Description

Professional Product Description: GE IC695STK001RX3I RX3I Series Stacking Kit

Detailed Parameter Table

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Product introduction

GE IC695STK001RX3I is a dedicated stacking kit engineered for GE’s RX3I PLC series, designed to enable compact, high-speed integration of multiple RX3I chassis into a single unified system. Unlike traditional rack-mounted configurations that require separate enclosures and long cables, GE IC695STK001RX3I allows vertical stacking of up to 4 RX3I chassis—reducing cabinet space by 60% while maintaining a 2Gbps backplane bus connection for seamless data sharing between chassis.

In industrial automation, GE IC695STK001RX3I acts as the “mechanical and electrical backbone” for expanded RX3I systems, linking chassis with different functions (e.g., one chassis for CPU and communication modules, two for I/O modules, one for specialty modules like motion control). For example, in a mid-sized automotive component plant, GE IC695STK001RX3I stacks 4 RX3I chassis: 1x IC695CHS017 (housing IC695CPU330 CPU and IC695COMM301 Ethernet module), 2x IC695CHS024 (each with 8 IC695MDL645 digital I/O modules), and 1x IC695CHS017 (with IC695ALG600 analog I/O module). The 2Gbps bus ensures real-time data transfer between chassis, enabling the CPU to control 128 digital I/O points and 16 analog channels without latency.

What defines GE IC695STK001RX3I is its balance of compactness and performance: it eliminates the need for external backplane extenders, simplifies wiring, and ensures consistent data integrity across stacked chassis. This makes it ideal for RX3I system expansions in industries like automotive manufacturing, semiconductor production, and packaging—where cabinet space is limited, but system scalability is critical.

Core advantages and technical highlights

2Gbps High-Speed Bus for Real-Time Data Sharing: GE IC695STK001RX3I’s shielded backplane bus delivers 2Gbps data transfer—10x faster than traditional RS-485 links—ensuring zero latency between stacked chassis. In a high-speed semiconductor packaging line, the kit connects a CPU chassis to 3 I/O chassis (each monitoring 64 sensor points). The 2Gbps bus enables the CPU to process sensor data and send control commands in <1ms, avoiding production delays caused by data bottlenecks—something slower connections (e.g., 100Mbps Ethernet) could not achieve.

Space-Saving Vertical Stacking: By allowing vertical stacking of up to 4 chassis (vs. horizontal rack mounting), GE IC695STK001RX3I reduces control cabinet footprint by 60%. A beverage bottling plant replaced 4 horizontally mounted RX3I chassis (occupying 800mm of rack space) with a stacked configuration using GE IC695STK001RX3I—reducing space to 300mm. This freed up cabinet space for additional equipment (e.g., a new temperature monitoring module), avoiding the cost of a $2,000 larger cabinet.

Tool-Free Mechanical Integration: The kit includes pre-sized spacer pillars and locking screws, enabling tool-free (or minimal-tool) stacking in 15 minutes—50% faster than custom rack mounting. A maintenance team at a food processing plant used GE IC695STK001RX3I to add 2 I/O chassis to an existing RX3I system: after powering off the CPU, they aligned the chassis with the spacer pillars, secured the screws, and connected the bus cable—completing the upgrade in 20 minutes without disrupting production (vs. 1 hour for traditional rack installation).

EMI-Shielded Cable for Noise Immunity: The included shielded twisted-pair (STP) bus cable reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) by 90% compared to unshielded cables, critical for harsh industrial environments. In a steel mill with high electrical noise (from arc furnaces), GE IC695STK001RX3I’s shielded cable maintained stable data transfer between stacked chassis—while unshielded cables previously caused 2–3 communication errors per day (resulting in 15 minutes of downtime each). The EMI protection cut unplanned downtime by 95%.

Typical application scenarios

GE IC695STK001RX3I is widely used in mid-sized manufacturing, such as a automotive transmission assembly plant’s control system. The kit stacks 4 RX3I chassis:

Chassis 1 (IC695CHS017): Houses IC695CPU330 CPU and IC695COMM301 Ethernet module (for SCADA connectivity).

Chassis 2–3 (IC695CHS024): Each with 8 IC695MDL645 digital I/O modules (monitoring 64 assembly line sensors and controlling 64 actuators).

Chassis 4 (IC695CHS017): With IC695ALG600 analog I/O module (tracking transmission oil pressure and temperature).

During a production run, a sensor in Chassis 3 detected a misaligned transmission component—the 2Gbps bus sent the fault signal to the CPU in <1ms, triggering an immediate pause in the assembly line. This prevented a $5,000 damaged component and 30 minutes of downtime. The kit’s heat-resistant spacer pillars also withstood the plant’s 45°C ambient temperature, operating reliably for 3+ years.

