GE IC698ETM001 PACSystems RX7i Network Communications Module

Description

Product Introduction

The GE Fanuc PACSystems RX7i IC698ETM001 is a high-performance Ethernet Interface Module engineered for large-scale, network-intensive automation architectures on the RX7i VME platform. Plotted directly into any standard VME slot on an RX7i chassis, it serves as a dedicated communications coprocessor, offloading heavy TCP/IP network polling, HMI data exchange, and peer-to-peer controller communications from the primary CPU (such as the IC698CPE020 or CPE030).

Equipped with two 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports and a dedicated RS-232 Station Manager serial port, the IC698ETM001 supports concurrent multi-protocol communications including Ethernet Global Data (EGD), SRTP, and Modbus TCP. It enables seamless integration between RX7i master racks, SCADA/HMI packages, plant MES networks, and distributed field I/O drops across complex enterprise infrastructures.

Key Technical Specifications

Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience

When an Ethernet interface module drops offline in a multi-rack system, central SCADA screens freeze, peer-to-peer interlocks fail, and remote I/O telemetry disappears.

• Power Generation Facilities – Routing high-volume EGD telemetry between main RX7i turbine controllers and remote balance-of-plant PACs.
• Large Water/Wastewater Networks – Managing Modbus TCP client polling loops across dozens of remote pumping stations and filtration drops.
• Continuous Processing Plants – Streaming real-time process data to SCADA servers and plant historian databases without overburdening the primary CPU scan time.

Field Case Study: A municipal water treatment plant experienced severe HMI update delays and intermittent CPU scan-time overruns due to excessive Modbus TCP polling directly on the CPU’s embedded port. Installing an IC698ETM001 coprocessor card offloaded all SCADA and remote telemetry traffic to the ETM module. This dropped main CPU scan time from 45 ms down to 12 ms and eliminated all HMI network timeout errors.

IC698ETM001

IC698ETM001

Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing

Testing VME-based Ethernet coprocessors requires a dedicated RX7i chassis, active multi-protocol communication streams, and network traffic stress testing.

1. Inbound Mechanical Inspection: Inspect VME gold backplane connectors, faceplate ejection levers, RJ-45 port pins, and verify OEM serial/revision stickers.
2. Backplane Handshake: Install into an RX7i test rack with a live CPU and verify slot recognition in PAC Machine Edition hardware configuration.
3. Multi-Protocol Communications Run: Establish concurrent EGD exchanges, SRTP client connections, and Modbus TCP messaging over both RJ-45 ports.
4. Station Manager Verification: Connect via serial cable to the Station Manager port to verify diagnostic shell commands, IP address setting, and error log clears.
5. Anti-Static Packaging: Clean connector pins, seal the module in an ESD shielding bag with desiccant, and package inside dense foam-padded boxes.

The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)

⚠️ Port 1 vs. Port 2 Built-in Switch Behavior! The dual RJ-45 ports on the IC698ETM001 function via an internal unmanaged switch sharing a single IP address. Do NOT connect both ports to the SAME external physical switch unless loop prevention (Spanning Tree Protocol) is enabled on the switch—doing so will create an Ethernet broadcast storm that crashes your network!

❗ Use Station Manager for Quick IP Troubleshooting! If you lose communication or receive an invalid IP configuration error, attach a serial terminal cable to the 9-pin Station Manager port (9600 baud, 8-N-1) to directly inspect, assign, or clear the module’s IP parameters without re-downloading the whole PME project.

⚠️ Check Module Quantity Limits per Chassis: While you can install multiple IC698ETM001 cards in a single RX7i rack to isolate network subnets, always verify that your RX7i CPU firmware and backplane power budget (+5V rail) support your intended count of communication cards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use the IC698ETM001 in a Series 90-70 or PACSystems RX3i rack?

A: No. The uses the RX7i VME form factor and is designed strictly for PACSystems RX7i backplanes. (RX3i uses IC695ETM001; 90-70 uses IC697CMM742).

Q: How do I configure the IP address of the ?

A: The IP address, subnet mask, and gateway are configured within PAC Machine Edition (PME) under the module’s hardware configuration properties and downloaded to the CPU.

Q: Does the support PROFINET protocol?

A: No. The is designed for Modbus TCP, SRTP, and EGD protocols. PROFINET functionality on PACSystems platforms typically requires dedicated PNC/PNO controller modules.

Q: Is the hot-swappable?

A: No. RX7i VME racks do NOT support hot-plugging communication cards. Always power down the chassis before inserting or removing the module.

Q: What warranty is provided with this module?

A: All new surplus and fully bench-tested pre-owned modules supplied from our stock come backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty.