Product Core Brief

• Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
• Model: IC698CPE030
• Series: PACSystems RX7i
• Core Function: Fanless VME64 central processing unit executing deterministic real-time control logic, peer network communications, and data acquisition for process, power, and machine automation systems
• Type: Single-slot VME rack CPU module
• Condition: New Original (New Surplus)
• Status: ⚠️ Discontinued OEM active production; limited surplus inventory
• Key Spec Highlights: 600 MHz Pentium-M processor, 64 MB user RAM + 64 MB flash, passive convection cooling, embedded Ethernet, RS-232 and RS-485 serial interfaces

Key Technical Specifications

• Processor: Intel Pentium‑M 600 MHz
• Memory: 64 MB battery-backed user RAM, 64 MB non-volatile flash memory
• Supported I/O Scale: Max 32K discrete bits, 32K analog words
• Program Structure: Up to 512 program blocks, maximum 128 KB per block
• Communications Interfaces · 1 × 10/100Base‑TX auto-sensing RJ45 Ethernet · 1 × RS‑232 station manager port · 1 × isolated RS‑485 serial port
• Supported Protocols: SRTP, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, SNP, Serial I/O
• Cooling: Fanless convection cooling
• Backplane Interface: VME64 standard bus
• Backplane Power Draw: 3.4 A @ +5 VDC
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +60 °C
• Ambient Humidity: 5%–95% non‑condensing
• Programming Environment: Proficy Machine Edition
• Programming Languages: Ladder Diagram, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart
• Certifications: UL, CE
• Compatible Hardware: IC698CHS series 9-slot and 17-slot RX7i chassis, RX7i I/O modules, selected third-party VME64 boards

Product Introduction

Complex continuous process systems rely on consistent CPU execution speed to avoid process excursions and unplanned shutdowns. GE serves as a mid-to-high performance fanless processor for RX7i racks, designed for installations where forced airflow cannot be guaranteed or fan maintenance must be minimized.

This unit delivers larger user memory than earlier CPE010 / CPE020 generations, enabling larger control programs, extensive tag databases, and sustained EGD peer-to-peer traffic across multi-rack architectures. Its standardized VME form factor allows direct drop-in replacement within existing RX7i chassis during planned outage windows.

Key Selling Points & Differentiators

1. GE provides 64 MB user memory, supporting substantially larger control applications compared to 10 MB capacity CPE010 and CPE020 processors.
2. Passive convection cooling eliminates fan wear and contamination risks, suited for remote auxiliary cabinets and low-maintenance plant layouts.
3. Every unit completes full bench validation in a dedicated RX7i test chassis; program load, Ethernet handshake and serial communications verified before shipment. Signed test documentation available on formal request. Warranty runs 12 months after delivery.
4. Native EGD support enables deterministic inter-CPU data sharing without additional communication coprocessors.
5. Not recommended for RX3i PACSystems racks. VME64 mechanical footprint and backplane protocol differ completely from RX3i compact PCI architecture.
6. Identical rack slot footprint as legacy RX7i CPUs; no chassis modification required for spare exchange.

Quality Transparency SOP

• Incoming Verification: Serial traceability validation, anti-counterfeit visual inspection, battery and front connector integrity cross-check.
• Live Bench Test: Dedicated RX7i test rack, power-on self-test, user program download validation, Ethernet and serial multi-node handshake, continuous 24-hour thermal soak cycling.
• Electrical Tests: 500 V megger insulation resistance testing, VME backplane continuity verification.
• Firmware Verification: Record baseline firmware revision; no unauthorized firmware modification performed.
• Final QC & Packaging: Anti-static shielding, shock-dampened transit carton, signed QC Pass label. Test images and logs available on request. No zero-failure performance guarantee.

Technical Risk Avoidance Section

Firmware & Project Version Mismatch Risk Risk: Deploying the module with incompatible firmware revisions triggers program download failures, EGD communication stalls, or inconsistent task scheduling. Prevention: Match CPU firmware version against archived Proficy Machine Edition project builds before commissioning. Field note: Multiple power plant auxiliary control systems reported intermittent analog value freezing after loading mismatched firmware onto replacement processors.

Battery Expiry Risk Risk: Aging onboard battery loses memory retention capability; power cycling erodes RAM-based variables and tag data. Prevention: Schedule battery replacement when exchanging CPUs for long-term reliability.

ESD Damage Risk Risk: Unprotected handling damages onboard memory and transceiver circuits without immediate visible fault indicators. Prevention: Use grounded wrist straps; keep the module sealed inside anti-static packaging until rack insertion.

Cabinet Thermal Boundary Risk Risk: Blocked ventilation drives ambient temperature above 60 °C, triggering watchdog timeouts and unscheduled CPU faults. Prevention: Maintain clear airflow channels around the VME rack even for fanless processors.

Critical Summary: Confirm chassis platform before procurement. This CPU cannot operate inside RX3i racks, and project memory footprint must be validated against the 64 MB resource limit.

FAQ

1. Q: Can GE be installed into RX3i PACSystems racks? A: No. It uses VME64 bus architecture exclusive to RX7i. RX3i CPUs employ CompactPCI and are physically and electrically non-interchangeable.
2. Q: What key difference separates from CPE020? A: CPE030 includes 64 MB user memory and fanless cooling. CPE010 / CPE020 only offer 10 MB user memory and require forced rack cooling.
3. Q: Does this CPU support hot-swap replacement while the RX7i rack remains energized? A: Hot swap is not supported. Module removal cuts control execution and backplane communications. Controlled shutdown is required for exchange.
4. Q: What lead times apply for available inventory? A: In-stock units ship within 1–3 business days. Backordered allocations require 5–7 week lead times subject to global surplus availability.
5. Q: What failure modes fall outside warranty coverage? A: The 12-month limited warranty covers manufacturing defects. Damage from ESD, over-temperature operation, expired backup battery, and incompatible firmware loads is excluded.
6. Q: Can I run redundant control logic with two processors in one chassis? A: Standard RX7i chassis do not support dual CPU redundancy in a single rack. Redundant architectures require separate racks with external logic voting.
7. Q: Are third-party VME I/O cards supported alongside this CPU? A: Selected modules may operate, but formal OEM validation only applies to native RX7i I/O series. Full functional testing is recommended for non-GE hardware.