IC695EIS001 GE Fanuc RX3i PacSystems IEC 104 Server Module

Product Overview

The IC695EIS001 is a specialized communications interface card manufactured by GE Fanuc for the RX3i PacSystems platform. Operating as an IEC 60870-5-104 protocol server over TCP/IP, this module bridges real-time industrial controller memory structures with electric utility SCADA host applications and regional grid dispatch centers.

Equipped with two auto-sensing 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports and an RS-232 serial Station Manager port, the IC695EIS001 manages up to 6,144 IEC 104 data points across 8 simultaneous client connections. It offloads telecontrol protocol encapsulation, Report-By-Exception (RBE) processing, and 56-bit CP56Time2a timestamping from the host CPU, maintaining deterministic control performance across high-density grid infrastructure.

System Architecture & Telecontrol Capabilities

• IEC 60870-5-104 Protocol Stack Execution
  • Direct native implementation of the IEC 104 client/server protocol over Ethernet TCP/IP.
  • Maintains up to 8 active IEC 104 client connection sockets per module sector.
  • Supports Single Point, Double Point, and Regulated Step command/monitoring structures with native 56-bit time synchronization.
• Dual 10/100 Ethernet & Topology Support
  • Integrated dual 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 interfaces eliminate the need for external transceivers.
  • Supports line, star, and daisy-chain physical network topologies across substation automation architectures.
• Serial Station Manager Interface
  • Dedicated RS-232 serial port (1200 to 115,200 bps) reserved for local diagnostics, baud rate setup, and protocol trace logging.
• Scalable Multi-Module Deployment
  • Up to 4 units can be installed within a single RX3i CPU rack, expanding total host telecontrol capacity to 24,576 data points.
  • Full hot-swappable backplane compliance allows online replacement without interrupting CPU logic execution or adjacent cards.

Technical Specifications

Diagnostic Capabilities & Telemetry Monitoring

• Front Panel Status Indicators: LED indicators provide real-time diagnostic visibility for backplane health, module OK status, serial active communication, and Ethernet port link/activity.
• Station Manager Command Line: Connect via the RS-232 interface to perform live packet inspection, buffer error analysis, TCP socket handshake verifications, and protocol traffic dumps.
• Report-By-Exception (RBE) Tracking: Live status monitoring of event buffers to identify stale telemetry data or unacknowledged command frames from the Master Terminal Unit (MTU).

Target Application Scenarios & Substation Infrastructure

• Electric Power Transmission & Distribution: Acts as an RTU gateway interfacing RX3i controllers with regional grid load dispatch centers over WAN networks.
• Substation Energy Management: Collects breaker statuses, transformer temperature metrics, and feeder protection relay data for transmission over IEC 104 networks.
• Renewable Solar & Wind Farms: Transmits active/reactive power generation values and inverter health metrics to utility SCADA hosts over long-distance fiber optic loops.

Installation & Rack Configuration Guidelines

• Universal Backplane Placement: Mounts in any available I/O slot of an RX3i Universal Rack; requires connection to an RX3i CPU (e.g., CPE305, CPE330, or CPE400).
• Dedicated Bus Current Calculation: Ensure the backplane power supply provides sufficient current capacity for the module's 0.840A load on the 3.3 VDC bus.
• IP Address Partitioning: Configure independent IP subnets when using dual ports across separate security zones or redundant network paths.

Packaging, Logistics & Warranty Terms

• Dispatch Lead Time: Fully tested inventory ready for dispatch within 24 to 48 hours.
• Express International Shipping: Global delivery provided via priority carrier networks including FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
• Packaging Quality: Ships in anti-static protective packaging inside factory-sealed boxes.
• 12-Month Coverage: Backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty against operational defects.

Engineering Procurement Guide

• Calculate Point Count Requirements: Verify that the 6,144 point capacity per card accommodates all digital inputs, double-point statuses, and analog measurements for your site.
• Confirm CPU Compatibility: Verify host firmware compatibility to ensure the RX3i CPU supports the required configuration software version (PAC Machine Edition).
• Check Physical Slot Count: Plan rack dimensions according to current power draw limits and slot availability when specifying multiple telecontrol cards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I access the low-level serial diagnostic utility during commissioning?

A: Attach a null-modem serial cable to the front RS-232 port, launch a terminal emulator at 9600 bps, and access the internal Station Manager menu structure.

Q: What occurs if communication to the primary IEC 104 client host drops?

A: The module holds event data in an internal RBE queue with 56-bit timestamps and automatically flushes buffered events once the TCP socket reconnects.

Q: Can the dual Ethernet ports be assigned to two entirely separate IP subnets?

A: Yes, configuring separate IP addresses on each port enables dual-homed connectivity across isolated control networks.

Q: Will removing or inserting this module while the backplane is powered disrupt host CPU execution?

A: No, the card supports hot-swapping on universal backplanes, allowing hardware replacement without affecting CPU operation or adjacent I/O cards.

Q: Is an external protocol conversion gateway required between this module and an IEC 104 master?

A: No, the module processes the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol natively over TCP/IP, connecting directly to standard network switches or routers.

Global PLC Spare HUB's Insight

During a retrofit at a regional distribution substation, an operator needed to bridge legacy PLC control racks with a newly modernized grid dispatch SCADA system using the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol over fiber-optic Ethernet. Replacing the entire controller architecture was budget-prohibitive and would require extensive downtime.

Our engineering team provided the IC695EIS001 telecontrol module as an drop-in expansion. By populating a single slot in the existing universal rack, the facility established native IEC 104 communication without altering core ladder logic or installing third-party protocol converters. The built-in 56-bit time stamping ensured accurate sequence-of-events recording during grid trips, cutting commissioning time significantly and saving tens of thousands in hardware costs.

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