RX3i Selection Guide
RX3i systems are innovative Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) made by Emerson Automation, formerly GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. The RX3i PACSystem is an incredibly powerful and modular control system with a focus on high availability. It features a single control PAC-System engine and a universal programming environment that provides application portability and scalability across multiple hardware platforms.
PACSystem RX3i is a rack-based system with a variety of pluggable and hot-swappable modules covering discrete, analog, and numerous special-purpose I/O types. These modules allow you to customize your control system with the right mix of I/O devices, having a wide range of current capacities and voltage ranges/types to meet all your application needs. The RX3i rack system is built on high-speed interfaces and PCI standards, which provide fast and consistent data transfer across the connected modules.
With integrated mission-critical control platforms, process control, HMI, motion, logic, and high availability based on Reflective Memory Technology, the RX3i PACSystem enables users to boost the performance and flexibility of their automation systems. Also, RX3i controllers are equipped with high-speed processors that provide faster throughput without any information bottlenecks.
Overall, the revolutionary RX3i PACSystem addresses major engineering issues, whilst supporting the integration of new technologies into existing base systems with reduced engineering and commissioning costs. They are aimed at the needs of higher productivity and tighter cost control. Typical applications of RX3i PACSystem devices include Power, Waste & Wastewater, and Process Control.
Selection Criteria
As the complexity of industrial control applications continues to increase, requiring integration of multiple systems which incorporate discrete, process, and motion control, with higher demands for real-time data, the RX3i PACSystem from Emerson – GE Fanuc may be the ideal solution for your automation needs. Listed below are the key features to look for and some considerations to keep in mind whenever you’re selecting an RX3i controller for your application.
RX3i CPUs
To meet various performance criteria, RX3i PACSystem devices are available with multiple CPU offerings up to and including an Intel 1GHz RX3i CPU with 64 Megabytes of memory for advanced programming and performance. Depending on the performance requirements of your control system, you can select an RX3i CPU based on high-performance, high availability redundancy, and high availability data synchronization.
High-Performance
For high-performance, RX3i CPUs utilize the Intel M class 1GHz processor, which is characterized by fast computation and high throughput. An RX3i controller equipped with such a processor can manage up to 32K memory of I/O modules in multiple IEC 61131-3 standardized languages and C programming. This provides the programming flexibility of the controller. Also, powerful RX3i CPUs can perform complex control applications, which are easily solved by the incorporated high-performance processor with available user memory of up to 64 Megabytes.
High Availability Redundancy
This family of RX3i CPUs allows safety and mission-critical processes to continue operating even in the occurrence of failure in any single component within the controlled system. Hence, the name high availability. A High Availability RX3i PACSystem mainly uses two or more RX3i CPUs; one of which is an active unit that continuously controls the operation, while the rest are considered are back units. The backup units are synchronized with the active CPU. This enables them to take over control of the process if the active unit becomes unavailable.
For instance, the RX3i QuadPAC High Availability system utilizes four CRU320QP CPUs, in which one of the CPUs is the master controller while the other CPUs are synchronized as backup controller units. Moreover, the RX3i QuadPAC controller has the “Smart Redundancy” feature, which is an algorithm that calculates the real-time and relative availability of the system, identifying the most available CPU in the QuadPAC as the master controller. In such a system, the I/O racks can be grouped into different rack configurations, whether that be a single I/O rack, two redundant I/O racks, or three I/O racks (triple-redundant).
Therefore, if you intend to use your RX3i PACSystem for critical applications, a High Availability RX3i PACSystem supporting Hot Standby (HSB) CPU redundancy would be an excellent choice.
High Availability Data Sybchronization
This RX3i CPU architecture provides a backplane-based CPU redundancy. Whereby, a Redundancy Memory Xchange (RMX) module operates a redundancy communication path, which is a dedicated link between the available CPUs in an RX3i Hot Standby (HSB) redundancy control system.
The communication path provided by the RMX modules is used to transfer data between two redundancy CPUs in the RX3i redundant system. One complete communication path is made up of an RMX module primary unit, and another RMX module in the secondary unit. The two modules are connected using high-speed fiber optic cables. The path can support one or two redundancy links per high availability RX3i CPUs.
The information below outlines various RX3i CPU Models with the aforementioned characteristics, from which you can select a suitable CPU model that will meet your application performance requirements.
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RS3i CPUs
- IC695CPU310: 300 MHz RX3i CPU with 10 MB user memory
- IC695CPU315: 1 GHz RX3i CPU with 20 MB user memory
- IC695CPU320: 1 GHz RX3i CPU with 64 MB User Memory
- IC695NIU001: 300 MHz Ethernet Interface Unit
- IC695NIU001+: 1.1 GHz Ethernet Interface Unit
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RX3i Redundancy CPU
- IC695CRU320: 64MB User Memory
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Standalone RX3i CPUs with a Built-in PROFINET/Ethernet Interface
- IC695CPE400: 64MB User Memory in Field Agent
- IC695CPL410: 64MB User Memory in Linux
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RX3i CPUs with an Embedded PROFINET/Ethernet Interface
- IC695CPE330: 64MB User Memory
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RX3i CPUs with an Embedded Ethernet Interface
- IC695CPE310: 10MB User Memory
- IC695CPE305: 5MB User Memory
- IC695CPE302: 2MB User Memory
RX3i Communication Features
The RX3i CPU communicates with Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices via the Ethernet ports or through the serial ports COM1 and COM2. The CPU can also communicate with the two features using Modbus RTU Slave protocols, SNP Slave protocol, or Serial I/O. Also, it communicates with Input/Outputs and smart option modules over a dual backplane bus, which provides:
- High-speed, PCI backplane buses for fast throughput with the new and advanced RX3i I/O modules.
