Description
- Model: GE PACSystems RX7i IC698CPE030
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson
- Series: PACSystems RX7i (VME-based)
- Core Function: High-performance Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Condition: Brand New Surplus (Original New), Non-refurbished
- Type: Controller Module
- Key Specs: 1.1 GHz Processor 64MB User Memory Ethernet/Serial Ports
- Microprocessor: Intel Pentium M (1.1 GHz)
- User Memory: 64 MB (Battery-backed RAM)
- Flash Memory: 64 MB
- Floating Point: Yes, hardware-supported
- Communication Ports:
- 1 x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (RJ-45)
- 1 x RS-232 Serial (9-pin)
- 1 x RS-485 Serial (15-pin)
- Backplane Interface: VME64 Standard (for RX7i racks)
- Programming Support: Proficy Machine Edition (PME)
- Operating System: VxWorks (Embedded)
- Current Draw: 4.0 A @ +5 V DC
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +60 °C
GE IC698CPE030
GE IC698CPE030
GE IC698CPE030
GE IC698CPE030
Installation & Configuration Guide
Phase 1: Preparation (15 Minutes)
⚠️ Safety First:
- The RX7i is a VME64-based system. Never insert or remove the CPU while the rack power is on. It will likely damage the VME backplane pins or the CPU’s internal circuitry.
- Confirm your version of Proficy Machine Edition (PME). The IC698CPE030 typically requires PME version 5.0 or higher.
- Ensure the lithium battery (IC693ACC302) is fresh. Without a good battery, your user program will vanish the moment you cycle power.
Tools & Protection:
- ESD wrist strap (The Pentium M processor is highly static-sensitive).
- A laptop with PME installed and a standard RJ-45 Ethernet cable.
- A small flat-head screwdriver for the terminal port screws.
Phase 2: Removal (5 Minutes)
- Power Down: Switch off the RX7i power supply module.
- Unlocking: Open the top and bottom injector/ejector handles on the CPU faceplate.
- Extraction: Simultaneously pull the handles outward. This leverages the module away from the high-density VME backplane. Slide it out gently.
- Inspection: Check the backplane for any bent pins. The VME64 interface has hundreds of pins; one bent pin can cause a “Bus Error” that is a nightmare to diagnose.
Phase 3: Installation (20 Minutes)
- Battery Connection: Locate the battery connector on the side of the IC698CPE030. Plug it in before sliding the module into the rack.
- Insertion: Align the module with the card guides in Slot 1 (the dedicated CPU slot). Slide it in until the handles start to engage the rack.
- Seating: Close the injector handles firmly. You should feel the module seat into the backplane.
- Locking: Tighten the two captive screws on the faceplate to ensure the module doesn’t vibrate loose.
Phase 4: Power-On & Testing (30 Minutes)
- LED Check: Turn the power on.
- PWR (Green): Should be solid.
- OK (Green): Should be solid after the Power-On Self-Test (POST).
- RUN (Green): Will only light up after a program is downloaded and started.
- IP Configuration: Use the PME “Set IP Address” utility via the serial port or the default Ethernet settings.
- Firmware Check: In PME, right-click the target and select “Online Commands” -> “Show Status.” Verify the firmware version. If it’s an older version, you might need a firmware upgrade kit from GE.
- Program Download: Clear the CPU memory and download your project. Switch to “Run Mode” and verify that the “System Healthy” bit is high.
Customer Cases & Industry Applications
Case 1: Critical Turbine Control Recovery
Situation: A gas turbine at a power plant used an RX7i system for fuel regulation. The original IC698CPE030 failed due to a cooling fan malfunction, causing the processor to overheat and permanently fault. Task: The OEM stated the RX7i line was “Mature” and suggested a full system migration to Mark VIe, which would take 6 months and cost $200k. Action: We supplied a New Surplus IC698CPE030 from our stock. We also advised the customer to check the rack filters to prevent future overheating. Result: The plant was back online in 48 hours. The cost of our spare was less than 5% of the quoted migration cost.
Case 2: Automotive Assembly Line Upgrade
Situation: An automotive manufacturer needed to increase the speed of their conveyor logic. Their old IC698CPE010 (700 MHz) was hitting 90% scan-time utilization. Task: Upgrade to the IC698CPE030 (1.1 GHz) to provide more “headroom” for new RFID tracking logic. Action: The customer purchased two units—one for the upgrade and one for a backup. Result: The scan time dropped from 45ms to 22ms. This allowed them to integrate the new tracking software without lagging the physical assembly line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I replace an IC698CPE010 or CPE020 with a CPE030? A: Generally, yes. The IC698CPE030 is the high-performance tier of the RX7i family. However, you must update the Hardware Configuration (HWC) in your PME project to reflect the new CPU type before downloading, or the rack will not initialize.
Q: Does the IC698CPE030 come with the battery? A: We ship our modules with a battery included, but since these are “New Surplus” (stored in a warehouse), we always recommend installing a brand-new IC693ACC302 battery upon installation to ensure you have a full 2-year backup life.
Q: I’m getting a “Battery Low” LED even after replacing the battery. Why? A: You may need to clear the PLC faults in PME. Even after a new battery is connected, the CPU “remembers” the low voltage fault until the fault table is manually cleared.
Q: Why is the price of the CPE030 higher than newer RX3i CPUs? A: It’s a matter of supply and demand for VME-based systems. The RX7i is a heavy-duty, high-bandwidth system used in massive infrastructure. Because GE has moved toward the RX3i, the remaining “New” stock of RX7i CPUs like the IC698CPE030 has become a valuable commodity for plants that cannot afford to rewire their entire cabinet.
Q: Is the Ethernet port built-in, or do I need a separate ETM module? A: The IC698CPE030 has one embedded 10/100 Ethernet port on the faceplate. This can be used for both programming and EGD (Ethernet Global Data) communication. If you need more ports or dedicated high-traffic routing, you can still add an IC698ETM001 module to the rack.
