GE IC698RMX016 – Redundancy Memory Xchange Module | PACSystems RX7i
Engineering Background
The GE IC698RMX016 is a dedicated Redundancy Memory Xchange (RMX) module designed for the GE PACSystems RX7i rack-based control platform. In mission-critical industrial environments — power generation, oil & gas, water treatment, and continuous process manufacturing — unplanned downtime is not an option. The IC698RMX016 enables hot-standby CPU redundancy by synchronizing memory state between primary and secondary controllers in real time, ensuring bumpless switchover with zero data loss upon fault detection.
Product Positioning
The IC698RMX016 occupies a single slot in the RX7i 18-slot rack and operates in conjunction with a redundant CPU pair (e.g., IC698CPE030/040). It is the hardware backbone of GE’s CPU Redundancy solution, providing the high-speed fiber-optic interconnect path that keeps both controllers in lockstep. For procurement engineers specifying fault-tolerant PACSystems architectures, this module is a mandatory BOM line item — not an optional accessory.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Part Number | IC698RMX016 |
| Manufacturer | GE (General Electric / Emerson Automation) |
| Platform | PACSystems RX7i |
| Module Type | Redundancy Memory Xchange (RMX) |
| Rack Compatibility | IC698CHS017 / IC698CHS018 (18-slot RX7i rack) |
| Slot Requirement | 1 slot (dedicated RMX slot) |
| Interconnect Medium | Fiber-optic cable (included or field-supplied) |
| Redundancy Type | Hot-standby CPU redundancy with bumpless switchover |
| Memory Sync | Full CPU memory state synchronization per scan |
| Switchover Time | Single scan (deterministic) |
| Power Consumption | Supplied via RX7i backplane |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Weight | 590 g (approx.) |
| Firmware | Field-upgradeable via Proficy Machine Edition |
| Certifications | CE, UL, cUL |
| Product Status | Mature / Replacement available (Emerson PACSystems) |
Proven Application Environments
- Power Generation & Utilities: Turbine control, boiler management, and substation automation where continuous operation is mandated by SLA or regulation.
- Oil & Gas: Pipeline SCADA, compressor station control, and offshore platform automation requiring SIL-rated redundancy architectures.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment: Pump station control and SCADA integration where manual intervention is geographically impractical.
- Continuous Process Manufacturing: Chemical, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage lines where a controller fault would trigger costly batch loss or safety shutdowns.
- Data Center & Critical Infrastructure: UPS and power distribution control systems requiring 99.999% availability targets.
Engineering Advantages
- Deterministic Bumpless Switchover: Memory state is synchronized every scan cycle; upon primary CPU fault, the secondary assumes control within a single scan — no process upset, no output glitch.
- Fiber-Optic Isolation: The RMX link is electrically isolated, eliminating ground loop interference and providing immunity to high-EMI industrial environments.
- Transparent to Application Logic: No special ladder logic or function blocks required; redundancy is managed entirely at the firmware/OS layer of the PACSystems CPU.
- Scalable Redundancy: Compatible with the full range of RX7i CPUs supporting redundancy, allowing system upgrades without RMX hardware replacement.
- Centralized Diagnostics: Full fault logging and switchover event history accessible via Proficy Machine Edition HMI/SCADA integration.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
In a standard RX7i redundancy configuration, two identical RX7i racks are deployed — Primary and Secondary. Each rack contains one IC698RMX016 module installed in the designated RMX slot. A fiber-optic cable connects the two RMX modules directly, forming a dedicated high-speed synchronization channel independent of the I/O bus or Ethernet network.
During normal operation, the Primary CPU executes the control program and, at the end of each scan, pushes a full memory image (data tables, register values, PID states) across the RMX link to the Secondary CPU. The Secondary CPU remains in a warm-standby state, continuously updated and ready to assume control. Upon detection of a Primary CPU fault — hardware failure, watchdog timeout, or power loss — the Secondary CPU transitions to Active state within one scan cycle, with no interruption to field I/O or network communications.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Origin: Genuine OEM GE / Emerson Automation hardware; no third-party remanufacturing.
- Inspection Protocol: Each unit undergoes visual inspection, label verification (date code, revision level), and functional power-on test prior to shipment.
- Packaging: Anti-static bag + foam-lined carton; original GE packaging where available.
- Documentation: GE datasheet, declaration of conformity, and test report available upon request.
- Warranty: 12-month replacement warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Traceability: Serial number and revision level recorded at point of sale for full supply chain traceability.
Procurement Process
- Submit RFQ: Contact support@konmask.com or call +0086 19859288691 with your required quantity, delivery timeline, and destination port.
- Receive Quotation: Formal quotation with unit price, lead time, and shipping options issued within 1 business day.
- Order Confirmation: Purchase order accepted via email; proforma invoice issued for payment processing.
- Quality Hold & Dispatch: Unit reserved, final inspection completed, and dispatched via DHL / FedEx / sea freight per your preference.
- Post-Delivery Support: Technical commissioning support available via email or video call at no additional charge.
Technical FAQ
Q: Can the IC698RMX016 be used with RX3i racks?
A: No. The IC698RMX016 is exclusively designed for the PACSystems RX7i 18-slot rack platform. RX3i redundancy uses a different module family (IC695 series).
Q: Is a fiber-optic cable included with the module?
A: The module itself does not include a fiber cable as standard. Cable length depends on rack separation distance; please specify your inter-rack distance when ordering so we can supply the correct cable assembly.
Q: What is the maximum cable length between the two RMX modules?
A: GE specifies a maximum fiber-optic cable length of 10 meters between the two IC698RMX016 modules in a redundancy pair.
Q: Does the module require any special configuration in Proficy Machine Edition?
A: Redundancy must be enabled in the hardware configuration within Proficy Machine Edition. The RMX module itself is auto-detected; no additional module-level configuration is required beyond enabling the CPU redundancy feature.
Q: Can we mix IC698RMX016 revisions between Primary and Secondary racks?
A: GE recommends matching firmware and hardware revisions between the two RMX modules to ensure synchronization compatibility. Contact us to confirm revision availability.
Q: What happens if the RMX fiber link is severed during operation?
A: The Primary CPU will log a redundancy fault and continue executing the control program in simplex mode. The Secondary CPU will enter a faulted state. No automatic switchover occurs until the link is restored and re-synchronization is completed.
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