Description

The GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 is a high-performance Ethernet Interface Module (ETM) for the PACSystems RX7i programmable automation controller platform. This module serves as a critical communications gateway, providing a high-speed, standardized Ethernet network connection for the RX7i system. Installed directly into the RX7i chassis, the GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 allows the central CPU (such as the IC698CMX016) to communicate with a wide array of devices on the plant network. Its primary role is to enable data exchange with human-machine interfaces (HMIs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, other PLCs, and enterprise-level software, effectively integrating the control layer with higher-level information systems.

The IC698ETM001 leverages the high-speed PCI bus of the RX7i backplane to ensure rapid and deterministic data transfer between the network and the controller’s memory. This module is not a simple physical layer converter; it operates as an intelligent network node with its own processor, managing network traffic efficiently to minimize the load on the main CPU. By offloading communication tasks, the GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 enhances the overall performance and responsiveness of the control system. It supports standard Ethernet protocols, making it a versatile and future-proof solution for modern industrial networking. The reliability and speed of the GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 make it an indispensable component for building connected, data-rich automation architectures in today’s industrial environments.

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

The GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 offers several key advantages that streamline system integration and enhance performance. A primary feature is its dual-protocol support. It natively supports SRTP, which is optimized for high-speed, deterministic data exchange with GE’s Proficy HMI/SCADA systems and programming software (Machine Edition). Simultaneously, its built-in Modbus TCP server and client functionality provide exceptional interoperability, allowing the RX7i to communicate seamlessly with a vast ecosystem of third-party devices like drives, weigh scales, and other PLCs that use this industry-standard protocol. This dual capability eliminates the need for additional protocol gateways, reducing complexity and cost.

The module’s intelligent design is another significant advantage. By handling network communications independently of the main CPU, the IC698ETM001 prevents the control scan from being impacted by network traffic, ensuring deterministic execution of the control logic. The auto-negotiating 10/100 Mbps port simplifies installation by automatically selecting the best possible speed and duplex setting with the connected switch. The comprehensive set of status LEDs provides instant visual feedback for network activity, link status, and module health, which greatly accelerates troubleshooting. The robust construction of the GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 ensures reliable operation in an industrial setting, making it a cornerstone for building robust and scalable network architectures.

Application Field

The GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 is utilized across all industries employing the RX7i platform for control, wherever Ethernet connectivity is required. In manufacturing and automotive assembly plants, the module connects controllers to HMIs on the shop floor, allowing operators to monitor machine status and production data. It also enables data collection for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to track Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and production counts. In water and wastewater treatment facilities, the IC698ETM001 is used to link multiple PLCs across a large site to a central SCADA system, providing operators with a unified view of the entire process from a control room.

In the energy sector, including power generation and oil & gas, the module facilitates the integration of control systems with historian software for trend analysis and asset management. The Modbus TCP capability of the GE Fanuc IC698ETM001 is particularly valuable in these settings for interfacing with packages of third-party equipment. Furthermore, in large material handling and logistics centers, the module enables communication between the central RX7i controller and a network of smaller subsystems, ensuring coordinated operation of conveyors, sorters, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Its role is critical in creating the interconnected systems that define modern industrial automation.

IC698ETM001 GE

Related Products

IC698CMX016: The RX7i CPU module that the IC698ETM001 connects to the network.

IC698CHS117: A common RX7i chassis that houses the IC698ETM001 module.

IC698ETM002: A potential alternative or later version Ethernet module with different or enhanced features.

IC698CMM001: A serial communications module, providing an alternative (RS-232/485) communication path for legacy devices.

IC698CPE010: A power supply module that provides power to the chassis containing the IC698ETM001.

DSM314: An Ethernet module for GE’s Series 90-30 PLC, often referenced in upgrade scenarios to the RX7i platform with the IC698ETM001.