- Serial baseplate which allows easy migration of pre-existing Series 90-30 I/O modules to RX3i I/O rack.
Also, RX3i PACSystem devices support a variety of open communication options for Input/Output and/or distributed control. The available communication modules from which you can choose include Ethernet, PROFINET, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), PROFIBUS, Service Request Transfer Protocol (SRTP), Modbus/TCP, TCP/IP protocol, HART Pass-Through, Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3), and Serial Protocols. These RX3i communication modules can be installed easily and are quick to configure.
RX3i Hardware
The RX3i PACSystem hardware comprises an RX3i Universal Backplane and a maximum of seven Series 90-30 Expansion/Remote baseplates. You can install the RX3i CPU in any slot of the universal baseplate except for the last slot, which is set aside for the serial bus transmitter with a catalog number IC695LRE001. RX3i Universal Backplanes and Series 90-30 Expansion/Remote backplanes support the Series 90-30 Motion Control modules and Genius Bus Controller, and most of the RX3i/Series 90-30 digital and analog modules with catalog prefixes IC694 and IC693. Note, that you can only install the IC695 RX3i modules in the universal backplane, which includes the Ethernet and other communication modules.
RX3i universal backplanes are available in 16, 12, and 7 slot configurations, from which you can choose the number of slots that will meet the needs of your application. Note, even though you have the option of selecting any of the aforementioned universal backplanes, a complete RX3i PACSystem must include either a 16-slot Universal Backplane (IC695CHS016) or a 12-slot Universal Backplane (IC695CHS012). The RX3i Universal Backplanes support hot-swap capabilities aimed at reducing system downtime.
If you require additional modules more than your selected RX3i Universal Backplane can take in, or you need some of the RX3i modules to be installed remotely, then you will need to install an RX3i Serial Bus Transmitter Module (Category Number IC695LRE001) at the last slot of your chosen RX3i Universal Backplane. Then using a D-connector from the RX3i Bus Transmitter module, link the additional RX3i Serial Expansion/ Remote baseplates to the RX3i PACsystem. Subsequent Serial Remote racks would need to be daisy-chained using customized or standard expansion cables. To maximize the flexibility of the RX3i Expansion/Remote module, backplanes are available in 5- and 10-slot versions.
Below is information regarding RX3i Universal Backplanes and Expansion/Remote Baseplates that are compatible with RX3i PACSystems:
- IC695CHS007: PACSystems RX3i 7-Slot high-speed Universal Backplane; Supports only 5-serial bus slots; It is not expandable
- IC695CHS016: PACSystems RX3i 16-Slot high Universal Backplane; Supports PCI and serial bus
- IC695CHS012: PACSystems RX3i 12-Slot high-speed Universal Backplane; Supports both PCI and serial bus
- IC694CHS398: PACSystems RX3i Serial 5-Slot Expansion Baseplate; Supports serial bus only
- IC694CHS392: PACSystems RX3i Serial 10-Slot Expansion Baseplate; Supports serial bus only
- IC693CHS399: PACSystems RX3i Serial 5-slot Remote Baseplate; Supports serial bus only
- IC693CHS393: PACSystems RX3i Serial 10-slot Remote Baseplate; Supports serial bus only
- IC693CHS398: Series 90-30 5-Slot Expansion Backplane
- IC693CHS392: Series 90-30 10-Slot Expansion Backplane
Modules for RX3i PACSystems
Input/Output modules used in RX3i PACSystems are designed for mission-critical processes and discrete control applications. They also provide outstanding flexibility and advanced diagnostics, with a broad range of advanced and standard features. The RX3i rack-based I/O includes:
- Discrete Input/Output Modules: The digital input modules provide the interface between the RX3i controller and external input devices, such as switches, pushbuttons, proximity sensors, and BCD (Binary-coded Decimal) thumbwheels. While the digital output modules provide the interface between the PAC controller and external output devices such as BCD displays, interposing relays, indicator lamps, and contactors. GE Intelligent Platforms provides a variety of discrete I/O modules which support a wide range of current capacities, different voltage types and ranges, response time, and isolation to meet your RX3i application needs. Also, the digital I/O modules used in RX3i PACSystems support 8 to 32 input/output points.
- Analog Input/Output Modules: GE Fanuc provides a variety of easy-to-use analog modules and HART analog modules that can be used with RX3i PACSystems to control process temperatures, flow, and pressure. These modules support 4 to 16 analog input/output points.
