Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE / GE Fanuc / Emerson |
| Model | IC695CPE310-ABAD |
| Product Type | PACSystems RX3i CPU controller |
| Processor | 1.1 GHz Intel Atom |
| User Memory | 10 MB (battery-backed RAM + non-volatile flash) |
| Discrete I/O Capacity | Up to 32K bits (%I/%Q) |
| Analog I/O Capacity | Up to 32K words (%AI/%AQ) |
| Ethernet | 1 × RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps, SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD, PROFINET, OPC UA |
| Serial Ports | 1 × RS-232, 1 × RS-485 (Modbus RTU, SNP, Serial I/O) |
| USB | 1 × USB-A 2.0 for data transfer |
| EnergyPack | Included (IC695ACC400); enables battery-free data retention |
| Max Program Blocks | 512 blocks, up to 128 KB each |
| Max Local Racks | Up to 8 |
| Slot Width | 2 slots in RX3i universal backplane |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60°C |
| Programming Software | Proficy Machine Edition / Logic Developer ME 7.0+ |
| Certifications | UL, cUL, CE, RoHS, HazLoc Class I Div 2, ATEX Zone 2 (verify exact suffix) |
| Data Availability | Confirm exact -ABAD revision against nameplate and Emerson GFK-2713 |
Product Introduction
The GE IC695CPE310-ABAD is a PACSystems RX3i central processing unit that serves as the logic engine for machine, process, and material-handling control. It uses a 1.1 GHz Atom processor with 10 MB of user memory and includes an EnergyPack for battery-free dynamic data retention. The module occupies two slots in an RX3i universal backplane and provides built-in 10/100 Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485, and a USB-A service port.
The -ABAD suffix identifies the specific revision/certification variant. Public datasheets typically reference IC695CPE310 generically; the exact -ABAD configuration should be verified against the module nameplate and Emerson documentation before commissioning. This CPU is a direct upgrade path from the older IC695CPU310 (300 MHz Celeron), offering roughly 3× performance without requiring PME software changes.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake & Origin Verification
Confirm full part number IC695CPE310-ABAD, revision, serial number, and firmware version. Reject units with mismatched labels, damaged Ethernet/serial/USB ports, or missing EnergyPack. - Visual & Connector Inspection
Inspect backplane pins, Ethernet RJ-45, DB-9 serial connectors, USB port, and LED window. Check for bent pins, corrosion, or physical damage to the EnergyPack housing. - Live Functional Testing
Power the module in a compatible RX3i backplane. Verify RUN/OK/COMM/BATT LEDs, Ethernet link negotiation, serial port response, and USB recognition. - Memory & Firmware Verification
Read firmware revision, serial number, and memory status via PME. Confirm EnergyPack charge level and non-volatile memory integrity. No firmware changes without customer authorization. - Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging
Label with test date, firmware version, and condition grade. Pack in anti-static bags with port protectors. Include nameplate, LED-state, and EnergyPack photos for traceability.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- -ABAD is not the same as -ABAB or -ACAT.
Suffix variations may indicate different certification packages, firmware baselines, or regional compliance. Verify the exact suffix against your project BOM before substitution. - EnergyPack must be present and charged.
The CPE310 relies on the EnergyPack (IC695ACC400) for battery-free data retention. A missing or depleted EnergyPack can cause data loss on power-down even if the CPU appears healthy. - RS-232 Pin 5 does NOT supply +5V.
Unlike the older IC695CPU310, the CPE310 RS-232 port does not provide 5V on Pin 5. HMI cables designed for CPU310 may not work without modification. - Ethernet port is 10/100, not Gigabit.
Do not assume Gigabit capability. Newer CPE330 models offer Gigabit Ethernet; CPE310 is limited to 10/100 Mbps. - Firmware must match the PME project.
Even if the CPU powers up, a firmware mismatch can prevent downloading or cause runtime faults. Always verify firmware compatibility before replacing a live controller. - Slot placement matters.
The CPE310 occupies two adjacent slots. It can be installed in any pair of slots except the two highest-numbered slots in the rack.
GE IC695CPE310-ABAD
Application Scenarios
- RX3i CPU replacement during planned outage.
When a legacy CPU310 fails or requires performance upgrade, the CPE310 provides a drop-in replacement path with 3× processing speed and built-in Ethernet. - Brownfield migration from Series 90-30.
Plants migrating from 90-30 I/O to RX3i backplanes use the CPE310 as the control engine while retaining existing Series 90-30 I/O modules via the serial backplane. - Ethernet communication integration.
The built-in 10/100 Ethernet port supports SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD, and PROFINET, enabling direct integration with SCADA, HMIs, and third-party devices without an additional ETM module. - Real-world case (anonymized).
A food processing plant replaced a failed CPU310 with a surplus . The CPU powered up, but the HMI could not connect via serial. Root cause: the HMI cable expected +5V on RS-232 Pin 5, which the does not provide. Resolution: replaced the serial cable with a standard null-modem cable and migrated HMI communication to Ethernet.
FAQ
Is IC695CPE310-ABAD a power supply module?
No. Despite some third-party listings mislabeling it, IC695CPE310 is a CPU controller module, not a power supply. RX3i power supplies include IC695PSA140 (AC) and IC695PDS140 (DC).
The uses a 1.1 GHz Atom processor vs. the CPU310’s 300 MHz Celeron, includes built-in Ethernet, has an EnergyPack instead of a battery, and does not supply +5V on RS-232 Pin 5.
Yes. The is designed as a direct upgrade from CPU310 and is compatible with existing PME projects without software changes.
Does it support PROFINET?
Yes. The supports PROFINET, Modbus TCP, SRTP, EGD, and OPC UA over its built-in Ethernet port.
What should I request before buying a surplus unit?
Nameplate photos confirming the -ABAD suffix, firmware version, EnergyPack presence and charge status, Ethernet/serial port condition, power-up LED status, and compatibility with your RX3i rack and PME project version.
Is this module still supported?
GE Intelligent Platforms was acquired by Emerson. The RX3i product line continues under Emerson. Verify current support status and firmware availability directly with Emerson.
