GE IC698CRE030 RX3i CPU | 10MHz Processor, 32MB Memory | PACSystems Controller

In the world of industrial automation, the controller is the brain of the operation. Its processing power, reliability, and flexibility determine the efficiency and uptime of entire production lines. For engineers managing complex systems or planning an upgrade, the GE IC698CRE030 Central Processing Unit (CPU) for the PACSystems RX3i platform stands out as a robust and strategic choice. This powerhouse module combines raw processing speed with exceptional legacy support, making it a cornerstone for modern, high-demand automation projects.

Whether you're in manufacturing, process control, or critical infrastructure, understanding the capabilities of this CPU can be the key to optimizing your control strategy.

The IC698CRE030 is a high-performance CPU module within Emerson's (formerly GE Intelligent Platforms) renowned PACSystems RX3i family, which succeeds the legendary Series 90-30 systems. It's designed as a Programmable Automation Controller (PAC), meaning it delivers not just logic execution but also sophisticated data handling, communication, and motion control capabilities.

Its primary role is to execute control logic, process I/O data, and manage communications across the entire automation system, acting as the undeniable nerve center.

1. Powerful Processing and Substantial Memory
At its core, the IC698CRE030 is driven by a 10 MHz microprocessor and is backed by a substantial 32 MB of battery-backed user memory. This combination is crucial for:

• Reducing Scan Times: Handles large and complex ladder logic, structured text, and function block programs with ease, ensuring faster system response.

• Data-Intensive Applications: Provides ample space for extensive data logging, recipe storage, and historian functions without compromising performance.

2. Unmatched Investment Protection and Backward Compatibility
This is arguably its most significant advantage for existing users. The RX3i platform, and the IC698CRE030 by extension, is designed for seamless migration.

• Works with Legacy I/O: It maintains full compatibility with existing Series 90-30 I/O modules and Genius® Bus devices. This allows plants to upgrade their controller's brain without the massive cost and disruption of rewiring and replacing entire I/O racks.

3. Integrated High-Speed Communication
Staying connected is effortless with integrated ports:

• Dual Ethernet Port: A dedicated 10/100 Mbps embedded Ethernet interface supports SRTP protocol for efficient programming (via Proficy Machine Edition), HMI/SCADA integration, and peer-to-peer PAC communication.

• Serial Port: An RS-485 port provides support for legacy protocols like SNP, SNPX, and Modbus, ensuring connectivity to a wide range of older devices and drives.

4. Maximum Uptime with Hot Standby Redundancy
For mission-critical applications where downtime is not an option, the IC698CRE030 supports hot standby redundancy when paired with a CPE400 controller.

• Fail-Safe Operation: In a redundant setup, if the primary CPU fails, the standby unit takes over control within milliseconds, preventing a costly process shutdown and ensuring continuous operation.

5. High-Speed PCI Backplane
The CPU communicates with other modules in the RX3i rack over a high-speed PCI-based backplane. This ensures deterministic and lightning-fast data exchange between the CPU, I/O modules, and other specialty modules, which is vital for precision control and synchronization.

• Manufacturer: Emerson (formerly GE Intelligent Platforms)

• Series: PACSystems RX3i

• Processor Speed: 10 MHz

• Memory: 32 MB (Battery-Backed RAM)

• Ethernet: 1 x 10/100 Mbps Port

• Serial: 1 x RS-485 Port (SNP, SNPX, Modbus)

• Backplane: PCI

• Redundancy: Supported (with CPE400)

• Compatibility: Series 90-30 I/O, Genius® Bus

This CPU's blend of power and compatibility makes it perfect for:

• Manufacturing Automation: Complex automotive assembly lines and robotic cell control.

• Process Industries: Batch and continuous process control in chemical, oil & gas, and pharmaceutical plants.

• Water/Wastewater Treatment: Plant-wide control for pumping, filtration, and chemical dosing.

• Material Handling: Controlling large-scale conveyor systems and automated storage/retrieval systems (ASRS).

• Infrastructure Management: Monitoring and control for tunnels, airports, and energy distribution.

The GE IC698CRE030 is more than just a processor; it's a bridge between proven legacy infrastructure and modern high-performance control. It offers a clear, cost-effective path to modernize your operations without sacrificing your existing investments.

Ready to harness the power and reliability of the PACSystems RX3i?

Contact our automation experts today for more information, technical documentation, and pricing on the IC698CRE030 CPU. We can help you determine if it's the right fit for your upgrade or new project needs.