GE IC695ETM001ER RX3i Ethernet Interface Module

Description

3. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer	GE Intelligent Platforms / Emerson
Model	IC695ETM001ER
Product Family	PACSystems RX3i
Product Type	Ethernet Interface Module
Installation Location	Main RX3i CPU Rack
Ethernet Ports	2 × RJ45
Network Speed	10/100 Mbps Auto-Negotiation
Supported Protocols	SRTP, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), Modbus TCP
Programming Support	Full PLC Programming and Configuration Services
Diagnostic Functions	Station Manager, Network Diagnostics
Time Synchronization	Supported
Serial Service Port	RS-232 Station Manager
Hot Swap	Supported
Compatible CPUs	All PACSystems RX3i CPUs
Operating Temperature	0 °C to +60 °C

The IC695ETM001ER provides Ethernet connectivity for RX3i controllers using dual 10/100 Mbps RJ45 interfaces and supports SRTP, EGD, and Modbus TCP communication. The module is compatible with all RX3i CPU models and supports insertion or removal while rack power remains applied.

 

4. Product Introduction

The GE IC695ETM001ER is an Ethernet Interface Module for the PACSystems RX3i platform. It provides network communication between the RX3i controller and engineering workstations, HMIs, SCADA systems, historians, and other GE PACSystems, Series 90, or VersaMax controllers over standard Ethernet networks.

The module includes two integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports and supports SRTP, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), and Modbus TCP communications. It is frequently installed in manufacturing, water treatment, power generation, and process automation systems where deterministic data exchange and engineering access are required. The IC695ETM001ER supports hot insertion and removal when installed in a compatible RX3i Universal Backplane.

IC695ETM001ER

IC695ETM001ER

 

5. Installation & Configuration Guide

 

Stage 1 – Pre-Installation Preparation (10 Minutes)

⚠️ Safety First

1. Inform operations personnel of the maintenance window.
2. Verify the process is in a safe operating state.
3. Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures whenever the application permits.
4. If performing a powered replacement, verify that your system configuration supports hot insertion.
5. Wear appropriate ESD protection.

Tools Required

• Grounded ESD wrist strap
• PH1 screwdriver
• Fluke 115 digital multimeter
• Ethernet cable tester
• Laptop with Proficy Machine Edition
• Smartphone for wiring documentation

Data Backup

Before replacement:

• Save the PLC hardware configuration.
• Record the module IP address.
• Record subnet mask and gateway.
• Export network configuration if applicable.
• Photograph Ethernet cable routing and switch connections.

 

Stage 2 – Removing the Existing Module (5 Minutes)

1. Disconnect Ethernet cables.
2. Label both network cables before removal.
3. Remove mounting screws.
4. Release the module carefully.
5. Pull the module straight from the backplane.

Inspect for:

• Bent backplane connectors
• Damaged RJ45 ports
• Dust accumulation
• Loose grounding hardware

⚠️ Retain the original module until communication has been fully restored.

 

Stage 3 – Installing the New Module (10 Minutes)

1. Verify the replacement part number:

   IC695ETM001ER

2. Confirm compatibility with the installed RX3i CPU.
3. Align the module with the Universal Backplane.
4. Seat the connector completely.
5. Tighten both mounting screws to approximately 0.7 N·m (6 in-lb).
6. Reconnect Ethernet cables to the correct ports.

Installation Checklist

• Correct model verified
• Module fully seated
• Mounting screws tightened
• Ethernet cables correctly identified
• Link LEDs active

 

Stage 4 – Power-On & Communication Testing (15 Minutes)

Pre-Power Checks

• Verify network switch power.
• Confirm Ethernet cable integrity.
• Check IP address conflicts.
• Verify controller grounding.

Startup Procedure

1. Apply rack power if the system was shut down.
2. Observe the ETHERNET OK and LAN OK indicators.
3. Connect using Proficy Machine Edition.
4. Verify:
   • Module recognition
   • Network status
   • IP configuration
   • Controller communication
5. Perform communication testing with:
   • HMI
   • SCADA
   • Engineering workstation
   • Peer PLCs

⚠️ Troubleshooting

If communication cannot be established:

• Verify duplicate IP addresses.
• Confirm subnet configuration.
• Check switch port speed and duplex settings.
• Review firewall rules if communicating across network segments.
• Verify SRTP or Modbus TCP configuration.

 

Technical Pitfalls & Survival Guide

❗ IP Address Conflicts

This is probably the issue I encounter most during plant expansions.

I’ve seen engineers install a replacement ETM001ER, only to find intermittent communication because another device on the network was already using the same IP address. Before connecting the module, scan the network or confirm the address allocation with your controls team.

❗ Switch Port Configuration

Managed switches can introduce unexpected communication problems.

If one port is forced to 100 Mbps Full Duplex while the module negotiates automatically, you may see packet loss and unstable diagnostics. Keep switch settings consistent with the plant network standard.

❗ Firmware Compatibility

Although the ETM001ER supports all RX3i CPUs, always verify the CPU firmware revision before commissioning. Older firmware may not support every communication feature available in newer hardware revisions.

❗ Rack Location

Install the ETM001ER only in a supported RX3i Universal Backplane within the main CPU rack.

I’ve seen maintenance crews spend hours troubleshooting a perfectly good module that had simply been installed in an unsupported rack configuration.

❗ Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Ethernet modules are particularly vulnerable to static damage around the communication PHY circuitry.

Always use a grounded wrist strap and an ESD-safe work surface before opening the antistatic packaging.

Keep these checks in mind and you’ll avoid most of the communication issues that delay system startup.

 

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can the IC695ETM001ER be hot-swapped?

Yes.

When installed in a supported PACSystems RX3i Universal Backplane, the ETM001ER supports insertion and removal while rack power remains on. Even so, evaluate the operational risk before performing a hot replacement during production.

Q2. Which communication protocols does this module support?

The IC695ETM001ER supports:

• SRTP
• Ethernet Global Data (EGD)
• Modbus TCP
• TCP/IP programming and configuration services

These protocols allow communication with PACSystems controllers, HMI systems, SCADA software, and engineering workstations.

Q3. Is this module compatible with every RX3i CPU?

Yes.

The ETM001ER is designed to operate with all PACSystems RX3i CPU models installed in a compatible Universal Backplane. Always verify CPU firmware compatibility before commissioning.

Q4. Does replacing the ETM001ER affect the PLC application?

No.

The Ethernet Interface Module does not store the PLC application. However, IP addressing, network parameters, and communication configuration should be documented before replacement to minimize commissioning time.

Q5. Why are New Surplus modules available below OEM pricing?

Many New Surplus modules originate from canceled projects, spare inventory reductions, or modernization programs. Although unused, they may not include the original factory warranty. Request serial number verification, a functional test report, and warranty details before purchase.

Q6. What inspections should be completed before shipment?

For production-critical systems, request:

• OEM serial number verification
• Visual inspection for corrosion, scratches, or rework
• Functional testing on a genuine RX3i rack
• Ethernet communication verification on both RJ45 ports
• 24-hour operational burn-in
• Insulation resistance testing where applicable
• QC documentation and ESD-safe packaging

Test photographs and communication test videos are useful when planning scheduled maintenance and can reduce uncertainty before installation.