Quick Sizing & Sourcing Snapshot
- Manufacturer: GE Fanuc (Emerson Automation)
- Part Number: IC200PBI001
- System Platform: GE PACSystems RX3i
- Hardware Type: PBI (Profibus DP Master Interface Module)
- Architectural Role: Installs in the RX3i universal backplane; acts as the Class 1 Master on a Profibus DP network, controlling up to 125 slaves (drives, remote I/O, instruments) and exchanging cyclic data with the CPU.
- Key Specifications: Protocol: Profibus DP (V0, V1, V2); Speed: 9.6 kbps to 12 Mbps; Connectors: 2x DB9 (Female); Isolation: 1500V port-to-logic; Config: GSD File + Machine Edition.
System Architecture & Operational Principle
The occupies a standard single-width slot in the RX3i universal backplane (baseplate), drawing 5V DC power from the backplane bus and communicating with the CPU (e.g., IC200CPU005 or IC200CPUE05) via the PCI bus (or VMEbus emulation layer).
In the automation topology, this module sits at Level 2 (Cell Control), bridging the RX3i’s internal memory map to the Level 1 (Field) Profibus DP network. It operates as the DP Master (Class 1). You connect the Profibus cable (shielded twisted pair, typically A/B signals on DB9 pins 3/8) to the “PORT 1” DB9 connector. The module stores the Profibus configuration (Station Address, Baud Rate, Slave I/O mapping) in its non-volatile memory. During power-up, it initiates the bus parameterization, scans the connected slaves (e.g., IC200ALG260 via an IC200GBI001 link, or third-party VFDs like Siemens G120), and establishes the cyclic data exchange (Input/Output data consistent with the GSD files).
If the CPU is in Run Mode, the continuously updates the %I (Input) and %Q (Output) tables in the CPU based on the Profibus cyclic data. If the CPU stops or the rack loses power, the module can be configured to hold last states or drive outputs to zero/safe state depending on the “Fail Mode” setting in the hardware configuration. The second DB9 port (PORT 2) is typically unused or used for diagnostics/coupling, as the module does not natively support active repeater functions without external hubs.
Core Technical Specifications
- Network Type: Profibus DP (Decentralized Periphery)
- Master Class: Class 1 (Master) / Optional Class 2 (DP-V1/V2 support)
- Data Transfer Rates: 9.6 kbps, 19.2 kbps, 45.45 kbps, 93.75 kbps, 187.5 kbps, 500 kbps, 1.5 Mbps, 3 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps
- Max Slaves: 125 Stations per segment (Master + 124 Slaves)
- Input/Output Data: Up to 244 bytes Input / 244 bytes Output per slave (Consistent Data)
- Connectors: 2 x DB9 Female (Port 1, Port 2)
- Isolation: 1500 V AC (Port to Logic/Backplane)
- Power Consumption: 5 V DC @ 650 mA (Typical from Backplane)
- Configuration Method: GSD File (Device Database) imported to Proficy Machine Edition (PME)
- Indicators: MOD (Module Status), NET (Network Status), BF (Bus Fault), Tx/Rx (Activity)
