GE PACSystems RX3i Modules: IC695ETM001

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 platforms, LNG terminals, and continuous-process chemical plants, the RX3i backplane-based architecture has maintained a dominant position in process-critical automation since its commercial introduction in the early 2000s. Its universal backplane (IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016) accepts mixed CPU, I/O, and communications modules without slot restrictions, making it the preferred platform for large-scale distributed control integration. The IC695ETM001 Ethernet module is a core communications component within this ecosystem, providing 10/100 Mbps dual-port Ethernet connectivity for SRTP, Modbus TCP, and EGD (Ethernet Global Data) protocols.

The Evolution of PACSystems RX3i Architecture

The RX3i platform succeeded the Series 90-70 (S90-70) rack-based PLC architecture, which GE introduced in the 1980s. The transition from S90-70 to RX3i was driven by the need for higher-speed backplane communication (the RX3i uses a 32-bit VME-derived backplane at 40 MB/s versus the S90-70's slower parallel bus), expanded memory addressing, and native Ethernet integration at the CPU level.

Early RX3i CPUs (IC695CPU310, IC695CPU315) provided baseline processing with limited embedded communications. Subsequent generations introduced dual-port Ethernet directly on the CPU (IC695CPU320, IC695CPU330), reducing dependency on standalone Ethernet modules for smaller configurations. The IC695ETM001 remains essential in multi-network topologies where CPU-embedded ports are insufficient for the required number of independent Ethernet segments.

Compatibility across generations is maintained through the universal backplane standard: all RX3i modules share the same 0.8-inch pitch connector and are software-configured via Proficy Machine Edition (PME). Legacy S90-70 I/O can be integrated via the IC695LRE001 expansion adapter, extending the operational life of existing field wiring investments. As of 2024, GE Vernova (the successor entity to GE's industrial automation division) continues to supply RX3i hardware, though several first-generation modules have transitioned to last-time-buy or obsolete status.

PACSystems RX3i Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU & Controller Modules

• IC695CPU310: RX3i CPU, 10 MB user memory, no embedded Ethernet, standard processing.
• IC695CPU315: RX3i CPU, 10 MB user memory, single embedded Ethernet port, 300 ns/boolean.
• IC695CPU320: RX3i CPU, 64 MB user memory, dual embedded Ethernet, enhanced instruction set.
• IC695CPU330: RX3i CPU, 64 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, motion control support.
• IC695CPE302: RX3i CPU, 10 MB, single Ethernet, compact form factor for space-constrained panels.
• IC695CPE305: RX3i CPU, 20 MB, dual Ethernet, USB programming port, SD card slot.
• IC695CPE330: RX3i CPU, 64 MB, dual Ethernet, IEC 61131-3 multi-language, motion-ready.

Ethernet & Communications Modules

• IC695ETM001: Dual-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet module; supports SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD; up to 32 simultaneous SRTP server connections.
• IC695PBM300: PROFIBUS DP master module; supports up to 125 slave devices at 12 Mbps.
• IC695CMM002: Serial communications module; 2-port RS-232/RS-485; supports SNP, Modbus RTU, CCM protocols.
• IC695CMM004: Serial communications module; 4-port RS-232/RS-485; multi-drop network support.

Discrete Input / Output Modules

• IC694MDL645: 32-point 24 VDC discrete input module, sink/source configurable.
• IC694MDL740: 32-point 12/24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per point.
• IC694MDL754: 32-point relay output module, 2 A per point, isolated commons.
• IC695MDL664: 32-point 125 VDC discrete input module, high-voltage field wiring.

Analog I/O Modules

• IC695ALG600: 8-channel universal analog input; configurable per channel for voltage, current, RTD, thermocouple.
• IC695ALG704: 8-channel analog output; 4–20 mA / 0–10 V; 16-bit resolution.
• IC695ALG808: 8-channel analog input, high-speed simultaneous sampling, 16-bit.

Power Supply Modules

• IC695PSA040: 40 W AC/DC power supply; 120/240 VAC input; for IC695 universal backplane.
• IC695PSD040: 40 W DC power supply; 24 VDC input; redundancy-capable with IC695PSA040.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete PACSystems RX3i Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for RX3i modules that have entered last-time-buy, end-of-sale, or full obsolescence status with GE Vernova. For facilities operating legacy RX3i configurations — particularly those running IC695CPU310 or IC695CPU315 CPUs with first-generation I/O racks — replacement sourcing through the open market is the primary path to continued operation without a full system migration.

Our sourcing process for obsolete RX3i parts includes: verification of module firmware revision against the customer's PME project file version; confirmation of backplane slot compatibility; and cross-referencing of the module's catalog date code against known hardware revision changes (e.g., IC695ETM001 Rev A vs. Rev C firmware behavior differences on EGD multicast configurations).

Quality Control for the PACSystems RX3i Range

RX3i modules present specific test challenges due to their VME-derived backplane architecture and the tight coupling between firmware, backplane slot addressing, and PME configuration. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all RX3i modules prior to shipment:

• Backplane bus integrity test: Each module is seated in a live IC695CHS012 backplane and polled via PME hardware configuration scan to confirm slot recognition and module ID response.
• Firmware version verification: Module firmware is read and logged. For IC695ETM001 units, firmware revision is confirmed against GE's published compatibility matrix for PME 9.x and PME 10.x.
• Ethernet port functional test: Both ports on IC695ETM001 are tested for link negotiation, SRTP server response, and EGD producer/consumer packet exchange using a reference RX3i CPU.
• Analog calibration check: All analog I/O modules (ALG series) are tested against NIST-traceable reference signals at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of rated input/output range.
• Thermal burn-in: Modules flagged as refurbished undergo a 48-hour powered burn-in at 40°C ambient prior to final inspection.