GE IC695CMM002-BF 2-Port Isolated Serial Communications Module (RX3i PACSystems)

Description

In many industrial automation and process control environments, engineers need reliable serial connectivity to integrate legacy devices—like RTUs, HMIs, barcode scanners, or third-party controllers—into modern PACSystems without relying solely on Ethernet. Built-in CPU ports often fall short in quantity or isolation, while non-isolated options risk ground loops and noise-induced faults in extended or multi-vendor setups. This becomes critical when supporting protocols requiring electrical separation, such as Modbus RTU in noisy plants or DNP3 for utility outstations demanding high reliability. The GE IC695CMM002-BF addresses these gaps as a two-port serial communications module in the RX3i PACSystems family, providing independent, isolated RS-232/RS-485 ports configurable for master or slave operation. It supports key protocols including Modbus Master/Slave, DNP3 Master/Slave, CCM Slave, and Serial I/O, allowing direct connection of serial devices while maintaining signal reliability in challenging electrical conditions. In industrial automation projects involving mixed protocols or distributed equipment, the GE IC695CMM002-BF proves essential for adding robust serial links during expansions or migrations, with up to six modules per main rack for scalable connectivity. Its isolation ensures stable performance where non-isolated alternatives might compromise data integrity, making it a go-to choice for process control requiring deterministic, noise-immune communication.

The GE IC695CMM002-BF installs in any slot of an RX3i universal backplane, interfacing with the high-speed PCI/VME bus for low-latency data exchange with the CPU. Each port uses an RJ-45 connector, software-configurable in Proficy Machine Edition for RS-232 (point-to-point) or RS-485/422 (multi-drop, 2- or 4-wire), with parameters like baud rate (up to 115 kbps typical), parity, data bits, and stop bits set independently. In the automation stack, it sits at the communications layer, handling protocol processing autonomously once configured—no ladder code needed for basic Modbus or DNP3 exchanges—while passing data to/from CPU memory for logic integration. The module supports hot insertion, built-in diagnostics via LEDs (module OK, port status), and fault reporting to the RX3i tables for seamless monitoring. Ports are fully isolated from each other and the backplane, preventing ground potential differences from affecting signals. For advanced use, Serial I/O mode enables custom scripting. Overall, the GE IC695CMM002-BF extends RX3i systems with flexible, protocol-rich serial capability, bridging modern controllers to established field devices without external converters.

Choosing the GE IC695CMM002-BF delivers consistent serial performance with channel-to-channel and backplane isolation that protects against common-mode noise and voltage shifts typical in plant wiring. Engineered for continuous operation, it maintains high reliability through autonomous protocol handling and comprehensive error checking, reducing CPU overhead and communication faults.

Configuration simplicity stands out—full software setup in Proficy Machine Edition means no dip switches or jumpers, lowering engineering overhead for protocol changes or multi-port deployments. Diagnostics integrate directly with RX3i tools, enabling quick port status checks and often remote resolution of issues.

In deployed systems, the GE IC695CMM002-BF ensures long-term performance where serial links are mission-critical, supporting scalable additions without disrupting core control.

The GE IC695CMM002-BF is commonly applied in utilities for DNP3 connections to remote terminal units in substations, ensuring reliable data exchange in electrically harsh process control environments with continuous uptime needs. In manufacturing, it interfaces Modbus RTU devices like drives or scales on production lines, handling multi-drop networks amid noise and vibration.

Water treatment plants use it for serial links to analyzers or legacy pumps, supporting fast polling cycles while maintaining critical system uptime in humid conditions. The GE IC695CMM002-BF provides the isolated, protocol-flexible serial connectivity required for these distributed automation tasks.

GE IC695CMM004 – 4-port version for higher-density serial requirements

GE IC695CMM002-AA – Earlier hardware revision

GE IC695CMM002-BE – Prior firmware-compatible variant

GE IC693CMM321 – Series 90-30 Ethernet alternative for legacy migrations

GE IC695ETM001 – Ethernet module for IP-based transitions

GE IC695PNS001 – PROFINET scanner for modern fieldbus integration

GE IC694BEM331 – Genius bus controller for distributed I/O

Before installing the GE IC695CMM002-BF, verify RX3i CPU firmware compatibility (typically version 5.0+) and ensure Proficy Machine Edition is updated for full protocol support. Check backplane power budget against the module’s draw in populated racks, and plan RJ-45 cabling with appropriate adapters for RS-485 termination or RS-232 null modems. Confirm grounding practices to leverage the isolation effectively.

Ongoing maintenance involves monitoring front LEDs for module and port health during routine panel checks. Periodically review fault tables in software for communication errors or trends. Inspect RJ-45 connections annually for security in vibrating environments, and apply firmware updates via Proficy when available to address enhancements or issues.