The GE IC695NIU001 (Revision CA-ABAA) is an Ethernet Network Interface Unit (NIU) for the PACSystems RX3i platform. Unlike a standard CPU, the NIU allows a remote RX3i rack to act as a distributed I/O station on an Ethernet network. It enables a “master” controller (such as an RX3i CPU315 or CPE330) to manage the I/O in the remote rack as if it were local. This specific model features two integrated serial ports, providing additional flexibility for local device connectivity at the remote site.
Product Specifications (Datasheet)
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Model: IC695NIU001CA-ABAA
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Module Type: Ethernet Network Interface Unit (NIU)
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Ethernet Ports: 1 x 10/100 Mbps (RJ-45)
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Serial Ports: 2 x RS-232 / RS-485 (Supports SNP, Modbus RTU, and Serial I/O)
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Backplane Support: Universal Backplane (PCI Bus)
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Protocols Supported: EGD (Ethernet Global Data), SRTP (Service Request Transport Protocol)
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Memory: Dedicated local memory for I/O scanning and status data
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Current Consumption: 1.25 Amps @ 3.3 VDC; 1.0 Amps @ 5 VDC
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Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C
Key Application Fields
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Distributed I/O Systems: Placing RX3i I/O racks near sensors and actuators to reduce field wiring costs while maintaining high-speed communication with the main PLC.
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Legacy Integration: Using the dual serial ports to bridge older RS-485 or RS-232 devices (like barcode scanners or legacy power meters) into the modern Ethernet architecture.
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Water & Wastewater: Controlling remote pump stations or chemical dosing skids that require a full rack of I/O but not a dedicated local CPU.
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Material Handling: Managing conveyor segments where decentralized I/O racks are connected via a plant-wide Ethernet backbone.
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Energy Management: Gathering data from distributed electrical sub-panels and transmitting it back to a central SCADA system via EGD.
Product Usage Instructions
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Module Placement: Install the NIU001 into the first slot (CPU slot) of a Universal Backplane. It acts as the local “brain” for the remote rack’s communication.
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IP Configuration: Set the IP address using PAC Machine Edition (PME). You can also use the serial ports for initial setup if the Ethernet network is not yet active.
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I/O Mapping: In PME, configure the main “Master” CPU to recognize the NIU as a remote node. Map the %I (Inputs) and %Q (Outputs) of the remote rack into the master’s memory using Ethernet Global Data (EGD).
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Serial Port Setup: Configure the two serial ports for the desired protocol (e.g., Modbus RTU Slave) to interface with local serial hardware.
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Status Monitoring: Monitor the LEDs. The “EOK” (Ethernet OK) LED should be solid green when the link is active, and the “RUN” LED indicates the NIU is successfully scanning the local I/O modules.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the NIU001 a PLC CPU? A: No. While it occupies the CPU slot and manages the rack, it does not execute application logic (Ladder Logic/Structured Text). It only facilitates the transfer of I/O data to a master PLC.
Q: Can I use the serial ports for programming the main PLC? A: You can use them to access the NIU configuration, but they are typically used for local device communication (Modbus) or SNP connectivity.
Q: Does it support PROFINET? A: This specific module uses EGD and SRTP. For PROFINET remote I/O, you would typically use the IC695PNS001 (PROFINET Scanner).
Q: What is the maximum number of I/O modules an NIU can support? A: It supports the full capacity of the RX3i Universal Backplane (up to 11 or 15 slots depending on the rack size).
Ensure your distributed control system remains robust with the IC695NIU001CA-ABAA and other professional GE PACSystems RX3i components.
Similar Model Recommendations
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GE IC695PNS001: The PROFINET-based version of a remote network interface for RX3i racks.
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GE IC695CPU315: A common master CPU used to control remote NIU racks.
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GE IC695ETM001: An Ethernet module used in the master rack to communicate with the NIU001.
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GE IC694MDL753: A high-density 32-point output module frequently found in NIU-managed remote racks.
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GE IC695PSA040: The standard power supply used to provide the high current required by the NIU001 and I/O modules.
