This comprehensive technical overview details the hardware features, firmware capabilities, and operating specifications for GE PACSystems CPUs, covering the RX3i, RX7i, and RSTi-EP families.
Note: Specific features may require corresponding firmware releases. (Models referenced: RX3i CPE305, CPE310, CPE330, CPE400, and RSTi-EP CPE100).
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1. Firmware Storage & Updates
The CPU utilizes non-volatile flash memory to store operating system firmware, allowing updates without disassembling the module or replacing EPROMs.
Serial Port & WinLoader: Used for CPU310, CPU315, CPU320, and CPE305/CPE310 models with older firmware.
USB Port: Used for CPE305/CPE310 with firmware v7.30 and later.
Ethernet Port: Web-based mechanism used for RX7i CPUs, RX3i CPE330, CPE400, and RSTi-EP CPE100.
2. Operation, Protection & Module Status
CPU operation is controlled by a three-position RUN/STOP switch or remotely via programming software. Program and configuration data can be locked via password protection. Status is indicated by front-panel LEDs.
3. Ethernet Global Data (EGD)
PACSystems CPUs support up to 255 simultaneous EGD pages across all Ethernet interfaces. EGD configuration can be stored in the CPU and uploaded to programming software.
RX3i Firmware Support: With RX3i Firmware Release 8.30, the CPE310/CPE305 CPUs support EGD Class 1 (previously only available on the RX7i). With Release 8.60, the CPE330 also supports EGD Class 1.
Timing: PACSystems CPUs support 2ms EGD page production and timeout resolution (minimum period is 2ms for "as fast as possible" pages).
4. Embedded PROFINET Controller
Specific CPUs allow an Ethernet LAN to be configured as a PROFINET Controller:
RX3i CPE400
RX3i CPE330 (firmware v8.90 or later)
RSTi-EP CPE100
The Embedded PROFINET Controller can be configured as a Simplex PROFINET IO-Controller supporting up to 32 I/O devices. It supports Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) and may be used as either a Media Redundancy Manager (MRM) or a Media Redundancy Client (MRC) on a redundant media ring.
5. OPC UA Server Integration
The RX3i CPE305, CPE310, CPE330, and CPE400 support an OPC UA Server on the embedded Ethernet port, providing Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture.
Compatibility: Effective with CPE305/CPE310 Firmware Release 8.20, CPE330 Firmware Release 9.20, and CPE400 Firmware Release 9.21.
6. Removable Data Storage Devices (RDSDs)
The RX3i CPU models (CPE305/CPE310/CPE330/CPE400) and RSTi-EP CPE100 provide the ability to transfer applications to and from removable USB storage devices (RDSDs) without requiring programming software.
Uploading from CPU to RDSD: Can store an entire application (logic, configuration, reference tables, CAM files) or specific components. Requires the CPU to be in RUN Mode or STOP Mode.
Downloading from RDSD to CPU: Requires a valid project. The RDSD must be inserted into the CPU, and the Run/Stop switch must be toggled (e.g., pushed to the LEFT for CPE305/CPE310, then momentarily depressing the START pushbutton).
Fault Tables: If a hardware configuration disables the USB port, fault tables will not be written to the RDSD.
Security: When writing to the RDSD from a controller with passwords/OEM keys, the data is encrypted and stored securely. The passwords/keys must match on the target CPU, or the transfer will fail.
⚠️ Important Safety Cautions During RDSD Transfer
Do NOT remove the RDSD from the CPU during a transfer. The RDSD LED blinks green during the operation. Removing it will fail the transfer, generate a fatal fault, and require clearing fault tables via a programmer or power cycling the CPU.
The USB port is intended for data transfer only, not for permanent connection. Do not leave RDSD devices connected during normal operation.
Supported Models: RX3i CPU Features and Specifications
The GE PACSystems RX3i controller family includes a wide range of Central Processing Units (CPUs) designed to meet various industrial automation performance requirements. Below is the compatibility and feature overview for the following specific models:
Model Number Notes / Key Features
CPU310 Standard RX3i CPU model.
CPU315 Standard RX3i CPU model.
CPU320 / CRU320 Note: Redundancy features are only configurable in the CRU320 model.
CPE305 Embedded Ethernet CPU, supports RDSD data transfer.
CPE310 Embedded Ethernet CPU, supports RDSD data transfer.
CPE330 supports Configurable Redundancy features and Embedded PROFINET.
CPE400 High-performance CPU, supports Configurable Redundancy and Embedded PROFINET.
CPE100 The EPSCPE100 is the first standalone CPU in the RSTi-EP family.
Feature Comparison Overview
When selecting or replacing an RX3i CPU among these models (CPU310, CPU315, CPU320/CRU320, CPE305, CPE310, CPE330, CPE400), engineers should consider the following technical categories: Redundancy Features: Available and configurable in the CRU320, CPE330, and CPE400 models to ensure high system availability.
Protocols & Communications: Support for various industrial protocols depending on the specific CPU model.
Programming Capabilities: Compatibility with Proficy Machine Edition and varying memory/processing capacities.
Firmware Upgrade: Methods for updating firmware vary between older models (e.g., CPU310/315 via serial port) and newer CPE models (via Ethernet or USB).
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