PCI-8517 Industrial Communication Interface Card

Description

PCI-8517

The GE PCI-8517 serves as a critical communication bridge between industrial control systems and field devices, enabling fast and reliable data exchange in complex automation environments. This PCI-based interface card installs directly into industrial computers or control system workstations, transforming standard computing hardware into powerful communication hubs capable of handling multiple industrial protocols simultaneously. Positioned at the intersection of supervisory systems and field networks, the GE PCI-8517 facilitates real-time data transmission between SCADA systems, PLCs, and intelligent field devices—supporting both cyclic control data and acyclic diagnostic information.

PCI-8517

What distinguishes this interface card is its multi-protocol processing architecture, which maintains high throughput across all connected networks without cross-protocol interference. It features dedicated hardware acceleration for time-critical industrial protocols, ensuring deterministic communication even under maximum load conditions. Built-in network redundancy capabilities allow for seamless failover between primary and backup communication paths, preventing data loss during network disruptions. The GE PCI-8517 also includes advanced diagnostic tools that monitor network health, signal quality, and protocol performance—providing actionable insights to maintenance teams.

Main features and advantages:

Selecting the GE PCI-8517 delivers significant advantages to industrial communication infrastructure, starting with enhanced data throughput capabilities. Its advanced processing architecture supports data transfer rates up to 1Gbps across multiple simultaneous protocol sessions, eliminating bottlenecks in high-density network environments. This increased bandwidth enables more frequent data sampling from field devices, supporting advanced analytics and machine learning applications that require high-resolution operational data.

The GE PCI-8517 simplifies system integration by providing a single interface for multiple industrial protocols, reducing the need for separate communication cards and minimizing hardware complexity. Its plug-and-play compatibility with GE’s Proficy software suite streamlines configuration and commissioning, reducing engineering time and accelerating system deployment. The card’s robust design ensures reliable operation in industrial environments with electrical noise, temperature variations, and vibration—common challenges in manufacturing plants and process facilities. Additionally, its network redundancy features minimize unplanned downtime during network failures, protecting critical control loops and maintaining operational continuity.

Application fields:

The GE PCI-8517 excels in applications where high-speed, reliable communication is critical to operational success. In automotive manufacturing facilities, it connects robotic control systems, vision inspection equipment, and conveyor systems—supporting the high-data-rate communication required for synchronized production lines. Its deterministic performance makes it ideal for machine tool applications, where it enables precise coordination between CNC controllers, servo drives, and auxiliary equipment—ensuring tight tolerances and consistent part quality.

In food and beverage processing plants, the GE PCI-8517 facilitates communication between batch control systems, filling machines, and quality monitoring devices—supporting recipe management and process validation requirements. The interface card also finds extensive use in water and wastewater treatment facilities, where it connects SCADA systems with distributed control panels, sensor networks, and pump stations—enabling centralized monitoring and control of geographically dispersed assets. In all these environments, the GE PCI-8517 provides the communication reliability and performance needed to maintain efficient, consistent operations.

Related products:

GE PCI-8518 – Higher port count version with 8 Ethernet ports for large-scale networks

GE PCI-8517-R – Ruggedized variant with extended temperature range (-40°C to 70°C)

GE PCI-8516 – Compact version with 2 Ethernet ports for space-constrained applications

GE PROFI-HUB-8 – 8-port PROFINET switch for expanding network capacity

GE COM-GW-2 – Protocol gateway for integrating legacy serial devices

GE PCI-8517-S – Secure communication variant with advanced encryption and authentication

GE DIAG-NET-100 – Network diagnostic software tool for PCI-8517 monitoring

Installation and maintenance:

Before installing the GE PCI-8517, verify that the host computer has an available PCI Express x4 slot and that the system power supply can accommodate the additional 7W power draw. Ensure the installation environment maintains ambient temperatures within the 0°C to 60°C range, with adequate airflow to dissipate heat from the card. Check that the host system’s operating system is compatible with GE’s communication drivers, and install the latest firmware updates before initial configuration.

For ongoing maintenance, monitor network performance metrics using GE’s diagnostic software to identify potential issues like increasing latency or packet loss. Inspect the physical connections quarterly, ensuring Ethernet cables are securely fastened and free from damage—particularly in high-vibration environments. Perform firmware updates annually during scheduled maintenance windows, following GE’s recommended procedures to avoid communication disruptions. Before system startups, run the built-in self-test utility to verify all protocol stacks are functioning correctly and confirm communication with critical field devices.

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