Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc / GE Intelligent Platforms (PACSystems RX7i) |
| Order Code | IC698CPE020-JX |
| Product Type | RX7i CPU / PAC processor module |
| Processor | Intel Pentium III, 700 MHz with floating-point |
| User Memory | 10 MB battery-backed RAM + 10 MB non-volatile Flash |
| Program Blocks | Up to 512 blocks, max 128 KB per block |
| Discrete I/O Capacity | Up to 32 Kbits (%I / %Q) |
| Analog I/O Capacity | Up to 32 Kwords (%AI / %AQ) |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 × 10/100 Mbps RJ-45, embedded switch, single IP address |
| Ethernet Protocols | EGD, SRTP, Modbus/TCP Server, Modbus/TCP Client, Web/FTP (up to 16 combined) |
| Serial Ports | 3 isolated ports: RS-232, RS-485, RS-232 Station Manager |
| Serial Protocols | Modbus RTU Slave, SNP, Serial I/O |
| Programming Languages | Ladder Diagram, C, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text |
| Backplane Current | Typically 3.2 A at 5 V DC (verify with OEM datasheet) |
| Slot Position | RX7i rack Slot 1 |
| Battery | Requires IC698ACC701 lithium battery for RAM and calendar clock |
| Operating Temperature | Typically 0 to 60 °C (verify with OEM hardware manual) |
Product Introduction
If you have ever walked into a control room and found an RX7i CPU sitting in Slot 1 with a dead battery and no backup, you already know why the IC698CPE020 matters. The GE IC698CPE020-JX is the 700 MHz Pentium III CPU for the PACSystems RX7i platform. It is not a small PLC; it is a rack-based PAC that runs ladder, C, FBD, and structured text, talks Modbus TCP and RTU, and manages a full VME64 I/O backplane.Engineers typically need this module when an RX7i rack shows CPU faults, Ethernet communication loss, firmware corruption, battery-backed RAM failure, or repeated power-up diagnostics errors. Its job is to keep the control program running while maintaining Ethernet, serial, and backplane communications. The -JX variant should be treated as part of the IC698CPE020 family unless the OEM documentation explicitly defines a different configuration.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report (SOP)
- Visual inspection: confirm IC698CPE020-JX label, PCB revision, connector pins, Ethernet/serial ports, and battery holder.
- Identity check: verify it is an RX7i CPU, not an RX3i CPU, IC697 CPU, or a power supply module.
- Power-up test in an RX7i rack: verify EOK, RUN, STOP, and fault LED behavior during initialization.
- Ethernet check: confirm both RJ-45 ports link at 10/100 Mbps and respond to ping or Station Manager.
- Serial port check: verify RS-232/RS-485 response and Modbus RTU slave communication where test hardware allows.
- Memory and battery check: confirm RAM retention with IC698ACC701 battery and Flash accessibility.
- Firmware logging: record firmware version, hardware revision, MAC address, and serial number.
- ESD packing: seal in anti-static bag with test record, photos, and label confirmation.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
- Battery failure is the silent killer. A dead IC698ACC701 battery can wipe RAM-resident program and configuration data. Always check battery voltage before removing the old CPU.
- Firmware mismatch can break communications. Even if the CPU powers up, an incompatible firmware level may cause Ethernet, Modbus, or peer-to-peer EGD issues.
- Slot 1 is mandatory. The RX7i CPU must be installed in Slot 1 of the RX7i rack. Putting it in the wrong slot or the wrong rack family will prevent normal operation.
- Do not confuse -JX with -CC or CRE models. IC698CPE020-CC and IC698CRE020 may have different memory, redundancy, or ECC characteristics. They are not automatically interchangeable without project verification.
- It is not a power supply. Some market listings mislabel CPU modules as power supplies. IC698CPE020-JX is a processor module.
Installation & Configuration Guide
Estimated swap time: 45 to 120 minutes, depending on backup availability and network configuration.
- Pre-Installation
- Back up the RX7i project from Logic Developer – PLC / Machine Edition if the CPU is still communicable.
- Record the CPU firmware version, IP address, serial number, and MAC address.
- Photograph all Ethernet cabling, serial wiring, rack slot positions, and module labels.
- Verify the replacement IC698ACC701 battery is healthy.
- Removal
- Place the process in a safe state per plant procedure. ⚠️
- Power down the RX7i rack if required by site safety rules.
- Label Ethernet and serial cables.
- Remove the CPU from Slot 1 carefully; avoid forcing the VME connectors.
- Installation
- Install the IC698CPE020-JX into Slot 1 of the RX7i rack.
- Confirm the CMOS battery is installed and seated.
- Reconnect Ethernet and serial cables exactly as documented.
- Verify that all other RX7i and Series 90-70 modules are properly seated.
- Power-On & Testing
- Apply rack power and monitor CPU LED diagnostics.
- Verify Ethernet link, IP communication, and Station Manager access.
- Download the verified project backup if required.
- Check Modbus TCP/RTU, EGD, and HMI communications.
- Validate I/O status, analog scaling, and interlock behavior before returning to full production.
- Document firmware version, battery installation date, and final test results.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Compatibility Tier | Model / Approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Direct Replacement | IC698CPE020-JX | Match firmware, hardware revision, and battery condition. |
| ⚠️ Verify Before Use | IC698CPE020, IC698CPE020-BC, IC698CPE020-CC | Same CPU family, but memory, firmware, or configuration options may differ. |
| ❌ Not Interchangeable | IC698CRE020, IC698CPE010, IC698CPE030/040, RX3i CPUs, IC697 CPUs | Different redundancy, performance, memory, or platform. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is IC698CPE020-JX different from IC698CPE020?
The -JX suffix typically indicates a manufacturing or configuration variant. The core RX7i CPU architecture — 700 MHz Pentium III, 10 MB RAM, 10 MB Flash, dual Ethernet, and three serial ports — remains the same. Always confirm firmware and hardware revision before substitution.Q2: Can I use it in an RX3i rack?
No. IC698CPE020-JX belongs to the RX7i family and must be installed in an RX7i rack, typically in Slot 1.Q3: What happens if the battery is dead?
A failed IC698ACC701 battery can cause loss of RAM-stored program, configuration, and calendar clock data. Always keep a verified project backup.Q4: Does it support Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU?
Yes. It supports Modbus/TCP Server and Client over Ethernet, and Modbus RTU Slave over serial ports.Q5: Can I hot-swap this CPU?
No. Treat it as a controlled maintenance replacement. The process, rack power, and I/O state must be managed according to plant safety procedures.Q6: Which programming software is required?
GE PACSystems RX7i CPUs are typically configured with Logic Developer – PLC / Proficy Machine Edition. The exact version depends on the firmware level and project features.Q7: How do I avoid receiving the wrong revision?
Provide the existing CPU label photo, firmware version, MAC address, rack model, and application summary. Require the supplier to confirm IC698CPE020-JX and firmware compatibility before shipment.
