GE PACSystems RX3i Modules: IC695CPE310

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 provides deterministic scan-cycle performance combined with high-density I/O expansion. Its universal backplane accepts both legacy Series 90-30 I/O modules and native RX3i modules, making it the preferred migration path for facilities that cannot afford full system replacement. The IC695CPE310 CPU module — the subject of this listing — represents the mid-range processing tier of the RX3i family, offering 10 MB user memory, dual Ethernet ports, and USB programming access in a single-slot form factor.

The Evolution of PACSystems RX3i Architecture

GE Intelligent Platforms (later rebranded GE Automation & Controls, and subsequently acquired by Emerson as part of the Movicon/PACSystems portfolio) introduced the RX3i platform in the early 2000s as a successor to the Series 90-30 and Series 90-70 families. The architecture was designed around a universal backplane (IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016) that accepts both 90-30 legacy I/O and high-speed RX3i-native modules on the same rack, eliminating the need for immediate full migration.

Early CPU releases — the IC695CPU310 and IC695CPU320 — established the core instruction set and Ethernet connectivity model. Subsequent generations introduced the CPE series (Controller Processing Element), which integrated dual Ethernet ports directly onto the CPU module, removing the dependency on a separate Ethernet Interface module (ETM001). The IC695CPE310 (this listing) and IC695CPE330 represent the mature mid-range and high-performance tiers respectively. The IC695CPE400 and IC695CPE410 introduced motion control integration and expanded memory. The most recent generation — IC695CPE302 — targets cost-optimized deployments with a reduced feature set.

Compatibility note: RX3i CPU modules require firmware alignment with the PME (Proficy Machine Edition) programming software version. Cross-generation firmware mismatches are a documented source of communication faults in brownfield installations.

PACSystems RX3i Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU / Controller Modules

• IC695CPE310: Mid-range CPU, 10 MB user memory, dual 10/100 Ethernet, USB port, single rack slot.
• IC695CPE330: High-performance CPU, 64 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, enhanced motion coordination.
• IC695CPE400: Advanced CPU with integrated motion, 64 MB memory, supports up to 4 axes.
• IC695CPE410: Extended motion CPU, 128 MB user memory, high-speed backplane, multi-axis servo.
• IC695CPE302: Cost-optimized CPU, 10 MB memory, single Ethernet port, reduced I/O expansion.
• IC695CPU310: Legacy CPU module, 10 MB memory, requires separate ETM001 for Ethernet access.
• IC695CPU320: Legacy high-memory CPU, 20 MB user memory, predecessor to CPE series.

Analog Input Modules

• IC695ALG600: 8-channel universal analog input, configurable per channel (V/mA/RTD/TC), 16-bit resolution.
• IC695ALG608: 8-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, high-speed scanning, HART-capable variant.
• IC695ALG616: 16-channel analog input, voltage/current configurable, high-density rack utilization.
• IC695ALG704: 4-channel analog output, 16-bit DAC, ±10 V / 0–20 mA selectable per channel.
• IC695ALG728: 8-channel analog output, 16-bit resolution, current/voltage configurable.

Digital I/O Modules

• IC695MDL654: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete input, positive logic, high-density format.
• IC695MDL664: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete output, 0.5 A per point, positive logic.
• IC695MDL740: 16-channel 120 VAC discrete input, isolated, DIN rail compatible.
• IC695MDL752: 16-channel relay output, Form C contacts, 2 A per point, mixed voltage.

Communications & Network Modules

• IC695ETM001: Single-port 10/100 Ethernet module, required for legacy CPU310/CPU320 network access.
• IC695PBM300: PROFIBUS DP master module, supports up to 125 slave devices, 12 Mbps.
• IC695CMM002: Serial communications module, 2-port RS-232/RS-485, Modbus RTU/ASCII master-slave.
• IC695CMX128: High-speed communications co-processor, offloads Ethernet messaging from CPU scan cycle.

Power Supply Modules

• IC695PSA040: 40 W AC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, for IC695CHS012/016 backplanes.
• IC695PSD040: 40 W DC power supply, 24 VDC input, redundancy-capable with IC695PSA040.

Backplane / Rack

• IC695CHS012: 12-slot universal backplane, accepts RX3i and legacy 90-30 I/O modules.
• IC695CHS016: 16-slot universal backplane, maximum I/O density configuration.

Quality Control for the PACSystems RX3i Range

RX3i modules present specific test challenges due to the universal backplane architecture and the tight coupling between CPU firmware, I/O module configuration tables, and the PME project file. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all RX3i units prior to dispatch:

• Backplane slot continuity test: each module is seated in a live IC695CHS012 rack and scanned for hardware fault codes via PME Hardware Configuration.
• CPU modules: full memory read/write cycle test across the entire user memory range; Ethernet port link negotiation verified at 10 and 100 Mbps; USB port enumeration confirmed.
• Analog modules: calibration verification against NIST-traceable reference signals; per-channel offset and gain error measured against GE published accuracy specifications.
• Digital I/O modules: point-by-point functional test under rated load; isolation resistance measured between field-side and logic-side circuits.
• Communications modules: loopback test on all serial ports; PROFIBUS DP master modules tested against a live slave device at 1.5 Mbps and 12 Mbps.
• Power supplies: output voltage regulation measured under 25%, 50%, and 100% rated load; ripple measured with oscilloscope.