GE IC695CRU320CA Replacement/Upgrade for PACSystems RX3i

Product Overview

GE IC695CRU320CA Replacement/Upgrade Solution for PACSystems RX3i: Seamless Transition from Legacy Redundant CPU Systems

The GE IC695CRU320CA is a high-availability Redundant CPU Module designed for the PACSystems RX3i platform, engineered to deliver hot-standby failover control in mission-critical industrial environments. As legacy GE Series 90-70 CPUs, IC697CPX935, IC697CPM925, and earlier IC695CPE302 single-CPU configurations reach end-of-life or become increasingly difficult to source, the IC695CRU320CA provides a structured, low-disruption migration path that preserves existing rack infrastructure, I/O wiring, and control logic investments.

For facilities currently operating on GE Series 90-70 racks or early-generation PACSystems RX3i frames, the IC695CRU320CA slots directly into the Universal Backplane IC695CHS016 or IC695CHS012, eliminating the need for full panel redesign. The module operates at 1.1 GHz with 64 MB user memory, supporting both simplex and redundant configurations through the IC695RMX128 Redundancy Memory Xchange module. This means your existing RX3i rack, power supply modules such as the IC695PSA040 or IC695PSD040, and installed I/O modules remain fully compatible without rewiring.

Migration from a non-redundant IC695CPE305 or IC695CPE310 to the IC695CRU320CA requires the addition of the IC695RMX128 and a secondary CPU module in a mirrored rack configuration. The PACSystems RX3i architecture supports this upgrade without changes to the field wiring terminating on IC694MDL340 discrete input modules, IC694MDL754 discrete output modules, or analog I/O modules such as the IC695ALG600. All existing Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Structured Text programs developed in Proficy Machine Edition remain fully portable to the IC695CRU320CA without recompilation of logic blocks.

Communication compatibility is a key advantage of this upgrade path. The IC695CRU320CA supports EtherNet/IP, SRTP, Modbus TCP, and OPC UA natively through its embedded dual Ethernet ports, maintaining backward compatibility with SCADA systems, HMI panels such as the QuickPanel+ IC755CSS10CDB, and historian servers already connected to your network. If your legacy system relied on IC695ETM001 Ethernet modules for network connectivity, those modules can be retained in the rack alongside the new CPU, or decommissioned as the embedded ports assume their function — reducing rack slot consumption and simplifying the control cabinet layout.

For plants migrating from GE Series 90-30 PLCs or older IC693CPU374 controllers, the transition to the IC695CRU320CA represents a generational leap in processing speed, memory capacity, and network capability. The RX3i backplane’s universal slot architecture means that IC693 I/O modules can be reused via the IC695LRE001 expansion adapter, protecting existing field wiring investments while delivering modern redundancy. This is particularly valuable in continuous process industries — petrochemical, power generation, water treatment — where stopping production for a full I/O rewire is not operationally feasible.

Physical installation follows standard RX3i procedures. The IC695CRU320CA occupies a single universal slot and draws power from the rack’s shared power bus. No additional power supply upgrade is required when replacing a same-generation CPU module. Cabinet space requirements are identical to the IC695CPE305 footprint, making this a true drop-in mechanical replacement in most panel configurations. The module ships with firmware pre-loaded and is compatible with Proficy Machine Edition 9.5 and later for online programming, live variable monitoring, and redundancy switchover testing without production interruption.

Procurement teams evaluating this replacement should note that the IC695CRU320CA is stocked and available for immediate dispatch from our Xiamen warehouse. Each unit undergoes functional verification testing prior to shipment, including CPU boot sequence validation, Ethernet port link testing, and memory integrity checks. Units are shipped in anti-static packaging with original documentation. Lead time from order confirmation to dispatch is typically 1–3 business days for in-stock units, with DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, and sea freight options available depending on destination and urgency.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A complete IC695CRU320CA redundancy upgrade typically involves several companion components sourced from the same PACSystems RX3i ecosystem. The IC695RMX128 Redundancy Memory Xchange module is the essential pairing — it synchronizes program data and I/O state between the primary and secondary CPU racks at scan-cycle speed, enabling bumpless switchover in under 10 milliseconds. Both the primary and secondary racks require their own IC695PSA040 or IC695PSD040 power supply modules, and it is best practice to replace aging power supplies simultaneously with the CPU upgrade to eliminate a common single point of failure.

On the I/O side, existing IC694MDL340 24VDC discrete input modules and IC694MDL754 relay output modules remain fully compatible and do not require replacement. However, facilities upgrading from Series 90-30 hardware will benefit from adding IC695LRE001 expansion adapters to reuse their IC693-series I/O modules in the new RX3i rack, avoiding a full I/O rewire. For analog process signals, the IC695ALG600 8-channel analog input module integrates directly into the upgraded rack and supports HART pass-through for smart field instruments.

