GE IC695ETM001-EM high-performance Ethernet Interface Module

Description

🌐 Real-World Use & Application Scenarios (Open Strong)

The GE IC695ETM001-EM is a fundamental communication module deployed in industrial environments requiring high-speed, reliable data exchange between the central PAC (Programmable Automation Controller) and the wider factory network. It is crucial in applications such as plant-wide SCADA integration, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication for coordinated assembly lines, and high-volume data logging for regulatory compliance. Unlike older serial communication modules, the IC695ETM001-EM leverages the ubiquity and bandwidth of standard Industrial Ethernet to manage multiple simultaneous communication tasks, making it essential for modern, data-intensive automation systems.

Engineers specify the GE IC695ETM001-EM when they need a reliable gateway between the high-speed RX3i backplane and the Ethernet network (often supporting Modbus TCP and SRTP protocols).For instance, in a centralized bottling plant, this module allows the RX3i to send real-time production metrics to a database server (for historical trending), while simultaneously receiving setpoint commands from an operator HMI, and exchanging synchronization data with other PLCs controlling adjacent machines. Its ability to support protocols like PROFINET (with the appropriate firmware/configuration) also makes it highly applicable in control systems that need to interface with a wide variety of third-party devices and distributed I/O systems, ensuring the GE PAC can operate seamlessly within diverse industrial automation architectures.

🔬 Product Introduction & Positioning

The GE IC695ETM001-EM is a high-performance Ethernet Interface Module designed specifically for the GE Fanuc RX3i (IC695) platform.It functions as the primary communication gateway, allowing the RX3i system to connect to local and wide area networks using the TCP/IP suite.

Its role in the system architecture is that of a communications coprocessor. It fits into any universal slot in the RX3i backplane, where it communicates with the CPU using the high-speed PCI Express bus. This dedicated processing capability offloads all network traffic and protocol handling tasks from the main CPU, ensuring that the controller’s primary function—executing the control logic—remains deterministic and fast. The GE IC695ETM001-EM provides a physical connection via a standard RJ-45 port, supporting $10/100 \text{ Mbps}$ data rates with auto-negotiation. It is valuable because it brings open-standard, high-speed networking to the RX3i platform, allowing engineers to connect programming terminals (P-CIM), operator interfaces (HMIs), SCADA systems, and other controllers all through a single, highly capable module.

🚀 Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The functional performance of the GE IC695ETM001-EM is characterized by its superior throughput and robust protocol support. It supports multiple simultaneous connections, acting as a server for external devices requesting data and as a client initiating requests to other networked devices. The module is capable of supporting the most common industrial protocols, including SRTP (Serial Real-time Transport Protocol, GE’s native protocol) and the industry-standard Modbus TCP/IP.⁵ This dual-protocol capability ensures wide compatibility with both GE controllers and third-party equipment.

In terms of hardware design, the IC695ETM001-EM is built for the rugged industrial environment. The physical interface is typically a shielded RJ-45 connector, designed to provide reliable connectivity even under vibration. Crucially, the module incorporates comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. Status LEDs on the front face indicate link status, activity, and fault conditions, allowing technicians to quickly diagnose network connectivity issues locally. The high-speed connection to the RX3i backplane via the PCI Express bus ensures that the bottleneck is the network medium itself, not the communication between the GE IC695ETM001-EM and the CPU. This dedicated, high-speed design promotes maximum data transfer efficiency and overall system responsiveness.

📋 Detailed Technical Specifications

🧩 Related Modules or Compatible Units

IC695CPU310 – A standard RX3i CPU module that executes the control logic and communicates with external networks via the GE IC695ETM001-EM.

IC695CMM002 – A high-performance Serial Communication Module, used in the same rack for legacy or dedicated point-to-point serial links.⁷

IC695PWR100 – A standard AC Power Supply Module that provides the operating power to the RX3i backplane where the IC695ETM001-EM is installed.

IC695CHS012 – A ⁸$12$-slot universal backplane chassis that accepts the IC695ETM001-EM in any available slot.⁹

IC695ACC400 – The battery kit used to back up the CPU, which is often used in systems communicating high-value data through the Ethernet module.

IC695PNC001 – A PROFINET Controller Module for the RX3i, which performs a similar networking function but for the PROFINET protocol.¹⁰

🛠️ Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

When installing the GE IC695ETM001-EM, ensure the module is fully seated into any available universal slot in the RX3i backplane. Cable quality is paramount: only shielded or unshielded Category 5e (CAT5e) or Category 6 (CAT6) cable should be used, properly terminated with an industrial-grade RJ-45 connector to ensure reliable $100 \text{ Mbps}$ operation. During configuration, it is essential to assign a unique and correct IP address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway address via the PACSystems programming software (Machine Edition) to avoid network conflicts.

Maintenance primarily involves monitoring the status LEDs—a green Link LED confirms physical connectivity, and a flashing Activity LED indicates traffic. Network diagnostics should be performed regularly, checking for excessive collision counts or dropped packets, which often point to issues with the external network infrastructure (switches, cables). The module’s firmware should be kept up-to-date to benefit from new features and security patches, a task that requires careful planning and execution during a scheduled system downtime. Since the IC695ETM001-EM offloads communication, monitoring its health in the PACSystems software is crucial for overall system performance.