Overview
The GE Fanuc IC698CRE040 is a PACSystems RX7i processor module that executes PLC control logic and manages communication with connected automation devices. It combines a 1.8 GHz Pentium M processor with 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of non-volatile user memory. Two Ethernet interfaces, two serial interfaces, and a Station Manager port support controller communication, configuration, and system monitoring.
Hardware Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | IC698CRE040 |
| Brand | GE Fanuc |
| Product Type | PACSystems RX7i Redundancy CPU Module |
| Product Line | PACSystems RX7i |
| Processor | Intel Pentium M |
| Processor Speed | 1.8 GHz |
| User RAM | 64 MB battery-backed RAM |
| Non-Volatile Memory | 64 MB flash memory |
| Typical Boolean Execution Speed | 0.024 ms per 1,000 Boolean instructions |
| Serial Communication | 2 serial interfaces |
| Station Manager Port | 1 dedicated RS-232 port |
| Ethernet Interfaces | 2 RJ45 ports |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100 Mbps |
| Serial Protocols | Modbus RTU Slave, SNP Slave, Serial I/O |
| Web Server and FTP Connections | Up to 16 combined connections |
| EGD Configuration-Based Pages | Up to 255 |
| Time-of-Day Clock Accuracy | Maximum drift of +/- 2 seconds per day |
| Elapsed Time Clock Accuracy | +/- 0.01% maximum |
| Nominal +5 VDC Current | 6.8 A |
| Nominal +12 VDC Current | 0.003 A |
| Nominal -12 VDC Current | 0.003 A |
| Weight | 0.68 kg (1.50 lb) |
Processor and Memory
The 1.8 GHz Pentium M processor executes the controller’s application logic and processes control data. Its typical Boolean execution speed of 0.024 ms per 1,000 instructions provides a reference for evaluating logic-processing performance. Actual program scan time depends on the application, instruction mix, communication load, and configured tasks.
The module provides 64 MB of battery-backed RAM and 64 MB of non-volatile flash memory. RAM supports user data and program operation, while flash retains user data without continuous battery power. The battery-backed memory and flash memory serve different storage functions and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Communication Interfaces
Two embedded Ethernet ports support communication with programming devices, HMI systems, and other compatible network nodes. The interfaces support 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, while the serial interfaces support Modbus RTU Slave, SNP Slave, and Serial I/O applications.
The dedicated Station Manager port provides an additional RS-232 access path for Ethernet interface management. The module also supports web-based monitoring and FTP access, with up to 16 combined connections. These connection limits describe the combined session capacity, not the number of Ethernet ports.
Power Requirements
The IC698CRE040 draws nominally 6.8 A from the +5 VDC supply rail. Its +12 VDC and -12 VDC requirements are each 0.003 A nominal. When checking a replacement or planning rack power capacity, verify all three supply rails against the installed rack configuration rather than considering the +5 VDC current alone.
Redundancy and Configuration
The CRE040 designation identifies a redundancy CPU variant within the RX7i platform. It supports use in a compatible Hot Standby CPU redundancy configuration, where a primary controller and a synchronized backup can coordinate a transfer of control if the active unit fails.
However, the presence of a redundancy CPU alone does not establish that a complete redundant system is operational. The associated redundancy hardware, system configuration, firmware compatibility, and matching CPU requirements must also be verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the IC698CRE040 a standard CPU or a redundancy CPU?
A: The IC698CRE040 is a redundancy CPU for the PACSystems RX7i platform. It differs in intended configuration from the standard IC698CPE040 CPU.
Q: What memory does the IC698CRE040 provide?
A: It provides 64 MB of battery-backed user RAM and 64 MB of non-volatile flash memory. These are separate memory resources with different retention characteristics.
Q: Can the IC698CRE040 replace an IC698CPE040 directly?
A: Do not assume direct interchangeability. Although both models use a 1.8 GHz Pentium M processor and 64 MB of user memory, the CRE040 supports redundancy configurations. Confirm the intended system architecture, firmware, and hardware requirements before selecting a replacement.
