GE IC695CRU320 PACSystems RX3i Redundancy Controller

Description

Product Introduction

The GE Emerson PACSystems RX3i IC695CRU320 is a high-availability, bump-less redundancy CPU designed specifically for mission-critical automation systems that cannot tolerate single-point controller failures. Packing a massive 64 MB of user memory and driven by a 1 GHz Intel Celeron processor, this controller executes complex control algorithms, large tag databases, and extensive PID loops without compromising scan times or sync speed.

Occupying a double-slot footprint on an RX3i Universal Backplane (IC695CHS012 or IC695CHS016), the IC695CRU320 operates in a paired primary/secondary rack configuration. Paired with dedicated Redundancy Sync Modules (IC695RMX128 / RMX228), it maintains lock-step data synchronization across memory registers, ensuring an instantaneous, seamless failover if a hardware fault, power loss, or cable break occurs on the primary CPU rack.

Key Technical Specifications

Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience

When an offline process or power generator loses its controller, a uniprocessor system goes completely dark. In critical infrastructure like oil refineries, turbine control, or municipal water distribution, an un-hedged controller trip translates to millions of dollars in flaring, safety hazards, or city-wide utility outages.

• Oil & Gas Offshore Platforms – Managing emergency shutdown systems (ESD) and fire & gas monitoring where zero control downtime is legally mandated.
• Combined-Cycle Power Generation – Operating dual-redundant gas/steam turbine control systems requiring sub-cycle sync times.
• District Water Treatment Plants – Maintaining continuous chemical dosing and pumping networks across primary and backup control chassis.

Field Case Study: A major refinery experienced a catastrophic power supply failure on the primary CPU rack of an active sulfur recovery unit. Because the system was running dual IC695CRU320 processors tied through fiber optic sync links, the secondary standby CRU320 took over full rack control in under 3 milliseconds—completely imperceptible to field actuators. The plant avoided a $300,000 emergency shutdown and replaced the failed power supply on the primary rack while the line stayed online.

IC695CRU320

IC695CRU320

IC695CRU320

Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing

High-availability redundant controllers demand zero room for error. Every IC695CRU320 unit undergoes rigorous validation on dedicated dual-rack redundancy test benches before shipment.

1. Inbound Mechanical Inspection: Check double-slot tab integrity, PCI backplane gold fingers, serial port housing, and verify OEM serial numbers and revision stamps.
2. Dual-Rack Boot Diagnostics: Slot the CRU320 into an RX3i Universal Baseplate (IC695CHS012) alongside a secondary matching CRU320 setup. Verify clean POST sequence and diagnostic LEDs (OK, RUN, FAULT, STAT).
3. PME Configuration & Memory Test: Connect via PAC Machine Edition (PME), execute flash memory sector tests, clear diagnostic tables, and log firmware revisions.
4. Active Redundancy Failover Test: Pair the unit with an IC695RMX128 fiber sync module. Inject high-traffic logic and physically disconnect power from the primary rack to verify real-time, bump-less transfer of control to the secondary rack under load.
5. Anti-Static Packaging: Cap backplane edge connectors with protective covers, seal in ESD shielding bags with fresh desiccant, and pack inside custom dense foam casing.

The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)

⚠️ Strict Hardware Revision & Firmware Matching is Mandatory! In an RX3i high-availability redundant pair, BOTH the primary and secondary IC695CRU320 modules must run the exact same firmware version and hardware revision. A revision mismatch (e.g., pairing a CRU320-EC with a CRU320-FD running different firmware) will prevent the redundancy handshake from achieving “Active/Standby” sync status.

❗ Note the Dual-Slot Space Requirements! Just like the CPU315, the IC695CRU320 is a double-width module. You need two adjacent physical slots on an RX3i Universal Backplane (IC695CHS012 or IC695CHS016). It cannot be used in expansion racks or legacy 90-30 bases.

⚠️ Always Use an Energy Pack or Fresh Battery! High-availability failover depends on memory register consistency. If power is lost to a dark rack and its internal RAM battery (IC698ACC701 / Energy Pack) is dead, the standby CPU will lose its synchronized state upon boot and fail to perform a bump-less transfer when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the primary difference between the IC695CPU320 and the ?

A: The “CPU320” is a standard uniprocessor CPU. The “CRU320” is specifically built and licensed for High-Availability Redundancy setups, featuring specialized redundancy firmware and sync handling protocols to support hot-standby architectures.

Q: Does the have built-in Ethernet ports?

A: No. The features onboard RS-232 and RS-485 serial ports. For redundant network communications (such as Modbus TCP or PROFINET ring topologies), you must pair it with dedicated communication modules like the IC695ETM001 or IC695PNC001.

Q: Can I run the as a standalone CPU without configuring redundancy?

A: Yes. A can operate as a single standalone processor in standard RX3i applications, giving you access to its massive 64 MB user memory. However, its primary design value lies in dual-redundant system deployment.

Q: What synchronization module is required for the ?

A: To establish the high-speed data link between primary and secondary racks, you typically install an IC695RMX128 or IC695RMX228 Redundancy Memory Xchange (RMX) module connected via high-speed fiber optic cables.

Q: What warranty comes with this redundancy CPU?

A: All new surplus and fully bench-tested pre-owned controllers shipped from our facility are backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty.