GE IC698CHS009A

Description

Product Description

The GE IC698CHS009A is a high-performance communications module for the GE Fanuc RX7i PACSystem controller, part of the PACSystems family. This module is a specialized High-Speed Serial (HSS) communications co-processor designed to provide deterministic, peer-to-peer data exchange between multiple RX7i controllers over a dedicated fiber optic link. Its primary function is to enable tightly coupled, multi-processor systems where separate RX7i racks need to share large amounts of global data with nanosecond-level synchronization. The GE IC698CHS009A facilitates the creation of a single, unified control environment across multiple chassis, allowing for the distribution of complex control tasks. The use of fiber optics ensures complete immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it suitable for installations across electrically noisy plants. Implementing the GE IC698CHS009A is essential for building large-scale, high-performance automation systems that demand extreme determinism and data coherence, such as in synchronized motion control or massive material handling systems.

Product Parameters

• Controller Family: GE Fanuc PACSystems RX7i.
• Module Type: High-Speed Serial (HSS) Communications Co-processor Module.
• Communication Protocol: Proprietary GE high-speed deterministic protocol for global data exchange.
• Media: Fiber optic, typically using multimode fiber with ST connectors.
• Data Transfer Rate: Extremely high speed (multi-gigabit range) for low-latency data exchange.
• Topology: Point-to-point link between two GE IC698CHS009A modules in different racks.
• Function: Extends the controller’s global data memory across multiple RX7i racks, creating a single logical controller from multiple physical units.
• Maximum Distance: Supports rack separation of several hundred meters with standard multimode fiber.
• Configuration: Used in pairs (one module per rack).
• Status Indicators: LEDs for power, link status, transmit/receive activity, and fault conditions.

Advantages and Features

• Deterministic, High-Speed Performance: Provides nanosecond-level synchronization and data coherence between controllers, enabling tightly coordinated control across distributed processors.
• EMI Immunity: Fiber optic communication is completely immune to electrical noise, ground loops, and lightning-induced surges, guaranteeing data integrity.
• Scalability: Allows a control application to span multiple RX7i racks, dramatically expanding the available I/O capacity and processing power beyond the limits of a single chassis.
• Transparent Global Data Exchange: Creates a unified global data space. Data produced in one rack is instantly and transparently available to logic in any connected rack without explicit messaging programming.
• High Reliability: The fiber optic link and robust module design provide a highly reliable communication path critical for systems where a communication failure would be catastrophic.

Application Cases in Application Fields

• Large Automotive Body Shops: Synchronizes dozens of robots and welding controllers across multiple production cells, requiring nanosecond precision for coordinated motion.
• Airport Baggage Handling Systems: Coordinates control across multiple RX7i racks managing different terminal zones, ensuring seamless parcel and baggage sortation.
• Metals Rolling Mills: Distributes control for main drives, screwdowns, and coil handling across multiple racks, where synchronization is critical for product quality.
• Large Printing Presses: Synchronizes multiple printing units and web handling sections controlled by separate RX7i processors.

Comparisons with Competing Products

• Vs. Siemens SIMATIC S7-400 with Global Data Exchange via MPI/PROFIBUS: Siemens uses slower, network-based data exchange. The GE IC698CHS009A offers hardware-level, backplane-extension-like performance that is orders of magnitude faster and more deterministic.
• Vs. Allen-Bradley ControlLogix with Producer/Consumer Tags over ControlNet/EtherNet/IP: Allen-Bradley’s method is a high-performance networked data model. The GE IC698CHS009A provides even higher speed and determinism, akin to a shared memory architecture, but is limited to the RX7i platform.
• Vs. GE’s own Genius Bus for Data Exchange: The Genius Bus is for I/O and peer messaging. The GE IC698CHS009A is for much higher-speed, lower-latency, and larger-volume data sharing between controllers themselves, representing a different tier of communication.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. System Architecture Mandate: The GE IC698CHS009A is exclusively for multi-rack PACSystems RX7i configurations requiring extreme determinism. It cannot be used for communication with other PLC brands or even other GE families like RX3i.
2. Fiber Optic Infrastructure: Requires the installation of proper industrial-grade multimode fiber optic cable with ST connectors. Cable routing, protection, and connector cleanliness are critical.
3. Module Pairs and Addressing: The module must be used in pairs (one in each rack). The racks and modules must be correctly configured as peers with proper addressing via hardware switches and software.
4. Firmware Compatibility: Ensure the firmware revision of the GE IC698CHS009A modules is compatible with the RX7i CPU firmware and the PACSystems programming software (Proficy Machine Edition) version.
5. Power and Thermal Planning: These high-speed modules consume significant power and generate heat. Verify that each rack’s power supply has adequate capacity and that there is sufficient airflow around the modules.

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