GE IC695PBS301 – Profibus DP Slave Communication Module | PACSystems RX3i Platform
Engineering Background: The Profibus DP (Decentralized Periphery) protocol remains one of the most widely deployed fieldbus standards in process and discrete manufacturing automation worldwide. Introduced under IEC 61158, Profibus DP enables deterministic, high-speed communication between a master controller and distributed I/O nodes, drives, and intelligent field devices — all over a single twisted-pair cable at speeds up to 12 Mbit/s.
Product Positioning: The GE IC695PBS301 is GE Automation’s dedicated Profibus DP Slave module for the PACSystems RX3i backplane architecture. It allows an RX3i CPU system to participate as a DP slave node on an existing Profibus network — a critical capability when integrating GE controllers into legacy plant infrastructure or multi-vendor automation environments where a Siemens, ABB, or Schneider master already governs the fieldbus. Engineers specify this module when the RX3i must receive cyclic process data from a Profibus DP master without requiring a full gateway or protocol converter.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Part Number | IC695PBS301 |
| Manufacturer | GE Automation & Controls (now Emerson) |
| Platform | PACSystems RX3i |
| Module Type | Profibus DP Slave Communication Module |
| Protocol | Profibus DP (EN 50170 / IEC 61158) |
| Node Role | DP Slave (Class 1 & Class 2 compatible) |
| Baud Rate | 9.6 kbit/s – 12 Mbit/s (auto-detect) |
| Max I/O Data | 244 bytes input / 244 bytes output (cyclic) |
| Backplane Interface | RX3i Universal Backplane (IC695 series) |
| Connector | DB9 female (RS-485) |
| Isolation | Optical isolation on Profibus interface |
| Power Consumption | Supplied via RX3i backplane (3.3 V / 5 V rails) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5 % – 95 % non-condensing |
| Module Weight | Approx. 240 g |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | Standard RX3i single-slot form factor |
| GSD File | Required for master configuration (available from GE/Emerson) |
| Certifications | CE, UL, cUL |
| Firmware Upgrade | Supported via Proficy Machine Edition (PME) |
Proven Application Environments
The IC695PBS301 is field-proven across a broad range of industrial sectors where Profibus DP infrastructure is already established:
- Automotive Assembly Lines — Slave integration with Siemens S7 or S5 Profibus masters controlling robot cells, conveyor drives, and weld controllers; the RX3i handles local safety interlocks while exchanging cyclic data with the plant master.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Plants — Distributed control architectures where a DCS master (e.g., ABB 800xA, Honeywell Experion) governs the Profibus segment; the IC695PBS301 enables the RX3i to act as a smart slave reporting process variables and accepting setpoints.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — SCADA-driven Profibus networks connecting pump stations, valve actuators, and flow meters; the RX3i slave node aggregates local I/O and presents a clean data interface to the master PLC.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing — FDA-regulated batch processes requiring deterministic fieldbus communication; Profibus DP’s time-stamped cyclic data supports audit-trail requirements.
- Power Generation & Utilities — Turbine control auxiliaries and switchgear automation where the RX3i must interoperate with legacy Profibus segments without full system replacement.
- Material Handling & Packaging — High-speed conveyor and palletizer lines where 12 Mbit/s Profibus DP ensures sub-millisecond update cycles for coordinated motion.
Engineering Advantages
- Auto Baud-Rate Detection — The IC695PBS301 automatically synchronizes to the master’s baud rate (9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s), eliminating manual DIP-switch configuration and reducing commissioning time.
- Full 244-Byte I/O Capacity — Supports the maximum Profibus DP cyclic data payload (244 bytes in / 244 bytes out), accommodating complex process images without segmentation.
- Optical Isolation — The RS-485 Profibus interface is optically isolated from the RX3i backplane, protecting the CPU and other modules from ground loops and transient surges common in industrial environments.
- Seamless PME Integration — Configured entirely within Proficy Machine Edition; no external configuration tool required. The module maps Profibus data directly to the RX3i reference table (%I, %Q, %AI, %AQ).
- Hot-Swap Capable Backplane — When installed in an RX3i hot-standby or redundant backplane configuration, module replacement does not require a full system shutdown.
- Diagnostic Transparency — Supports Profibus DP diagnostic messaging (Class 1 & Class 2), enabling the master to read module status, communication errors, and data validity flags in real time.
