Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | IC695CPE302 |
| Manufacturer | GE (Emerson) |
| Product Type | PACSystems RX3i CPU Controller |
| User Memory | 2 MB |
| Discrete I/O Capacity | 16,000 Bits |
| Analog I/O Capacity | 32,000 Words |
| Ethernet Port | 10/100/1000 Mbps (2-Port Switch) |
| Ethernet Protocols | SRTP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, PROFINET, EGD |
| Serial Protocols | ASCII, Modbus RTU |
| Remote I/O Support | 255 Simplex Devices (with PNC001) |
| Redundancy Support | Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
Product Introduction
I’ve walked into plants where the CPU was the bottleneck. Scan times creeping up, network traffic choking the backplane, and operators staring at frozen HMIs. The GE IC695CPE302 exists to stop that. It’s a multicore PAC controller with a built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet switch. You don’t need an external switch for basic network drops. Two ports, right on the CPU.Field engineers choose this unit because 2MB of user memory and 32k analog words actually gives you room to breathe. It handles PROFINET, OPC UA, and Modbus TCP without needing a separate gateway module. I’ve seen these running in marine environments with ABS certification and in dirty factories with UL HazLoc ratings. One thing to watch: this CPU runs warm. Make sure your cabinet has airflow. If you pack it tight against other modules without ventilation, you’ll cook it. Otherwise, it’s a workhorse.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report: Every IC695CPE302 gets inspected for bent backplane pins and cracked connectors. We mount it on an RX3i test rack, load a test program, and run it for 24 hours. We verify Ethernet link lights on both ports, confirm PROFINET handshake, and check that the 2MB memory reads correctly. We log the firmware version and ship it in anti-static foam.The Engineer’s Warning: Do not ignore the Energy Pack. The CPE302 ships with one included. If you’re replacing a failed CPU and the old Energy Pack is dead, your program will vanish during a power loss. I’ve seen a tech swap a CPU, boot it up, pull power to test the backup, and watch the logic disappear. Also, verify your firmware. If your existing modules are on Rev 5 and you drop in a CPE302 with Rev 8, you might hit compatibility bugs. Always check the release notes before installing.
Installation & Configuration Guide
- Pre-Installation: ⚠️ Power down the entire RX3i rack. Wait 30 seconds for backplane capacitors to drain. Photograph the current CPU’s DIP switches and jumper settings.
- Removal: Disconnect Ethernet and USB cables first. Release the top and bottom ejector levers. Pull the CPU straight out. Do not twist it.
- Installation: Transfer all DIP switch and jumper settings from the old CPU to the new IC695CPE302 exactly. This step prevents 90% of “CPU won’t boot” calls. Slide it into the leftmost slot. Engage both ejector levers firmly.
- Power-On & Testing: Reconnect Ethernet. Restore rack power. Watch the RUN/STOP/FAULT LEDs. The CPU should boot within 15 seconds. Open your programming software, verify communication, and download the program. Check the Task Monitor for scan time.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Compatibility | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Drop-in Replacement | IC695CPE305 | Same form factor, 5MB memory. Direct upgrade, no logic changes. |
| ✅ Drop-in Replacement | IC695CPE310 | 10MB memory. Pin-compatible. Higher cost but future-proof. |
| ⚠️ Software Compatible | IC695CPE302-AA | Same hardware, different revision suffix. May require firmware update. Est. 20 mins. |
| ❌ Hardware Mod Required | IC697CPL935 | Older 90-70 series. Different backplane. Requires full chassis swap. Do not attempt as a drop-in. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I hot-swap this CPU?
No. RX3i CPUs are not hot-swappable. Pulling this while powered will corrupt the backplane and potentially fry adjacent I/O modules. Always do a full rack shutdown.Does the built-in Ethernet switch support daisy-chaining?
Yes. The 2-port gigabit switch lets you daisy-chain a second RX3i CPU or a PROFINET device without an external switch. Just keep the cable length under 100 meters.What if my program is larger than 2MB?
You’ll need to upgrade to the IC695CPE305 or CPE310. The CPE302 will reject the download if you exceed 2MB. Don’t try to compress your logic to fit. Plan ahead.Is this compatible with VersaMax I/O modules?
No. The CPE302 is strictly RX3i backplane. VersaMax modules use a different bus. If you have VersaMax I/O, you need a VersaMax CPU or a PACSystems RX3i with a proper adapter.What does the included Energy Pack actually do?
It’s a supercapacitor backup. When rack power drops, it keeps the CPU’s RAM alive long enough to retain your program and data. Without it, every power cycle wipes your logic. Always install it.Can I use standard Cat5e cable for the Ethernet ports?
Yes, but use shielded Cat5e or Cat6 for industrial environments. Unshielded cable in a VFD-heavy plant will introduce noise and cause intermittent PROFINET dropouts. Ground the shield at one end only.How do I check the firmware version?
Connect via USB or Ethernet in your programming software. Go to PLC > Information. The firmware revision is listed there. Cross-reference it with the Emerson compatibility matrix before adding new I/O modules.
