IC695CRU320-EZ PACSystems RX3i Hot-Standby Redundancy CPU Controller

Description

IC695CRU320-EZ PACSystems RX3i Hot-Standby Redundancy CPU Controller

Core Product Overview

The IC695CRU320-EZ is a high-performance redundant processor in the GE Fanuc / Emerson PACSystems RX3i family, designed for bumpless hot-standby control systems. It pairs with IC695RMX128 or IC695RMX228 memory exchange modules to synchronize logic, tag data and status between primary and standby racks. Upon primary CPU or rack failure, the standby unit takes over control automatically with no process interruption. It uses an Intel Celeron-M 1GHz processor, supports IEC 61131-3 programming languages and floating-point math, and works with RX3i universal backplane plus legacy Series 90-30 expansion I/O. This unit is widely used for high-availability process control in power, oil & gas and critical manufacturing; many revisions are end-of-life, stocked as surplus and professionally refurbished spare parts.

IC695CRU320-EZ

Main Technical Specifications

• Part Number: IC695CRU320-EZ
• Manufacturer: GE Fanuc / Emerson
• Family: PACSystems RX3i
• Device Type: Hot-Standby Redundancy CPU
• Processor: 1 GHz Intel Celeron-M
• Memory: 64 MB battery-backed RAM, 64 MB non-volatile Flash
• Embedded Serial Ports: 1×RS232, 1×RS485
• Supported Protocols: Modbus RTU Master/Slave, SNP, Serial I/O
• Redundancy Requirement: Requires IC695RMX128 / IC695RMX228 Memory Xchange module for rack sync
• Backplane: RX3i universal backplane; compatible with Series 90-30 expansion racks
• Programming Software: Proficy Machine Edition (PME)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C
• Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing
• Mounting: RX3i rack plug-in module
• LED Indicators: Run, Fault, OK, communication status
• Certifications: CE, UL, cUL
• Status: Legacy redundant CPU; OEM production discontinued, available as surplus or bench-tested refurbished units

Same-Series Model Recommendations (8 Models)

• IC695CRU320-EZ: Standard RX3i hot-standby redundancy CPU (subject model)
• IC695CRU320-EN: Alternate firmware revision of CRU320
• IC695CRU320-EY: Different firmware variant for redundancy applications
• IC695CRU320QP: QuadPAC four-way high-availability redundancy processor
• IC695RMX128: 128M Memory Xchange sync module for CRU320 redundancy link
• IC695RMX228: 256M Memory Xchange sync module, higher bandwidth
• IC695CPE330: High-performance non-redundant RX3i CPU with Ethernet
• IC695CPU320: Top-tier non-redundant RX3i controller for large logic programs

Professional Quality Control & Testing Standard Operating Procedures

All surplus and refurbished -EZ CPUs follow this inspection workflow:

1. Visual & Connector Inspection: Examine PCB, edge connector, serial ports, LEDs and battery socket for corrosion, bent pins, burn marks or component damage; verify part and revision label.
2. Backplane Power Bench Test: Insert into RX3i backplane, apply rack power, confirm stable internal rails and no immediate fault LED.
3. Boot & Firmware Validation: Confirm boot sequence completes, read firmware version, check for hardware fault codes.
4. Serial Port Functional Test: Validate RS232 and RS485 with Modbus RTU simulator and PME programming connection.
5. Memory & Logic Test: Download test project, execute scan, verify RAM/Flash integrity, program upload/download.
6. Redundancy Sync Test: Pair with RMX memory xchange module, validate data synchronization between primary and standby CPU.
7. Thermal Screening: Operate CPU at elevated cabinet temperature to expose intermittent memory or solder faults.
8. Final Cleaning & Packaging: Clean edge contacts, reset to factory defaults, replace battery if degraded, apply ESD packaging with test report.

New / Refurbished CPU Installation Guidelines

1. Pre-Installation Safety: Execute lockout-tagout; isolate rack control power to prevent unintended actuation of field devices.
2. Rack & Backplane Check: Confirm RX3i universal backplane, proper chassis grounding and cabinet ventilation. Verify matching RMX module for redundancy link.
3. Mechanical Insertion: Align CPU edge connector carefully with backplane; insert smoothly without forcing, secure front latch.
4. Redundancy & Serial Wiring: Install fiber/copper sync cable between paired RMX modules; wire serial ports separately from high-power cables to reduce EMI.
5. System Configuration: Use Proficy Machine Edition to set redundancy roles, sync parameters, network addresses and fault logic; download application to both primary and standby racks.
6. Pre-Commissioning Functional Test: Power racks offline; verify CPU run status, serial communication, and bumpless failover simulation without field loads.
7. System Commissioning: Connect field I/O, perform point checkout, test controlled failover between primary and standby, and archive the final project.

IC695CRU320-EZ

Application Scenarios & Product Features

Typical Application Scenarios

• Critical process hot-standby control for power generation BOP systems
• Oil & gas compressor skids, pipeline and wellhead control systems
• Water / wastewater treatment high-reliability pumping and chemical dosing
• Manufacturing lines where control loss causes expensive downtime or safety hazards
• Retrofit spare replacement for existing RX3i redundant PACSystems installations
• Industrial control systems requiring bumpless transfer upon controller failure

Core Product Features

• Intel Celeron-M 1GHz processor for fast deterministic logic scanning
• Hot-standby redundancy with bumpless rack failover when paired with RMX sync modules
• 64 MB RAM + 64 MB Flash for large control programs and tag storage
• Dual onboard serial ports supporting Modbus RTU, SNP and serial I/O
• Compatible with RX3i universal backplane and Series 90-30 expansion I/O
• Full IEC 61131-3 programming plus floating-point instruction support
• Comprehensive self-diagnostics and status LEDs for troubleshooting
• Modular rack design for fast field replacement and maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between CRU320 and regular CPE RX3i CPUs? A1: is built specifically for hot-standby redundancy. It needs an RMX Memory Xchange module to sync data between primary and standby racks. Standard CPE CPUs are simplex controllers without native redundancy sync capability.

Q2: Can I run a CRU320 as a standalone non-redundant CPU? A2: It can execute control logic alone, but its hardware and firmware are optimized for redundancy; standard CPE models are more cost-effective for simplex applications.

Q3: Is IC695CRU320-EZ still in OEM production? A3: No, this redundancy CPU is legacy/end-of-life. Available stock is surplus used or professionally refurbished and fully bench tested.

Q4: What are common failure modes for this CPU? A4: Typical faults include backup battery depletion, edge connector pin corrosion, serial port ESD damage, flash memory corruption after uncontrolled power loss, and capacitor ageing causing boot instability.

Q5: Can the CPU be hot-swapped in an energized RX3i redundant rack? A5: RX3i supports module hot swap, but removing the active CRU320 triggers failover to standby. Replacement should be planned and supervised to avoid unexpected system behaviour.