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NI cFP-1808 Compact FieldPoint Ethernet Serial Interface

  • Model: cFP-1808
  • Manufacturer: National Instruments (NI)
  • Part Number: 779463-01
  • Series: Compact FieldPoint
  • Core Function: Provides Ethernet and serial communications between a host system and Compact FieldPoint I/O modules.
  • Product Type: 8-slot Ethernet/Serial network interface backplane
  • I/O Capacity: 8 Compact FieldPoint I/O modules
  • Ethernet: 10BaseT / 100BaseTX, auto-negotiated
  • Serial Interface: One RS-232 DCE port
  • Power Supply: 11–30 VDC
  • Communication: TCP/IP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU/ASCII, Optomux, and NI event-driven protocols
  • Maximum Network Segment: 100 m
  • Configuration: NI FieldPoint software / Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)
  • Programming Limitation: The cFP-1808 is a network interface, not a programmable controller; it does not provide the embedded processing capability of a cFP-20xx controller.
  • Legacy Status: Compact FieldPoint hardware is a legacy platform; replacement planning should consider the complete I/O architecture rather than substituting the network interface alone.
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Description

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer National Instruments
Model cFP-1808
Part Number 779463-01
Product Family Compact FieldPoint
Product Type Ethernet/Serial Network Interface Backplane
Number of Slots 8
Ethernet 10BaseT / 100BaseTX
Ethernet Speed 10 / 100 Mb/s, auto-negotiated
Ethernet Connector RJ-45
Maximum Ethernet Segment 100 m
Serial Interface 1 × RS-232 DCE
Serial Speed 300 to 115,200 bps
Serial Format 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control
Supply Voltage 11–30 VDC
Typical Power Consumption 6.1 W + I/O module power
Recommended Supply Capacity 20 W
I/O Module Power Rating Up to 9 W per module
Supported Protocols Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, Optomux, NI event-driven protocol
Operating Temperature −40 °C to 70 °C
Storage Temperature −55 °C to 85 °C
Dimensions Approximately 441 mm × 127 mm
Weight Approximately 278 g for the network interface; mounting configuration may vary
Configuration Software NI FieldPoint software / Measurement & Automation Explorer

The cFP-1808’s 8-slot architecture, Ethernet/RS-232 interfaces, 11–30 VDC supply range, communication rates, and isolation specifications are documented in available NI-related technical references.

 

Product Introduction

The National Instruments cFP-1808, part number 779463-01, is an 8-slot Compact FieldPoint Ethernet/Serial network interface used to connect Compact FieldPoint I/O modules to a host computer or compatible control architecture. It provides 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet and an RS-232 DCE interface and supports protocols including Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU/ASCII, Optomux, and NI’s event-driven communication protocol.

The cFP-1808 is important to identify correctly during legacy-system maintenance because it is not a programmable controller. NI documentation and NI engineering discussions describe it as a network interface that exposes Compact FieldPoint I/O to an external intelligent host.

cFP-1808

cFP-1808

cFP-1808

cFP-1808

Installation & Configuration Guide

Stage 1 — Pre-Installation Preparation

Approximate time: 20–30 minutes

  1. Follow the plant’s lockout/tagout and electrical isolation procedure.
  2. Record the existing cFP-1808 model and serial number.
  3. Document all eight I/O slot assignments and installed Compact FieldPoint modules.
  4. Back up the existing FieldPoint configuration from the host computer.
  5. Record the Ethernet IP configuration, serial communication settings, and protocol configuration.
  6. Verify the replacement is cFP-1808 / 779463-01 or an explicitly approved engineering replacement.
  7. Prepare an appropriate 11–30 VDC power source and Ethernet/serial cables.

⚠️ Do not treat the cFP-1808 as a direct replacement for a cFP-20xx controller. The two device classes have different processing capabilities.

Stage 2 — Removing the Existing Unit

Approximate time: 15–25 minutes

  1. Shut down the host-side FieldPoint communication process according to the site procedure.
  2. Isolate the cFP-1808 power supply.
  3. Label the Ethernet, RS-232, power, and protective-earth connections.
  4. Photograph the existing installation before disconnecting cables.
  5. Disconnect the communication and power connections.
  6. Remove the mounting hardware without disturbing adjacent I/O modules.
  7. Inspect the FieldPoint connectors and mounting surfaces for mechanical damage.

Stage 3 — Installing the cFP-1808

Approximate time: 20–30 minutes

  1. Confirm the replacement part number before installation.
  2. Mount the cFP-1808 using the applicable panel, rack, or other approved mounting hardware.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s grounding requirements. The quick-start documentation specifies connection of the PE terminal to system safety ground.
  4. Reconnect the Compact FieldPoint I/O modules in their documented slot positions.
  5. Reconnect the Ethernet and/or RS-232 communication cable.
  6. Connect the 11–30 VDC supply with correct polarity.
  7. Maintain the specified cabinet clearance for ventilation; the quick-start documentation calls for approximately 51 mm (2 in.) around the cFP-1808 for air circulation.
  8. Recheck every connector before energizing the system.

Stage 4 — Power-On & Testing

Approximate time: 30–60 minutes

  1. Apply DC power and verify the cFP-1808 initializes normally.
  2. Connect the host computer or control system.
  3. Open Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) and configure or verify the FieldPoint network interface.
  4. Verify the configured IP address and Ethernet communication.
  5. Check that all installed Compact FieldPoint I/O modules are detected.
  6. Test the required Modbus, Optomux, or NI communication path.
  7. If RS-232 is used, verify baud rate and serial framing against the original configuration.
  8. Read representative I/O points and compare them with known field conditions.
  9. Perform output tests only under an approved commissioning procedure.
  10. Save the verified configuration as the new maintenance backup.

⚠️ If the I/O modules are visible locally but unavailable from the host, check IP configuration, Ethernet cabling, FieldPoint software configuration, and the selected communication protocol before replacing I/O modules.

 

FAQ

What is the NI cFP-1808?

The cFP-1808 is an 8-slot Ethernet/Serial network interface for the Compact FieldPoint platform. It provides the communication path between Compact FieldPoint I/O modules and an external host.

What is the NI part number for cFP-1808?

The commonly documented NI part number is 779463-01. Some legacy hardware references also associate other assembly numbers with the cFP-1808 family, so the physical label should be checked when matching an installed unit.

Is cFP-1808 a PLC or PAC controller?

No. NI engineering documentation specifically states that the cFP-1808 does not contain programmable processing capability or memory for embedding a custom control application. It functions as a network interface for Compact FieldPoint I/O.

How many I/O modules can the cFP-1808 accommodate?

The cFP-1808 provides eight Compact FieldPoint I/O slots. The actual system capacity also depends on the individual I/O modules and available power budget.

Does cFP-1808 support Modbus?

Yes. Available NI documentation identifies Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, and Modbus ASCII among the supported communication options, along with Optomux and NI’s event-driven Ethernet/serial protocol.

Can I replace cFP-1808 with a modern CompactDAQ chassis directly?

Not as a simple hardware swap. A current migration reference maps cFP-1808 replacement to different CompactDAQ or CompactRIO architectures depending on whether the original system used a host PC, embedded controller, or distributed serial architecture. Software, I/O modules, wiring, and communications therefore need to be assessed together.

What should I verify before purchasing a replacement?

Verify the cFP-1808 / 779463-01 identification, installed I/O modules, Ethernet configuration, RS-232 usage, FieldPoint software version, protocol requirements, power supply, and the role of the cFP-1808 in the overall control architecture. This prevents confusing a network interface replacement with a controller replacement.