Description
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc / GE Intelligent Platforms |
| Model | IC698CPE040 |
| Product Family | PACSystems RX7i |
| Product Type | CPU Module |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz Pentium-M |
| User Memory | 64 MB battery-backed RAM |
| Flash Memory | 64 MB non-volatile flash |
| Backplane | VME64 |
| Ethernet | 2 × 10/100Base-TX |
| Ethernet Connector | RJ45 |
| Serial Ports | 3 |
| Serial Interfaces | RS-232 / RS-485 and Ethernet Station Manager |
| Ethernet Protocols | EGD, SRTP, Modbus/TCP |
| Serial Protocols | SNP, Modbus RTU Slave, Serial I/O |
| Program Blocks | Up to 512 |
| Maximum Block Size | 128 KB |
| Battery | IC698ACC701 |
| Power, +5 VDC | 6.8 A nominal |
| Power, +12 VDC | 0.003 A nominal |
| Power, −12 VDC | 0.003 A nominal |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60°C |
| Cooling | Fan tray required |
| Mounting | RX7i VME64 rack |
| Firmware Upgrade | Winloader via serial port |
| Calendar Clock | Battery-backed |
GE’s CPE040 documentation confirms the three serial ports, two RJ45 Ethernet ports, and VME64-based RX7i architecture.
Product Overview
The GE Fanuc IC698CPE040 is a central processing unit for the PACSystems RX7i programmable automation controller platform. It uses a 1.8 GHz Pentium-M processor and provides 64 MB of battery-backed user memory together with 64 MB of non-volatile flash memory. The CPU executes the control program and communicates with I/O and intelligent option modules through the RX7i VME64 backplane.
The GE Fanuc IC698CPE040 includes an embedded Ethernet interface with two 10/100Base-TX RJ45 ports. Supported functions include Ethernet Global Data, SRTP, Modbus/TCP server and client operation, programming/configuration services, and station-management functions. The CPU also has three independent serial interfaces, providing additional options for legacy devices and service connections.
The IC698CPE040 is therefore not simply an Ethernet communication card. It is the primary CPU of an RX7i control system and normally carries the application program, configuration, register data, and symbolic variables. Replacement work needs to account for memory retention, firmware compatibility, battery condition, and the existing RX7i rack configuration.
IC698CPE040
Main Features & Field Considerations
1. RX7i central controller
The IC698CPE040 is designed to execute real-time control programs for machines, processes, and material-handling applications. The CPU communicates with rack-based I/O and intelligent modules through the VME64 backplane.
2. 1.8 GHz Pentium-M processor
The CPE040 is the higher-performance member of the CPE030/CPE040 generation, using a 1.8 GHz Pentium-M processor. The CPE030, by comparison, uses a 600 MHz processor.
3. 64 MB RAM + 64 MB flash
The CPU provides 64 MB of battery-backed user memory and 64 MB of non-volatile flash memory. This memory architecture is important when replacing a failed CPU because the application program and retained data may depend on the battery-backed memory.
4. Integrated Ethernet
Two full-duplex 10/100Base-TX Ethernet ports are provided through RJ45 connectors. The internal Ethernet switch supports auto-negotiated speed, duplex mode, and crossover detection. Supported functions include EGD, SRTP, Modbus/TCP, programming, and diagnostics.
5. Three serial ports
The CPE040 has three independent onboard serial ports. COM1 and COM2 can be used for external serial communications and firmware upgrades, while the third is dedicated to Ethernet Station Manager functions.
6. Battery and memory risk
The CPU uses the IC698ACC701 lithium battery pack for RAM retention and the calendar clock. The battery should be treated as a maintenance item. GE documentation specifically warns that the IC698ACC701 is the applicable battery for CPE040 and that the newer IC698ACC701 replacement battery designation must be checked carefully against the installed CPU revision.
Replacement Checklist
Before replacing an IC698CPE040, verify:
- Exact CPU model:
- RX7i rack and backplane
- CPU firmware revision
- Ethernet firmware revision
- Application program backup
- Hardware configuration
- EGD configuration
- SRTP connections
- Modbus/TCP connections
- Serial-port configuration
- Battery condition
- Retentive register requirements
- Existing VME modules
- Fan-tray operation
- CPU revision/suffix
A particularly important point is memory preservation. If the original CPU is still accessible, back up the application and configuration before removing it. Do not assume that installing a replacement CPU automatically transfers the original program or retained data.
Procurement Description
GE Fanuc — PACSystems RX7i Central Processing Unit, 1.8 GHz Pentium-M, 64 MB Battery-Backed User Memory, 64 MB Flash, Dual 10/100 Ethernet, Three Serial Ports, VME64
The is a legacy RX7i CPU, so procurement should focus on the exact CPU revision, firmware compatibility, battery/memory condition, and existing application backup, rather than treating it as a generic PLC processor.
