GE IC695EDS001 DNP3 Ethernet Outstation (Slave) module

Description

In utility substations where SCADA masters poll remote terminal units over wide-area networks, or in water districts coordinating pump stations across sprawling grids, the GE IC695EDS001 ensures seamless data exchange without protocol mismatches halting operations. Engineers deploy it in renewable energy farms tracking turbine status or in pipeline monitoring systems where DNP3 compliance is non-negotiable for regulatory reporting and event logging. This module addresses the pain of integrating modern PLC logic with legacy DNP3 master stations, handling unsolicited reports and time-synchronized polls amid fluctuating network loads. In industrial automation setups like district heating plants or rail signaling, GE IC695EDS001 bridges RX3i controllers to DNP3 networks, delivering binary points, analog values, and control commands with built-in buffering to survive brief outages.

Power generation sites value its role in distributed control systems, where multiple outstations aggregate meter data for grid stability analysis. The GE IC695EDS001 shines in environments demanding high point counts—thousands of objects—while fitting into compact RX3i racks alongside CPUs and I/O. For integrators upgrading from older RTUs, it simplifies retrofits by mapping PACSystems variables directly to DNP3 address spaces, cutting custom coding and testing time.​

Product Introduction & Positioning

The GE IC695EDS001 serves as a DNP3 Ethernet outstation (slave) module for Emerson’s PACSystems RX3i platform, enabling RX3i controllers to act as intelligent field devices on DNP3 networks. It occupies a single slot in universal backplanes, connecting via dual Ethernet ports to communicate with DNP3 master stations using TCP or UDP over IP. Core functions include mapping RX3i %I, %Q, %AI, and %AQ memory to DNP3 static and event objects, with support for levels 1, 2, and 3 features like file transfer and unscheduled responses​

In system architecture, GE IC695EDS001 extends the RX3i CPU’s reach to SCADA/EMS environments, offloading protocol handling so the controller focuses on logic execution. Valuable for engineers, it supports up to 65,535 points per module, configurable via Proficy Machine Edition, and scales to four modules per rack for massive deployments. This positions GE IC695EDS001 as a cost-effective alternative to dedicated RTUs, especially in brownfield expansions where Ethernet infrastructure already exists.

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Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

Dual independent Ethernet ports on the GE IC695EDS001 provide redundancy and flexibility, with auto-negotiation for 10/100 Mbps and support for ring topologies via protocols like RSTP. DNP3 implementation covers full object groups—binary/analog in/out, counters, frozen data—plus vital features like event buffering (up to 10,000 events), time sync via IRIG-B or NTP, and password authentication for secure sessions. Performance hits 1000 events/second reporting, with configurable deadbands and scan rates to optimize master polling without overwhelming the network.​

Hardware reliability includes front-panel diagnostics LEDs for port status, module OK, and fault conditions, plus low power draw that fits dense RX3i configurations. Operating from -40°C to 60°C, it withstands industrial shocks and EMI per IEC standards, with MTBF exceeding 1 million hours. No field wiring needed—just Ethernet drops—makes it rack-friendly, and firmware flash updates keep it aligned with evolving DNP3 revisions​

Integration leverages RX3i reference tables for zero-effort point mapping, with built-in diagnostics logging errors to %M memory for troubleshooting. Long-term, features like non-volatile event queues survive power cycles, ensuring no data loss during brownouts common in remote sites.​

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

IC695EDS002 – Enhanced DNP3 outstation with binary file services, extends GE IC695EDS001 for archival data apps.​

IC695PBM001 – PROFINET module, pairs with GE IC695EDS001 for dual-protocol rack connectivity​

IC695CPE400 – High-performance RX3i CPU that drives GE IC695EDS001 in demanding SCADA integrations​

IC695NIU001 – Ethernet NIU for remote racks hosting GE IC695EDS001 as networked outstations​

IC695CRU320 – High-availability CPU, uses GE IC695EDS001 in redundant DNP3 setups.​

IC694PWR321 – Power supply compatible with racks containing multiple GE IC695EDS001 modules.​

Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

Position the GE IC695EDS001 away from high-power I/O in the rack to minimize noise coupling, and assign it static IP addresses matching the DNP3 network subnet—verify via front LEDs before going online. Connect to managed switches supporting VLANs if segmenting traffic, and enable port security to block unauthorized masters. During config, validate point mappings in Proficy simulator to catch overlaps, then perform a loopback test with a DNP3 client for response times under load.​

Quarterly, monitor event buffer usage via diagnostics page and clear if nearing capacity, especially post-outages. Firmware checks through Ethernet ensure compliance with master revisions—schedule during low-traffic windows. Log network stats to spot packet loss early, and in hot/humid sites, confirm cabinet ventilation prevents thermal throttling of Ethernet PHYs.