GE IC698 Series Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE IC698 (RX7i) Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE IC698 series — commercially marketed as the PACSystems RX7i — represents GE Automation & Controls' highest-density, rack-based programmable controller platform. Deployed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power auxiliary systems, steel rolling mills, and large-scale water treatment infrastructure, the RX7i architecture is engineered for applications where controller failure translates directly into unplanned production loss measured in tens of thousands of dollars per hour.

The IC698 backplane supports up to 17 slots per rack, with multi-rack expansion via fiber-optic or copper backplane cables. Its VME-derived bus architecture allows deterministic scan times even under high I/O density configurations. As of 2026, the IC698 platform is in its mature/end-of-active-development phase; GE (now part of Emerson's portfolio via the Proficy ecosystem) continues to provide firmware patches but has ceased new hardware development. This lifecycle status makes third-party spare parts sourcing a critical operational requirement for any facility running RX7i infrastructure.

The Evolution of IC698 Architecture

The IC698 series succeeded the Series 90-70 (IC697) platform, inheriting its rack form factor while introducing a 32-bit Pentium-class processor bus and high-speed backplane communications. The architectural transition occurred in three identifiable phases:

Phase 1 (2001–2006) — Initial RX7i Release: The IC698CPE010 and IC698CPE020 established the platform with Pentium III-class CPUs running at 300–700 MHz. These units used CompactFlash for program storage and introduced the concept of a unified CPU/communications module. Compatibility with legacy IC697 I/O racks via the IC698CHS009 expansion chassis was a deliberate design decision to protect installed base investments.

Phase 2 (2007–2014) — Performance Expansion: GE introduced the IC698CPE030 and IC698CPE040, doubling addressable memory and improving Ethernet port throughput. The IC698ETM001 Ethernet module became the standard communications backbone for SCADA integration. During this phase, the IC698 became the dominant controller in North American refinery DCS migration projects.

Phase 3 (2015–Present) — Lifecycle Extension & Migration: New CPU releases ceased. GE's focus shifted to the PACSystems RSTi-EP and CPE400 platforms. For IC698 users, this phase is defined by the need to maintain aging hardware without OEM new-stock availability. Firmware version 9.x remains the final supported release. Procurement teams must now source CPUs, memory modules, and I/O cards from certified secondary market suppliers to avoid forced platform migrations that can cost $500K–$2M per facility.

IC698 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent the core module types within the IC698 / RX7i platform. All models listed are confirmed members of this series.

CPU / Microprocessor Modules

• IC698CPE010: Pentium III 300 MHz CPU, 10 MB user memory, single Ethernet port, CompactFlash slot
• IC698CPE020: Pentium III 700 MHz CPU, 20 MB user memory, dual Ethernet, enhanced scan performance
• IC698CPE030: Celeron 1 GHz CPU, 32 MB user memory, USB programming port, improved boot time
• IC698CPE040: Celeron 1.8 GHz CPU, 64 MB user memory, highest-performance standard RX7i CPU
• IC698CRE020: Redundant CPU module, 700 MHz, designed for hot-standby redundancy configurations

Power Supply Modules

• IC698PSA100: 120/240 VAC input power supply, 30W output, standard rack power
• IC698PSA350: 120/240 VAC input, 35W high-capacity power supply for fully loaded racks
• IC698PSD300: 24 VDC input power supply, 30W, for DC-powered panel installations

Analog Input / Output Modules

• IC698ALG230: 16-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 16-bit resolution
• IC698ALG233: 8-channel analog input with HART protocol support, field instrument integration
• IC698ALG728: 8-channel analog output, 4–20 mA, 16-bit resolution, isolated outputs

Digital Input / Output Modules

• IC698MDL650: 32-channel 24 VDC digital input module, source/sink configurable
• IC698MDL740: 32-channel 24 VDC digital output module, 0.5A per point
• IC698MDL753: 16-channel 120 VAC digital input module, optically isolated
• IC698MDL760: 16-channel relay output module, Form C contacts, 2A per point

Communications & Network Modules

• IC698ETM001: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet TCP/IP module, SRTP and Modbus TCP support
• IC698CMX128: 128 MB CompactFlash memory expansion card for CPU program storage

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC698 Parts

With GE having ceased active production of IC698 hardware, procurement teams face three distinct sourcing challenges: (1) New-old-stock (NOS) availability — units manufactured before end-of-production that remain in sealed OEM packaging; (2) Refurbished units — pulled from decommissioned systems, tested, and recertified; (3) Functional equivalents — where a later firmware-compatible revision can substitute for an obsolete part number.

DriveKNMS maintains an active sourcing network across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific for IC698 components. Our procurement team cross-references GE's official revision history to ensure that substituted part numbers are firmware-compatible with the customer's existing rack configuration. For CPU modules specifically, we verify CompactFlash compatibility and firmware version alignment before shipment. Lead times for common modules (IC698CPE020, IC698PSA100, IC698MDL650) are typically 3–7 business days from verified stock. Rare modules such as the IC698CRE020 redundant CPU may require 2–4 weeks sourcing time.

Quality Control for the IC698 Range

IC698 modules present specific test challenges due to their VME-derived backplane bus and high-speed CPU interfaces. DriveKNMS applies the following verification protocol to all IC698 units prior to shipment:

• Power-on self-test (POST) verification: Each module is powered in an RX7i test rack and observed through full boot sequence. CPU modules must reach RUN mode without fault codes.
• Backplane communication integrity: I/O modules are tested under live scan with a reference CPU to confirm deterministic data exchange at rated scan rates.
• Analog accuracy calibration: ALG-series modules are tested against a calibrated signal source. Output deviation must be within ±0.1% of full scale.
• Ethernet port validation: ETM001 and CPU Ethernet ports are tested for SRTP connectivity, ping response, and sustained throughput under load.
• Visual and mechanical inspection: Backplane connector pins, faceplate labels, and firmware version stickers are inspected and documented.
• Burn-in period: High-value modules (CPUs, redundancy controllers) undergo a 48-hour powered burn-in to screen for early-life failures.

All test results are documented and available to the buyer upon request as part of the shipment package.