Description

Product Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE (General Electric) — PACSystems |
| Series | RX7i (IC698) |
| Function | Central Processing Unit (CPU) |
| Processor | High-speed industrial processor |
| User Memory | Substantial user logic and data memory (expandable via flash) |
| Communication Ports | Ethernet, serial (RS-232/RS-485) |
| Backplane Support | RX7i high-speed backplane |
| Coating | Conformal coating (“-CC” suffix) |
| Programming | Proficy Machine Edition (Logic Developer) |
| Protocols | SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD, Ethernet |
| Mounting | RX7i rack slot |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial grade (approx. 0–60 °C) |
| Redundancy | Supported in redundant configurations (per system design) |
Note: Exact memory capacity, scan rates, and port details vary by configuration; always verify against the official GE datasheet for your specific system.
Advantages and Features
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High-performance processing: The IC698CPE020-CC delivers fast scan times and handles large, complex control programs with ease.
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Conformal coating protection: The “-CC” conformal coating on the IC698CPE020-CC guards against humidity, dust, corrosive gases, and temperature extremes for harsh environments.
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Rich communication: Integrated Ethernet and serial ports enable flexible connectivity to HMI, SCADA, and enterprise systems.
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Scalable memory: Substantial user memory supports growing application requirements and data logging.
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Proven PACSystems platform: Backed by GE’s mature RX7i ecosystem, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of I/O and communication modules.
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Redundancy-ready: Supports high-availability architectures for critical processes.
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Robust diagnostics: Built-in fault and status diagnostics simplify troubleshooting and reduce downtime.
Application Cases in Application Fields
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Process automation: Serves as the control CPU in chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical plants requiring large program capacity.
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Power generation: Controls turbine auxiliary systems and balance-of-plant equipment in power stations.
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Water and wastewater treatment: Manages pump stations, aeration, and filtration control in municipal facilities.
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Oil and gas: Supports pipeline monitoring, compressor control, and terminal automation in harsh outdoor environments.
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Manufacturing and material handling: Coordinates conveyors, robotics, and production line sequencing.
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Harsh-environment installations: The conformal-coated IC698CPE020-CC is favored in coastal, humid, or corrosive plant areas where standard boards would degrade.
Comparison with Competing Products
| Aspect | GE IC698CPE020-CC | Standard (Uncoated) CPU Variants | Competing PLC CPUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental protection | Conformal coating for harsh environments | Limited protection | Varies; often uncoated |
| Platform compatibility | Native RX7i ecosystem | Native RX7i ecosystem | Different platform, requires migration |
| Processing performance | High-speed, large memory | High-speed, large memory | Comparable in class |
| Communication | Ethernet + serial built-in | Ethernet + serial built-in | Varies by vendor |
| Redundancy support | Yes (per system design) | Yes (per system design) | Varies |
| Cost | Higher than uncoated variants | Lower | Variable |
| Support & documentation | Full GE documentation and traceability | Full GE documentation and traceability | Vendor-dependent |
Compared with uncoated RX7i CPUs, the IC698CPE020-CC trades a modest cost premium for significantly improved environmental durability. Against competing PLC CPUs, it wins on native RX7i compatibility and coating protection, though migration from other platforms requires engineering effort.
Selection Suggestions and Precautions
Selection suggestions:
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Confirm your RX7i rack configuration and firmware revision compatibility before ordering the IC698CPE020-CC.
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Choose the conformal-coated “-CC” variant when the installation environment is humid, dusty, or corrosive.
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Verify communication requirements (Ethernet, serial, protocols) against your network architecture.
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Assess memory needs against program size and data logging requirements; plan for growth.
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Keep a spare IC698CPE020-CC on hand for critical processes to minimize downtime.
Precautions:
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Power down and lock out the rack before installation; verify zero energy on all feeds.
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Follow GE ESD precautions — use grounded wrist straps when handling the module.
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Handle the conformal-coated board carefully; avoid solvents or abrasives that could damage the coating.
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Back up the existing program and configuration before replacement to ensure smooth restoration.
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Verify firmware and Proficy Machine Edition project compatibility after installation.
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Document the module revision and serial number for maintenance records.
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After replacement, perform a power-up sequence check, verify status LEDs, and confirm communication with all I/O and network devices before returning the system to service.
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Source from reputable suppliers to avoid counterfeit or untested modules.



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