GE PACSystems RX3i Modules: IC695NIU001 Ethernet Network Interface Unit —

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 distributed control architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore platforms, and large-scale chemical processing plants, the RX3i backplane-based architecture provides deterministic control with high-availability redundancy options. Its universal backplane accepts both legacy Series 90-30 I/O modules and native RX3i modules, making it a long-lifecycle investment for plant operators who require backward compatibility across multi-decade operational windows. The IC695NIU001 is a core communications module within this ecosystem, providing 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity for distributed I/O expansion over standard TCP/IP infrastructure.

The Evolution of PACSystems RX3i Architecture

GE introduced the PACSystems RX3i platform in the early 2000s as a successor to the Series 90-70 and Series 90-30 controllers, consolidating their industrial PLC portfolio under a unified runtime environment. The RX3i CPU architecture is based on Intel x86 processing with a high-speed backplane bus operating at 300 MB/s, a significant advancement over the earlier VME-based Series 90-70 backplane. Early RX3i deployments used the IC695CPU310 and IC695CPU315 processors, which were subsequently superseded by the IC695CPU320 and the high-performance IC695CPE302 and IC695CPE330 variants featuring embedded Ethernet ports and expanded memory. The communications architecture evolved in parallel: early systems relied on the IC695ETM001 for Ethernet connectivity at the rack level, while the IC695NIU001 was introduced to serve as a network interface unit for remote I/O drops, enabling geographically distributed I/O expansion without dedicated controller hardware. Compatibility between RX3i generations is maintained through the common PACSystems runtime, though firmware version alignment between CPU and remote I/O modules is a critical integration requirement. Plants migrating from Series 90-30 can reuse IC693 I/O modules in RX3i racks via the IC695LRE001 expansion adapter, preserving existing field wiring investments.

PACSystems RX3i Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU & Controller Modules

• IC695CPU310: Entry-level RX3i CPU, 10 MB user memory, no embedded Ethernet
• IC695CPU315: Mid-range CPU, 64 MB user memory, single embedded serial port
• IC695CPU320: Standard RX3i CPU, 64 MB user memory, dual embedded Ethernet ports
• IC695CPE302: Enhanced CPU with embedded dual Ethernet, USB programming port
• IC695CPE330: High-performance CPU, 32 MB program memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet
• IC695CPE400: Advanced CPU with embedded OPC-UA server and IEC 61131-3 runtime

Network Interface & Communications Modules

• IC695NIU001: Ethernet Network Interface Unit for RX3i remote I/O drops, 10/100 Mbps
• IC695ETM001: Rack-level Ethernet communications module, SRTP/Modbus TCP support
• IC695PBM300: PROFIBUS DP master module, up to 125 slave devices
• IC695PBS301: PROFIBUS DP slave module for RX3i rack integration
• IC695CMM002: Serial communications module, dual RS-232/RS-485 ports
• IC695CMX128: Expanded serial communications, 128 KB message buffer

Discrete I/O Modules

• IC695MDL654: 16-point 24 VDC discrete input module, isolated
• IC695MDL664: 16-point 24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per point
• IC695MDL740: 32-point 24 VDC discrete input, high-density
• IC695MDL750: 32-point 24 VDC discrete output, high-density, 0.5 A per point

Analog I/O Modules

• IC695ALG600: 8-channel analog input, voltage/current configurable, 16-bit resolution
• IC695ALG608: 8-channel analog input with HART pass-through support
• IC695ALG704: 8-channel analog output, 16-bit resolution, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V
• IC695ALG728: 16-channel analog input, high-channel-density rack configuration

Power Supply Modules

• IC695PSA040: 40 W AC/DC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, 5 VDC / 3.3 VDC output
• IC695PSD040: 40 W DC power supply, 24 VDC input
• IC695PSA140: 40 W redundant-capable AC power supply

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete PACSystems RX3i Parts

Several first-generation RX3i modules — including the IC695CPU310, IC695CPU315, IC695CMM002, and IC695ETM001 — have reached end-of-active-production status with GE Vernova (formerly GE Digital / GE Automation & Controls). OEM lead times for these part numbers are either extended or unavailable through standard distribution channels. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested surplus and refurbished RX3i modules to support plants operating under long-term maintenance contracts where a full platform migration is not operationally or economically viable. For the IC695NIU001 specifically, DriveKNMS stocks both new-surplus and fully tested refurbished units, with same-week dispatch capability for most orders. Lifecycle extension support includes firmware documentation, configuration backup assistance, and cross-reference to current GE Vernova replacement recommendations where applicable.

Quality Control for the PACSystems RX3i Range

RX3i modules present specific test challenges due to their high-speed backplane bus architecture and embedded communications stacks. DriveKNMS applies a structured validation protocol for all RX3i inventory: each module undergoes power-on functional verification in a live RX3i rack environment using a reference IC695CPU320 controller running PACSystems Machine Edition firmware. For network interface modules such as the IC695NIU001, validation includes Ethernet link establishment, SRTP session initiation, and remote I/O scan cycle verification at rated update rates. Analog modules are tested against calibrated reference signals across the full input/output range. Discrete I/O modules are verified for point-level switching integrity and isolation resistance. All modules are inspected for backplane connector pin condition, capacitor integrity, and conformal coating status prior to dispatch. Test records are retained per unit serial number.