Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Module Type | Ethernet Network Module (ETM) |
| System Compatibility | GE / Emerson PACSystems RX3i Controller Platform |
| Communication Ports | 2 RJ-45 shielded 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports |
| Supported Protocols | TCP/IP, SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD (Ethernet Global Data) |
| Backplane Power Consumption | 5.0 VDC (typically draws ~1.0 A from RX3i backplane) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Mounting | RX3i PCI backplane slot (Universal Backplane) |
| Target Application | PLC-to-PLC networking, SCADA integration, remote programming |
Product Introduction
High-Performance Ethernet Connectivity for RX3i Systems
The GE/Emerson IC695ETM001 functions as a dedicated Ethernet Network Module within the PACSystems RX3i automation architecture. It acts as a primary communications gateway, enabling the controller to exchange real-time process data via Ethernet Global Data (EGD), connect to HMI/SCADA supervisory stations, and support remote engineering diagnostics without taxing the CPU’s onboard processing bandwidth.
Designed for demanding factory automation and process control environments, this module guarantees deterministic data exchange across plant floor networks. Upgrading or replacing a communication node with this hardware ensures seamless integration into existing RX3i racks without requiring major application code rewrites.
IC695ETM001
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls (The Engineer’s Perspective)
An unexpected network timeout between a supervisory SCADA node and a primary plant controller can blind operators, freezing critical graphical displays during an active batch run. Plant engineers rely on dedicated communication modules like the ETM001 to isolate network traffic loads and maintain uninterrupted data polling across distributed plant networks.
- Water and Wastewater: Remote telemetry unit (RTU) coordination and multi-station SCADA polling across municipal water treatment facilities.
- Discrete Manufacturing: High-speed assembly line synchronization and inter-PLC data handshaking via Ethernet Global Data.
- Energy & Power: Balance of plant (BOP) monitoring networks linking auxiliary skid controllers to central control rooms.
- Firmware Version Mismatch: Upgrading or swapping an ETM001 module requires verifying that the target firmware version aligns with the PACSystems CPU and programming software (Proficy Machine Edition / CIMPLICITY). Mismatched revisions will reject configuration downloads.
- IP Addressing Errors: Forgetting to clear or properly set the station IP address through the hardware configuration or handheld programmer prior to network connection causes duplicate IP faults and drops node communication entirely.
- Backplane Slot Limitations: The IC695ETM001 must reside on the PCI bus-compatible RX3i universal backplane slots. Placing it on a purely serial expansion rack or an incompatible slot prevents proper power-up and bus initialization.
Related Products
- GE IC695CPU310: High-performance RX3i CPU module that frequently pairs with ETM communication cards for complex process control.
- GE IC695CHS012: 12-slot universal backplane providing the necessary PCI and serial bus architecture to host the ETM001 module.
- GE IC695PSD140: Power supply module providing regulated 24VDC and backplane rails for RX3i racks hosting communication cards.
- GE IC695ETM002: An upgraded or alternative revision Ethernet network module offering extended port configurations or enhanced protocol support.
- GE IC695PBM300: Profibus master module often installed in adjacent RX3i slots for fieldbus instrument integration.
- GE IC695CMM002: Multi-serial communication module used alongside Ethernet cards to maintain legacy RS-232/RS-485 device connections.
- GE IC698CPE010: Higher-tier PACSystems RX7i controller alternative for applications requiring larger memory footprints and heavier backplane capacity.
- GE IC695LRE001: Logix redundancy module or specialized link option used in high-availability RX3i configurations.
