The GE Fanuc IC698CPE020-AA is a high-performance Central Processing Unit from the PACSystems RX7i family. This module is built on a VME64 backplane standard, offering high-speed processing and massive memory capacity for large-scale industrial applications. It is designed to bridge the gap between traditional PLC logic and the processing power required for modern, data-intensive automation environments, providing a seamless migration path for legacy Series 90-70 users.

 

Technical Specifications and Data

Product Identification The IC698CPE020-AA is a 1 GHz Pentium M-based CPU designed for the RX7i control system.

User Memory It features 20 MB of battery-backed RAM for logic and data, plus 20 MB of non-volatile flash memory for permanent program storage and documentation.

Dimensions This is a double-slot VME module, measuring approximately 285 mm in height, 195 mm in depth, and 40 mm in width (occupying two slots in the RX7i rack).

Weight The module has a net weight of approximately 1.15 kg (2.54 lbs).

Country of Origin This product is manufactured in the United States.

Communication Interfaces It is equipped with two auto-sensing 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports and three serial ports (one RS-232 and two RS-485), supporting protocols like SRTP, Modbus TCP/IP, and SNP.

Application Fields

The IC698CPE020-AA is engineered for high-end control tasks that demand high throughput:

• Large-Scale Power Plants: Handling turbine control and auxiliary plant synchronization with millisecond precision.
• Complex Process Industries: Managing thousands of I/O points in chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Infrastructure Projects: Controlling large-scale tunnel ventilation and water distribution networks.
• Pulp and Paper Mills: Coordinating high-speed rollers and chemical dosing where high-density calculations are required.

 

Operating Instructions

To ensure peak performance and system reliability, follow these procedures:

1. Dual-Slot Insertion: This module requires two adjacent slots. Ensure the rack power is completely disconnected before seating the module into the VME64 backplane.
2. IP Configuration: Use the serial port and a terminal emulator or Proficy Machine Edition to set the initial IP address for the Ethernet ports.
3. Flash Storage: Once your logic is finalized, always burn the program to the internal flash memory to ensure the system can recover immediately after a long-term power loss.
4. Cooling: The 1 GHz processor generates significant heat. Ensure that the RX7i cabinet fan assembly is functional and that the air filters are clean to prevent overheating.

 

Common Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Q: Is the IC698CPE020-AA compatible with Series 90-70 modules? A: Yes, one of the primary advantages of the RX7i system is its ability to support existing Series 90-70 VME-based I/O and communication modules, allowing for a phased upgrade of older systems.

Q: What do the dual Ethernet ports provide? A: The ports can be used for network redundancy or to separate factory-floor I/O traffic from the higher-level SCADA/ERP network traffic, improving security and performance.

Q: Can I use a standard CompactFlash card with this CPU? A: This model uses internal flash; however, newer revisions or related modules in the series may support external storage. Always check the specific hardware revision for peripheral support.

 

Related Industry News

The PACSystems RX7i platform continues to be a cornerstone for industries undergoing “Digital Twin” implementations. Because the IC698CPE020-AA offers 20 MB of user memory, it allows engineers to store not just the machine logic, but also the original source code and descriptive comments directly on the CPU. Industry experts note that this “Self-Documenting” capability significantly reduces downtime during troubleshooting, as maintenance teams have immediate access to the program’s intent without needing to find archived files on external servers—a critical factor in modern lean manufacturing environments.