GE IC695PNC001 Network Communication Processing Module

Serving as an interface between the RX3i system and external networks (e.g., Ethernet, serial networks), supporting multi-protocol communication;

Handling high-speed data transmission, protocol conversion, and network management to enable seamless connection between PLCs, host computers, and third-party devices;

Supporting redundant network configuration to enhance system reliability, suitable for scenarios requiring high communication stability (e.g., manufacturing production lines, process control).

Interface Types: Typically includes 2 independent Ethernet ports (RJ45) supporting 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation; some models can expand serial ports (RS-232/485);

Physical Layer Design: Built-in isolation transformers resist electromagnetic interference, ensuring stable communication in industrial environments;

Redundancy Support: Supports Ethernet ring networks (e.g., SRP/HSR) or link redundancy, automatically switching to backup paths when the primary network fails.

Supported Protocols:

Protocol Conversion Engine: Achieves data format conversion between different protocols via hardware acceleration chips (e.g., mapping EtherNet/IP data to Modbus registers).

CPU and Memory: Built-in high-performance processor and large-capacity RAM support real-time data processing and caching (e.g., FIFO buffers) to prevent data loss;

Data Mapping Table: Configurable input/output data areas associate network data with RX3i CPU register addresses (e.g., %I, %Q areas).

Interrupt Handling: Supports network event interrupts (e.g., data arrival, network failure), triggering real-time PLC program responses;

Flow Control: Avoids network congestion through IEEE 802.3x flow control, optimizing large-data-volume transmission efficiency.

LED Indicators: Displays power, network connection status, data transmission activity, and fault information (e.g., link disconnection, protocol errors);

Diagnostic Functions: Supports network topology scanning, packet loss rate monitoring, link quality diagnosis, and records abnormal events via module logs.

The module connects to the industrial network via Ethernet ports, auto-negotiating speed and duplex mode;

After receiving network packets, it identifies target protocols (e.g., CIP protocol for EtherNet/IP) based on header information (e.g., IP protocol number, port number).

Parses packets according to protocol rules (e.g., extracting function codes and register addresses from Modbus TCP);

Converts network data into formats recognizable by the RX3i system (e.g., mapping binary data to PLC input registers), as shown in the example:

Network packet (Modbus TCP) → Parsed into [Function code 03, Start address 100, Data length 2] → Mapped to %I100-%I101

Input data flow: Network data → Module cache → Written to CPU input area (%I) via backplane bus;

Output data flow: Data from CPU output area (%Q) → Backplane bus → Module encapsulates into network packets → Sent to external network;

Real-time interaction mechanism: Synchronizes data via periodic scanning (e.g., 10ms cycle) or event triggering (e.g., when data changes).

Redundant network configuration: When using dual Ethernet ports, the module supports link aggregation (LACP) or primary-backup redundancy, automatically switching to the backup port and updating the routing table if the primary port fails;

Network topology management: Supports DHCP client/server mode and static IP configuration, compatible with different network architectures (e.g., star, ring).

Multi-protocol compatibility: Supports mainstream industrial communication protocols, enabling connection of devices from different vendors (e.g., Siemens, Schneider controllers) without additional gateways;

High-speed data transmission: Single-port maximum throughput up to 100 Mbps, suitable for high-real-time scenarios (e.g., SCADA data acquisition, remote I/O control);

Redundancy and reliability: Supports network link redundancy and module hot standby (requires collaboration with RX3i redundant systems), reducing downtime risks;

Flexible configuration tools: Visually configures network parameters, protocol mapping tables, and diagnostic parameters via GE Machine Edition software.

Connects RX3i PLCs with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Intouch) to enable real-time production data monitoring;

Acts as an EtherNet/IP slave station to exchange data with master controllers (e.g., Rockwell PLC).

Connects Modbus RTU devices (e.g., intelligent instruments, frequency converters) to Ethernet, converting them to Modbus TCP protocol via the module;

Connects serial devices (e.g., barcode scanners, printers) with PLCs to achieve real-time production data recording.

Connects to the factory LAN via Ethernet, supporting remote programming and fault diagnosis (e.g., viewing module status via a Web interface);

Enables remote device debugging with VPN functionality (requires software support).

Collaboration with CPU modules: Exchanges data with the CPU in real time via the RX3i backplane bus, with communication logic controlled by CPU programs (e.g., data transmission trigger conditions);

Collaboration with I/O modules: Processes local alarm outputs during network anomalies in conjunction with digital I/O modules (e.g., IC695MDL640);

Collaboration with safety modules: Serves as a communication node in safety systems, transmitting safety-related data (e.g., emergency stop signals, safety door status) to safety PLCs.