Description

The GE IC698ETM001 is an integrated Ethernet interface module designed specifically for the GE Fanuc (now Emerson) PACSystems RX7i programmable automation controller platform. Unlike optional co-processor cards such as the IC698CPE030, the GE IC698ETM001 serves as the native Ethernet port directly associated with the RX7i CPU module (e.g., IC698CPU315 or IC698CPU320). It provides a dedicated 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 connection that enables programming, diagnostics, HMI communication, peer-to-peer data exchange, and remote firmware updates—all over a single industrial-grade Ethernet link.

Physically installed adjacent to the CPU in the RX7i backplane (typically in slot 1 or 2 of chassis like the IC698CHS009), the GE IC698ETM001 is not a standalone processor but rather an extension of the CPU’s built-in communication subsystem. This tight integration ensures low-latency access to logic tags, real-time program monitoring, and secure configuration uploads—critical for maintaining operational continuity in regulated industries. While it does not offload network tasks like the CPE series, the GE IC698ETM001 delivers robust, deterministic performance for standard control networking needs and remains a foundational component in thousands of active RX7i installations worldwide.

GE IC698ETM001

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

Native CPU-level Ethernet connectivity: The GE IC698ETM001 is not an add-on—it is the official Ethernet path for the RX7i CPU. This ensures full compatibility with Proficy Machine Edition (PME) for online debugging, force operations, and firmware upgrades without requiring third-party drivers or protocol converters.

Simplified system architecture: By providing a built-in gigabit port, the GE IC698ETM001 eliminates the need for serial programming cables or external communication gateways in most applications. Engineers can connect laptops directly to the controller for troubleshooting or integrate HMIs using standard Ethernet switches.

Seamless redundancy support: In dual-CPU configurations within the IC698CHS009 chassis, each CPU uses its own GE IC698ETM001 for independent network access. During hot-standby failover, connected clients can reconnect to the active CPU using updated IP information—minimizing downtime in critical processes.

Cybersecurity-ready: The GE IC698ETM001 supports static IP addressing, MAC filtering, and secure boot (when paired with updated CPU firmware), aligning with NERC CIP and IEC 62443 best practices for industrial network segmentation and access control.

We rigorously test every GE IC698ETM001 for link negotiation at 1 Gbps, SRTP handshake stability with PME, and thermal endurance under sustained traffic—ensuring it performs reliably even after years in storage.

Application Field

The GE IC698ETM001 is ubiquitous in electric utility substations, where it connects RX7i-based breaker control systems to SCADA masters via Modbus TCP over fiber media converters. Its reliability ensures that trip commands and status updates flow without delay during grid faults. In municipal water treatment plants, the GE IC698ETM001 links chlorine dosing controllers to central dashboards, enabling remote compliance reporting and alarm acknowledgment.

In oil & gas terminals, it supports tank farm level monitoring and pump sequencing, with data shared securely to corporate ESD systems. Even in legacy pharmaceutical batch reactors, the GE IC698ETM001 enables auditable recipe downloads and electronic batch records via validated Ethernet paths. Across all these sectors, the GE IC698ETM001 delivers the simplicity, security, and standards compliance required for modern industrial networking—without adding complexity or cost.

GE IC698ETM001

Related Products

• GE IC698CPU315: Standard RX7i CPU—requiresGE IC698ETM001 for Ethernet access

• GE IC698CPU320: Enhanced-memory CPU—also pairs withGE IC698ETM001

• GE IC698CHS009: Redundant 10-slot chassis—hosts dual CPU +GE IC698ETM001 pairs

• GE IC698CPE030: Gigabit co-processor module—for high-throughput offloaded networking (optional)

• Proficy Machine Edition (PME): Official software for configuring and communicating viaGE IC698ETM001

• GE IC698PSD030 / PSA030: Redundant power supplies for RX7i chassis

• RX7i I/O Modules (e.g., IC698MDL750, IC698ALG260): Digital/analog I/O used alongsideGE IC698ETM001