GE PACSystems RX3i IC695ALG704 Analog Output Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE PACSystems RX3i Series Technical Notes

The GE PACSystems RX3i platform — identified by the IC695 prefix — is one of the most widely deployed distributed control architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power stations, offshore platforms, pulp and paper mills, and large-scale water treatment facilities, the RX3i backplane-based system has served as the backbone of process automation since its commercial introduction in the mid-2000s. The IC695ALG704 is an 8-channel analog output module operating within this ecosystem, providing 4–20 mA or 0–10 V DC configurable outputs with 16-bit resolution per channel. Its role in closed-loop process control — particularly in valve positioner and variable-speed drive command applications — makes it a critical spare in any RX3i-based facility.

The Evolution of RX3i Architecture

GE's PACSystems RX3i succeeded the Series 90-30 (IC693) and Series 90-70 (IC697) platforms, consolidating I/O, CPU, and communications onto a unified high-speed backplane rated at 300 MB/s. The IC695 form factor introduced a universal backplane (IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016) compatible with both legacy Series 90-70 modules via adapter and native RX3i modules, providing a migration path for installed bases without full system replacement.

Early RX3i CPUs (IC695CPU310, IC695CPU315) used a single-core architecture. Later revisions introduced the IC695CPE302, IC695CPE305, and IC695CPE330 with dual-core processing, expanded memory, and Ethernet embedded directly on the CPU module. The analog I/O subsystem followed a parallel evolution: early analog modules (IC695ALG600, IC695ALG608) provided basic 4–20 mA input capability, while later modules such as the IC695ALG704 and IC695ALG728 added per-channel configurability, HART pass-through support, and enhanced diagnostics accessible via the CPU's fault table. Compatibility between RX3i generations is maintained at the backplane level, but firmware revisions in CPUs above v9.00 may require updated module configuration blocks in Proficy Machine Edition.

IC695 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC695CPU310: Single-core RX3i CPU, 10 MB user memory, no embedded Ethernet
• IC695CPU315: Single-core RX3i CPU, 64 MB user memory, no embedded Ethernet
• IC695CPE302: Dual-core CPU, 64 MB, dual embedded Gigabit Ethernet ports
• IC695CPE305: Dual-core CPU, 64 MB, embedded Ethernet, enhanced motion support
• IC695CPE330: High-performance CPU, 128 MB, dual Ethernet, IEC 61131-3 compliant

Analog Input Modules

• IC695ALG600: 4-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 16-bit resolution
• IC695ALG608: 8-channel analog input, configurable per channel, 16-bit
• IC695ALG616: 16-channel analog input, high-density, 16-bit resolution
• IC695ALG626: 6-channel isolated analog input with HART support
• IC695ALG628: 8-channel isolated analog input, HART pass-through per channel

Analog Output Modules

• IC695ALG704: 8-channel analog output, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 16-bit, per-channel config
• IC695ALG708: 8-channel analog output with HART support, isolated outputs
• IC695ALG728: 8-channel isolated analog output, extended diagnostics, HART

Digital I/O Modules

• IC695MDL654: 16-point 24 VDC discrete input module, positive logic
• IC695MDL664: 16-point 24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per point
• IC695MDL740: 32-point 24 VDC discrete output, high-density, source type

Communications & Networking

• IC695ETM001: Ethernet interface module, 10/100 Mbps, SRTP/Modbus TCP
• IC695PBM300: PROFIBUS DP master module, up to 125 slave devices
• IC695CMM002: Serial communications module, RS-232/RS-485, dual port

Power Supply Modules

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

Quality Control for the IC695 Range

IC695 modules present specific test challenges due to their high-speed backplane interface (GENIUS bus successor architecture) and per-channel configurability. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol for each module type:

• Backplane communication verification: Each module is seated in a live IC695 backplane and polled by a reference CPU to confirm correct module ID, firmware revision, and configuration block acceptance.
• Analog output calibration check (IC695ALG704): All 8 channels are exercised across the full output range (0–20 mA and 0–10 V) using a calibrated reference meter. Channel-to-channel isolation is verified. Offset and gain error are measured against the OEM specification of ±0.1% full scale.
• HART communication test (ALG708/ALG728): HART pass-through is verified using a HART communicator on each channel at 1200 baud.
• Thermal soak: Modules are operated at rated load for a minimum of 2 hours at ambient temperature before final acceptance.
• Firmware audit: Firmware revision is recorded and cross-referenced against known compatibility matrices for CPE302/CPE305/CPE330 CPU firmware versions.