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The GE IC695CRU320CA-EL is a high-availability, redundant Central Processing Unit (CPU) module for the PACSystems RX3i programmable automation controller (PAC) platform. This is not a standard CPU; it is a specialized system component engineered to eliminate single points of failure within the control system. The GE IC695CRU320CA-EL operates as part of a matched pair, forming a hot-standby redundant system where one CPU acts as the primary controller while the other serves as a synchronized secondary. In the event of a fault in the primary CPU—whether from a hardware failure, power loss, or communication break—the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL secondary unit automatically and seamlessly takes over control without stopping the process or requiring a system restart. This capability is paramount for industries where unplanned downtime leads to massive financial losses, safety risks, or environmental incidents. By integrating the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL into your RX3i platform, you are not just buying a processor; you are investing in a comprehensive business continuity solution for your most critical automation applications.
GE IC695CRU320CA-EL
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | IC695CRU320CA-EL |
| Manufacturer | GE (now part of Emerson) |
| Product Type | Redundant Central Processing Unit (CPU) |
| System Platform | PACSystems RX3i |
| CPU Type | Dual Redundant, Hot Standby |
| Memory | 20 MB User Memory (Logic, Data, Configuration) |
| Built-in Ports | One Serial (RS-485) and One Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) port |
| Redundancy Communication | Dedicated high-speed fiber optic link |
| Supported I/O | All Series 90-30 and RX3i I/O modules |
| Control Capabilities | Supports PACMachine™ and Cimplicity™ Machine Edition programming |
| Hot Standby Switchover Time | Typically less than 50 milliseconds, ensuring uninterrupted control |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Power Requirement | +5V DC from the RX3i backplane |
Main Features and Advantages
The defining feature of the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL is its robust and seamless redundancy. The system maintains continuous synchronization of the entire control state—including logic, data tables, and system status—between the primary and secondary CPUs via a dedicated, high-speed fiber optic link. This ensures that the standby unit is always up-to-date and ready to assume control instantly. The automatic fault detection and failover mechanism is incredibly fast, with switchover times typically under 50 milliseconds, a duration so brief that it is imperceptible to most continuous processes, thereby guaranteeing operational integrity.
Beyond core redundancy, the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL offers significant operational advantages. It supports online program changes and module replacement, allowing for maintenance and upgrades without halting the controlled process. The inclusion of both serial and Ethernet ports provides flexible connectivity for programming, HMI systems, and higher-level networks. Diagnostics are comprehensive; the system continuously monitors the health of both CPUs, the redundancy link, and power supplies, providing clear status indicators and detailed fault information to operators. This proactive diagnostic capability, combined with the inherent fault tolerance of the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL, translates directly to minimized risk, maximized plant availability, and a significant reduction in lifecycle costs for critical control systems.
Application Field
The GE IC695CRU320CA-EL is deployed in mission-critical applications where system failure is not an option. In the oil and gas industry, it is the controller of choice for offshore platform safety shutdown systems (ESD), fire and gas detection systems, and critical compressor control, where a fault could have catastrophic consequences. For water and wastewater treatment, the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL manages processes like chemical dosing, filtration, and pump station control, ensuring continuous compliance with environmental regulations and preventing service disruptions to communities.
In the power generation sector, both conventional and renewable, this redundant CPU controls turbine auxiliaries, balance-of-plant systems, and grid interconnection logic. It is also extensively used in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing for managing complex, high-value batch processes where an unplanned stoppage would result in the complete loss of a production batch. Furthermore, transportation systems such as tunnel ventilation and airport baggage handling rely on the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL to maintain continuous, safe operation under all circumstances. Any industry that prioritizes operational resilience and risk mitigation is a prime application field for the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL.
GE IC695CRU320CA-EL
Related Products
IC695CRU320: The standard version of the redundant CPU without the conformal coating (-CA suffix).
IC695CPU320: A standalone, non-redundant RX3i CPU with similar performance, used in non-critical applications.
IC694ACC301: A redundancy fiber optic cable assembly used to connect the primary and secondary IC695CRU320CA-EL CPUs.
IC695PSA140: A 140-watt power supply for the RX3i system, providing clean power to the IC695CRU320CA-EL and other modules.
IC693CMM321: A Genius Communications Module, allowing the IC695CRU320CA-EL to interface with GE Genius I/O networks.
IC695ETM001: A high-density Ethernet interface module for expanding network connectivity beyond the CPU’s built-in port.
IC694MDL645: A 16-channel digital input module, an example of I/O that can be controlled by the IC695CRU320CA-EL.
IC694ALG220: A 4-channel analog input module for process variable measurement in a system with the IC695CRU320CA-EL.
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation preparation: Installing the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL requires careful planning. You must have a matched pair of these CPUs, the specific redundancy fiber optic cable (IC694ACC301), and two separate RX3i racks with power supplies. Ensure the system firmware versions are identical on both CPUs before installation. Power down both racks completely. It is critical to review the PACSystems RX3i Redundancy User Manual thoroughly to understand the specific slot requirements and system configuration rules for a redundant setup.
Maintenance recommendations: The primary maintenance activity for a system using the GE IC695CRU320CA-EL is continuous monitoring of its status LEDs and the system diagnostics available in the programming software (Machine Edition). The LEDs provide immediate visual feedback on which CPU is primary, the status of the redundancy link, and any fault conditions. Regularly check the integrity of the fiber optic redundancy cable and its connections. When performing firmware updates, a coordinated procedure for the redundant pair must be strictly followed to maintain synchronization. If a fault occurs on the primary CPU, the system will automatically switchover, allowing you to safely diagnose and replace the faulty GE IC695CRU320CA-EL module online without process interruption.
