GE PACSystems RX3i Modules IC695PBS301

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE PACSystems RX3i Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE PACSystems RX3i platform is one of the most widely deployed programmable automation controller (PAC) architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore oil & gas platforms, pulp and paper mills, and large-scale water treatment infrastructure, the RX3i backplane-based architecture has maintained a dominant position in process-critical environments since its commercial introduction in the early 2000s. Its universal backplane (IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016) accepts both legacy Series 90-30 I/O modules and native RX3i modules, making it a preferred platform for brownfield modernization projects where full system replacement is cost-prohibitive.

The IC695PBS301 is a PROFIBUS DP slave communication module for the RX3i rack. It enables the RX3i controller to participate as a slave node on a PROFIBUS DP network, supporting data exchange rates up to 12 Mbps and compliant with IEC 61158 / EN 50170. This module is critical in distributed I/O architectures where a master PLC (e.g., Siemens S7 or another GE RX3i acting as master via IC695PBM300) controls multiple RX3i slave stations across a plant floor.

The Evolution of PACSystems RX3i Architecture

The PACSystems RX3i platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation (later GE Intelligent Platforms, now part of Emerson Automation Solutions following the 2018 acquisition) as a successor to the Series 90-30 and Series 90-70 controller families. The RX3i architecture introduced a dual-bus backplane: a legacy 5V parallel bus for backward compatibility with 90-30 I/O modules, and a high-speed PCI bus for native RX3i modules including the CPE302, CPE305, CPE310, CPE330, and CPE400 CPU families.

Early RX3i deployments (2003–2008) relied heavily on serial and legacy fieldbus communication modules such as the IC695CMM002 (serial) and IC695PBM300 (PROFIBUS master). The IC695PBS301 was introduced to address the growing need for RX3i racks to operate as intelligent slave nodes in larger PROFIBUS DP networks, particularly in automotive assembly and chemical batch processing environments. As Ethernet-based protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) gained adoption post-2010, the RX3i platform expanded with modules such as the IC695ETM001 and IC695PNC001, but PROFIBUS installations remain operational and require ongoing spare parts support through at least 2030 based on installed base lifecycle projections.

The RX3i platform entered its mature/sustaining phase circa 2018. GE (Emerson) continues to provide firmware updates and spare parts but has directed new project designs toward the PACSystems RX3i CPE400 with IIoT capabilities and the newer PACSystems RSTi-EP platform. For existing PROFIBUS-based RX3i installations, lifecycle extension through certified spare parts sourcing is the primary maintenance strategy.

PACSystems RX3i Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC695CPE302: RX3i CPU, 0.8 MB user memory, single Ethernet port, standard processing
• IC695CPE305: RX3i CPU, 5 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, enhanced instruction set
• IC695CPE310: RX3i CPU, 10 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, motion-capable
• IC695CPE330: RX3i CPU, 30 MB user memory, quad Ethernet, high-speed motion
• IC695CPE400: RX3i CPU, IIoT-ready, Linux-based co-processor, MQTT/OPC-UA native

Communication Modules

• IC695PBS301: PROFIBUS DP slave module, 12 Mbps, IEC 61158 compliant, slave node operation
• IC695PBM300: PROFIBUS DP master module, Class 1 master, up to 125 slave nodes
• IC695ETM001: Ethernet module, 10/100 Mbps, SRTP/Modbus TCP/EtherNet IP
• IC695PNC001: PROFINET controller module, IRT capable, up to 128 I/O devices
• IC695CMM002: Serial communications module, RS-232/RS-485, SNP/Modbus RTU
• IC695CMM004: Dual-port serial module, two independent RS-232/RS-485 channels

Discrete I/O Modules

• IC694MDL340: 24 VDC discrete input module, 32-point, sink/source compatible
• IC694MDL390: 120 VAC discrete input module, 16-point, isolated
• IC694MDL740: 24 VDC discrete output module, 32-point, 0.5 A per point
• IC694MDL754: 24 VDC discrete output module, 16-point, 2 A per point, fused

Analog I/O Modules

• IC695ALG600: Universal analog input module, 8-channel, ±10V/0–20mA/thermocouple/RTD
• IC695ALG608: Analog input module, 8-channel voltage/current, 16-bit resolution
• IC695ALG704: Analog output module, 4-channel, 16-bit, voltage and current
• IC695ALG728: Analog output module, 8-channel, 16-bit, isolated outputs

Power Supply Modules

• IC695PSA040: 40W AC/DC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, 5 VDC/3.3 VDC output
• IC695PSD040: 40W DC power supply, 24 VDC input, redundancy-capable

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete PACSystems RX3i Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for PACSystems RX3i modules, including discontinued and allocation-constrained SKUs. As the RX3i platform transitions from active production to sustaining-only support under Emerson, lead times through authorized distribution channels have extended significantly for low-volume SKUs such as the IC695PBS301, IC695PBM300, and legacy CMM serial modules.

DriveKNMS sources RX3i modules through verified secondary market channels, decommissioned plant asset recovery, and authorized surplus distributors. All units are subject to pre-sale inspection and functional verification. For end-users operating PROFIBUS-based RX3i networks with no near-term migration budget, DriveKNMS provides a lifecycle extension sourcing agreement covering multi-year spare parts reservation, priority allocation for critical SKUs, and documented chain-of-custody records for regulated industries (nuclear, pharmaceutical, oil & gas).

Quality Control for the PACSystems RX3i Range

RX3i communication modules including the IC695PBS301 undergo a structured verification process at DriveKNMS prior to shipment. Each unit is inspected for physical integrity of the backplane connector (96-pin DIN 41612), PROFIBUS DB9 port, and module locking tabs. Firmware version is read and documented via the GE Proficy Machine Edition programming environment. Functional testing is performed by inserting the module into a live RX3i test rack (IC695CHS012 chassis with IC695CPE305 CPU) and executing a PROFIBUS DP slave configuration exchange with a Siemens S7-315 acting as Class 1 master. Data consistency across all configured I/O bytes is verified at 1.5 Mbps and 12 Mbps baud rates. Modules that fail bus synchronization, exhibit CRC errors, or show abnormal current draw on the 5V backplane bus are quarantined and not resold.