GE PACSystems RX3i IC695 Modules: IC695ALG708 Analog Input Module —

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE PACSystems RX3i IC695 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE PACSystems RX3i IC695 series is the backbone of process automation infrastructure across global heavy industry. Deployed extensively in chemical processing plants, petroleum refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, and offshore platforms, the IC695 rack-based architecture defines the high-availability PLC tier within GE's PACSystems ecosystem. The IC695ALG708 is a representative analog input module within this platform, providing 8 channels of configurable voltage and current measurement with 16-bit resolution, designed for direct integration into the RX3i universal backplane.

The RX3i platform holds installed base dominance in North American and European process industries, with active deployments spanning facilities commissioned from the early 2000s through the present decade. Its backward compatibility with IC693 (Series 90-30) I/O modules via the IC695LRE001 expansion adapter has made it the preferred migration target for aging Series 90-30 installations.

The Evolution of IC695 Architecture

The IC695 series was introduced as the hardware foundation of the PACSystems RX3i platform, launched by GE Fanuc Automation (later rebranded GE Intelligent Platforms, then GE Automation & Controls, and subsequently absorbed into Emerson's portfolio). The architecture succeeded the IC693 (Series 90-30) and IC697 (Series 90-70) platforms, consolidating their I/O philosophies into a unified high-speed backplane operating at 300 MB/s.

Generation 1 (2003–2008): Initial IC695 modules introduced the universal backplane concept. CPUs such as the IC695CPU310 and IC695CPU320 established the dual-slot CPU form factor. Ethernet was handled via dedicated NIU modules.

Generation 2 (2008–2015): CPU performance scaling with IC695CPU315, IC695CPU320, and IC695CPU330. Introduction of redundancy modules (IC695RMX128) and high-density I/O. Profinet and EtherNet/IP adapter modules added.

Generation 3 (2015–present): IC695CPE302, IC695CPE305, IC695CPE310, and IC695CPE330 introduced embedded Ethernet ports, eliminating the need for separate NIU modules. Motion control integration via IC695PMM335.

Compatibility note: IC695 modules require IC695 universal backplanes (IC695CHS007, IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016). IC693 I/O modules can be mixed via the IC695LRE001 local expansion adapter. IC697 modules are not directly compatible.

IC695 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Controllers / CPUs

• IC695CPE302: Dual-core RX3i CPU, 10 MB user memory, 2 embedded Ethernet ports, USB programming port.
• IC695CPE305: Mid-range RX3i CPU, 20 MB user memory, dual embedded Ethernet, IEC 61131-3 compliant.
• IC695CPE310: High-performance RX3i CPU, 64 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, supports motion and process control.
• IC695CPE330: Top-tier RX3i CPU, 64 MB user memory, enhanced instruction throughput, redundancy-capable.
• IC695CPU310: Legacy single-slot CPU, 10 MB memory, requires IC695ETM001 for Ethernet — predecessor to CPE series.
• IC695CPU320: Legacy dual-slot CPU, 64 MB memory, supports hot-standby redundancy with IC695RMX128.

Analog Input Modules

• IC695ALG708: 8-channel analog voltage/current input, 16-bit resolution, ±10 V / 0–20 mA configurable per channel.
• IC695ALG728: 8-channel analog input with HART protocol support, 16-bit, for smart field device integration.
• IC695ALG600: 4-channel analog current input, 16-bit, isolated, for high-noise industrial environments.

Analog Output Modules

• IC695ALG704: 8-channel analog voltage/current output, 16-bit resolution, configurable per channel.
• IC695ALG724: 8-channel analog output with HART support, for smart actuator and valve positioner control.

Digital Input / Output Modules

• IC695MDL654: 32-channel 24 VDC positive/negative logic discrete input module.
• IC695MDL664: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete output, 0.5 A per point, positive logic.
• IC695MDL740: 16-channel 120 VAC discrete input module, isolated.
• IC695MDL752: 16-channel relay output module, Form C contacts, 2 A per point.

Communications & Network Adapters

• IC695ETM001: Single-port 10/100 Ethernet module for legacy IC695CPU3xx CPUs; supports SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD.
• IC695PBM300: PROFIBUS DP master module, supports up to 125 slave devices at 12 Mbps.
• IC695EIS001: EtherNet/IP scanner module, supports Class 1 and Class 3 connections.

Power Supplies

• IC695PSA040: 40 W AC/DC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, for IC695 universal backplanes.
• IC695PSD040: 40 W DC power supply, 24 VDC input, for IC695 universal backplanes.

Backplanes & Expansion

• IC695CHS007: 7-slot IC695 universal backplane, supports mixed IC695 and IC693 I/O via LRE001.
• IC695CHS012: 12-slot IC695 universal backplane.
• IC695LRE001: Local expansion adapter enabling IC693 Series 90-30 I/O modules in IC695 racks.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC695 Parts

The IC695 series has entered a mature lifecycle phase. GE Automation & Controls (now under Emerson) has issued end-of-sale notices for several legacy CPU and communications modules, including the IC695CPU310, IC695CPU320, and IC695ETM001. Replacement pathways exist (IC695CPE302 for CPU310/320; embedded Ethernet on CPE-series eliminates ETM001), but installed base systems frequently require exact-match replacements to avoid re-engineering costs.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of IC695 modules sourced from decommissioned plant assets, authorized distributor overstock, and factory-refurbished units. All modules are tested against GE's original functional specifications prior to shipment. For end-users operating facilities with 10+ year maintenance horizons, DriveKNMS provides long-term lifecycle support agreements covering scheduled availability of critical IC695 spares.

Quality Control for the IC695 Range

IC695 modules present specific test challenges due to their high-speed universal backplane interface (300 MB/s) and mixed analog/digital signal paths. DriveKNMS applies the following verification protocol to all IC695 units:

• Backplane communication test: Each module is seated in a live IC695 rack and polled via the CPU's I/O scan to verify backplane register read/write integrity.
• Analog channel calibration (ALG series): All 8 channels of IC695ALG708 and equivalent analog modules are verified against NIST-traceable reference signals at ±10 V and 4–20 mA ranges. Offset and gain errors are measured and must fall within GE's published accuracy specification (±0.1% of full scale).
• HART communication verification (ALG728/ALG724): HART master polling is executed on all channels to confirm modem integrity and device descriptor response.
• Firmware version audit: Module firmware is read and logged. Modules with known errata firmware revisions are flagged and updated where field-programmable.
• Thermal burn-in: Modules are operated at rated load for a minimum of 4 hours at 50°C ambient to screen early-life failures.
• Visual and mechanical inspection: Backplane connector pins, faceplate labels, and DIP switch/jumper configurations are inspected and documented.