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Phone: +86 16626708626Description
Product Model: IC694BEM331C
Product Brand: GE Fanuc (now part of Emerson)
Product Series: PACSystems RX3i / Genius Bus Controller family
Product Features:
- Interfaces the Genius serial I/O bus to PACSystems RX3i racks, supporting up to 128 bytes per device plus 128 bytes of global data per scan.
- Supports configurable baud rates (153.5 kbaud standard/extended, 76.8 kbaud, 38.4 kbaud) and can support up to 32 devices (or 16 at the slowest baud) on the Genius bus.
- Built-in diagnostics with “OK” and “COM” LEDs on the front panel for quick visual status of the Genius bus.
- Rugged design with 2000 V isolation (Hi-Pot) and compatibility with legacy systems such as Series 90-30 and VersaMax platforms, enabling system upgrades or migration.
- IC694BEM331C
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | IC694BEM331C |
| Brand | GE Fanuc / Emerson |
| Series | PACSystems RX3i / Genius Bus Controller |
| Protocol Support | Genius serial I/O bus |
| Data Length per Device | Up to 128 bytes per device |
| Global Data per Scan | Up to 128 bytes |
| Baud Rates Supported | 153.5 kbaud (std/extended), 76.8 kbaud, 38.4 kbaud |
| Maximum Number of Devices | Up to 32 devices at most baud rates; 16 devices at 38.4 kbaud |
| Maximum Bus Length | ~7,800 ft at 38.4 kbaud; ~4,500 ft at 76.8 kbaud; ~3,500 ft at 153.6 kbaud (extended) |
| Isolation / Hi-Pot Rating | 2,000 V Hi-Pot; 1,500 V transient common-mode |
| Current Consumption | ~300 mA at 5 VDC (maximum) |
| Mounting/Series Compatibility | Fits PACSystems RX3i rack; compatible with Series 90-30 and VersaMax legacy systems |
Applications & Industry Context
In many industrial automation environments where remote I/O, distributed sensor networks, or legacy field devices remain in place, a module like the IC694BEM331C becomes a key bridge. Imagine a machine-builder or process plant that once deployed the Genius I/O system years ago, and now wants to upgrade the central PLC platform to a modern rack such as the PACSystems RX3i. Rather than ripping out all the remote drops, the IC694BEM331C permits you to retain that Genius bus infrastructure while giving a new “master side” interface. The module effectively sits in the rack and performs as the Genius Bus Controller.
In a pulp & paper mill or chemical‐plant skid where sensors and field devices are distributed over long distances and run on the Genius serial bus, the IC694BEM331C supports long cable lengths – for example up to 7,800 ft at 38.4 kbaud. That gives meaningful savings in wiring cost and allows flexible layouts. Moreover when you have retrofits or expansions, offering a “drop‐in” solution that re-uses existing serial bus cabling is a big advantage.
In automotive assembly, packaging lines, or heavy-duty industrial systems where downtime is expensive, choosing a competent module such as the IC694BEM331C means you gain advanced diagnostics and large data throughput (128 bytes per device) which supports more complex I/O nodes, status blocks, or diagnostics data. In practice I’ve worked on projects where replacing a cheaper bus interface with a Genius bus controller like this one improved overall diagnostics and allowed predictive maintenance of remote nodes because more data was available per scan.
