Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
- Series: PACSystems RX3i
- Core Function: 7-slot universal passive backplane for RX3i platform, provides mechanical mounting and dual-bus electrical connection for power supply, CPU, communication and I/O modules. Dual-bus architecture supports native RX3i PCI bus and serial expansion bus for legacy Series 90-30 migration solutions.
- Product Type: RX3i Universal Backplane (Passive Chassis)
- Key Specs: Total 7 physical slots | Slot0 dedicated power slot | Slots1–5 Dual PCI+Serial Bus | Slot6 PCI-only | Horizontal DIN rail mounting | Integrated ground bar Note: Active lifecycle RX3i baseplate; new original, surplus & refurbished stock available. I/O modules support hot-swap on this backplane; CPU, NIU and redundant modules cannot be hot swapped. Cannot directly install IC693 Series 90-30 modules into main rack; Series 90-30 I/O requires IC695LRE001 on remote expansion racks. Multiple expansion racks can be cascaded via serial transceiver modules.
Key Technical Specifications
- Slot Layout Definition
- Slot 0: Dedicated slot exclusively for IC695 series power supply modules
- Slots 1 ~ 5: Dual-bus slots (PCI backplane + Serial Expansion Bus)
- Slot 6: PCI-only slot, no serial bus signals
- Backplane Architecture: Dual bus
- High-speed PCI bus for all native IC695 RX3i modules
- Serial expansion bus for connecting IC695LRE001 to remote Series 90-30 racks
- Internal Power Consumption of Backplane
- 3.3 VDC: 600 mA
- 5 VDC: 240 mA
- Field Interface: Isolated 24 VDC terminal block on left side
- Grounding: Integrated internal ground bar for module shield and chassis EMC grounding
- Mounting: Horizontal DIN rail mounting ONLY; vertical installation not recommended by factory
- Clearance Requirement: Minimum 102 mm (4 inches) airflow clearance on all sides
- Compatible Power Supplies: IC695PSA140, IC695PSD140, IC695PSD040
- Compatible Controllers: All RX3i CPU / CPE series (IC695CPU315, CPU320, CRU320, CPE310, CPE330)
- Hot Swap Capability: Hot-swap rated baseplate; discrete/analog/communication I/O modules support hot swap
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
- Physical Dimensions: 264.9 × 141.4 × 147.3 mm
- Compatible Software: Proficy Machine Edition
- Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE
Product Introduction
is a compact 7-slot universal passive backplane for PACSystems RX3i, optimized for small machine control panels, standalone skid systems and lightweight remote I/O stations. The dual-bus design is the core advantage: Slots1–5 carry both PCI high-speed bus and serial expansion bus, supporting incremental migration from legacy Series 90-30 systems without full cabinet replacement.
Critical Slot Layout Rules
- Slot0 is reserved for power supply. Never install CPU or I/O modules in Slot0.
- IC695LRE001 serial expansion transceiver cannot be placed in Slot6, must be installed in Slots1~5.
- Dual-width CPUs (IC695CPU315 / CPU320 / CRU320) occupy two consecutive adjacent slots; reserve continuous space during layout planning.
Comparison with other RX3i baseplates:
- : 7 slots (compact small rack)
- IC695CHS012: 12 slots medium universal rack
- IC695CHS016: 16 slots large universal rack All models share identical dual-bus architecture and module compatibility.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking. Inspect backplane gold edge connectors for oxidation, bending, contamination; check terminal block and DIN rail mounting brackets for damage.
- Live Testing: Mount qualified power supply and RX3i modules into slots. Apply rack power, verify backplane bus communication, confirm all modules are detected in PME hardware configuration, run continuous 24-hour rack stability test.
- Electrical Testing: Check continuity of power traces and ground bar; insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between backplane circuits and chassis protective ground.
- Documentation: Photograph slot layout and wiring positions before shipment.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place unit inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming bus connectivity validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ Horizontal Mount Mandate: Only horizontal DIN rail installation. Vertical mounting impairs natural convection and reduces long-term reliability. ❗ Strict Slot0 Restriction: Only IC695 power supply modules can be installed in Slot0. ❗ Slot6 Bus Limitation: Do not install IC695LRE001 serial transceiver into Slot6; Slot6 lacks serial bus signals. ❗ Dual-Slot CPU Layout Planning: CPU315/CPU320/CRU320 occupy two consecutive slots; avoid splitting across slot boundaries. ❗ Hot Swap Boundary: I/O modules support hot swap; CPU, NIU, redundant memory modules cannot be hot swapped. ❗ EMC Grounding Specification: Connect chassis ground to the built-in ground bar to suppress noise and static discharge. ❗ Power Budget Calculation: Sum all modules’ 3.3V / 5V consumption to avoid overloading the power supply.
Replacement Guide
- Pre-install: Lockout-tagout rack power; save complete PME hardware configuration. Photograph existing slot arrangement, wiring and power module position.
- Removal: Power off all modules, extract every module from baseplate, detach DIN rail mounting clips.
- Install: Mount new horizontally on DIN rail, install power supply first, then all modules following original slot mapping.
- Power-on Test: Restore power; launch Proficy Machine Edition, confirm all modules detected without mismatch faults, verify I/O scanning and communications.
FAQ
Q: Does support hot swap? A: The baseplate itself is hot-swap rated. Standard I/O & communication modules support hot swap; CPU / NIU / redundant modules cannot be hot swapped.
Q: What is the difference between , CHS012 and CHS016? A: Only total slot quantity differs; electrical architecture and module compatibility are identical:
- CHS007: 7 slots compact rack
- CHS012:12 slots
- CHS016:16 slots
Q: Can I plug IC693 Series 90-30 modules directly into this backplane? A: No. IC693 modules cannot mount directly into RX3i backplane. They must be installed on remote expansion racks via IC695LRE001 serial transceiver.
Q: Can multiple expansion racks connect to one main rack? A: Yes, up to 7 expansion racks via IC695LRE001, subject to CPU type and backplane bandwidth limits.
Q: Can multiple power supplies be installed on one ? A: Slot0 is a single dedicated power slot; only one power supply can be fitted. For higher power demand, optimize module load or select larger baseplate.






