Description
GE IC695CRU320 – High-Reliability PLC Control Rack Unit
Product Description
The GE IC695CRU320 is a premium control rack unit (CRU) designed specifically for GE’s RX3i series PLC systems, serving as the foundational hardware platform that ensures stable integration and operation of CPU modules, I/O modules, and communication interfaces in industrial automation setups. As a critical component of GE’s industrial control ecosystem, the GE IC695CRU320 is engineered with ruggedness and scalability at its core, making it ideal for both small-scale machinery and large, complex industrial control systems. What distinguishes the GE IC695CRU320 from standard rack units is its optimized power distribution design and enhanced thermal management, which prevent overheating and ensure consistent performance even when fully loaded with high-density modules. The GE IC695CRU320 maintains full compatibility with all RX3i-series components, allowing seamless retrofitting into existing GE PLC systems without the need for extensive reconfiguration. Whether deployed in manufacturing plants, energy facilities, or critical infrastructure, the GE IC695CRU320 delivers the structural stability and operational reliability required to support 24/7 industrial operations in harsh environmental conditions.
Product Parameters
| Parameter Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Brand & Model | GE IC695CRU320 |
| Product Type | PLC Control Rack Unit (CRU) for RX3i Series |
| Slot Capacity | 10 expansion slots (supports CPU, I/O, communication, and specialty modules) |
| Power Distribution | Integrated redundant power supply interface; 24 VDC distributed power output |
| Thermal Management | Built-in active cooling fan; passive heat dissipation fins; temperature monitoring sensor |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 75°C |
| Storage Temperature | -55°C to 85°C |
| Humidity Resistance | 5% – 95% non-condensing |
| Vibration & Shock Resistance | IEC 60068-2-6 (vibration); IEC 60068-2-27 (shock) compliant |
| Form Factor | Rack-mounted; 3U height; 19-inch standard rack compatible |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 483 mm x 132 mm x 350 mm |
| Certifications | UL 508, CE, ATEX, IEC 61131-2, ISO 9001 compliant |
| Weight | 5.2 kg |
Advantages and Features
- High Slot Capacity & Flexibility: With 10 expansion slots, the GE IC695CRU320 supports a wide combination of RX3i-series modules, including high-performance CPUs, digital/analog I/O modules, and specialty communication modules, enabling customized system configurations for diverse industrial needs.
- Redundant Power & Stability: The integrated redundant power supply interface ensures uninterrupted operation even if one power source fails, minimizing downtime in mission-critical applications such as power generation and chemical processing.
- Advanced Thermal Management: The combination of an active cooling fan and passive heat dissipation fins effectively regulates internal temperature, preventing module overheating even when the rack is fully populated with high-power-consuming components.
- Rugged Industrial Construction: Built with heavy-duty steel chassis and corrosion-resistant materials, the GE IC695CRU320 withstands extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and electrical interference, meeting the rigorous demands of harsh industrial environments.
- Seamless RX3i Compatibility: The rack unit is fully compatible with all GE RX3i-series modules, enabling easy upgrades and expansions of existing systems without replacing legacy hardware, reducing costs and implementation time.
- Simplified Installation & Maintenance: Tool-less module insertion and extraction, clear slot labeling, and built-in diagnostic indicators streamline installation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance tasks.
Application Cases in Application Fields
- Automotive Manufacturing Plant: A leading automotive OEM deployed the GE IC695CRU320 in its assembly line control cabinets to house CPU modules, I/O modules, and robotic communication interfaces. The rack’s 10-slot capacity supported the integration of 8 specialty modules, enabling centralized control of 20+ assembly robots, and its thermal management system prevented overheating during 24/7 production runs.
- Natural Gas Processing Facility: A natural gas plant utilized the GE IC695CRU320 to host PLC components for monitoring and controlling pipeline pressure, flow rates, and safety valves. The rack’s redundant power interface ensured continuous operation during power fluctuations, while its rugged design withstood the facility’s high-humidity and corrosive environment.
- Pharmaceutical Production Line: A pharmaceutical manufacturer integrated the GE IC695CRU320 into its sterile production control systems, housing I/O modules for temperature, pressure, and cleanliness sensors. The rack’s compliance with strict industrial certifications and stable power distribution ensured adherence to FDA regulations for process control and product quality.
- Smart Grid Substation: A utility company deployed the GE IC695CRU320 in its smart grid substation to support PLC modules for grid load monitoring, fault detection, and remote control. The rack’s wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 75°C) and vibration resistance made it suitable for outdoor installation in the substation’s unheated control room.
Comparisons with Competing Products
| Feature | GE IC695CRU320 | Competitor A (Brand X Rack Model R500) | Competitor B (Brand Z Rack Model S800) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Capacity | 10 slots | 8 slots | 9 slots |
| Power Redundancy | Integrated redundant power interface | No redundant power support | Optional redundant power (extra cost) |
| Thermal Management | Active fan + passive fins | Passive cooling only | Active fan only |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 75°C | -25°C to 65°C | -30°C to 70°C |
| Compatibility | Full GE RX3i module compatibility | Limited to brand-specific modules | Partial third-party module support |
| Weight | 5.2 kg (lightweight for 10-slot rack) | 6.8 kg | 5.9 kg |
The GE IC695CRU320 outperforms competitors in key aspects such as slot capacity, power redundancy, and thermal management. Its broader operating temperature range and full compatibility with GE’s RX3i ecosystem also make it a more versatile and reliable choice for industrial applications compared to limited-compatibility alternatives.
Selection Suggestions and Precautions
- Selection Suggestions:
- Choose the GE IC695CRU320 for large-scale RX3i PLC systems that require 8-10 modules, such as complex manufacturing lines, power plants, and multi-process industrial facilities.
- Opt for this rack unit if your application demands redundant power supply and advanced thermal management, especially in high-temperature or 24/7 continuous operation environments.
- Prioritize the GE IC695CRU320 for retrofitting existing GE RX3i systems, as its seamless compatibility eliminates the need for replacing existing modules or reconfiguring control logic.
- Precautions:
- Ensure the rack is installed in a 19-inch standard industrial rack to maintain structural stability and proper airflow around the unit.
- Use only GE-approved RX3i modules with the GE IC695CRU320 to avoid compatibility issues and ensure compliance with safety certifications.
- Regularly clean the cooling fan and heat dissipation fins to prevent dust accumulation, which can reduce thermal management efficiency and cause overheating.
- Verify that the input power voltage matches the rack’s requirements (24 VDC) to protect internal power distribution components from damage.
- Avoid exposing the rack to direct sunlight or moisture, even though it has humidity resistance, to extend its service life in outdoor or semi-outdoor installations.
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