Description
GE Fanuc IC698CRE040-HN
I. Product Overview
GE Fanuc IC698CRE040-HN is an outstanding high-performance processor module, belonging to the PACSystems RX7i series of GE Fanuc. Relying on high reliability, powerful performance, and advanced modular design, this series has an excellent reputation in the field of industrial automation. As a key member of this series, IC698CRE040-HN is specially designed to meet the strict requirements of complex industrial control applications and plays the role of a "core brain" in the entire industrial automation system. It has strong computing capabilities and fast response characteristics, enabling it to accurately and efficiently execute various complex control logics and data processing tasks, thus providing a solid guarantee for the stable and efficient operation of industrial production.
II. Technical Specifications
(I) Processor Performance
IC698CRE040-HN is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor with a main frequency of up to 1.8GHz. This powerful processor configuration endows it with excellent computing capabilities, allowing it to complete the calculation and processing of large amounts of complex data in an instant and easily meet the operation requirements of various complex control algorithms in industrial automation scenarios. Whether it is the real-time data monitoring and analysis of high-speed production lines, or the precise control and calculation of multiple parameters such as temperature and pressure in the fine chemical production process, this processor can execute with extremely high efficiency and accuracy, ensuring the real-time performance and stability of the system.
(II) Memory Configuration
This module is equipped with 64MB of RAM and 64MB of non-volatile memory. The 64MB RAM provides sufficient space for temporary data storage and fast reading during system operation, ensuring that various data can be quickly called and processed when the program is running, thereby effectively improving the system operation speed. The 64MB non-volatile memory plays a key role: it can still reliably store important program codes and data even after the system is powered off, avoiding data loss and program errors caused by unexpected power outages, and providing a solid guarantee at the data storage level for the continuous and stable operation of the system.
(III) Voltage and Power Consumption
Its operating voltage range is 5VDC to 125VDC, which can adapt to a variety of different power supply environments and maintain stable operation under the complex and changeable power supply conditions of industrial sites. At the same time, the module has a power consumption of only 6.7W. While achieving high-performance computing and control, it demonstrates good energy-saving characteristics, effectively reducing the energy consumption cost in industrial production.
(IV) Communication Interfaces
Ethernet Interface
It has a built-in Ethernet port, supporting communication speeds of 10 or 100Mbps, with automatic sensing and switching functions, and adopts the RJ45 interface form. Through this Ethernet interface, IC698CRE040-HN can be conveniently connected to the industrial Ethernet network to realize high-speed data interaction with upper computers, other intelligent devices, and cloud platforms. For example, in a smart factory, it can quickly upload production data to the enterprise management system and receive production instructions from the management layer at the same time, helping enterprises achieve information-based and intelligent management.
Serial Communication Interface
It has 3 serial ports, supporting RS-232 and RS-485 communication protocols respectively. These serial ports facilitate the connection with some traditional industrial equipment, sensors, and actuators. For instance, in the renovation project of an old production line, the RS-232 interface can be used to connect to early PLC equipment to realize data sharing and collaborative work; the RS-485 interface can be used to connect multiple sensors to build a reliable data acquisition network and obtain real-time equipment operation status data.
(V) Dimensions and Weight
The physical dimensions of the module are 4.95″x 12.25″x 2.50″ (approximately 125.73mm x 311.15mm x 63.5mm), and its weight is only 1.15 pounds (approximately 0.52kg). The compact size design allows it to be easily installed in various control cabinets, occupying little space and facilitating system integration and layout; the lightweight design makes it easy to handle during installation and maintenance, reducing manual labor intensity.
III. Functional Features
(I) Redundant Design Ensures High Reliability
Hot Standby Redundant Function
IC698CRE040-HN supports hot standby redundant design, which means that the system can be equipped with both a main CPU and a standby CPU at the same time. Under normal operation, the main CPU is responsible for executing the system's control logic and data processing tasks, while the standby CPU synchronizes the operation status and data of the main CPU in real time. Once the main CPU fails (such as hardware damage, software crash, or other abnormal situations), the standby CPU can switch seamlessly in an extremely short time (usually in milliseconds) to take over the main CPU's work and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the entire industrial control system. This redundant design greatly improves the reliability of the system. For industries such as power and transportation that have extremely high requirements for system continuity, it can effectively avoid serious consequences such as production halts and safety accidents caused by the failure of the control core.
Data Synchronization and Backup Mechanism
During the operation of the redundant system, IC698CRE040-HN continuously synchronizes the key data of the main CPU (such as program execution status, real-time control parameters, and collected equipment operation data) to the standby CPU through an internal high-speed communication link, ensuring data consistency between the standby CPU and the main CPU. At the same time, the non-volatile memory of the module also backs up important data regularly, further enhancing the security and reliability of the data and preventing the impact of data loss on the system.
(II) Rich Communication Protocols Support Convenient Integration
Adaptation to Multiple Communication Protocols
This module supports a variety of mainstream industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP and RTU. The Modbus TCP/IP protocol is based on Ethernet and has the advantages of fast communication speed and large data transmission capacity, enabling IC698CRE040-HN to conduct efficient data interaction with various intelligent devices and control systems that support this protocol. For example, when building an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architecture, production site data can be quickly transmitted to the cloud platform through the Modbus TCP/IP protocol to realize remote monitoring and management. The Modbus RTU protocol is suitable for industrial scenarios that require high real-time performance and have short communication distances. Through the RS-485 interface, IC698CRE040-HN can be conveniently connected to many sensors, actuators, and other devices that comply with the Modbus RTU protocol, realizing accurate data collection and reliable issuance of control instructions.
Device Interconnection and Intercommunication Capability
By supporting multiple communication protocols, IC698CRE040-HN can break down the communication barriers between industrial devices of different brands and types and realize device interconnection and intercommunication. In a complex industrial automation system composed of equipment from multiple manufacturers, it can serve as a communication hub to coordinate the collaborative work of various devices. For example, in an automobile manufacturing plant, it can communicate with Siemens (Germany) PLC equipment, Fanuc (Japan) robots, and sensors of a domestic brand at the same time, integrate various data on the production line, and realize the automatic control and optimized management of the entire production process.
(III) Modular Design Enables Flexible Configuration
I/O Module Expansion
IC698CRE040-HN can be flexibly matched with a variety of I/O modules to meet the diverse needs for the number and types of input/output points in different industrial application scenarios. It supports a maximum of 2048 I/O points, covering multiple types such as digital input/output, analog input/output, and serial communication. In a large-scale automated production line project, a large number of digital input points may be needed to collect various switch signals (such as equipment start-stop status, limit switch signals, etc.), and analog output points may be needed to accurately control motor speed, valve opening, and so on. By selecting appropriate I/O modules to combine with IC698CRE040-HN, an I/O system that meets the complex control needs of the production line can be easily built.
System Function Customization
Based on the modular design concept, users can flexibly select and configure other functional modules (such as motion control modules, communication expansion modules, etc.) according to the actual project requirements to conduct customized expansion of system functions. For example, in an automated assembly production line that requires high-precision motion control, a motion control module can be added to work in collaboration with IC698CRE040-HN to realize precise control of the motion trajectory of the robotic arm and complete the accurate assembly task of components. This modular design greatly improves the flexibility and scalability of the system, enabling it to quickly adapt to the ever-changing needs of industrial production