GE PACSystems RX3i Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE PACSystems RX3i Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE PACSystems RX3i platform is one of the most widely deployed programmable automation controller (PAC) architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore platforms, LNG terminals, and continuous-process chemical plants, the RX3i backplane-based architecture has served as the control backbone for critical infrastructure since its commercial introduction in the mid-2000s. Its universal backplane design — accepting both legacy Series 90-30 I/O modules and native RX3i high-speed modules — made it the preferred migration path for facilities running GE Series 90-70 and Series 90-30 systems. The IC695CPE305-ABAH is a representative CPU module within this ecosystem, combining onboard Ethernet, embedded logic execution, and deterministic scan-cycle performance suited to safety-adjacent process control environments.

The Evolution of PACSystems RX3i Architecture

The RX3i platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation (later rebranded GE Intelligent Platforms, then GE Automation & Controls, and subsequently absorbed into Emerson under the Movicon/PACSystems portfolio) as a unified controller architecture designed to consolidate the Series 90-30 and Series 90-70 installed base. The original IC695 CPU modules — including the CPE302, CPE305, CPE310, CPE330, and CPE400 — established a tiered performance hierarchy based on program memory, I/O point capacity, and communication throughput.

Early RX3i deployments (2004–2010) relied on the 7-slot and 16-slot universal backplanes (IC695CHS007, IC695CHS016) with dedicated power supply modules. The architecture evolved through firmware generations to support IEC 61131-3 structured programming, C-block function integration, and eventually redundant CPU configurations via the IC695RMX128 redundancy memory xchange module. By 2015, the CPE400 and CPL410 variants introduced Linux-based runtime environments and edge computing capability, marking the platform's transition toward IIoT-compatible control. Legacy CPE305-class modules remain in active service across installed bases where full platform migration is not economically viable, creating sustained demand for certified spare and replacement units.

PACSystems RX3i Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU / Controller Modules

• IC695CPE302: Entry-level RX3i CPU, 5 MB user memory, single Ethernet port, 512 I/O points max.
• IC695CPE305: Mid-range CPU, 10 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, supports motion and process control tasks.
• IC695CPE305-ABAH: Revision ABAH of CPE305; current production firmware baseline, dual 10/100 Ethernet, USB programming port, 64 MB DRAM.
• IC695CPE310: High-capacity CPU, 20 MB user memory, enhanced floating-point performance for analog-intensive applications.
• IC695CPE330: Advanced CPU with 64 MB user memory, supports up to 32,000 discrete I/O points, redundancy-capable.
• IC695CPE400: Linux-based PAC CPU, 1 GB user memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet, supports C/C++ user programs and OPC-UA server.
• IC695CPL410: Edge controller variant of CPE400, adds Node-RED runtime and MQTT client for IIoT integration.

Analog & Digital I/O Modules

• IC695ALG600: 8-channel universal analog input, configurable per-channel for voltage/current/RTD/thermocouple.
• IC695ALG616: 16-channel analog input, 16-bit resolution, supports HART pass-through on each channel.
• IC695ALG704: 8-channel analog output, 16-bit resolution, ±10 V / 0–20 mA configurable per channel.
• IC695MDL654: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete input module, high-density, group-isolated.
• IC695MDL664: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per point, short-circuit protected.
• IC695MDL740: 16-channel relay output module, Form C contacts, 2 A per point, for high-current switching.

Communication & Network Adapter Modules

• IC695ETM001: Ethernet interface module, 10/100 Mbps, supports SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD, and OPC-DA protocols.
• IC695PBM300: PROFIBUS DP master module, supports up to 125 slave devices, DPV1 acyclic messaging.
• IC695CMM002: Serial communications module, 2-port RS-232/RS-485, supports SNP, Modbus RTU, and generic ASCII.
• IC695RMX128: Redundancy memory xchange module, required for hot-standby CPU redundancy configurations.

Power Supply Modules

• IC695PSA040: 40 W AC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, for standard RX3i backplane configurations.
• IC695PSD040: 40 W DC power supply, 24 VDC input, for DC-powered panel installations.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete PACSystems RX3i Parts

Several CPE302, CPE305, and ETM001 variants have transitioned to limited-availability or end-of-life status under GE/Emerson's product lifecycle policy. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested, pull-out, and new-surplus RX3i modules to support facilities that cannot execute full platform migrations within standard maintenance windows. Our sourcing network covers original GE Fanuc production runs, certified refurbished units with full functional test documentation, and cross-referenced compatible replacements where applicable. All units are supplied with traceability documentation and, where available, original firmware revision records to ensure compatibility with existing project configurations. For CPE305-ABAH specifically, we maintain stock across multiple firmware revisions to match customer site requirements without requiring field firmware upgrades.

Quality Control for the PACSystems RX3i Range

RX3i modules present specific test challenges due to their backplane-dependent communication architecture and multi-protocol Ethernet stack. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol for all RX3i units prior to dispatch. Each CPU module undergoes power-on self-test (POST) verification, Ethernet port continuity and link-speed negotiation testing, USB port enumeration check, and a live scan-cycle execution test using a reference ladder logic program loaded via Proficy Machine Edition. I/O modules are tested under load conditions using calibrated signal sources and measurement equipment to verify channel-level accuracy within published GE specifications. Communication modules are validated against live network segments to confirm protocol handshake and data exchange integrity. All test results are logged per unit serial number and available to customers on request.