Description
- Brand: GE Fanuc / GE Intelligent Platforms
- Full Model Number: IC698CMX016
- Related VMIC Number: VMIVME-5567-000
- Related Assembly Number: 350-005567-000
- Lifecycle Status: Legacy RX7i platform; current production status and revision availability require verification
- Core Function: Control Memory Xchange / reflective memory communication
- System: PACSystems RX7i
- Memory: 16 MB reflective memory with parity
- Network: 2.12 Gbaud multimode fiber optic
- Transfer Rate: 43 MB/s to 174 MB/s depending on packet size
- Network Capacity: Up to 256 nodes
- Fiber Interface: Dual TX/RX optical ports
- Form Factor: Single-slot RX7i module
- Stock & Condition: New Original / New Surplus / Tested Refurbished condition to be confirmed at quotation
Obsolescence & Supply Chain Deep Dive
The GE IC698CMX016 is a Control Memory Xchange module for the PACSystems RX7i platform. It uses reflective memory to distribute data deterministically between PLCs and compatible computing devices over a high-speed fiber-optic network. GE documentation identifies 16 MB of reflective memory with parity, 2.12 Gbaud optical communication, dynamic packet sizes from 4 to 64 bytes, and support for up to 256 nodes. The network is compatible with the VMIC 5565 family, which explains the importance of retaining the associated VMIVME-5567-000 / 350-005567-000 identification when sourcing a replacement.
For maintenance teams, the key lifecycle issue is system continuity. This is not a conventional storage module that can be replaced by another 16 MB memory device. The reflective-memory network, fiber topology, node configuration, RX7i backplane position, and application data mapping all form part of the operating system. A verified spare can avoid a wider redesign when a legacy controller or distributed real-time system experiences a CMX failure. (For critical systems, record the installed hardware revision before the spare is allocated to a shutdown job.)
Compatibility & Replacement Matrix
| Replacement Scenario | Classification | Engineering Assessment | Typical Labor / Downtime Planning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exact IC698CMX016 with matching hardware revision | Drop-in Replacement | Preferred approach. Verify module revision, rack configuration, firmware/application compatibility and fiber network settings. | Approximately 1–3 hours for replacement and basic network validation |
| IC698CMX016-AA versus IC698CMX016-ED | Software Compatible / Hardware Verification Required | Both belong to the CMX016 family, but revision-specific documentation and installed firmware should be checked before substitution. Public documentation identifies AA and ED variants. | Approximately 2–4 hours including configuration verification |
| VMIVME-5567-000 / 350-005567-000 used as a 5565-family reflective-memory node | Hardware Verification Required | The IC698CMX016 is documented as network-compatible with VMIC 5565-family reflective-memory devices. Confirm the exact VMIC assembly, optical interface and network configuration. | Approximately 2–6 hours depending on system topology |
| Different RX7i memory/communications module | Hardware Modification | A different communications architecture may require PLC configuration changes, application changes and network validation. | Approximately 4–16+ hours |
| Modern Ethernet-based data exchange replacing reflective memory | Hardware Modification | Not a functional drop-in replacement. Requires architecture, latency, synchronization and application review. | Engineering project; downtime depends on system scope |
Field Traps — Watch Out
Do not treat as ordinary PLC memory.
Its primary purpose is deterministic data sharing through reflective memory. Data written to one node is automatically propagated across compatible nodes, without requiring continuous RX7i CPU processing.
Confirm the optical network architecture.
The CMX016 uses a high-speed multimode fiber network with TX and RX optical connections. The documented maximum distance between nodes is approximately 300 m / 984 ft. Fiber type, connector condition and network topology should be checked before commissioning a replacement.
Do not confuse CMX016 and RMX016.
The two modules share the 16 MB reflective-memory architecture and can operate as nodes in the same network, but the RMX016 has redundancy-specific functions. GE documentation identifies the CMX016 as the Control Memory Xchange module and the RMX016 as the Redundancy Memory Xchange module.
Preserve the complete identification string.
The requested combination contains , VMIVME-5567-000, and 350-005567-000. These identifiers should remain on the purchase order and inspection record rather than being shortened to “CMX module.”
GE IC698CMX016 VMIVME-5567-000
Quality Assurance & Testing SOP
A replacement should be tested as a communication module, not merely inspected for physical condition.
Identity and configuration inspection
- Verify marking
- Record VMIVME-5567-000 and 350-005567-000 markings where present
- Record complete hardware revision
- Photograph front-panel identification
- Inspect the module housing and board edge
- Check VME backplane connector condition
- Inspect both optical TX/RX interfaces
- Check front-panel LEDs and labels
- Verify no corrosion, contamination or mechanical damage
Power and module initialization
- Install the module in an appropriate RX7i test rack
- Verify correct backplane power conditions
- Confirm the module initializes normally
- Check the OK indicator
- Check the CONFIG indicator
- Confirm expected module recognition by the control system
GE documentation identifies the CMX016 as a single-slot RX7i module. The module provides four principal status indications: OK, CONFIG, OWN DATA, and SIGNAL DETECT.
Reflective-memory network test
- Connect compatible multimode fiber
- Verify optical signal detection
- Test TX/RX communication
- Confirm node recognition
- Write controlled test data at one node
- Verify propagation to another compatible node
- Check own-data indication
- Verify expected data transfer behavior
- Test multiple packet sizes where the test environment permits
- Check network error indications
The documented CMX016 supports dynamic 4–64 byte packets and transfer rates from approximately 43 MB/s for 4-byte packets to 174 MB/s for 64-byte packets. The reflective-memory network can contain up to 256 nodes.
Application-level verification
- Confirm the RX7i application recognizes the module
- Verify configured node parameters
- Check reflective-memory offset configuration
- Confirm expected data addresses
- Verify programmable VMEbus interrupt behavior where used
- Confirm communication with the installed VMIC 5565-family devices where applicable
Final release inspection
- Record serial number and hardware revision
- Attach functional test results
- Photograph identification labels
- Apply ESD protection
- Protect optical interfaces against contamination
- Use shock-resistant export packaging
- Preserve the original configuration identifiers with the shipment record
Procurement & Lifecycle FAQ
What is the GE ?
The is a PACSystems RX7i Control Memory Xchange module. It provides deterministic data sharing between PLCs and compatible computing devices using reflective-memory technology over a high-speed fiber-optic network.
How much reflective memory does provide?
The documented module provides 16 MB of reflective memory with parity. It is designed for shared-memory communication rather than conventional PLC program or file storage.
What are the main communication specifications?
The uses a 2.12 Gbaud multimode fiber-optic network, supports dynamic 4–64 byte packets, and provides documented network transfer rates of approximately 43 MB/s to 174 MB/s. Up to 256 nodes can participate in a reflective-memory network.
Is VMIVME-5567-000 the same product as ?
They should not be treated as interchangeable names without verification. GE documentation identifies as an RX7i CMX module and states compatibility with the VMIC 5565 family of reflective-memory devices. The requested identifiers should therefore be retained in the procurement record and checked against the physical unit before shipment.
What should be confirmed before purchasing this module?
Provide the complete identification string, including , , and 350-005567-000 where applicable, together with the hardware revision, required quantity, condition requirement, installed RX7i CPU information, fiber network configuration and delivery deadline. For a shutdown-critical spare, request serial-specific photographs and a documented power-on and reflective-memory communication test before dispatch.
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