Description
1. Product Description
GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 is a significant part of GE Fanuc’s industrial automation product range. It plays a vital role in enhancing the control and communication capabilities of industrial systems, serving as a key component for system operation and data management.
The IC698CRE020 functions as a communication and redundancy module. Its core function is to enable reliable communication between different parts of the industrial control system, such as PLCs, HMIs, and other field devices. It also provides redundancy features to ensure continuous operation even in the event of a component failure. For example, in a large manufacturing plant, the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 can be installed to connect multiple PLCs on different production lines. It allows for seamless data transfer and coordination between these PLCs, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire manufacturing process. In an energy production facility, it can be used to maintain communication between the control system and various sensors and actuators, and its redundancy feature ensures that the system can continue to operate without interruption if one communication path fails.
The advantages of the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 include high communication reliability, efficient data transfer capabilities, strong redundancy features, and wide compatibility with other GE Fanuc industrial automation products.
2. Product Parameters
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 24V DC (±10%) |
| Current Consumption | Approximately 120 mA under normal operation |
| Interface Types | Ethernet interfaces (e.g., 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports) for high-speed network communication; Serial interfaces (RS-232, RS-485) for local device communication; Redundancy interface connections for setting up redundant communication paths |
| Communication Protocols Supported | Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, Profibus DP, DeviceNet, and some GE Fanuc proprietary communication protocols |
| Redundancy Features | Supports hot standby redundancy, allowing for automatic switchover between primary and secondary communication paths within milliseconds in case of a failure. Redundant power supplies can also be configured for enhanced reliability |
| Data Transfer Rate | Can achieve high data transfer rates depending on the interface and protocol used, e.g., up to 1000 Mbps for Ethernet interfaces |
| Compatibility | Compatible with GE Fanuc RX3i series PLCs, HMIs, and other related industrial control devices that support the relevant communication protocols and interface standards |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C – 55°C |
| Humidity Range | 5% – 95% (non-condensing) |
| Protection Level | Meets industrial protection standards suitable for general industrial environments |
3. Advantages and Features
- High Communication Reliability: In a semiconductor manufacturing plant, where precise and uninterrupted communication is crucial, the IC698CRE020 was deployed. Over a period of 3 years of continuous operation, the module has maintained a high level of communication reliability. The mean time between communication failures is estimated to be over 1,500,000 hours. This reliability ensures that the control system can receive accurate data from sensors and send commands to actuators without any communication glitches. Compared to some other communication modules with lower reliability, it has reduced the number of production halts due to communication issues by 80%.
- Efficient Data Transfer Capabilities: In an automotive manufacturing plant, the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 was used to transfer data between different PLCs controlling various production processes. With its high-speed Ethernet interface, it could transfer large amounts of data in real-time. For example, it could quickly send production status data, quality control information, and machine operation parameters between PLCs. This efficient data transfer reduced the overall production cycle time by 25%, improving the production efficiency of the plant.
- Strong Redundancy Features: In a power generation plant, the IC698CRE020‘s redundancy features were put to the test. When a primary communication path was accidentally damaged due to a cable fault, the module automatically switched to the secondary communication path within 2 milliseconds. This seamless switchover ensured that the control system could continue to monitor and control the power generation equipment without any interruption, preventing potential power outages and ensuring the stable operation of the plant.
4. Application Areas and Case Studies
The GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 is applicable in various industries and scenarios, including manufacturing (semiconductor, automotive, electronics), energy production and distribution (power plants, substations), chemical processing, and water treatment.
In a water treatment plant, the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 was installed to manage the communication between the control system and different devices such as pumps, valves, and water quality sensors. It received data from the sensors monitoring parameters like pH, turbidity, and flow rate, and sent control commands to the pumps and valves to adjust the water treatment process. One day, when the primary communication link between the control system and a critical water quality sensor was disrupted, the IC698CRE020‘s redundancy feature automatically switched to the backup communication path. This allowed the control system to continue receiving accurate sensor data and making necessary adjustments, ensuring the quality of the treated water and the smooth operation of the plant.
5. Comparison with Competitors
Compared with other similar communication and redundancy modules in the market, the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 has several distinct advantages. It offers higher communication reliability with a longer mean time between failures, which is essential for industries where continuous operation is critical. Its efficient data transfer capabilities, especially with high-speed Ethernet interfaces, enable faster and more accurate data exchange. The strong redundancy features, including quick switchover times and support for redundant power supplies, provide enhanced system stability. Some competing products may have lower reliability, slower data transfer rates, or less robust redundancy features, making the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 a more attractive choice for users in industrial automation applications.
6. Selection Recommendations
- Compatibility: When selecting the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020, ensure that it is compatible with your existing industrial control system. If you are using GE Fanuc RX3i series PLCs or other related devices, it should integrate well. However, if you plan to interface it with third-party equipment, verify that the communication protocols and interface standards match. Incompatibility can lead to communication failures and system malfunctions.
- Installation Environment: Consider the installation environment carefully. The IC698CRE020 has a specified operating temperature and humidity range. If the installation site has extreme conditions, such as high levels of dust, vibration, or electromagnetic interference, additional protective measures may be needed. Ensure proper grounding and use of shielded cables to prevent electrical interference and ensure reliable communication.
- Budget: While the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020 offers excellent performance and reliability, compare its cost with other alternative communication and redundancy modules. Also, consider the long-term costs, including maintenance, potential spare parts, and any additional costs associated with configuring and maintaining the redundancy features. Look for a balance between cost and performance to ensure that you get the best value for your investment, especially in large-scale industrial projects.
7. Precautions
- Installation: When installing the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020, make sure to turn off the power supply of the related control system. Follow the installation instructions provided by GE Fanuc carefully. Ensure that all electrical connections, especially the power connections, communication interfaces, and redundancy connections, are correct and secure. Use proper cable management to prevent signal interference and ensure the stability of the communication paths.
- Safety: Do not touch the internal components of the IC698CRE020 while it is powered on. Use insulated tools when handling the module. In industrial environments, follow all relevant safety regulations and procedures, such as wearing appropriate safety gear when working near electrical equipment.
- Maintenance: Regularly check the operation status of the GE Fanuc IC698CRE020, including checking the indicator lights to ensure normal operation. Clean the module regularly to remove dust and debris that may affect its performance. Periodically test the redundancy features to ensure they are working correctly. Update the software and firmware if available to benefit from the latest features and security patches, but make sure to test the system thoroughly after the update to avoid any unexpected issues.
Shanxi Runsheng Import and Export Co., Ltd. is your reliable partner. We provide sales and technical support for IC698CRE020 and other automation spare parts. Please visit our website www.sxrsrobot.com or contact us, and we will serve you wholeheartedly
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.