GE Fanuc IC695HSC304-DA: PACSystems RX3i High Speed Counter Module —

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

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

The GE Fanuc PACSystems RX3i platform, identified by the IC695 module prefix, 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 platforms, pulp and paper mills, and large-scale water treatment plants, the RX3i backplane ecosystem supports mixed-media I/O, high-speed counting, motion coordination, and redundant CPU configurations within a single universal backplane. The IC695HSC304-DA is a 4-channel high speed counter module within this series, designed for encoder feedback, pulse measurement, and position tracking applications requiring deterministic scan-cycle performance.

The Evolution of PACSystems RX3i IC695 Architecture

The RX3i platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation (later rebranded as GE Intelligent Platforms, and subsequently Emerson Automation Solutions following the 2018 acquisition) as the successor to the Series 90-30 and Series 90-70 controller families. The IC695 module series was engineered around a high-speed serial backplane bus operating at 200 MB/s, replacing the parallel VME-based bus of the 90-70 era. This architectural shift enabled deterministic data transfer between CPU and I/O modules without the latency penalties of earlier parallel bus designs.

Early RX3i deployments (circa 2003–2008) centered on the IC695CPU310 and IC695CPU315 processors paired with discrete and analog I/O. The mid-generation expansion (2009–2015) introduced motion control modules (IC695PMM335), high-speed counter modules (IC695HSC304, IC695HSC308), and PROFINET controller cards (IC695PNC001). The current mature phase of the platform includes the IC695CPE302 and IC695CPE400 Ethernet-native CPUs, which maintain full backward compatibility with all IC695 I/O modules including the IC695HSC304-DA. Facilities operating legacy IC695 configurations can integrate modern CPU upgrades without replacing existing I/O infrastructure, making lifecycle extension a cost-effective strategy.

IC695 Full Catalog & Functionalities — SKU List

High Speed Counter Modules

• IC695HSC304: 4-channel high speed counter, 1 MHz max count rate, quadrature encoder support
• IC695HSC304-DA: 4-channel HSC module, firmware revision DA, enhanced diagnostic register set
• IC695HSC308: 8-channel high speed counter, dual-axis position capture, 1 MHz per channel

CPU & Controller Modules

• IC695CPU310: Base RX3i CPU, 10 MB user memory, single Ethernet port
• IC695CPU315: Mid-range CPU, 15 MB user memory, dual serial ports
• IC695CPU320: Enhanced CPU, 20 MB user memory, expanded I/O scan capacity
• IC695CPE302: Ethernet-native CPU, dual Gigabit ports, embedded web server
• IC695CPE400: High-performance CPU, 64 MB user memory, IEC 61131-3 multi-language support
• IC695CHS012: 12-slot universal backplane, supports all IC695 module types
• IC695CHS016: 16-slot universal backplane, extended I/O density configuration

Analog & Discrete I/O Modules

• IC695ALG600: 8-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V configurable per channel
• IC695ALG608: 8-channel analog output, 16-bit resolution, HART pass-through capable
• IC695MDL654: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete input module, sink/source configurable
• IC695MDL664: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per point
• IC695MDL740: 16-channel relay output module, 2 A per contact, Form C contacts

Communications & Network Modules

• IC695PNC001: PROFINET IO controller, manages up to 128 IO devices
• IC695ETM001: Ethernet interface module, 10/100 Mbps, SRTP and Modbus TCP support
• IC695PBS301: PROFIBUS DP master module, up to 125 slave devices, 12 Mbps

Power Supply Modules

• IC695PSA040: 40 W AC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, backplane bus regulation
• IC695PSD040: 40 W DC power supply, 24 VDC input, redundancy-capable

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC695 Parts

GE Fanuc's PACSystems RX3i platform entered its mature lifecycle phase approximately 2018–2020. While Emerson continues to manufacture select IC695 modules, a significant portion of the catalog — including early CPU variants (IC695CPU310, IC695CPU315), legacy communication adapters, and specialized counter modules such as the IC695HSC304-DA — has transitioned to limited-availability or end-of-life status through standard distribution channels.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of IC695 series modules sourced from decommissioned plant assets, authorized surplus channels, and factory-refurbished stock. All units are catalogued by firmware revision and hardware revision suffix (e.g., -DA, -AB, -CA) to ensure compatibility matching with existing backplane configurations. For facilities operating under long-term service agreements or requiring multi-year spare parts coverage, DriveKNMS provides bill-of-materials (BOM) matching services to identify and reserve critical IC695 modules against planned maintenance windows.

Quality Control for the IC695 Range

IC695 modules present specific test challenges due to their high-speed serial backplane interface and module-level firmware dependencies. DriveKNMS applies the following verification protocol to all IC695 inventory:

• Backplane bus communication test: each module is seated in a live IC695 backplane and polled via the CPU's I/O scan to confirm error-free data exchange at rated bus speed.
• Firmware revision verification: module firmware is read and logged against the hardware revision suffix. Mismatched firmware-to-hardware combinations are flagged and not shipped.
• For IC695HSC304-DA specifically: all four counter channels are exercised with a calibrated pulse generator at 100 kHz, 500 kHz, and 1 MHz input frequencies. Quadrature mode, pulse/direction mode, and period measurement mode are each validated against known reference counts.
• Thermal soak: modules are operated at 55°C ambient for 2 hours prior to final acceptance testing to screen for marginal components.
• Cosmetic and connector inspection: backplane edge connector pins are inspected under magnification for corrosion, deformation, or contamination.