Emerson/GE PACSystems RX3i EPSCPE100-ABAC – Compact CPU Module for DCS/PLC Control

The model EPSCPE100-ABAC aligns with the PACSystems RX3i CPE100 family (commonly associated with GE Intelligent Platforms, now Emerson). In a DCS-style architecture, it serves as the controller head—handling logic execution, sequence control, and plant network communications—while your I/O stays on the RX3i rack. From my experience, this unit is typically selected when you want reliable scan performance, standard Ethernet protocols, and a straightforward path to integrate existing RX3i I/O without overcomplicating the system.

The “-ABAC” suffix usually denotes a specific hardware/firmware build or revision. If you’re matching an installed base, that little detail matters—it helps ensure drop-in compatibility with your current racks, power supplies, and logic versions.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• RX3i single-slot CPU – Saves cabinet space and keeps wiring unchanged; slides directly into a PACSystems RX3i baseplate.
• Industrial Ethernet onboard – 10/100BASE‑TX for plant network connectivity; supports common RX3i protocols like SRTP, Modbus TCP, and EGD for controller-to-controller data sharing.
• Deterministic scan performance – Designed for low-latency logic execution in batching, interlocks, and sequence control where predictable timing matters.
• Broad I/O ecosystem – Works with RX3i digital/analog I/O, specialty modules, and comm adapters, so you can reuse installed assets.
• Engineering with Proficy Machine Edition – Typical workflow: program, download, and maintain over Ethernet with familiar toolsets.
• Firmware upgradable – Field-updatable firmware helps keep the controller aligned with site standards and security practices.
• Ruggedized for plant environments – Typically operates across standard industrial temperature ranges and within IP20 control cabinets.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model	Emerson (formerly GE Intelligent Platforms) / EPSCPE100-ABAC (CPE100 family, RX3i)
HS Code	8537.10 (Programmable controllers)
Power Requirements	Powered from RX3i backplane via system power supply; no external power to the CPU module
Dimensions & Weight	Single-slot RX3i module; typical module size ~6 x 1 x 5.5 in; weight typically under 0.4 kg
Operating Temperature	0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F) typical for RX3i controllers
Signal Input/Output Types	No direct field I/O on CPU; interfaces to RX3i digital, analog, HART, and specialty I/O via backplane
Communication Interfaces	1x 10/100BASE‑TX Ethernet (RJ45); protocols commonly supported in the CPE100 family: SRTP, Modbus TCP, EGD; additional serial/fieldbuses via expansion modules
Installation Method	Rack-mount into PACSystems RX3i baseplate inside an IP20 control cabinet
Engineering Software	Proficy Machine Edition (download and maintenance typically over Ethernet)

Application Fields

This CPU fits hybrid PLC/DCS deployments where stability and simple Ethernet integration are the priorities. Typical scenarios include:

• Process skids and balance‑of‑plant systems in power, water, and wastewater
• Batching and blending lines in chemicals, food & beverage, and specialty materials
• Utilities in oil & gas terminals—metering, loading racks, and compressor auxiliaries
• Factory automation islands that need deterministic control with enterprise-friendly networking

One thing I appreciate is how it handles controller‑to‑controller data exchange using EGD. You might notice that it makes multi-rack coordination much simpler than polling tags one by one.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability – Proven RX3i platform with predictable scan behavior; well-suited for 24/7 plants.
• Compatibility – Supports existing RX3i I/O and common protocols, which typically shortens retrofit timelines.
• Lifecycle cost – Reuse of installed baseplates, power supplies, and I/O cuts project risk and spares inventory.
• Serviceability – Ethernet-based commissioning and firmware updates reduce maintenance windows.
• Scalability – Easy to grow with additional RX3i I/O and comm modules as the process expands.

A maintenance lead at a water treatment site told us they swapped to a CPE100-class CPU to standardize their skids. “We kept our racks and I/O, just replaced the head. Commissioning took half a day, and our historian tags stayed intact.” That kind of feedback is fairly typical when the network design is clean.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet and mounting – Install in a clean, dry IP20 control cabinet; mount on a PACSystems RX3i baseplate with adequate clearance for airflow.
• Power and grounding – Use the approved RX3i system power supply; bond cabinet ground properly; segregate power and signal wiring.
• Networking – Industrial-rated Ethernet cabling (CAT5e/CAT6); avoid link aggregation loops; document IP addressing and VLANs if used.
• Safety – De-energize the rack before insertion/removal; observe ESD precautions when handling the module.
• Routine tasks – Periodic configuration/logic backups, review diagnostics, keep firmware at a validated site version, and dust the cabinet filters to maintain temperature margins.
• Validation – After any firmware or logic change, run a functional test (especially interlocks and permissives) before returning the unit to service.

Quality & Certifications

• CE and UL/cUL for industrial control equipment (typical for RX3i platform)
• RoHS compliant in most builds
• Manufacturer’s standard quality system (ISO-based) for production and testing
• Warranty: 365 days (supplier warranty)

Suggested Compatible Components

• RX3i baseplates such as IC695CHS012/016 (choose size to suit I/O count)
• RX3i power supplies such as IC695PSA040/IC695PSD040
• RX3i digital and analog I/O modules (e.g., IC695ALG/IC695ICM series) depending on field signal mix
• Industrial Ethernet switches for segmented control networks with QoS and VLAN support

If you’re aligning with an existing site standard, share your current rack part numbers and firmware levels. We’ll match the EPSCPE100-ABAC to your installed base and confirm protocol versions before shipment—this tends to eliminate surprises during commissioning.