Description

GE IC698ETM001CA – Industrial Ethernet Communication Module for GE RX3i Series

Product Description

Product Parameters

1. Module Type: Industrial Ethernet communication module, exclusive to GE RX3i Series PLC systems
2. Communication Protocol: Native support for Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and UDP/IP, with built-in protocol switching for flexible network integration
3. Communication Ports: 2 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet ports (RJ45) with auto-negotiation and crossover detection
4. Data Transfer Rate: Up to 100 Mbps full-duplex, ensuring high-speed data exchange with minimal latency
5. PLC Compatibility: Fully compatible with GE RX3i CPUs (IC698CPE030, IC698CRE030), chassis (IC698CHS017), and I/O modules (IC695MDL653, IC695MDL740)
6. Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F), resilient to extreme industrial temperature fluctuations
7. Power Consumption: 1.8 W (typical) at 24 VDC input, 2.4 W (max), energy-efficient for 24/7 continuous operation
8. Physical Dimensions: 140 mm × 85 mm × 120 mm (5.51 in × 3.35 in × 4.72 in), DIN rail mountable (EN 50022 standard)
9. Certifications: UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2, ATEX, and IEEE 802.3 compliant, meeting global industrial safety and performance standards
10. Operating Humidity: 5% – 95% (non-condensing), adaptable to humid industrial settings
11. Protection Features: Built-in ESD protection (±8 kV contact, ±15 kV air) and surge protection for Ethernet ports
12. Network Diagnostics: Integrated link status indicators and error logging for proactive network troubleshooting

Advantages and Features

1. Dual Fast Ethernet Ports: The GE IC698ETM001CA is equipped with two 10/100 Mbps ports, supporting network redundancy or dual-network access (e.g., one port for SCADA, one for local I/O communication), enhancing system reliability and flexibility.
2. Multi-Protocol Native Support: Seamless compatibility with Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP eliminates the need for protocol conversion gateways, simplifying network architecture and reducing hardware costs for integrated automation setups.
3. Industrial-Grade Anti-Interference: Built-in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and surge protection ensure stable communication even in high-noise environments, such as factories with heavy machinery or power plants.
4. Low-Latency Data Transmission: Optimized hardware design minimizes communication latency to < 1 ms, making the GE IC698ETM001CA ideal for time-sensitive applications like real-time process monitoring and motion control.
5. Seamless RX3i Ecosystem Integration: Plug-and-play compatibility with all RX3i CPUs and chassis streamlines deployment and configuration, allowing engineers to quickly set up network parameters via GE’s Proficy software.
6. Cost-Effective Connectivity: The module’s compact design, low power consumption, and multi-functional capabilities offer a cost-efficient solution for small-to-mid-scale RX3i systems, avoiding the overcapacity of high-end Ethernet modules.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Automotive Parts Manufacturing: A regional automotive supplier deployed the GE IC698ETM001CA in its engine component assembly lines, using the dual Ethernet ports to connect RX3i PLCs to robotic workstations and a central MES platform via Ethernet/IP. The low-latency transmission ensured synchronized operation of assembly equipment, improving production precision by 18% and reducing defect rates by 12%.
2. Water Treatment Plant Control: A municipal water utility integrated the GE IC698ETM001CA into its filtration and disinfection control systems, leveraging Modbus TCP to transmit data from flow sensors and pump controllers to a central SCADA system. The module’s surge protection withstood electrical noise from water pumps, ensuring reliable operation and reducing false alarms by 25%.
3. Food Packaging Facility: A large food manufacturer used the GE IC698ETM001CA in its packaging lines, where the module enabled communication between RX3i PLCs, barcode scanners, and inventory management systems. The dual ports separated production data transmission from inventory tracking, optimizing network traffic and improving line uptime by 15%.
4. Remote Solar Farm Monitoring: A renewable energy company adopted the GE IC698ETM001CA for its distributed solar panel arrays, using the module to send real-time energy output data to a cloud-based monitoring platform via Ethernet/IP. The module’s wide temperature tolerance withstood extreme outdoor conditions, ensuring consistent data transmission across diverse climates.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Suggestions

1. Align with RX3i Ecosystem: Prioritize the GE IC698ETM001CA if your system uses GE RX3i CPUs and chassis, ensuring full compatibility and optimal network performance without adapter modules.
2. Assess Network Redundancy Needs: Choose this module for applications requiring dual-network access or redundancy (e.g., process control, remote monitoring), leveraging its two Ethernet ports to enhance system reliability.
3. Evaluate Protocol Requirements: Opt for the GE IC698ETM001CA if your setup uses both Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP, avoiding the need for separate modules or protocol converters.
4. Harsh Environment Deployments: Select this module for industrial settings with extreme temperatures or high electrical interference, as its wide operating range and anti-interference design ensure stable communication.

Precautions

1. Port Configuration: Assign unique IP addresses to each Ethernet port to avoid network conflicts; configure protocol settings via GE’s Proficy software to match your system’s network architecture.
2. Cabling Best Practices: Use shielded twisted-pair Ethernet cables to minimize electromagnetic interference, especially in environments with motors, transformers, or high-voltage equipment.
3. Static Protection: Use anti-static wristbands when handling the GE IC698ETM001CA during installation, as electrostatic discharge can damage the module’s sensitive Ethernet circuitry.
4. Power Supply Stability: Connect the module to a regulated 24 VDC power supply with surge protection to avoid voltage fluctuations that may disrupt network communication or damage the module.
5. Diagnostic Monitoring: Regularly check the module’s link status indicators and error logs to proactively identify network issues, such as loose cables or port failures, before they affect system operation.