IC695CMM002CA GE RX3i Serial Communications Datasheet

GE FANUC IC695CMM002CA RX3i PacSystem Serial Communications Module

The GE FANUC IC695CMM002CA, also cataloged as the IC695CMM002CA Dual-Channel Serial Communications Module, operates as a dedicated hardware component for multi-protocol serial data exchange within GE / Emerson PACSystems RX3i platforms. The card manages the physical link layer and protocol framing across two independent serial channels, offloading data-intensive polling tasks from the central processing unit to coordinate with localized peripheral devices.

Hardware Specifications

Industrial Control & PLC Platform Properties

The GE FANUC IC695CMM002CA interfaces with the high-speed RX3i PCI backplane bus to maximize data distribution velocity across the controller rack. The internal architecture features an independent communication processor mated to a 2 KB data buffer per channel, ensuring zero logic execution degradation on the host CPU during multi-drop polling cycles. Operating configuration modes scale port deployment across Modbus RTU Master/Slave, SNP/SNP-X, and raw ASCII protocol networks. Channel-to-channel isolation parameters up to 1500 V shield the backplane bus from external common-mode voltages, while the CA variant suffix denotes integrated conformal coating to defend internal components from atmospheric trace pollutants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the 1500 V isolation threshold protect the underlying RX3i backplane network during multi-drop RS-485 routing?

A: The module embeds optocouplers and isolated DC-DC converters on each serial channel. If an external field wiring fault or ground loop spike occurs on an RS-485 bus network, the 1500 V barrier confines the electrical discharge to the terminal transceiver stage, preventing damage to the high-speed PCI backplane logic.

Q: Can Port 1 be configured for Modbus RTU Master while Port 2 runs independent ASCII string capture?

A: Yes, both channels function as separate logic entities with dedicated hardware registers and baud rate generators spanning 300 to 115.2 kbps. Individual configurations, parity formats, error counters, and port status tracking parameters are isolated inside the configuration software matrix.

Q: What are the symptoms and diagnostic outcomes if the internal 2 KB channel buffer size is exceeded?

A: When incoming serial data packet velocity exceeds the controller scan transmission interval, the 2 KB FIFO buffer saturates. The internal processor increments the onboard error counters and communication statistics registers, flagging a buffer overrun diagnostic fault to the central controller.

Field Installation Guidelines

• Chassis Seating and Engagement: Insert the IC695CMM002CA module vertically into any available slot on the RX3i universal backplane. Maintain perpendicular alignment while sliding the module backward along the rack guides until the physical PCI connectors engage completely, then tighten the integrated retaining tabs to anchor the module.
• RS-485 Terminating Resistors and Line Bias: When deploying long-distance multi-drop RS-485 links, terminate both physical ends of the cable run with a matched 120 ohm resistor across the signal pair. This step mitigates line reflections and stabilizes the signal state across multi-device networks.
• Shielding Ground Isolation Matrix: Route all serial communication cables in dedicated low-voltage wiring ducts separated from AC lines. Terminate the overall cable drain wire at the designated chassis grounding point on the RX3i rack frame only, keeping the shield floating at the remote device to break potential ground loop paths.