Product Core Brief

• Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
• Model: IC698CPE010
• Series: PACSystems RX7i
• Core Function: VME64 rack CPU executing deterministic real-time control logic, network communications, and data acquisition for mid-size process, machine, and auxiliary power control systems
• Type: Single-slot VME rack processor module
• Condition: New Original (New Surplus)
• Status: ⚠️ Discontinued OEM production; limited surplus inventory
• Key Spec Highlights: 300 MHz Intel Celeron, 10 MB battery-backed RAM + 10 MB flash, forced-air cooling requirement, embedded Ethernet and dual serial interfaces

Key Technical Specifications

• Processor: Intel Celeron 300 MHz
• Memory: 10 MB battery-backed user RAM, 10 MB non-volatile flash memory
• Supported I/O Scale: Max 32K discrete bits, 32K analog words
• Boolean Execution Speed: 0.33 ms per 1000 Boolean contacts
• Communications Interfaces · 1 × 10/100Base-TX 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
• Cooling Requirement: Requires chassis forced fan cooling; passive convection operation not supported
• Backplane Interface: VME64 bus
• Backplane Power Draw: 3.2 A @ +5 VDC
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +50 °C (extends to 0–60 °C with properly functioning rack fan tray)
• Humidity: 5%–95% non‑condensing
• Programming Environment: Proficy Machine Edition
• Supported Languages: Ladder Diagram, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart
• Certifications: UL, CE
• Compatible Hardware: IC698CHS series RX7i chassis, native RX7i I/O modules, selected Series 90-70 compatible VME assemblies

Product Introduction

Small-to-medium scale control systems rely on stable, cost-effective CPU hardware to maintain continuous process operation. GE serves as the entry-level processor for the RX7i VME platform, widely deployed for manufacturing lines, water treatment equipment, and power plant auxiliary control.

This unit delivers adequate memory and processing capacity for standard control programs, and enables peer-to-peer data sharing via EGD for multi-rack coordination. Its VME mechanical footprint allows direct replacement within existing RX7i racks during planned maintenance windows, provided rack cooling infrastructure remains operational.

Key Selling Points & Differentiators

1. GE provides a drop-in migration path for facilities transitioning legacy Series 90-70 control hardware onto the modern RX7i PACSystems architecture.
2. Integrated web server and FTP functionality support remote diagnostics and program uploads without dedicated engineering workstations hardwired to serial ports.
3. Every unit completes full bench validation in a dedicated RX7i test chassis; program download, Ethernet handshake and serial communications verified before shipment. Signed test documentation available on formal request. Warranty runs 12 months after delivery.
4. Native EGD protocol enables deterministic inter-controller data exchange across plant control networks.
5. Not recommended for large, complex control applications. Limited to 10 MB user memory; select IC698CPE030 for larger program databases.
6. Identical rack slot footprint as other RX7i CPU variants, though performance and memory capacity differ substantially.

Quality Transparency SOP

• Incoming Verification: Serial traceability validation, anti-counterfeit visual inspection, lithium backup battery and front connector integrity cross-check.
• Live Bench Test: Dedicated RX7i test rack with cooling fan tray, 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

Mandatory Rack Cooling Risk Risk: Operating the module without a functional rack fan tray causes rapid thermal rise, watchdog faults and spontaneous CPU shutdown. Prevention: Confirm fan tray power and airflow before commissioning any replacement unit. Field note: Multiple auxiliary control racks experienced intermittent CPU trips after fan power wiring failure during outage work.

Firmware & Project Version Mismatch Risk Risk: Deploying the processor with incompatible firmware triggers program download failures, EGD communication stalls, and inconsistent task scheduling. Prevention: Match CPU firmware revision against archived Proficy Machine Edition project builds before installation.

Battery Expiry Risk Risk: Aging onboard lithium battery loses RAM data retention; full power cycle erodes variables and tag data. Prevention: Schedule battery replacement at the time of CPU exchange for long-term operational stability.

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.

Critical Summary: Confirm application program memory footprint and cooling infrastructure before ordering. This CPU cannot operate inside RX3i racks and requires active forced airflow in all installed locations.

FAQ

1. Q: Can GE be installed in RX3i PACSystems racks? A: No. It uses VME64 bus architecture exclusive to RX7i. RX3i CPUs use CompactPCI and are physically and electrically non-interchangeable.
2. Q: What key differences separate from IC698CPE030? A: : 300 MHz, 10 MB memory, requires rack fan cooling. IC698CPE030: 600 MHz Pentium‑M, 64 MB memory, fanless convection cooling. The two are not functionally interchangeable for large program sizes.
3. Q: Does this CPU support hot-swap replacement while the RX7i rack remains energized? A: Hot swap is not supported. Module removal terminates all control execution and communications; controlled system 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 insufficient cooling, expired backup battery, ESD, over-temperature operation and incompatible firmware loads is excluded.
6. Q: What maximum program size can reliably run on this processor? A: Control programs should stay well below the 10 MB memory ceiling; reserve memory overhead for tag databases and trend buffers. Migrate to higher memory CPUs if program expansion is planned.
7. Q: Can this CPU communicate directly with legacy Series 90-70 VME I/O modules? A: Yes, the RX7i platform maintains compatibility with selected Series 90-70 I/O hardware. Full functional validation is recommended during migration projects.