GE IC695CRU320CA – Hot-Standby Redundant CPU Controller Unit | PACSystems RX3i Platform
Engineering Background
The IC695CRU320CA is GE Vernova’s mission-critical redundant CPU module engineered for the PACSystems RX3i universal backplane architecture. Designed for process industries where unplanned downtime carries catastrophic operational and financial consequences, this Redundant Controller Unit (CRU) delivers deterministic bumpless hot-standby switchover — maintaining continuous process execution without operator intervention or output disturbance across a Primary/Secondary CPU pair.
Product Positioning
The IC695CRU320CA is the preferred redundancy-capable CPU within the RX3i ecosystem, directly replacing legacy GE Series 90-70 redundant controllers with a modern 1.1 GHz architecture and 64 MB user RAM. It targets procurement engineers specifying high-availability control systems for oil & gas, power generation, water treatment, chemical processing, and advanced manufacturing — environments governed by IEC 61511, IEC 62061, and NFPA 72 uptime mandates. The CRU320CA operates in both redundant and non-redundant modes, providing a future-proof investment that scales with system availability requirements.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number / SKU | IC695CRU320CA |
| Platform | GE PACSystems RX3i |
| Module Type | Redundant CPU Controller Unit (CRU) |
| Processor Speed | 1.1 GHz |
| User Memory (RAM) | 64 MB |
| Flash Storage | 256 MB internal flash |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 × 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 (LAN1 / LAN2) |
| Serial Ports | 1 × RS-232 (Port 1), 1 × RS-485 (Port 2) |
| USB Port | 1 × USB 2.0 (programming / firmware update) |
| Redundancy Type | Hot-standby CPU redundancy (bumpless switchover) |
| Redundancy Link | IC695CBL001 (copper ≤1 m) / IC695CBL003 (fiber ≤100 m) |
| Backplane Compatibility | IC695CHS007, IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016 (RX3i Universal Backplane) |
| Programming Standards | IEC 61131-3 (LD, FBD, ST, IL, SFC) |
| Programming Software | GE Proficy Machine Edition (PME) 9.0+ |
| Switchover Time | <10 ms (sub-one-scan) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Power Consumption | 3.5 W typical (backplane supplied) |
| Backplane Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V DC |
| Weight | 950 g (approx.) |
| Certifications | CE, UL 508, cUL, RoHS compliant |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Firmware | Field-upgradeable via USB or Ethernet |
| Reference Manual | GE GFK-2222 (PACSystems RX3i CPU Reference) |
Proven Application Environments
- Oil & Gas: Pipeline SCADA, compressor station control, and emergency shutdown systems (ESD) requiring SIL-rated CPU redundancy
- Power Generation: Turbine governor control, boiler management systems, and substation automation with mandated continuous uptime
- Water & Wastewater: Pump station control, SCADA integration, and treatment plant automation with 24/7 availability requirements
- Automotive Manufacturing: Body-in-white assembly lines, paint shop conveyors, and press control with zero-tolerance for unplanned stops
- Chemical Processing: Batch reactor control, distillation column management, and safety instrumented systems (SIS)
- Pharmaceuticals: FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant process control with full audit trail and redundant execution environment
Engineering Advantages
- Bumpless Hot-Standby Switchover (<10 ms): Sub-one-scan failover ensures process continuity with no output glitches or operator intervention required
- Dual Independent Ethernet (LAN1/LAN2): Simultaneous SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD, and OPC-UA communications without bandwidth contention
- 64 MB User RAM: Headroom for large-scale programs with extensive data logging, historian integration, and complex motion sequencing
- IEC 61131-3 Multi-Language Support: All five IEC languages in a single project — enabling mixed-discipline engineering teams to collaborate efficiently
- Non-Redundant Mode Capable: Operates as a standard CPU when redundancy is not yet deployed — protects capital investment as systems scale
- Series 90-70 Migration Path: PME conversion tools migrate legacy 90-70 logic, protecting existing program investments
- USB Field Programming: Firmware updates and program downloads without network dependency — critical for air-gapped or isolated installations
- RX3i Universal Backplane: Shares backplane with I/O, motion, and communications modules — no dedicated CPU rack required
System Architecture & Signal Flow
In a redundant RX3i configuration, two IC695CRU320CA modules are installed in separate chassis and interconnected via a dedicated redundancy cable (IC695CBL001 copper or IC695CBL003 fiber). The Primary CPU executes the control program and synchronizes its full memory image to the Secondary CPU at the end of each scan cycle via the redundancy link. All I/O modules communicate exclusively with the Primary. Upon Primary fault detection — hardware failure, watchdog timeout, or communication loss — the Secondary assumes the Primary role within one scan cycle (<10 ms) with no output disturbance. GE Proficy Machine Edition provides a unified engineering view of both CPUs, redundancy link status, switchover history, and online diagnostics for commissioning and maintenance.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- OEM Authenticity: All IC695CRU320CA units are verified against GE Vernova’s authorized distributor network — original GE labeling, holographic seals, and traceable serial numbers included
- Functional Testing: Each unit undergoes power-on self-test (POST), Ethernet port continuity check, and firmware version confirmation prior to shipment
- Condition Grading: New (factory-sealed), Refurbished (tested to OEM spec), or Surplus (inspected, cleaned, re-certified) — condition clearly stated on each listing
- Warranty: 12-month replacement warranty against manufacturing defects; extended warranty options available on request
- Counterfeit Prevention: Zero-tolerance policy on counterfeit components; Certificate of Conformance (CoC) available upon request
Procurement Process
- Confirm Part Number: Verify IC695CRU320CA matches your BOM — check firmware revision compatibility with your PME version (9.0+ recommended)
- Request Quote: Contact support@konmask.com with quantity, required condition grade, and delivery timeline
- Lead Time: In-stock units ship within 1–3 business days; sourced units typically 5–15 business days
- Export Compliance: IC695CRU320CA may be subject to EAR export controls (ECCN 3A992); Konmask.com manages all export documentation and end-user declarations
- Payment Terms: T/T (wire transfer), PayPal, and trade credit available for qualified accounts
- Shipping: DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, and sea freight options; full insurance and tracking included
Technical FAQ
Q: Can IC695CRU320CA replace IC695CPU320?
A: Yes. The CRU320CA is the redundancy-capable variant of the CPU320. It operates in non-redundant mode as a standard CPU — a drop-in upgrade that adds hot-standby capability without changing the backplane slot footprint.
Q: What redundancy cable is required?
A: IC695CBL001 (copper, up to 1 m chassis separation) or IC695CBL003 (fiber-optic, up to 100 m). Both are available from Konmask.com.
Q: Is IC695CRU320CA compatible with all RX3i backplanes?
A: Yes — compatible with IC695CHS007, IC695CHS012, and IC695CHS016 universal backplanes. Ensure backplane firmware is updated per GE GFK-2222 release notes to support CRU modules.
Q: What Proficy Machine Edition version is required?
A: PME 9.0 or later is required for full CRU320CA feature support, including redundancy configuration wizards and online diagnostics.
Q: Can I mix IC695CRU320CA with other RX3i CPU types in a redundant pair?
A: No. Both Primary and Secondary CPUs must be identical part numbers (IC695CRU320CA) with matching firmware revisions.
Q: Does Konmask.com provide commissioning support?
A: Yes. Our technical team assists with PME project configuration, redundancy setup, and remote commissioning. Contact support@konmask.com for details.
© 2026 Konmask.com. All rights reserved.
Original Source: https://Konmask.com
Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