Network infrastructure upgrades often accompany a CPU migration of this scale. If the existing system used a dedicated IC695ETM001 Ethernet module for SCADA connectivity, that module can be decommissioned once the IC695CRU320CA’s embedded dual Ethernet ports assume the network role — freeing a rack slot for additional I/O expansion. For facilities requiring PROFIBUS DP connectivity to legacy field devices or variable frequency drives, the IC695PBM300 PROFIBUS Master module can be added to the rack without any CPU configuration changes. Similarly, the IC695CMM002 serial communications module supports legacy Modbus RTU and SNP connections to older HMI panels or third-party instruments during the transition period before full network modernization.

Programming cable and laptop connectivity should not be overlooked during commissioning. The IC690USB901 USB-to-serial programming cable provides the physical connection between a Proficy Machine Edition engineering workstation and the CPU’s serial port for initial configuration, firmware verification, and redundancy parameter setup. Once network connectivity is established, all subsequent programming and monitoring can be performed over Ethernet, eliminating the need for physical access to the control cabinet during normal operations.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I replace an IC695CPE305 with the IC695CRU320CA without changing the rack or wiring?
A: Yes. The IC695CRU320CA occupies the same single universal slot as the IC695CPE305 and draws power from the same rack bus. No field wiring changes are required. You will need to add the IC695RMX128 module and a second CPU rack if enabling redundancy; simplex operation is also supported.

Q: Will my existing Proficy Machine Edition programs run on the IC695CRU320CA without modification?
A: In most cases, yes. Programs developed for IC695CPE302, IC695CPE305, or IC695CPE310 targets are directly portable. You will need to update the hardware configuration target in Proficy Machine Edition to IC695CRU320CA and re-download. Logic, variable tables, and communication configurations are preserved.

Q: Does the IC695CRU320CA support EtherNet/IP Class 1 (cyclic) connections to remote I/O adapters?
A: Yes. The embedded Ethernet ports support EtherNet/IP Class 1 and Class 3 connections, enabling direct communication with EtherNet/IP remote I/O adapters and third-party devices without an additional ETM001 module.

Q: How long does a hot-standby switchover take, and is it bumpless?
A: With the IC695RMX128 synchronizing memory between primary and secondary CPUs, switchover occurs within one scan cycle — typically under 10 ms — and is transparent to the I/O modules and field devices. SCADA and HMI connections may experience a brief TCP reconnect depending on network configuration.

Q: Can I reuse my Series 90-30 IC693-series I/O modules in the new RX3i rack?
A: Yes, via the IC695LRE001 Local Rack Expansion adapter. This allows IC693 discrete and analog I/O modules to be installed in an RX3i expansion rack and addressed by the IC695CRU320CA, protecting your existing field wiring investment.

Q: What firmware version is pre-loaded, and how do I update it?
A: Units ship with the firmware version current at time of testing. Firmware updates are performed via Proficy Machine Edition’s firmware upgrade utility over Ethernet or the serial programming port. GE Vernova firmware packages are available through the Proficy support portal.

Q: Is the IC695CRU320CA compatible with third-party SCADA systems using OPC UA?
A: Yes. The embedded OPC UA server allows direct tag subscription from SCADA platforms such as Wonderware, iFIX, Ignition, and others without requiring an intermediate OPC DA/UA gateway.

Warranty Assurance

Every IC695CRU320CA unit supplied by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of shipment. Prior to dispatch, each module undergoes a structured pre-shipment inspection that includes power-on boot sequence verification, dual Ethernet port link and communication testing, memory read/write integrity checks, and visual inspection for connector pin condition and housing integrity. Units that do not pass all test criteria are quarantined and not shipped.

In the event of a warranty claim, TOPNLMS provides advance replacement support for verified defective units — meaning a replacement module is dispatched before the defective unit is returned, minimizing production downtime. Warranty claims are processed within 2 business days of defect confirmation. Return shipping for defective units under warranty is covered by TOPNLMS for international shipments via agreed courier accounts.

Our after-sales technical team is available to assist with installation questions, Proficy Machine Edition configuration guidance, redundancy parameter setup, and communication troubleshooting during the warranty period at no additional charge. Response time for technical inquiries is within 24 hours on business days.

For procurement teams requiring documentation, TOPNLMS can provide test reports, packing lists, commercial invoices with HS code declarations, and certificates of origin upon request. All units are shipped in original anti-static packaging with foam protection suitable for international air and sea freight.