Description
IC698CRE030 Product Overview
The IC698CRE030 is the flagship redundant CPU for Emerson’s RX3i PACSystems family. Occupying a single RX3i universal slot, it combines a 1.91 GHz quad-core Intel Atom E3845 with 2 GB ECC-protected DDR3L to deliver ≤1 ms deterministic control cycles while hosting up to 64 priority-level tasks.
The IC698CRE030 is the flagship redundant CPU for Emerson’s RX3i PACSystems family. Occupying a single RX3i universal slot, it combines a 1.91 GHz quad-core Intel Atom E3845 with 2 GB ECC-protected DDR3L to deliver ≤1 ms deterministic control cycles while hosting up to 64 priority-level tasks.
In the automation hierarchy the module sits at the “main-controller” layer: it executes the user program, manages up to 32 K I/O points, and synchronises state data with a standby CPU across a dedicated fibre/copper redundant link. If the primary fails, the hot-standby assumes control in <50 ms without interrupting outputs—critical for continuous-process plants where a single scan loss can shut down an entire unit.
On-board interfaces include dual Gig-E (10/100/1000) with Device Level Ring (DLR) and IEEE 1588v2 time-sync, one software-selectable RS-232/485 port, and two USB 2.0 hosts for program download or data logging. Fieldbus stacks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET IRT, Modbus TCP/RTU, GE-SRTP) run natively, eliminating external gateways.
The CPU is part of the RX3i “CRE” family—cards that share the same 96-pin backplane and hot-swap mechanics but vary in speed and memory. Using a common form factor allows plant stores to stock one spare chassis and drop in the exact performance level required for each application.
IC698CRE030
Technical Specifications
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Model Number: IC698CRE030
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Manufacturer: GE / Emerson
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Product Type: PACSystems RX3i Redundant CPU
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Processor: Intel Atom E3845 quad-core, 1.91 GHz, low-power
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Deterministic Cycle: ≤1 ms typical, 64 priority tasks
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Memory: 2 GB DDR3L ECC (runtime), 512 MB flash (user/program), microSD up to 64 GB
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Ethernet: Dual Gig-E RJ45, DLR & IEEE 1588v2, 256 TCP connections
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Serial: 1× RS-232/485 DB9, isolated, 300–115.2 kbps
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USB: 2× USB 2.0 Type-A (program/debug/data log)
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Fieldbus: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET IRT, Modbus TCP/RTU, GE-SRTP, CIP Sync, HSR/PRP ready
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Redundancy: 1:1 hot-standby, <50 ms failover, fibre/copper link, hot-swap CPUs
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Backplane Current: 5 VDC @ 1.2 A (typ), 3.3 V supplied on-board
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Temperature: -40 … +70 °C operational; -40 … +85 °C storage
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Form Factor: Single-slot RX3i Universal, 6BA02 PCB revision
IC698CRE030
Core Features & Customer Value
Sub-millisecond scan & ECC RAM – Quad-core Atom with ECC memory delivers ≤1 ms control cycles and prevents single-bit upsets, keeping turbine or compressor loops stable even under heavy I/O traffic.
Sub-millisecond scan & ECC RAM – Quad-core Atom with ECC memory delivers ≤1 ms control cycles and prevents single-bit upsets, keeping turbine or compressor loops stable even under heavy I/O traffic.
<50 ms hot-standby failover – Dedicated redundant link and state-sync engine ensure bumpless switchover, eliminating the need for external redundancy modules and cutting control-system MTTR to minutes.
Native multi-protocol stack – Dual Gig-E ports run EtherNet/IP, PROFINET IRT, and Modbus TCP simultaneously, so the same CPU can talk to plant DCS, VFDs, and remote I/O without extra gateways.
Hot-swap & auto-recognition – CPU can be inserted or removed while the rack is powered; the standby unit assumes control instantly, allowing online replacement without shutting down the process.
Industrial temperature & marine certs – -40 … +70 °C rating and Zone 2 / ABS / DNV-GL approvals let the module live in compressor shelters or off-shore platforms without additional HVAC.
Typical Applications
In combined-cycle plants the IC698CRE030 is installed as the primary (and standby) CPU in RX3i racks that govern gas-turbine fuel valves, inlet-guide-vane actuators, and cooling-water pumps. The ≤1 ms scan keeps the speed-control loop stable, while native EtherNet/IP feeds real-time data to the plant DCS.
In combined-cycle plants the IC698CRE030 is installed as the primary (and standby) CPU in RX3i racks that govern gas-turbine fuel valves, inlet-guide-vane actuators, and cooling-water pumps. The ≤1 ms scan keeps the speed-control loop stable, while native EtherNet/IP feeds real-time data to the plant DCS.
In pipeline compressor stations the same CPU runs the anti-surge PID and communicates with remote I/O over PROFINET IRT, ensuring surge-free operation even during rapid transients.
Because the module is certified for Zone 2 and marine environments, it is also used on off-shore platforms for well-head control and subsea valve operation without needing additional redundancy hardware.
