Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
Replacing legacy VME communications hardware without risking network downtime or packet storms can paralyze plant upgrades. The GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 solves this by delivering dedicated 200 MHz processing power directly into the PACSystems RX7i backplane, offloading heavy TCP/IP stack execution from the main CPU.
Featuring dual auto-negotiating 10/100 Mbps RJ45 ports and an integrated unmanaged switch, this module streamlines Ethernet Global Data (EGD) exchange and Modbus TCP/SRTP client-server tasks. Its hardware design allows simple drops into any single-width RX7i slot while maintaining complete backward compatibility across existing industrial Ethernet infrastructures.
Technical Specifications
- Backplane Bus Type: VME64 Standard Format (Single-width RX7i slot)
- Processor Speed: 200 MHz dedicated communications CPU
- Power Consumption: 1.2A nominal @ +5 VDC from rack backplane
- Ethernet Ports: 2x 10BaseT / 100BaseTX RJ45 full-duplex ports (integrated switch)
- Serial Port: 1x RS-232 9-pin D-sub female (Station Manager port, 1200 – 115200 bps)
- Supported Protocols: SRTP, Modbus TCP (Client/Server), Ethernet Global Data (EGD Class 2), SNTP
- Maximum IP Addresses: Single IP address shared across both switched ports
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
- LED Indicators: MODULE OK, LAN ONLINE, STATUS, 100 (Speed), LINK P1, LINK P2
Field Application & The “Trench” Experience
During a midnight emergency rebuild at a Midwest paper processing facility, an old RX7i system suffered communication dropouts across its DCS link following a power surge. The existing ETM module was failing under load, flooding the network with corrupt EGD packets. Our field technician pulled a bench-tested IC698ETM001 from stock, cleared the hardware configuration, and updated the firmware via the front RS-232 Station Manager port. Within 45 minutes, the replacement synchronized with the central SCADA host, restoring full production without requiring a CPU cold restart.
Niche Application Scenarios:
- Continuous Chemical Reactor Monitoring: Handling real-time EGD exchanges between distributed RX7i PACs and local operator interfaces.
- Turbine Generator Control Systems: Routing Modbus TCP telemetry to plant-wide historian networks under severe electromagnetic interference.
- Water Treatment Telemetry Hubs: Managing time-synchronized SNTP logs and SRTP data polling across multi-building municipal networks.
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
- Visual & Mechanical Inspection: Card carrier, edge connectors, pin alignment, and housing integrity undergo strict microscopic evaluation for micro-fractures or ESD damage.
- Power-On & Diagnostic Self-Test: Module is installed in a powered RX7i rack to monitor baseline current draw on the +5V bus and verify the “MODULE OK” boot sequence.
- Network Stress & Loop-Back Testing: Continuous 24-hour traffic generation over both RJ45 ports using SRTP and Modbus TCP test scripts to verify 100 Mbps full-duplex stability.
- Station Manager Communications Verification: Serial port handshaking and firmware flashing are executed using WinLoader over RS-232 to ensure complete serial interface responsiveness.
- IC698ETM001
- IC698ETM001
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
- ⚠️ The Dual-Port Loop Trap: Do not connect both Ethernet ports to the same managed switch or hub. The embedded switch on the IC698ETM001 forms a physical tree topology, not a ring. Doing so creates an unmanaged network loop that immediately causes broadcast storms and drops the CPU rack offline.
- PRO TIP (Firmware Alignment): When swapping out older revision boards (such as AA or AB revisions) with newer BC revisions, ensure your Proficy Machine Edition hardware configuration matches the installed firmware version. A mismatch will prevent the rack from transitioning into RUN mode.
- ⚠️ Redundant IP Setup Confusion: The module supports redundant IP addressing, but only ONE IP address is active at a time across both ports. Do not attempt to assign distinct subnets or IP addresses to Port 1 and Port 2.
Dynamic FAQ
Q: Can I assign separate IP addresses to Port 1 and Port 2 on the IC698ETM001?
A: No. The module contains an internal two-port switch that shares a single IP address across both ports on the exact same network segment.
Q: How do I access the Station Manager configuration utility?
A: Connect a standard 9-pin straight-through RS-232 serial cable (IC200CBL001 or equivalent) from your PC serial port to the front 9-pin female D-sub port and launch a terminal emulator set between 1200 and 115200 bps.
Q: Is this module hot-swappable in an active RX7i rack?
A: While the RX7i VME backplane supports module replacement under power, best practice dictates pausing critical network traffic or placing the controller in STOP mode before pulling the module to prevent backplane bus errors.
Q: What warranty and testing verification accompany New Surplus units?
A: Every New Surplus and Refurbished unit undergoes full 24-hour backplane load testing and port stress analysis, backed by a comprehensive 12-month replacement warranty.
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