Emerson PACSystems RX3i IC695CRU320CA-EL – Redundant CPU for Hot‑Standby PLC Control

The IC695CRU320CA-EL is a redundancy‑capable CPU for the PACSystems RX3i platform (formerly GE Intelligent Platforms). From my experience, this model is chosen when you need high availability without rewriting an entire control strategy—think hot‑standby controller pairs in utilities, power, and continuous process lines. The CA‑EL suffix typically indicates a conformal‑coated, extended‑life variant, which seems to be what many plants prefer for tougher environments and long program lifecycles.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; not more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Hot‑Standby Redundancy CPU: Designed for paired operation to minimize process interruptions during switchover.
• Conformal‑Coated, Extended‑Life Variant: The CA‑EL version typically improves resistance to humidity and airborne contaminants, helping in most industrial cabinets.
• PACSystems RX3i Ecosystem: Works with IC695 backplanes, power supplies, local/remote I/O, and standard RX3i communication modules.
• Deterministic Control with Large Logic Capacity: Suitable for medium to large applications using Proficy Machine Edition.
• Flexible Networking: Redundancy and plant networks via optional RX3i Ethernet/PROFINET/serial comm modules—handy when standardizing across lines.
• Firmware‑Managed Sync: Redundant memory synchronization for smooth, predictable controller handover.
• Multi‑Language Programming: Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, and SFC supported within Proficy Machine Edition.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

You might notice that plants facing high uptime demands gravitate to this CRU model. Typical deployments include:

• Power generation and transmission—redundant control of turbines, excitation auxiliaries, and substation automation.
• Water & wastewater—SCADA head‑end and process units where hot‑standby cuts downtime during maintenance.
• Oil & gas and petrochemical—continuous processes, pipeline stations, and compressor controls.
• Food & beverage and batch process—recipe handling with graceful switchover during controller updates.
• Metals, mining, and material handling—redundant PLCs supervising drives and safety interlocks (with separate safety layers).

Advantages & Value

• High Availability Without Re‑Engineering: Drop‑in within RX3i architecture; reuse existing I/O and networks in many cases.
• Lifecycle Confidence: The CA‑EL coating and extended‑life positioning help when corporate standards require long support windows.
• Procurement Simplicity: Compatible with common RX3i modules—easy to stock spares across multiple sites.
• Predictable OPEX: Redundancy firmware and diagnostics reduce nuisance trips and unplanned callouts.
• Service & Tools: Programmed with Proficy Machine Edition—well‑known by most integrators, easing staffing and training.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel & Cabinet: Mount the RX3i backplane on a rigid panel; allow front clearance for cabling. From my experience, a modest vertical airflow keeps temperatures stable.
• Power & Grounding: Use approved IC695 power supplies; bond panel ground properly; segregate high‑voltage and network cabling.
• Redundancy Setup: Use matched IC695CRU320CA-EL units with identical firmware; configure synchronization and switchover parameters in Proficy Machine Edition.
• Networking: Place redundancy and control networks on separate switches/VLANs where possible; use managed switches for diagnostics.
• Maintenance:
  • Firmware: Keep primary and secondary CPUs at the same validated revision before cutover testing.
  • Cleaning: Periodic dust removal; conformal coated boards still benefit from clean, dry air.
  • Backups: Export projects and redundancy settings after any change; verify cold‑standby restore on a test bench when feasible.
  • Calibration: Not required for the CPU itself; verify time sync and redundancy health checks quarterly.
• Safety: De‑energize before module insertion/removal; ESD protection when handling; follow lockout/tagout policies.

Supporting Components (Common Pairings)

• Backplanes: IC695CHS012 / IC695CHS016 (12/16‑slot)
• Power Supplies: IC695PSD140 (120/240 VAC), IC695PSD040 (24 VDC)
• Ethernet Comms: IC695ETM001 (Ethernet SRTP/Modbus TCP), or PROFINET options per system design
• Serial/Fieldbus: IC695CMM004 and related RX3i comm modules for serial or specialty links
• I/O: IC695 discrete, analog, and high‑speed modules as required by the application

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE and UL/cUL for industrial control equipment; RoHS compliant (model‑dependent; CA‑EL versions are typically compliant)
• Manufacturer Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty applies; our supply is covered by a 365‑day warranty

A maintenance lead at a water treatment plant told me the CRU320 pair “cut our planned switchover time to minutes, and operators barely notice the primary swap.” That’s the kind of quiet reliability most teams are after.