- Analog Mixed Input/Output Modules: These modules include four inputs and two outputs. They are available with or without advanced diagnostics. The incorporated advanced diagnostics could include rate of change, alarms, open wire, under range, and over range. They also include additional features, such as analog output clamp limits, 16-bit resolution, and output ramp mode option.
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Relay Output Modules: Some of the RX3i modules within this category include:
- A 2-ampere Relay Output module (IC693MDL940/IC694MDL940), which provides 16 normally open (N.O.) relay circuits for controlling output loads. This module can be installed in any I/O slot in an RX3i system and can be used to control a wide range of load devices like indicators and solenoids.
- A 4-ampere Isolated 8-Point Relay Output module, which supports 8 normally open (N.O.) relay circuits for controlling output loads. This module is available as an RX3i PACSystem Relay Output module with a catalog number IC694MDL930. Note that you can install the Series 90-30 module in any I/O slot in an RX3i PACSystem or Series 90-30 PLC, but the RX3i version is only compatible with an RX3i CPU.
You can include different kinds of Emerson Rx3i modules in an RX3i PACSystem setup, but you have to check their compatibility with the RX3i CPU used as well as the type of backplane they require. For example:
- RX3i Modules (IC695): The RX3i modules with a catalog prefix IC695 can only be installed in RX3i PACSystem devices with a Universal Backplane (IC695), such as the IC695CHS016 or IC695CHS012. Some examples of the IC695- RX3i modules include: the RX3i Ethernet Module IC695ETM001, the RX3i 8-Channel Non-isolated, 4-Channel Differential Analog Input Module IC695ALG608, the RX3i Output Analog Current/Voltage 8 Channels, HART Communications: IC695ALG728, and the RX3i Profibus Master Module IC695PBM300.
- RX3i Modules (IC694): RX3i IC694- modules are compatible with the serial buses in RX3i all Universal Baseplates and with RX3i Serial Expansion Baseplates. Emerson – GE Fanuc provides a wide range of analog, discrete, and special-purpose IC694 modules, from which you can select the modules that are compatible with the CPU of your RX3i PACSystem.
- Series 90-30 Modules (IC693): Most of the Series 90-30 modules provided by GE Fanuc are compatible with RX3i PACSystem devices, but not all modules are compatible. The compatible Series 90-30 modules can be installed in RX3i PACSystems that have an RX3i serial bus in the Universal/Expansion Backplanes or those with Series 90-30 Expansion Backplanes.
Note, that the Series 90-30 modules which are incompatible with the RX3i PACSystem cannot be included in an RX3i Universal Backplane or any RX3i Expansion/Remote Backplane. Hence, be sure to check whether the firmware of the selected Series 90-30 module enables RX3i to its functions. Alternatively, you can consult a GE Fanuc representative on the firmware compatibility status.
RS3i Power Supplies
The Power supply of an RX3i PACSystem is either hosted directly by the RX3i Universal Backplane or by an Expansion baseplate that is connected to the Universal Backplane. Therefore, when selecting a power supply for your RX3i system, check whether it is to be installed in the Universal Backplane or the Serial Expansion Backplanes. Power Supplies for connecting to RX3i Universal and Serial Expansion Backplanes include:
- Power Supplies Installed in the RX3i Universal Backplane: The IC695PSA040 120/240 VAC, 125 VDC, 40-Watts RX3i Power Supply, the IC695PSA140 120/240 VAC, 125 VDC, 40-Watts, Multi-Purpose RX3i Power Supply, the IC695PSD040 24 VDC, 40-Watts RX3i Power Supply, and the IC695PSD140 24 VDC, 40-Watts Multi-Purpose RX3i Power Supply.
- Power Supplies Installed in the Serial Expansion/Remote BAckplanes: The IC694PWR321 120/240 VAC, 125 VDC, Serial Expansion RX3i Power Supply (IC694PWR321), the IC694PWR330 120/240 VAC, 125 VDC, High-Capacity Serial Expansion RX3i Power Supply, and the IC694PWR331 24 VDC, High-Capacity Serial Expansion RX3i Power Supply.
All RX3i power supply modules are plugged into the RX3i rack as with I/O modules, and they work with any RX3i CPU model. Also, you can configure the multipurpose power supplies for redundancy or incremental capacity.
RX3i Battery Pack
Ensure that your RX3i PACSystem has a three-cell Lithium-ion battery pack (IC698ACC701). The battery is very important as it maintains the controller’s programs and data memory in the event of power failure. Also, the battery operates the calendar clock. When replacing the RX3i battery, ensure that the replacement battery has a similar voltage rating as the one being replaced.
Conclusion
Imagine having real-time visibility and control over all of your manufacturing processes, from anywhere around the globe. Or replacing scheduled maintenance downtimes with just-in-time, predictive maintenance that prevents unplanned plant interruptions. Well, you can achieve all this by just installing an RX3i PACSystem to monitor and control your manufacturing processes. However, you must select the right components to come up with a complete RX3i PACSystem setup that will operate as intended. This article guides you in selecting the right components for your RX3i PACSystem, to enable you to meet your application requirements.