GE IC695PBM300-CC Retrofit-Ready PROFIBUS Master RX3i

GE IC695PBM300-CC Retrofit-Ready PROFIBUS DP Master for PACSystems RX3i Control Systems

The GE IC695PBM300-CC is a PROFIBUS DP Master communication module engineered for the PACSystems RX3i universal backplane platform. Designed to serve as a direct retrofit replacement for the legacy IC695PBM300 and the older Series 90-30 IC693PBM200, this module enables industrial facilities to modernize aging PROFIBUS networks without redesigning the entire control architecture. Whether you are upgrading a discontinued control system, recovering from an unplanned failure, or executing a planned migration from a Series 90-30 or Series 90-70 platform, the IC695PBM300-CC provides a proven, compatible path forward with minimal disruption to existing field wiring and program logic.

Upgrade Compatibility Table

Retrofit Planning for Existing Automation Systems

Successful integration of the IC695PBM300-CC into an existing plant begins well before the module arrives on site. Engineers should start by auditing the current RX3i backplane — typically an IC695CHS012 (12-slot) or IC695CHS016 (16-slot) — to confirm available universal slots and verify that the IC695PSA040 or IC695PSD040 power supply has sufficient capacity to support the additional module load. The IC695PBM300-CC draws from the backplane 5 V bus, and any marginal power budget must be resolved before installation.

Next, retrieve the existing PROFIBUS GSD files for every slave device on the network — including remote I/O drops such as Siemens ET 200S stations, Pepperl+Fuchs DP/PA segment couplers, and third-party variable-frequency drives. These GSD files must be imported into Proficy Machine Edition before the hardware configuration is compiled and downloaded to the active CPU, such as the IC695CPE310 or IC695CPE400. If the legacy system ran on an IC693CPU374 under Logicmaster 90, the program must be converted and validated in PME prior to any hardware swap.

Terminal block wiring on the PROFIBUS DB9 connector should be verified against the original network topology drawing. Termination resistors at both ends of the PROFIBUS segment must remain active; improper termination is the leading cause of intermittent communication faults after module replacement. If the plant uses an IC695ETM001 Ethernet module for SRTP or Modbus TCP supervisory communication alongside the PROFIBUS network, confirm that the CPU’s task scheduling accommodates both communication loads without scan-time overrun.

For facilities migrating from a Series 90-30 rack, the IC693MDL940 discrete output modules and IC693ALG222 analog input modules will need to be re-homed into the new RX3i backplane or replaced with their RX3i equivalents. This is also an appropriate time to evaluate whether the IC695CMM002 serial communication module should be added to consolidate any remaining RS-232 or RS-485 legacy device connections. Document all module slot assignments, I/O reference addresses, and PROFIBUS slave node numbers before powering down the old system.

Downtime Control During System Migration

Minimizing unplanned downtime during a PROFIBUS master replacement requires a structured cutover plan. Begin by creating a full hardware configuration backup from the running CPU using Proficy Machine Edition’s online upload function — this preserves the current I/O map, PID tuning parameters, and motion control references that would otherwise require manual re-entry. Store the backup on an isolated engineering workstation and verify the file integrity before proceeding.

Where production schedules allow, perform a staged migration: install the IC695PBM300-CC in a spare slot while the legacy IC695PBM300 remains active, configure and simulate the new module offline in PME, then execute the swap during a planned maintenance window. For sites where a spare slot is unavailable, pre-stage the replacement module with the correct hardware configuration loaded and tested on a bench RX3i rack before bringing it to the field.

During the actual cutover, place the CPU in Stop mode, remove the legacy module, seat the IC695PBM300-CC, and perform a hardware configuration download. Bring the CPU back online and monitor the PROFIBUS diagnostic LEDs — a solid green BF (Bus Fault) LED clearing within 30 seconds confirms that all configured slaves have responded. If any slave fails to come online, use PME’s PROFIBUS diagnostic view to isolate the node address and verify GSD parameter alignment. Keeping a programming cable such as the IC690USB901 connected throughout the process allows real-time ladder logic monitoring without interrupting the download sequence. The goal is to restore full I/O communication within a single shift, protecting both the production schedule and the integrity of the original control program.

Retrofit Support FAQ

Q1: Is the IC695PBM300-CC a direct replacement for the IC695PBM300?
Yes. The IC695PBM300-CC is the current production revision of the IC695PBM300 and installs in the same RX3i universal backplane slot. The hardware configuration in Proficy Machine Edition uses the same module catalog entry, so no changes to the CPU program or I/O reference table are required in most applications. Verify firmware compatibility with your CPU revision before installation.

Q2: Can I replace an IC693PBM200 (Series 90-30) with this module?
Not directly — the IC693PBM200 resides in a Series 90-30 rack, while the IC695PBM300-CC requires an RX3i backplane. A rack migration is necessary. However, the PROFIBUS slave GSD files, node addresses, and field wiring at the DB9 connector can be reused, significantly reducing re-engineering time. The new module also supports up to 125 slaves versus the IC693PBM200’s 64-slave limit, providing headroom for future I/O expansion.

Q3: What pre-shipment testing is performed on the IC695PBM300-CC?
Every IC695PBM300-CC unit supplied by SMARTNEXMSK undergoes power-on functional verification, backplane communication handshake testing, and PROFIBUS port continuity checks prior to dispatch. Units are shipped with anti-static packaging and include a test report. All modules carry a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional failures under normal operating conditions.

Q4: What information should I provide when ordering to ensure compatibility?
Please confirm your RX3i CPU part number (e.g., IC695CPE310), current Proficy Machine Edition version, number of active PROFIBUS slaves, and whether you are migrating from a Series 90-30 or Series 90-70 platform. This allows our technical team to verify slot power budget, firmware alignment, and GSD file requirements before shipment, reducing the risk of on-site compatibility issues.

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