GE IC698RMX016-ED Replacement for PACSystems RX7i

Product Overview

GE IC698RMX016-ED Replacement for PACSystems RX7i: Seamless Redundancy Upgrade

The GE IC698RMX016-ED (VMIVME-5567-100) is the RMX Redundancy Memory Xchange Module designed exclusively for the GE PACSystems RX7i control platform. As legacy RX7i installations age and original redundancy modules reach end-of-life or become increasingly difficult to source, this unit serves as the verified drop-in replacement and upgrade solution for engineers managing hot-standby redundant control architectures in power generation, oil & gas, water treatment, and heavy manufacturing environments.

Migrating from an older or failed redundancy module does not require reprogramming your PACSystems RX7i application. The IC698RMX016-ED maintains full backward compatibility with the existing IC698CHS017 or IC698CHS107 17-slot VME chassis, preserving your rack layout and wiring infrastructure. The module occupies a standard RX7i slot and communicates over the proprietary RMX fiber-optic synchronization link between the primary and secondary CPUs — typically the IC698CPE030 or IC698CPE040 — without any modification to the Proficy Machine Edition (PME) logic project.

For sites transitioning from an earlier redundancy architecture using the IC698RMX016 (non-ED revision), the IC698RMX016-ED is the direct firmware-updated successor. The enhanced revision improves synchronization stability and is fully compatible with RX7i CPU firmware versions that support hot-standby switchover times under 10 ms. No re-wiring of the fiber-optic RMX cable assemblies is required, and the existing IC698CBL001 or IC698CBL002 fiber cables can be reused directly.

In a typical RX7i redundancy system, the IC698RMX016-ED works in conjunction with the IC698PSA100 or IC698PSA350 power supply modules, the IC698ETM001 Ethernet interface module for SRTP communications, and discrete or analog I/O modules such as the IC698MDL740 or IC698ALG728. All of these components share the same VME backplane and are unaffected during a redundancy switchover event, ensuring continuous process control without I/O interruption.

For facilities upgrading from a GE Series 90-70 PLC platform to the PACSystems RX7i, the IC698RMX016-ED is a key component in the migration bill of materials. The RX7i chassis is physically compatible with many Series 90-70 I/O modules, allowing a phased migration strategy where existing field wiring and terminal blocks remain in place while the controller backplane and CPU are upgraded. This significantly reduces installation downtime and commissioning risk on brownfield sites.

Communication protocol compatibility is maintained throughout the upgrade. The RX7i redundancy system supports SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD (Ethernet Global Data), and PROFIBUS DP via the appropriate interface modules, all of which continue to operate transparently across primary-to-secondary switchover events managed by the IC698RMX016-ED. SCADA and DCS integration — including connections to GE iFIX, Wonderware, or third-party OPC-DA/UA servers — remains uninterrupted.

Physical installation is straightforward: the module is inserted into a dedicated RMX slot within the RX7i chassis, secured with standard VME ejector levers, and connected via the fiber-optic RMX link. No additional configuration in PME is required beyond enabling redundancy in the hardware configuration tree. The module is recognized automatically upon power-up, and the redundancy status LED indicators provide immediate visual confirmation of synchronization state.

All units supplied by TOPNLMS are sourced from verified industrial supply channels, individually inspected, and shipped with full anti-static packaging. Each IC698RMX016-ED is covered by a 12-month replacement warranty from the date of shipment. Pre-shipment functional verification is performed to confirm module identification, firmware revision, and physical connector integrity before dispatch.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A complete RX7i redundancy upgrade or repair typically involves several coordinated components. The IC698CPE040 CPU module serves as the primary and secondary controller in the hot-standby pair, while the IC698PSA350 power supply ensures stable 24 VDC backplane power for both chassis. The IC698ETM001 Ethernet module handles SRTP and EGD network communications, and the IC698MDL740 32-point discrete output module provides field I/O continuity across switchover events. For analog process signals, the IC698ALG728 analog input module integrates directly into the same VME backplane without additional configuration. The IC698CBL001 fiber-optic RMX cable connects the two redundancy modules across the primary and secondary chassis, and the IC698CHS017 17-slot chassis provides the physical rack infrastructure for the full redundancy assembly. For sites also upgrading their HMI layer, the QuickPanel+ IC755CxSxxADx series operator panels support direct SRTP connectivity to the RX7i platform, completing the control system modernization without requiring a separate communications gateway.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Do I need to rewrite my PME application after replacing the IC698RMX016-ED?
No. The IC698RMX016-ED is a hardware-level replacement. Your existing PME project hardware configuration references the RMX slot generically; no logic changes are required.

Q: Can I reuse my existing fiber-optic RMX cables?
Yes. The IC698CBL001 and IC698CBL002 fiber assemblies are fully compatible with the IC698RMX016-ED and do not need to be replaced.

Q: Will my SCADA or DCS lose connection during the switchover?
No. The RX7i redundancy architecture is designed for bumpless transfer. SRTP, EGD, and Modbus TCP sessions are maintained across the primary-to-secondary switchover managed by the IC698RMX016-ED.

Q: Is this module compatible with both IC698CHS017 and IC698CHS107 chassis?
Yes. Both 17-slot chassis variants are supported. The module occupies the designated RMX slot position as defined in the RX7i hardware reference manual.

Q: What is the physical installation procedure?
Insert the module into the RMX-designated slot, secure the VME ejector levers, connect the fiber-optic RMX cable, and power up the chassis. The module is auto-detected by the CPU firmware. No jumper or DIP switch configuration is required.

Q: Can this module be used in a Series 90-70 chassis?
No. The IC698RMX016-ED is exclusively designed for the PACSystems RX7i VME platform and is not compatible with Series 90-70 hardware.

Warranty Assurance

Every IC698RMX016-ED shipped by TOPNLMS is backed by a 12-month replacement warranty from the date of confirmed shipment. Pre-shipment inspection includes visual examination of the PCB, connector pins, fiber-optic ports, and firmware label verification. Units are packed in anti-static bags with foam-lined cartons suitable for international air and sea freight. In the event of a confirmed defect within the warranty period, TOPNLMS will arrange a replacement unit dispatch within 3 business days of fault confirmation. Our technical team is available to assist with installation verification, compatibility queries, and commissioning support via email and phone.

For volume procurement, spare-parts stocking programs, or expedited delivery requirements, please contact our sales team directly.