Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
- Series: PACSystems RX3i Serial Expansion I/O (IC694 Platform)
- Core Function: Genius Bus Master communication module installed on IC694 serial expansion rack. Converts RX3i serial expansion bus signals to Genius differential RS485 bus, acting as Genius master to communicate with IC670 Genius remote I/O field stations.
- Product Type: Single-width Serial Expansion Genius Bus Master Module
- Key Specs: Genius Bus Master | Supports max 31 Genius field stations | Software configurable baud rates | 128 bytes I/O data exchange per station Note: Discontinued legacy migration module; new original stock limited, surplus & refurbished units widely available. Install only on IC694CHS392 / IC694CHS398 serial expansion baseplates. CANNOT plug directly into IC695CHSxxx RX3i main racks. No hot swap support. Not equivalent to IC693BEM331 or IC695BEM331.
Key Technical Specifications
- Protocol: Genius Serial Bus Master (RS485 differential physical layer)
- Supported Baud Rates: 38.4 kbps, 76.8 kbps, 153.6 kbps
- Maximum Number of Genius Field Stations: 31 per bus segment
- Per Station Data Capacity: Max 128 bytes combined input/output data
- Physical Interface: 9-pin D-Sub Genius bus connector
- Isolation Rating: 1500 VAC isolation between Genius field bus and backplane logic
- Backplane Power Consumption 5 VDC: 300 mA
- Status LED Indicators: MODULE OK, BUS ACTIVE, FAULT
- Genius Bus Termination: External 120Ω termination resistor required at both bus endpoints
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
- Form Factor: Single-width IC694 module
- Compatible Expansion Baseplates: IC694CHS392 (10-slot), IC694CHS398 (5-slot)
- System Architecture: Connects to RX3i CPU via IC695LRE001 serial expansion transceiver
- Supported Software: Proficy Machine Edition, Logicmaster 90
- Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE
Product Introduction
is a Genius bus master module designed for RX3i serial expansion racks. It enables modern RX3i CPUs to communicate with legacy GE Genius distributed I/O (IC670 series field stations) without modifying the main RX3i CPU rack layout.
System topology: RX3i Main Rack → IC695LRE001 → Serial expansion cable → IC694CHS expansion rack with → Genius RS485 bus → multiple IC670 Genius field stations.
Critical Distinction Table
- : Genius Master on IC694 serial expansion rack (remote expansion rack)
- IC695BEM331: Genius Master module directly installed inside RX3i main rack
- IC693BEM331: Genius Master for native Series 90-30 main backplane These three modules have similar function but different form factors and incompatible backplanes, cannot interchange.
Important Wiring Rule: Genius bus requires proper 120Ω termination at the two farthest field stations; missing termination causes communication jitter and random station dropout.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking. Inspect backplane gold pins for oxidation/bending; check D-Sub Genius bus connector and housing integrity.
- Live Testing: Mount onto validated IC694CHS expansion baseplate. Establish serial expansion communication with RX3i CPU, connect Genius slave station, run continuous 24-hour cyclic data exchange test.
- Electrical Testing: Monitor backplane 5V rail stability. Insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between Genius bus circuit and chassis protective ground.
- Firmware Record: Document hardware revision; photograph front panel connector before clearing configuration.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place unit inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming backplane bus and Genius communication validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ No Hot Swap Support: Modules on IC694 serial expansion racks cannot be hot swapped. Full rack power shutdown mandatory before removal. ❗ Baseplate Restriction: Only install on IC694CHS392 / IC694CHS398 serial expansion baseplates. Cannot be inserted into RX3i main IC695CHS racks. ❗ Bus Termination Mandate: Install 120Ω termination resistor at both physical ends of the Genius cable. ❗ Station Address Management: All Genius field station node addresses must be unique; duplicate addresses crash bus communication. ❗ Baud Rate Consistency: All stations on the same Genius bus must use identical baud rate setting. ❗ EMC Guidance: Route shielded Genius cable separately from high-power AC cables; connect cable shield single-point grounding. ❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages RS485 transceivers, leading to intermittent Genius bus dropouts.
Replacement Guide
- Pre-install: Lockout-tagout expansion rack power; back up PME Genius bus configuration. Photograph slot layout and Genius bus wiring. Record all field station node addresses.
- Removal: Disconnect Genius D-Sub cable, unlatch module and slide straight out without twisting backplane pins.
- Install: Seat new into original slot on expansion baseplate, reconnect Genius bus wiring.
- Power-on Test: Restore rack power; confirm BUS ACTIVE LED, verify RX3i CPU detects all Genius remote I/O stations and cyclic data exchange operates normally.
FAQ
Q: Does support hot swapping? A: No. All modules on serial expansion racks do not support hot swap. Full rack power shutdown required.
Q: What is the difference between and IC695BEM331? A:
- : Installed on serial expansion rack
- IC695BEM331: Directly installed inside RX3i main IC695CHS rack Functionally both Genius bus master, physical form factor incompatible, not interchangeable.
Q: Can work as Genius Slave? A: No, it operates only as Genius Bus Master.
Q: How many Genius field stations can one support? A: Maximum 31 Genius stations per bus segment.
Q: Can I connect Series 90-30 Genius I/O to this module? A: Yes, compatible with all standard IC670 Genius field stations.
Q: Will Genius configuration automatically load onto replacement module? A: Genius bus parameters reside in the RX3i CPU project. After replacement, verify bus baud rate and confirm all remote stations are scanned normally.
