GE Fanuc has introduced the new PACSystems™ RX3i controller - the latest addition to the innovative PACSystems family. PACSystems features a single control engine and universal programming environment, which provides application portability across multiple hardware platforms to deliver a true convergence of control choices. Featuring the same control engine as the PACSystems RX7i, the new PACSystems RX3i offers a high level of automation functionality in a compact, cost-effective package.

For faster throughput without information bottlenecks, the new PACSystems RX3i features a high-speed, PCI-based backplane and Pentium® 300 mHz CPU. High-capacity power supplies can be deployed in single or multiple configurations to provide adequate power or redundancy in one rack. The PACSystems RX3i also features faster I/O with expanded diagnostics and interrupts as well as hot insertion. The system supports a wide range of I/O and includes discrete, universal analog, high-density analog, high-speed counter, and motion. Extensive communications capabilities include integrated Ethernet and Profibus™ modules as well as support for DeviceNet™ and Genius® networks.

The common software platform across all of GE Fanuc controllers, award-winning CIMPLICITY®( Machine Edition)™ software provides the universal engineering development environment for programming, configuration and diagnostics for the entire PACSystems family. With tag-based programming, a library of reusable code and a test edit mode for improved online troubleshooting, CIMPLICITY Machine Edition is a user-friendly environment that can increase design flexibility and improve engineering efficiency and productivity.

Benefits:

The innovative technology of the PACSystems RX3i enables users to:

• Address major engineering and business issues, such as higher productivity and tighter cost control
• Boost the overall performance of their automation systems
• Reduce engineering and commissioning costs
• Easily integrate new technology into installed base systems
• Significantly decrease concerns regarding short-and long-term migration and platform longevity

Features:

• High-speed processor and patented technology for faster throughput without information bottlenecks
• Dual backplane bus support per module slot
• High-speed, PCI-based for fast throughput of new advanced I/O
• Serial backplane for easy migration of existing Series 90-30 I/O
• Celeron (Pentium III) 300 mHz CPU for advanced programming and performance with 10Mbytes memory
• Memory for ladder logic documentation and machine documentation (Word, Excel, PDF, CAD and other files in future releases) in the controller to reduce downtime and improve troubleshooting
• Open communications support including Ethernet, GENIUS, Profibus, DeviceNet, and serial
• Supports high density discrete I/O, universal analog (TC, RTD, Strain Gauge, Voltage and Current configurable per channel), isolated analog, high-density analog, high-speed counter, and motion modules
• Expanded I/O offering with extended features for faster processing, advanced diagnostics and a variety of configurable interrupts
• Hot insertion for both new and migrated modules
• Isolated 24VDC terminal for I/O modules and a grounding bar that reduces user wiring 
  

Contact your Great Lakes Automation Supply Sales Representative for more information on GE Fanuc's new PACSystems™ RX3i controller.