The IC695CPE305 occupies the mid-range position in the PACSystems RX3i CPU lineup, bridging the 2MB CPE302 and the 10MB CPE310. Its 1.1GHz dual-core processor and 6MB of user memory make it the most memory-dense single-slot CPU in the RX3i family — delivering the performance headroom of a dual-slot controller in a single backplane position.

How does the CPE305 differ from the CPE302 and CPE310?

The CPE305 triples the user memory of the CPE302 (6MB vs 2MB) while retaining the same single-slot footprint — an in-place upgrade path that requires no rack reconfiguration. Compared to the dual-slot CPE310 (10MB, RS-485, DNP3), the CPE305 sacrifices the second serial port and DNP3 outstation capability to remain single-slot. Choose the CPE305 when memory density per slot matters more than maximum I/O connectivity.

What communication protocols are available?

The embedded Ethernet port, configured as a 2-port switch, runs SRTP Client/Server, Modbus TCP/IP, OPC UA Server (firmware 8.20+), and Ethernet Global Data/EGD (firmware 8.30+). An embedded PROFINET Controller communicates with up to 255 simplex remote I/O devices via the IC695PNC001 module. HART Pass-Through enables direct communication between HART-capable RX3i analog modules (IC695ALG626/628/728) and PC-based asset management tools — no external HART multiplexer required. Serial protocols include ASCII Serial, Modbus RTU Slave, and SNP Slave.

What I/O and expansion does it support?

The CPE305 mounts in a single slot of the RX3i universal backplane (PCI 2.2, dual PCI/Serial bus) and supports up to 8 local racks. It is fully compatible with the entire RX3i I/O ecosystem: high-density discrete, universal analog (TC, RTD, strain gauge, voltage, current — configurable per channel), isolated analog, high-speed counter, and motion modules. Legacy Series 90-30 modules and expansion racks are supported, with the exception of CPU310-based projects which do not migrate directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the CPE305 operate in a redundant configuration?

The CPE305 supports Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) with the IC695PNC001 PROFINET Controller, but it does not support Hot Standby CPU Redundancy. For CPU-level redundancy with PROFINET I/O, use the CPE330 or CPE400.

Is battery backup required?

No. The CPE305 uses battery-less NVRAM to retain user memory across power cycles. An included energy pack allows instant save of user memory to non-volatile storage on power loss, with automatic state restoration on power-up.