Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
- Series: PACSystems RX3i
- Core Function: Mid-performance non-redundant main CPU module, executes IEC control logic, manages local RX3i I/O and serial expansion racks, provides dual serial communication interfaces.
- Product Type: Dual-width RX3i CPU Controller (occupies 2 consecutive backplane slots)
- Key Specs: 1 GHz Intel Celeron M | 20MB Battery-backed RAM + 20MB Flash | Dual RS232/RS485 serial ports | Dual backplane bus (RX3i PCI + Series 90-30 serial expansion bus)Note: Discontinued legacy RX3i CPU; new original stock limited, surplus & refurbished widely available. -CD = PCB hardware revision suffix, mechanically plug-compatible with other variants. Does NOT support hot swap. No onboard Ethernet; Ethernet communication requires IC695ETM001 module. Cannot support hot standby redundancy (redundant systems must select IC695CRU320).
Key Technical Specifications
- Processor: 1 GHz Intel Celeron M
- Boolean Execution Speed: Typical 0.047 ms / 1000 Boolean instructions
- Supported Programming Languages: LD, FBD, ST, IL, C program blocks
- Memory
- 20 MB Battery-backed RAM
- 20 MB Non-volatile Flash memory
- Max 512 program blocks; single block up to 128 KB
- I/O Tag Capacity
- Discrete: 32K %I / 32K %Q
- Analog: Configurable up to 32K %AI / 32K %AQ
- Onboard Serial Interfaces
- COM1: RS232 (9-pin D-Sub)
- COM2: RS485 (9-pin D-Sub)
- Protocols: SNP/SNPX, Modbus RTU Master/Slave, Serial I/O
- Backplane Architecture: Dual bus
- Native high-speed RX3i PCI backplane
- Serial expansion bus for Series 90-30 I/O via IC695LRE001
- Power Consumption
- 3.3 VDC: 1.0 A
- 5 VDC: 1.0 A
- RTC: Battery-backed real-time clock
- Required Backup Battery: IC695ACC302 lithium battery for retentive memory & RTC
- Front Panel LED Indicators: CPU OK, RUN, OUTPUTS ENABLED, FORCE, SYS FLT, COM1/COM2 activity, BATTERY
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
- Form Factor: Dual-width module, occupies two adjacent RX3i slots
- Compatible Baseplates: IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016 universal RX3i racks
- Supported Software: Proficy Machine Edition
- Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE
Product Introduction
is a mid-performance non-redundant dual-slot CPU for PACSystems RX3i platform, deployed as main machine/process controller for non-redundant automation systems.
Unique dual-bus design supports mixing modern RX3i I/O on the main rack and legacy Series 90-30 I/O on remote serial expansion racks, supporting incremental plant migration from Series 90-30 systems.
Important Performance Distinction
- : 20MB RAM / 20MB Flash, mid-range controller
- IC695CPU320 (-HS/-HU): 64MB RAM / 64MB Flash, higher performance controllerThey share identical physical form factor and pinout, mechanically interchangeable, but memory capacity differs; larger programs require CPU320 series.
Important Redundancy Distinction
- = Non-Redundant CPU: Cannot pair with IC695RMX128/RMX228 redundancy modules
- IC695CRU320 = Redundant Hot Standby CPUThey are not interchangeable.
No built-in Ethernet port. Network communication (SRTP, EGD, Modbus TCP) requires installing IC695ETM001 Ethernet module in adjacent slots.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking and -CD revision suffix. Inspect backplane gold pins for bending/corrosion; check serial D-Sub connectors and housing integrity.
- Live Testing: Mount onto validated RX3i baseplate. Load user control program, verify logic cyclic execution, test Modbus/SNP serial communication, run continuous 24-hour scan stability test.
- Electrical Testing: Monitor backplane 3.3V/5V rail stability. Insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between serial field terminals and chassis protective ground.
- Firmware Record: Document CPU firmware revision; photograph front panel labels before clearing resident program and retentive data.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place module inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming logic execution and serial communication validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ No Hot Swap Support: The dual-slot CPU module cannot be hot swapped. Full rack power shutdown required before removal. Standard I/O modules support hot swap on certified baseplates.❗ Dual Slot Occupancy Rule: Must occupy two consecutive empty slots. Do not place any single-width module between the two CPU slots.❗ Redundancy Hardware Incompatibility: This CPU cannot use IC695RMX128/RMX228 redundancy synchronization modules. For hot standby redundancy, select IC695CRU320.❗ Memory Planning Note: Only 20MB user memory; large programs that run on CPU320 may fail after replacement if migrating down from CPU320 to CPU315.❗ Ethernet Layout Planning: If deploying IC695ETM001, reserve adjacent slots and avoid occupying the CPU’s required dual slot space.❗ Battery Maintenance: Without IC695ACC302 battery, retentive variables and real-time clock will be lost after power cycle.❗ Revision Interchange: base unit and suffix variants (-CD, -BB etc.) are mechanically plug-compatible. After replacement, verify firmware compatibility and full system I/O validation.❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages serial transceivers and backplane interface circuits, leading to intermittent serial communication faults.
Replacement Guide
- Pre-install: Lockout-tagout rack power; back up complete PLC project. Photograph slot layout, serial wiring and battery connection. Confirm program size fits within 20MB memory limit.
- Removal: Disconnect serial cables; unlatch dual-slot CPU and slide straight out without twisting backplane pins.
- Instew into original two consecutive slots, reconnect serial cables and confirm battery installation.
- Power-on Test: Restore rack power; confirm CPU OK / RUN LED status, download project, verify all local and expansion I/O channels and serial communication functions.
FAQ
es support hot swapping?A: No. The CPU module itself cannot be hot swapped. Standard RX3i I/O modules support hot swap on hot-swap rated backplates.
Q: What is the diffeen and IC695CPU320?A:
- : 20MB RAM / 20MB Flash, mid-range CPU
- IC695CPU320: 64MB RAM / 64MB Flash, high performance CPUMechanically interchangeable; program size must be checked before downward substitution.
Q: What is the diffeen and IC695CRU320?A:
- : Non-redundant CPU, no hot standby capability, incompatible with RMX redundancy modules.
- IC695CRU320: Redundant CPU, designed for primary/backup hot standby, requires IC695RMX128/RMX228.They are not interchangeable.
Q: Can this CPU connect Series 90-30 I/O modules?A: Yes, via IC695LRE001 serial expansion transceiver on remote racks. IC693 modules cannot be plugged directly into the RX3i main backplane.
es have built-in Ethernet port?A: No. Ethernet connectivity requires separate IC695ETM001 module.
Q: What does the -CD suffix mean?A: -CD represents a specific PCB hardware revision. Core CPU functionality is identical to other suffix variants. Mechanically interchangeable, always perform full system testing after replacement.
Q: Will the PLC program work directly on a replacement CPU315-CD?A: Control program is portable, but confirm program size does not exceed 20MB memory limit. After replacement, verify serial port parameters, I/O configuration and retentive data settings.
Q: Can multiple expansion racks be connected to this CPU?A: Yes, up to 7 serial expansion racks via IC695LRE001 transceiver modules, subject to overall I/O quantity and backplane bandwidth limits.






