How to install GE IC695CRU320 redundant control unit?

How to install GE IC695CRU320 redundant control unit?

Product basic information

Product model: IC695CRU320

Product Name: Redundant Control Unit, belonging to GE Fanuc RX3i series programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Its core function is to provide dual machine redundant backup for PLC systems, ensuring seamless switching of backup controllers in case of main controller failure and avoiding system shutdown.

Document source: Product specifications and application manual published by NEX Instrument, focusing on hardware parameters, redundant logic, installation configuration, and compatibility instructions.

Core functions and redundancy principles

（1） Core functions

Dual machine redundant backup

Support two RX3i controllers (such as IC695CPU315/330, etc.) to form a primary and backup architecture, and achieve hardware level redundant control through IC695CPU320.

When the main controller is running normally, the backup controller synchronizes the program, data, and I/O status of the main controller in real time; When the main controller fails (such as power outage or hardware failure), the backup controller switches to the main control mode without disturbance, with a switching time of ≤ 100ms, to ensure continuous production process.

Status monitoring and diagnosis

Built in redundant status indicator lights (such as primary and backup status, synchronization status, fault alarm), visually display the operating status of the redundant system.

Support reading redundant system diagnostic information through RX3i programming software (such as Proficy Machine Edition), including switching reasons, synchronization anomalies, hardware failures, etc., for easy fault location and troubleshooting.

Flexible redundant configuration

Support the "Hot Standby" mode, where both the primary and backup controllers are powered on and running, and the backup devices are in a "ready" state instead of standby mode, improving switching speed.

Can be used with RX3i series I/O modules and communication modules, compatible with redundant I/O architectures (such as IC695RIO remote I/O modules), achieving full system redundancy coverage.

Technical specifications

（1） Hardware parameters

Specification category specific parameters

Power supply requirement input voltage:+5V DC (powered by the RX3i rack backplane, no external independent power supply required); Power consumption: ≤ 5W

Physical dimension width: 40mm (1.57 inches); Height: 100mm (3.94 inches); Depth: 160mm (6.30 inches), compatible with RX3i standard rack (such as IC695CHS012/024)

Working temperature: 0 ° C~60 ° C (operating state); -40 ° C~85 ° C (storage state)

Humidity range 5%~95% RH (non condensing, compliant with IEC 61131-2 environmental standards)

Protection level IP20 (panel installation, to be used in conjunction with control cabinet to prevent dust and liquid intrusion)

（2） Redundancy performance indicators

Performance category indicator requirements

Switching time between primary and backup: ≤ 100ms (from main controller fault detection to backup controller taking over control)

Real time data synchronization in synchronization mode (including program memory, data memory, I/O image area), with a synchronization rate of ≥ 100Mbps

Fault detection range: main controller power failure, CPU hardware failure, memory error, communication link interruption (synchronous link between main and backup)

Redundant links with built-in 2-channel high-speed synchronization interfaces (for data exchange between primary and backup controllers), supporting fiber optic or shielded twisted pair connections

Hardware composition and interfaces

（1） Hardware composition

IC695CRU320 is an independent module structure, with core components including:

Redundant control chip: responsible for determining the primary and backup status, synchronizing logic control, and triggering switching;

Synchronous communication interface: 2 RJ45 or optical ports (depending on configuration), used for data synchronization between the primary and backup controllers;

Status indicator panel: 4 LED indicator lights, meaning as follows:

RUN (green): The redundant unit is running normally;

MASTER (red): The currently connected controller is in main control mode;

STANDBY (yellow): The currently connected controller is in standby mode;

Fault (red): Redundant system failure (such as synchronization failure, module hardware error).

（2） Key interfaces

Interface Type Quantity Function Description

One rack backplane interface is inserted into the RX3i standard rack (such as IC695CHS012) and connected to the rack backplane bus to obtain power and exchange data

Two synchronous communication interfaces are connected to the main and backup controllers to achieve real-time data synchronization (supporting maximum transmission distance: 100m twisted pair cable, 2km fiber optic cable)

One reserved RS232 or Ethernet interface (some versions) for diagnostic equipment to read redundant logs

Installation and configuration requirements

（1） Installation conditions

Rack compatibility

Only compatible with RX3i series standard racks, such as IC695CHS012 (12 slots) and IC695CHS024 (24 slots), which need to be installed in the "redundant control unit dedicated slot" of the rack (usually slots 1-2 on the left side of the rack, refer to the rack manual for details).