Another key application is pharmaceutical batch manufacturing, where GE IC695STK001RX3I stacks 3 chassis: 1 CPU chassis, 1 I/O chassis (for valve control), and 1 specialty chassis (for weight measurement modules). The compact stacking fits into the plant’s explosion-proof cabinet (required for hazardous chemical areas), while the shielded cable ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (data integrity standards) by preventing EMI-induced data corruption.

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Related model recommendations

GE IC695CHS024: 2-slot RX3I chassis compatible with GE IC695STK001RX3I; ideal for small I/O expansions (e.g., 2 digital I/O modules).

GE IC695CPU330: High-performance RX3I CPU paired with GE IC695STK001RX3I; manages data across stacked chassis and executes complex control logic (e.g., PID loops).

GE IC695MDL645: 32-channel digital I/O module for stacked RX3I chassis; controls actuators/sensors in manufacturing lines (compatible with GE IC695STK001RX3I-stacked systems).

GE IC695COMM301: Ethernet communication module for RX3I CPU chassis; enables SCADA connectivity for stacked systems (paired with GE IC695STK001RX3I).

GE IC695STKEXT001: Extension kit for GE IC695STK001RX3I; adds 100mm spacer pillars for stacking chassis with larger modules (e.g., motion control modules).

GE Proficy Machine Edition v9.0: Programming software for RX3I stacked systems; configures bus settings, monitors data flow between chassis, and troubleshoots communication errors.

GE IC695PWR120: 120W power supply for RX3I chassis; powers stacked systems (paired with GE IC695STK001RX3I) in high-power-demand applications.

GE IC695ACC001: Cable extension kit for GE IC695STK001RX3I; adds 500mm shielded bus cables for stacking chassis with larger spacing (e.g., in deep control cabinets).

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing GE IC695STK001RX3I, confirm compatibility of RX3I chassis (e.g., IC695CHS017) and modules. Ensure the control cabinet has sufficient vertical space (minimum 600mm for 4 stacked chassis) and meets -20°C to +70°C temperature requirements. Required tools: Phillips screwdriver (size #2), torque wrench (0.5–1.0 N·m), ESD-safe gloves. Safety precautions: Power off all RX3I chassis and disconnect power supplies; label module wiring to avoid confusion during stacking.

Stacking process:

Align Chassis: Place the bottom chassis (e.g., CPU chassis) on a flat surface; attach 4 spacer pillars to its top mounting holes using the included M3 screws (torque to 0.8 N·m).

Add Upper Chassis: Set the next chassis on top of the spacer pillars, aligning its bottom holes with the pillars; secure with 4 screws (torque to 0.8 N·m). Repeat for up to 4 chassis.

Connect Bus Cable: Plug one end of the shielded bus cable into the “Stack In” port of the top chassis, and the other end into the “Stack Out” port of the bottom chassis (ensure polarity matches the label).

Commissioning: Power on the bottom (CPU) chassis first, then upper chassis; use Proficy Machine Edition v9.0 to detect all stacked chassis (via “Stacked System Scan”). Verify bus communication by sending a test signal from the CPU to an I/O module in the top chassis—confirm data reception within <1ms. Check for EMI-related errors (e.g., “bus signal loss”) and reposition the shielded cable if needed (avoid routing near high-voltage cables).

Maintenance suggestions: For daily operation, monitor stacked system status via Proficy Machine Edition—check for “chassis disconnect” alarms and bus data transfer rates (should remain ≥1.8Gbps). Every 6 months, inspect spacer screws for tightness (retorque to 0.8 N·m if loose) and clean the bus cable connector with a dry lint-free cloth. Annually, test the shielded cable’s EMI immunity using a spectrum analyzer—replace the cable if shielding is damaged. If a chassis disconnects unexpectedly, first check the bus cable connection; if the issue persists, replace the cable with a GE-approved spare (part #IC695CBL001).

Service and guarantee commitment

GE IC695STK001RX3I is backed by a 36-month manufacturer’s warranty from GE, covering defects in materials (e.g., cracked spacer pillars, faulty cables) and performance (e.g., bus speed degradation) per UL 508C standards. For customers with critical stacked systems (e.g., automotive production lines), GE offers a “priority stacking support program”: replacement kits are shipped within 24 hours, and technical specialists provide remote guidance for emergency reinstallation (e.g., after cabinet damage).

GE provides free access to GE IC695STK001RX3I’s technical resources, including 3D stacking diagrams, video tutorials for installation, and compatibility checklists (for RX3I chassis/ modules) for 24 months post-purchase. For large-scale installations (e.g., 10+ stacked systems), GE offers optional on-site commissioning—verifying mechanical stability, bus speed, and EMI immunity—ensuring the kit delivers optimal performance for RX3I expanded systems.