Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson
- Series: PACSystems RX3i
- Core Function: Dual-port Ethernet communication module with integrated internal switch, provides TCP/IP network connectivity for RX3i CPU or IC695NIU001 Ethernet NIU remote I/O station.
- Product Type: RX3i Ethernet Interface Module
- Key Specs: 2×RJ45 10/100BASE-TX | Built-in Layer 2 switch | SRTP / EGD / Modbus TCP Client/Server Note: Discontinued legacy hardware; original new stock limited, surplus & refurbished widely available. -ER = hardware revision suffix, mechanically pin-compatible with other IC695ETM001 variants. Supports hot-swap on certified RX3i hot-swap backplanes. Critical pairing requirement when used with IC695NIU001: must occupy adjacent slot to NIU.
Key Technical Specifications
- Ethernet Ports: Two RJ45 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation, auto MDI/MDI-X
- Internal Function: Embedded 2-port switch (single IP address for both ports; cannot assign separate IPs)
- Supported Protocols
- SRTP (programming, peer-to-peer PLC communication)
- EGD (Ethernet Global Data, cyclic remote I/O data exchange)
- Modbus TCP Client & Server
- Backplane Power Consumption 3.3 VDC: 840 mA 5 VDC: 614 mA
- Isolation: 1500 VAC isolation between Ethernet field circuit and backplane logic
- Front Panel Indicators: OK, LAN, Port1 Activity, Port2 Activity
- Manual Ethernet reset pushbutton (reboot module firmware without rack power cycle)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
- Form Factor: Single-width RX3i module
- Compatible Universal Backplanes: IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016
- Compatible Controllers:
- All RX3i CPU series (IC695CPU310, CPU320, CPU330, CPU331, CPU350 etc.)
- IC695NIU001 Ethernet Remote I/O NIU
- Supported Software: Proficy Machine Edition
- Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE
Product Introduction
is the standard Ethernet communications module for PACSystems RX3i platform. The dual RJ45 ports share one IP address thanks to the onboard switch, enabling simple daisy-chain wiring of PLCs without external network switches.
Two primary deployment modes:
- Installed alongside RX3i CPU: Connect PLC to HMI, SCADA, other PACSystems, Series 90-30 and VersaMax controllers.
- Installed adjacent to IC695NIU001: Provides Ethernet interface for standalone remote I/O station, transporting %I/%Q/%AI/%AQ cyclic data over EGD to master PLC.
Important limitation: This module cannot operate standalone; it must be paired with RX3i CPU or IC695NIU001. No onboard processing capability for I/O scanning.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking and -ER suffix. Inspect backplane gold pins for bending/corrosion; check RJ45 ports and housing for physical damage.
- Live Testing: Mount on validated RX3i backplane with CPU/NIU. Assign static IP, establish SRTP programming connection and EGD cyclic data exchange, run continuous 24-hour communication stability test.
- Electrical Testing: Monitor backplane 3.3V/5V rail stability. Insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between Ethernet circuit and chassis ground.
- Firmware Record: Document installed firmware revision; photograph front panel labels before erasing IP configuration.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place module inside anti-static bag; attach dated QC tag confirming Ethernet link, protocol communication validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ Hot Swap Rule: Supports hot-swap only on hot-swap rated RX3i backplanes. On non-hot-swap racks, shut down rack power before insertion/removal. ❗ NIU Adjacent Slot Mandate: When used with , ETM001ER must occupy the slot immediately next to NIU; separated slots break backplane messaging between NIU and Ethernet module. ❗ Single IP Constraint: Two Ethernet ports share one IP. You cannot create two independent network segments. ❗ Daisy Chain Caution: Avoid long daisy chains of multiple ETM modules; network fault on one unit breaks downstream stations. ❗ IP Configuration Backup: IP address stored locally on ETM module. Module replacement requires re-entering IP settings. ❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages Ethernet PHY transceivers, causing random link flapping.
Replacement Guide:
- Pre-install: Lockout-tagout rack power (non-hot-swap chassis); record IP address, subnet, gateway, photograph Ethernet wiring and slot layout.
- Removal: Disconnect RJ45 cables, unlatch module and slide straight out without twisting backplane pins.
- Install: Insert new into original slot, reconnect Ethernet cables.
- Power-on Test: Restore power; download matching IP configuration, verify LAN LED status, confirm SRTP programming access and EGD/Modbus TCP communication.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between IC695ETM001 and ? A: Base catalog number defines identical Ethernet functionality. -ER = specific PCB hardware revision. Mechanically plug-compatible. After replacement, reconfigure network IP and verify communications.
Q: Can the two RJ45 ports use different IP addresses? A: No. Internal switch architecture uses one single IP for both ports.
Q: Can work alone without CPU or NIU? A: No. It relies on backplane communication with RX3i CPU or .
Q: Can I use this module for Profinet / EtherNet/IP? A: No. Native protocols: SRTP, EGD, Modbus TCP. Profinet requires separate IC695PNC001 module.
Q: Will network IP settings automatically transfer to a replacement module? A: No. IP configuration resides on the ETM module itself. Replacement requires manual reconfiguration of IP, subnet mask and gateway.
Q: Is this module interchangeable with IC695ETM001-EK / -HW / other suffix variants? A: Yes, physical and functional interchangeable. Always verify firmware compatibility and re-test network communications after substitution.
Q: Can this module be used inside Series 90-30 racks? A: No. RX3i backplane bus and mechanical form factor are incompatible with Series 90-30 chassis.






