Programmable Controllers and Automation Systems GE Automation Controls / Emerson PACSystems
Modular PACSystems RX3i automation controllers, compact RSTi-EP distributed slice I/O modules, VersaMax PLCs and RX7i VME64 high-speed control platforms. Professional engineering selection.
Modular PACSystems RX3i Programmable Controllers
PACSystems RX3i controllers provide deterministic high-performance control for critical processes. Multi-core CPE series processors manage up to 72 modules and 32,000 I/O signals across high-speed backplanes. Bumpless Hot Standby CPU redundancy ensures continuous machine operation without downtime.
- Scalable capacity up to 72 modules and 32,000 I/O
- Multi-core CPE processors clocked up to 1.2 GHz
- Dual CompactPCI and Series 90-30 backplane buses
- Bumpless Hot Standby controller redundancy
RX3i I/O Modules, Backplane Racks and Power Supplies
The RX3i lineup features IC694MDL discrete modules and high-accuracy IC695ALG analog channels. System power supplies IC695PSA and PSD install directly into universal 7, 12, or 16-slot chassis racks. Modules support hot-swap replacement under power without interrupting controller execution.
- IC694MDL discrete and IC695ALG analog I/O modules
- Universal baseplates available in 7, 12, 16 slots
- AC and DC power supply modules with diagnostics
- Hot-swappable I/O insertion and removal under power
PACSystems RSTi-EP Compact PLCs and Distributed I/O
PACSystems RSTi-EP slice distributed I/O features ultra-compact 11.5 mm wide module housings. PROFINET MRP and Modbus TCP network bus couplers link up to 64 slice modules per drop. Integrated CPE205–CPE240 controllers provide autonomous high-speed machine control.
- Ultra-compact slice module design with 11.5 mm width
- Up to 64 expansion modules per fieldbus coupler
- PROFINET MRP ring redundancy and Modbus TCP
- Embedded web diagnostic server for remote commissioning
VersaMax Compact Modular Programmable Logic Controllers
The VersaMax platform combines the small footprint of nano PLCs with modular expandability. System power supplies mount directly onto the CPU base to optimize control cabinet enclosure space. VersaMax units deliver dependable control for standalone machines and pumping stations.
- Compact modular architecture with direct-mount power supply
- Broad selection of discrete and analog expansion modules
- Integrated RS232, RS485 and industrial Ethernet ports
- Hot-wire module replacement without disconnecting field wiring
PACSystems RX7i High-End Systems and Series 90-30 Migration
PACSystems RX7i controllers built upon the VME64 standard are engineered for ultra-high processing speeds. The architecture delivers quadrupled backplane throughput and up to 64 MB memory. The RX3i ecosystem ensures seamless modernization of legacy Series 90-30 systems without rewiring.
- High-throughput VME64 industrial system backplane bus
- User program memory capacity scalable up to 64 MB
- Seamless upgrade path from legacy Series 90-30 systems
- Preservation of existing terminal wiring during retrofits
Modular Architecture of PACSystems RX3i Control Systems
The PACSystems RX3i modular platform is engineered for distributed process automation and complex machine control applications.
The controller architecture features a universal backplane with dual buses: a high-speed PCI bus dedicated to advanced RX3i modules and a serial bus ensuring backward compatibility with legacy Series 90-30 cards.
Multi-core CPE305, CPE310, CPE330, and CPE400 CPU modules manage up to 72 I/O expansion modules and up to 32,000 digital and analog I/O points.
Hardware-based Hot Standby CPU redundancy with fiber-optic synchronization provides bumpless failover, eliminating downtime across mission-critical continuous manufacturing lines.
RX3i I/O Module Selection, Baseplates and Power Supplies
The RX3i I/O catalog includes IC694MDL660 24 VDC discrete inputs, IC694MDL940 relay outputs, and high-resolution IC695ALG600 analog input modules with per-channel galvanic isolation.
All module assemblies support hot-swappable live insertion and removal under operational power without interrupting PLC execution.
System power supplies include the IC695PSA040 wide-range AC unit and the IC695PSD040 24 VDC model, featuring self-diagnostics and thermal overload protection. Universal baseplates are available in 7-slot, 12-slot, and 16-slot configurations with heavy-duty anti-vibration industrial mounting.
PACSystems RSTi-EP Distributed Slice I/O Platform
PACSystems RSTi-EP is an ultra-compact distributed I/O solution built in slim 11.5 mm slice housings. Fieldbus network couplers support PROFINET MRP ring redundancy, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT protocols, integrating up to 64 slice modules per network drop with rapid backplane response times.
Standalone RSTi-EP CPE205 through CPE240 controller units feature 1.2 GHz dual-core processors, multi-port Ethernet interfaces, RS232, and USB configuration ports.
An integrated web diagnostic server enables remote commissioning, real-time signal inspection, and firmware updates without proprietary engineering tools.
VersaMax Compact Modular Programmable Logic Controllers
The VersaMax platform unites the space-saving footprint of micro PLCs with modular expansion flexibility. A key design advantage is the direct mounting of the system power supply module onto the CPU baseplate, significantly cutting required control cabinet DIN rail space.
VersaMax PLCs support extensive discrete and analog I/O expansion modules alongside Genius, DeviceNet, PROFIBUS DP, and Ethernet communication interfaces. The family is ideally tailored for standalone automated machinery, pumping stations, compressor packages, and localized closed-loop control.
PACSystems RX7i High-End Systems and Series 90-30 Migration
PACSystems RX7i programmable controllers utilize the open VME64 industrial bus standard, addressing high-throughput data acquisition and complex deterministic control demands. With up to 64 MB of battery-backed memory, RX7i handles high-density process calculations with real-time SCADA connectivity.
For industrial plants maintaining installed bases of obsolete GE Fanuc Series 90-30 systems, an engineered migration path is available. Dual-bus RX3i universal backplanes allow legacy 90-30 I/O modules to operate alongside modern RX3i CPUs, preserving existing field wiring and terminal blocks.
GE Automation & Controls and model names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the equipment for which we source parts. SpareX is not an official dealer, distributor or representative of GE Automation & Controls and is not affiliated with the trademark owner. Origin, documents and warranty are stated for each item in the quotation.
Related equipment manufacturers
Documents and sources
- PACSystems RX3i programmable automation controllers — system specifications
- PACSystems RSTi-EP compact controllers and distributed slice I/O
- VersaMax modular programmable logic controllers — architecture specifications
- PACSystems RX7i high-speed controllers on VME64 backplane bus
- Series 90-30 legacy controllers migration roadmap to RX3i platform