- Multi-Master Compatibility — Operates correctly with any Profibus DP Class 1 master regardless of manufacturer (Siemens, ABB, Schneider, Rockwell, etc.), ensuring true multi-vendor interoperability.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
In a typical deployment, the IC695PBS301 occupies one slot in the RX3i universal backplane alongside the CPU (e.g., IC695CPE330 or IC695CPU320) and I/O modules. The signal flow is as follows:
- Profibus DP Master (e.g., Siemens CP 342-5) initiates a cyclic data exchange with the IC695PBS301 slave node using the GSD file to define the I/O configuration.
- IC695PBS301 receives output data from the master and writes it to the RX3i backplane reference table (%I / %AI); simultaneously, it reads input data from the backplane (%Q / %AQ) and transmits it back to the master in the same cycle.
- RX3i CPU executes the ladder/function block program, consuming the received data and producing response data each scan cycle.
- Acyclic Services (DP-V1) allow the master to read/write module parameters and diagnostics outside the cyclic data exchange — useful for online parameter changes and predictive maintenance data collection.
Termination resistors must be enabled at both physical ends of the Profibus segment. The IC695PBS301’s DB9 connector is compatible with standard Profibus connectors (e.g., Siemens 6ES7 972-0BA52-0XA0) that include integrated termination switches.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Authentic Hardware Only — Konmask.com sources IC695PBS301 modules exclusively from authorized distributors and verified industrial surplus channels. Every unit undergoes identity verification against GE/Emerson part markings and date codes.
- Functional Test Protocol — Each module is bench-tested for backplane communication integrity and Profibus DP slave handshake before dispatch.
- Condition Grading — Units are graded as New (factory-sealed), Refurbished (tested, cleaned, re-labeled), or Surplus (used, tested, cosmetic wear acceptable). Grade is stated explicitly in the listing.
- Traceability — Serial numbers and firmware versions are recorded at intake and available upon request for maintenance records.
- Warranty — 12-month replacement warranty against hardware defects under normal operating conditions.
Procurement Process
- Confirm Compatibility — Verify your RX3i backplane type (IC695 series) and CPU firmware version support the IC695PBS301. Consult GE/Emerson PACSystems RX3i System Manual (GFK-2314).
- Request a Quote — Contact Konmask.com via support@konmask.com or +0086 19859288691 for volume pricing, lead time, and condition grade availability.
- Place Order — Orders accepted via the online store, email PO, or bank transfer (T/T). Proforma invoice issued within 24 hours.
- Shipping — DHL / FedEx / UPS express available worldwide. Export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, COO) provided for customs clearance.
- After-Sales Support — Technical commissioning support available via email. GSD file and PME configuration guidance provided at no charge.
Technical FAQ
Q: Can the IC695PBS301 operate as a Profibus DP master?
A: No. The IC695PBS301 is a slave-only module. For DP master functionality on the RX3i platform, use the IC695PBM300.
Q: Is DP-V1 acyclic communication supported?
A: Yes. The IC695PBS301 supports DP-V1 Class 1 and Class 2 acyclic services, enabling parameter read/write and diagnostic access from the master.
Q: What is the maximum number of IC695PBS301 modules per RX3i system?
A: Multiple slave modules can be installed in the same backplane, subject to backplane slot availability and CPU reference table capacity. Consult GFK-2314 for slot assignment rules.
Q: Does the module require a GSD file?
A: Yes. The GSD file (device description file) must be imported into the Profibus master’s configuration tool so the master can recognize the IC695PBS301 as a valid slave node. GE/Emerson provides the GSD file through their support portal.
Q: What happens if the Profibus master goes offline?
A: The IC695PBS301 enters a safe state as defined in the PME configuration — outputs can be set to hold last value or go to a predefined fail-safe state. The RX3i CPU continues executing its program and can trigger alarms via local I/O.
Q: Is this module compatible with PACSystems RX7i?
A: No. The IC695PBS301 is designed for the RX3i universal backplane (IC695 series). The RX7i platform uses IC697/IC698 series modules with a different backplane architecture.
Q: Can I replace this module without powering down the system?
A: Hot-swap capability depends on the backplane configuration and CPU redundancy setup. In standard (non-redundant) configurations, a controlled shutdown is recommended before module replacement.
© 2026 Konmask.com. All rights reserved.
Original Source: https://Konmask.com
Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
