Description

GE IC698RMX016ED – Enhanced Redundant Memory & Communication Module for GE RX3i Series

Product Description

Product Parameters

1. Module Type: Enhanced redundant memory & communication module, exclusive to GE RX3i Series PLC systems
2. Memory Capacity: 1 GB redundant non-volatile flash memory (program/recipe storage) + 512 MB redundant ECC DDR4 RAM (real-time data processing)
3. Redundancy Support: Native redundant data synchronization with hot-standby capability, ensuring no data loss during module failover
4. Communication Protocols: Native support for Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet IO, OPC UA, and MQTT, enabling seamless IoT and cloud integration
5. Communication Ports: 2 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports (RJ45) with redundancy support + 1 x RS-485 serial port (Modbus RTU)
6. PLC Compatibility: Fully compatible with GE RX3i redundant chassis, CPUs (IC698CPE030, IC698CRE030), and I/O modules (IC695MDL653, IC695MDL740)
7. Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F), resilient to extreme industrial temperature fluctuations
8. Power Consumption: 3.5 W (typical) at 24 VDC input, 4.2 W (max), energy-efficient for 24/7 continuous operation
9. Physical Dimensions: 140 mm × 85 mm × 120 mm (5.51 in × 3.35 in × 4.72 in), DIN rail mountable (EN 50022 standard)
10. Certifications: UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2, ATEX, IEEE 802.3, and IEC 62443 (cybersecurity) compliant
11. Operating Humidity: 5% – 95% (non-condensing), adaptable to humid industrial settings
12. Data Retention: Flash memory retains data for 15+ years without power; redundant RAM ensures real-time data backup
13. Protection Features: Built-in ESD protection (±8 kV contact, ±15 kV air), surge protection, and short-circuit protection
14. MTBF: Exceeds 200,000 hours, ensuring long-term reliability in mission-critical applications

Advantages and Features

1. Dual Redundancy for Data & Connectivity: The GE IC698RMX016ED offers both memory redundancy (flash + RAM) and network redundancy (dual Gigabit ports), eliminating single points of failure for data storage and communication—critical for zero-downtime applications.
2. Error-Resilient Redundant Memory: Redundant ECC DDR4 RAM prevents data corruption from electrical interference, while redundant flash memory provides dual backups of critical programs and recipes, ensuring data integrity even during module malfunctions.
3. IoT-Ready Multi-Protocol Support: Native compatibility with five key industrial protocols eliminates the need for external gateways, simplifying integration with cloud platforms, SCADA systems, and legacy industrial devices in smart factory setups.
4. High-Speed Gigabit Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports enable low-latency data transmission (≤ 1 ms) for time-sensitive applications, while supporting network redundancy to maintain connectivity during port or cable failures.
5. Seamless RX3i Redundancy Integration: Plug-and-play compatibility with RX3i redundant chassis and CPUs streamlines the setup of fault-tolerant systems, reducing deployment time and technical complexity for engineering teams.
6. Enhanced Cybersecurity Compliance: IEC 62443 certification, secure firmware updates, and encrypted data synchronization protect the module from cyber threats, safeguarding critical industrial control systems from unauthorized access.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Nuclear Power Plant Control Systems: A global nuclear energy provider deployed the GE IC698RMX016ED in its reactor auxiliary control systems, using the module’s redundant memory to store safety-critical programs and redundant Ethernet ports to communicate with a central SCADA system. The hot-standby redundancy ensured no data loss during unexpected module switches, complying with strict nuclear safety regulations and improving operational stability.
2. Large-Scale Chemical Refinery: A multinational petrochemical company integrated the GE IC698RMX016ED into its distillation unit control systems, leveraging the module to store 200+ process recipes in redundant flash memory and communicate with IoT analytics platforms via MQTT. The dual Gigabit ports separated production data transmission from maintenance traffic, optimizing network performance and reducing unplanned downtime by 28%.
3. Smart Grid Substation Automation: A regional utility company used the GE IC698RMX016ED in its high-voltage substation PLC systems, where the module’s redundant memory synchronized power distribution data and the RS-485 port connected to legacy relay systems. The Gigabit Ethernet ports transmitted real-time grid status to a cloud-based monitoring platform, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing grid outage duration by 32%.
4. Pharmaceutical Sterile Manufacturing: A pharmaceutical manufacturer adopted the GE IC698RMX016ED in its sterile batch production lines, using the module’s redundant memory to log compliant production data and OPC UA to communicate with a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System). The redundancy features prevented data loss during system upgrades, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and reducing product waste by 20%.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Suggestions

1. Prioritize Zero-Downtime Applications: Choose the GE IC698RMX016ED for sectors where downtime is catastrophic (nuclear power, chemical refining, smart grids), leveraging its dual memory and network redundancy to eliminate single points of failure.
2. Align with RX3i Redundant Ecosystem: Select this module if your system uses GE RX3i redundant chassis and CPUs, ensuring seamless integration and optimal synchronization of redundant data and network traffic.
3. Assess IoT and Data Logging Needs: Opt for the GE IC698RMX016ED for applications requiring cloud integration (MQTT/OPC UA) or large-scale data logging, as its redundant memory and multi-protocol support eliminate the need for additional hardware.
4. Regulated Industry Compliance: Choose this module for regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy) due to its data integrity features, cybersecurity certification, and compliant data retention capabilities.

Precautions

1. Redundancy Configuration: Ensure primary and secondary GE IC698RMX016ED modules have matching firmware versions to enable smooth data synchronization and failover, avoiding compatibility issues.
2. Port Configuration: Assign unique IP addresses to the two Gigabit Ethernet ports to prevent network conflicts; configure protocol settings via GE’s Proficy software to match your system’s network architecture.
3. Static and Surge Protection: Use anti-static wristbands when handling the module during installation; install surge protectors on Ethernet and RS-485 lines to shield the sensitive memory and communication circuitry.
4. Power Supply Stability: Connect the module to a redundant 24 VDC power supply to complement its redundancy features, ensuring uninterrupted power during grid fluctuations or power supply failures.
5. Firmware Updates: Update firmware exclusively via GE’s official Proficy software to maintain cybersecurity compliance and redundancy feature optimization—never use unapproved third-party firmware.