GE PACSystems RX3i IC695CPE400-AAAA CPU Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE PACSystems RX3i Series Technical Notes

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 early 2000s. The IC695CPE400-AAAA is a high-performance CPU module within this platform, executing ladder logic, function block diagram, structured text, and instruction list programs under IEC 61131-3 compliance. Its 1 GHz processor, 64 MB user memory, and dual Ethernet ports make it the standard selection for applications requiring deterministic scan times and high-volume I/O throughput. The RX3i series is backward-compatible with the earlier Series 90-30 and Series 90-70 I/O hardware, a design decision that has extended its service life across multi-decade plant lifecycles.

The Evolution of PACSystems RX3i Architecture

GE Fanuc Automation introduced the PACSystems RX3i platform as a successor to the Series 90-70 rack-based PLC in 2003. The architecture was designed around a universal backplane (IC695CHS007, IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016) that accepts both legacy Series 90-30 I/O modules via a dedicated adapter and native RX3i modules, eliminating forced hardware migrations during plant upgrades. Early CPU releases — including the IC695CPU310 and IC695CPU320 — operated at lower clock speeds with limited Ethernet capability. The IC695CPE400 generation introduced embedded dual-port Ethernet, eliminating the need for a separate Ethernet Interface Module (EIM) for basic network connectivity. Subsequent firmware revisions (SV9.50 and above) added EtherNet/IP scanner functionality, enabling direct integration with distributed I/O on Rockwell-compatible networks. The platform entered its mature phase circa 2015, with GE (later Emerson Automation Solutions following the 2018 acquisition) maintaining the product line under long-term availability commitments. As of 2026, the RX3i remains in active production, though several early CPU and specialty communication modules have been discontinued and require aftermarket sourcing.

PACSystems RX3i Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC695CPE400-AAAA: 1 GHz CPU, 64 MB user memory, dual embedded Ethernet, USB programming port
• IC695CPE410-ABAJ: Enhanced CPE400 variant with expanded motion control support and updated firmware baseline
• IC695CPU310-EE: Entry-level RX3i CPU, 300 MHz, 10 MB user memory, single Ethernet port
• IC695CPU320-EE: Mid-range CPU, 600 MHz, 32 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, legacy transition model
• IC695CRU320-EE: Redundancy CPU module, paired with IC695RMX128 for hot-standby configurations

Analog & Digital I/O Modules

• IC695ALG600-EE: 8-channel universal analog input, configurable per-channel for voltage/current/RTD/thermocouple
• IC695ALG616-EE: 16-channel analog input, ±10 V / 0–20 mA, 16-bit resolution
• IC695ALG704-EE: 8-channel analog output, 16-bit resolution, voltage and current selectable
• IC695MDL654-EE: 32-point 24 VDC discrete input module, sink/source configurable
• IC695MDL664-EE: 32-point 24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per point, source type
• IC695MDL740-EE: 16-point 120 VAC discrete input module
• IC695MDL752-EE: 16-point relay output module, Form C contacts, 2 A per point

Communication & Network Modules

• IC695ETM001-EE: Single-port Ethernet interface module, 10/100 Mbps, SRTP/Modbus TCP/EtherNet IP
• IC695PBM300-EE: PROFIBUS DP master module, up to 125 slave devices, 12 Mbps
• IC695CMM002-EE: 2-port serial communications module, RS-232/RS-485, Modbus RTU/SNP/SNPX
• IC695RMX128-EE: Redundancy memory exchange module, required for CPE/CRU redundancy pairs

Power Supply Modules

• IC695PSA040-EE: 40 W AC/DC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, 5 VDC / 3.3 VDC backplane output
• IC695PSD040-EE: 40 W DC-input power supply, 24–48 VDC input range, for DC-powered panel installations