GE Fanuc IC694BEM331 Genius Bus Controller Module

Product Overview

The GE IC694BEM331 is a Genius Bus Controller module for the Emerson PACSystems RX3i programmable automation controller platform. It interfaces an RX3i system with the Genius I/O serial bus, enabling communication with Genius blocks, other PLCs with Genius Bus Controllers, remote drops, VersaMax and Field Control I/O stations, Genius Hand-Held Monitors (HHM), and multiple hosts.

Key Specifications

• Model Number: IC694BEM331
• Series: PACSystems RX3i
• Product Type: Genius Bus Controller Module
• Protocol: Genius
• Entity Type: Master
• Data Length: 128 bytes per message
• Data Rates: Configurable:
  • 153.5 Kbaud (standard/extended)
  • 76.8 Kbaud
  • 38.4 Kbaud
• Maximum Number of Devices:
  • 32 devices at all baud rates except 38.4Kbaud
  • 16 devices at 38.4Kbaud
• Bus Type: Daisy-chained bus cable; single twisted-pair plus shield or Twinax; fiber optical cable and modems can also be used
• Bus Termination: 75, 100, 120, or 150 Ohm resistor at both ends of electrical bus cable
• Maximum Bus Length:
  • 7,800 feet at 38.4Kbaud
  • 4,500 feet at 76.8Kbaud
  • 3,500 feet at 153.6Kbaud (extended)
  • 2,000 feet at 153.6Kbaud (standard)
• Current Consumption: 300 mA at 5VDC (maximum)
• Isolation:
  • 2,000 volts Hi-Pot
  • 1,500 volts transient common-mode rejection
• Communications: Global Data and Datagrams
• Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostics capabilities
• LED Indicators:
  • OK LED: Shows Bus Controller status; turns on after power-up diagnostics
  • COM LED: Shows Genius communications bus status; on = proper operation; blinking = intermittent bus errors; off = failed bus or no configuration received
• Weight: 1.10 lbs
• Backplane Support: No backplane restrictions
• Configuration Software: Proficy Machine Edition
• Required CPU Firmware: 2.9 or higher
• Required Proficy Software: Version 5.00 SP1A Logic Developer-PLC, Hot Fix 1 or later
• Maximum Modules per RX3i System: 8

Core Features

• Exchanges up to 128 bytes with each device on the Genius I/O bus
• Genius blocks and devices automatically report faults, alarms, and predefined conditions to the Bus Controller
• Diagnostic messages stored and read automatically by CPU; displayed in fault table via programming software
• Supports all Genius datagrams (refer to GEK-90486-1 for details)
• Sends up to 128 bytes of Global Data each bus scan (automatically broadcast)
• Receives up to 128 bytes of Global Data each bus scan from every other Bus Controller on its bus
• Up to 8 Genius Bus Controllers can be included in an RX3i system
• Compatible with Series 90-30 PLC and Series Six PLC (with specific firmware versions)

Compatibility Requirements

• Series 90-30 PLC: CPU model IC693CPU311K, 321K, 331L or later; or any version of IC693CPU313, 323, 340, 341, 350, 351, 352, 360, 363, 364 with firmware release 5.0 or later
• Series Six PLC: IC660CBB902F/903F (firmware version 1.5) or later for global data exchange
• Genius Hand-Held Monitor: IC660HHM501H (revision 4.5) or later

Applications

• Genius bus network integration with RX3i
• VersaMax I/O communication
• Remote I/O drop control
• Distributed I/O systems
• Legacy Genius device integration
• Field Control I/O station communication

FAQ

Q: How many IC694BEM331 modules can be installed in one RX3i system?
A: Up to 8 Genius Bus Controller modules can be installed in a single RX3i system.

Q: What cable types are supported?
A: The module supports daisy-chained bus cable with single twisted-pair plus shield, Twinax, fiber optical cable, and modems.

Q: What is the difference between IC694BEM331 and IC695BEM331?
A: The IC694BEM331 is the confirmed RX3i Genius Bus Controller. The IC695BEM331 may be a different series or revision — verify with official documentation.

Q: Can the IC694BEM331 be used in a Series 90-30 PLC?
A: Yes, with compatible CPU models (IC693CPU311K, 321K, 331L or later, or specific CPU versions with firmware release 5.0 or later).

Installation Guide

1. Insert the IC694BEM331 into any slot of the RX3i universal backplane (no backplane restrictions).
2. Connect Genius bus cable using daisy-chain topology.
3. Install termination resistors (75, 100, 120, or 150 Ohm) at both ends of the bus.
4. Configure baud rate and device addresses via Proficy Machine Edition (version 5.00 SP1A or later).
5. Verify OK and COM LEDs indicate proper operation.

Selection Tips

• Verify CPU firmware is version 2.9 or higher for RX3i systems.
• Ensure Proficy Machine Edition is version 5.00 SP1A or later.
• For new installations, consider migrating to Ethernet-based I/O (IC695ETM001) or PROFINET (IC695PNC001).
• Maximum 32 devices at 153.5Kbaud; 16 devices at 38.4Kbaud.
• Proper cable selection is critical — refer to GEK-90486-1 (Genius I/O System and Communications User's Manual) for suitable cable types.