Introduction
Downtime on a PACSystems RX3i line often traces back to a single failed communication module. The GE IC695ETM001 is a single-slot Ethernet transmitter module built for the RX3i rack, giving your controller two 10/100 Mbps RJ45 ports, an RS-232 serial port, and a station manager interface. It is the practical answer when you need to restore Ethernet connectivity without replacing the whole rack.
From a maintenance engineer’s view, the module earns its place through serviceability. It supports hot swap, so you can insert or remove it while the backplane is powered or even while the processor is in RUN mode. That single feature can cut a planned outage from hours to minutes.
Key Specifications That Matter on the Floor
Dual Ethernet ports with autosensing
Two 8-pin female shielded RJ45 connectors run at 10/100 Mbps with auto-negotiation and crossover detection. The embedded switch supports half and full duplex, so you can daisy-chain Ethernet nodes without an external switch in small cells. The Ethernet processor runs at 200 MHz.
Serial access for local diagnostics
A 9-pin female D-connector provides RS-232 at data rates from 1200 bps to 115200 bps. When the network is down, this port is your direct path to the station manager for polling, statistics, logs, and configuration parameters.
Hot swap with the right firmware
Hot-swap capability requires firmware revision 2.51. Verify this before you plan a live replacement, because the feature changes how you schedule maintenance windows.
Protocol support
Over a four-layer TCP/IP stack, the module handles SRTP, Modbus TCP as server or client, and Ethernet Global Data (EGD). It can also synchronize timestamps to an SNTP time server.
Where the IC695ETM001 Fits
Legacy controller integration
This module lets an RX3i system communicate with Series 90 and VersaMax controllers. For plants running mixed generations, that avoids a full platform migration just to move data between cells.
Periodic data exchange
EGD supports periodic data exchange and read/write commands between controllers. On a packaging line, that means fast, predictable updates without polling overhead.
Time synchronization
SNTP synchronization keeps EGD timestamps aligned across the network, which simplifies event correlation during troubleshooting.
Installation and Setup
Install the module in any empty RX3i slot. Compatible backplanes include IC695CHS007, IC695CHS012, and IC695CHS016. It works with any other PACSystems RX3i module except the CPE400. For hot swap, confirm firmware revision 2.51 is loaded. Use the LED indicators — Ethernet OK, LAN OK, Log Empty, and per-port speed LEDs — to confirm link status after insertion.
Maintenance and Reliability
Inspect the RJ45 and D-connector seating during scheduled rounds. Check the status LEDs for link and speed changes that may indicate cabling issues. Keep the cabinet within the environmental limits of the RX3i system, and avoid unnecessary module removal. Because the unit is hot-swappable, keep a spare on the shelf; a quick swap beats waiting on a repair. Field firmware upgrades are possible through GE Fanuc software tools, so plan upgrades during low-demand windows.
Compatibility and Integration
The IC695ETM001 is built for the PACSystems RX3i family and supports SRTP, Modbus TCP, and EGD over TCP/IP. It also provides SNTP time synchronization. This makes it a strong fit for plants that need to bridge RX3i controllers with Series 90 or VersaMax equipment on the same network.
Selection Guide
Before ordering, confirm your backplane model, your required firmware revision for hot swap, and whether you need Modbus TCP client or server operation. SpareTechPLC stocks this module and can help you verify compatibility with your existing rack. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with SpareTechPLC before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the IC695ETM001 support hot swap out of the box?
Hot swap requires firmware revision 2.51. Confirm the revision before planning a live replacement.
What backplanes work with this module?
Compatible backplanes are IC695CHS007, IC695CHS012, and IC695CHS016.
Can it communicate with older GE controllers?
Yes. It enables communication with Series 90 and VersaMax controllers.
What protocols does it support?
It supports SRTP, Modbus TCP (server and client), and Ethernet Global Data over TCP/IP, plus SNTP time synchronization.
How do I access the station manager?
You can reach it over the RS-232 serial port or over Ethernet.
