INFI 90 system. The IIMCP01 supplies them with process data from serial devices
INNIS01/INICT01: Network Interface modules, used for bridging the INFI 90 system to higher-level networks or HMIs
IMASI03: Analog Input module (4–20 mA), designed for hard-wired signal devices not connected via serial communication
IMDSI14: Digital Input module, often used alongside the IIMCP01 in cabinets where mixed I/O and Modbus devices coexist
INNPM22: Power Supply module for the INFI 90 rack. Ensure it has sufficient capacity headroom when adding communication processors like the IIMCP01
IIMCL01: Termination Module, through which the multi-bus loop module (IIMLM01) facilitates communication between the communication processor module (like IIMCP01) and the INFINET or Plant Loop communication highway
IIMKM02/IIMRM02: Keyboard Interface module/Reset Module, which can be present in the multi-bus card cage, providing power-up reset signals and power fault interrupt on the multi-bus backplane
Installation and Maintenance
There are several key preparatory work that must be done before installing the IIMCP01. First, confirm that the power module of the INFI 90/Harmony rack has sufficient capacity headroom to avoid insufficient power supply after adding new cards; second, ensure that the installation environment is clean, well-ventilated, the ambient temperature meets the operating range marked on the module, and take anti-condensation measures at the same time; in addition, preparing shielded twisted-pair cables for RS-485 communication and corresponding system configuration tools in advance can make installation and debugging smoother.
Daily maintenance is actually not too complicated, focusing on regular inspections and standardized operations. Regularly check whether the connectors of the module are tightly mated, and clean the dust on the module surface with dry compressed air to avoid dust accumulation affecting heat dissipation and contact; real-time monitoring of communication error counters and status LEDs through system diagnostic tools can detect potential communication problems in a timely manner. Whenever you need to touch or plug/unplug the module, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection steps must not be omitted—it is a basic requirement to protect precision electronic components, and the rack must be powered off before plugging and unplugging. In addition, regularly verify that the communication settings (e.g., baud rate, parity, node addresses) match the field device configurations, and audit the polling lists for integrity to ensure the accuracy of data exchange from the source.
Product Warranty and Certification
ABB provides high-standard quality assurance for the IIMCP01 Communications Processor Card. All products enjoy a 12-month (365-day) warranty period covering defects in materials and workmanship. The entire production and manufacturing process of the module complies with the ISO 9001 quality management system standard, and it also comes with CE certification and UL certification as standard—these are also the general international certifications for ABB INFI 90/Harmony series modules, ensuring that the product meets relevant international safety and EMC requirements.
Relying on ABB’s global service network, users can obtain professional technical support at any time. Whether it is problems during installation and debugging or troubleshooting during later use, timely solutions can be obtained, allowing users to give full play to the performance advantages of the IIMCP01 without worries.