Description
The GE (now Emerson) PACSystems CPL400 Edge Controller platform, specifically catalog number EPSCPE100-ACAH, is a high-performance, Linux-based industrial edge controller that combines real-time deterministic machine control with open Linux computing. Powered by a 1.2 GHz AMD dual-core processor, this unit features 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of onboard solid-state storage. It executes standard IEC 61131-3 logic while simultaneously running containerized edge applications (such as MQTT, Node-RED, or custom Python analytics) within a secure, hypervisor-managed environment.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Model/Part Number | EPSCPE100-ACAH |
| Product Series | PACSystems Edge Controller / CPL400 Series |
| Processor Type | 1.2 GHz Dual-Core AMD Embedded Processor |
| Memory Capacity | 2 GB DDR3 RAM, 64 GB SSD User Storage |
| Operating Systems | Dual-OS architecture: VxWorks (Real-time control) + Linux (Edge computing) |
| Communication Ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, 1 x RS-232, 1 x RS-485, 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Supported Protocols | OPC UA (Server/Client), Modbus TCP, PROFINET (Master), MQTT, EtherNet/IP |
| PROFINET I/O Capacity | Up to 8 PROFINET nodes with updates down to 1 ms |
| Supply Voltage | 18 to 30 V DC (24 V DC Nominal); max power consumption 24 W |
| Operating Temperature | −40 to +70 °C (−40 to +158 °F) fanless operation |
| Certifications | CE, UL Listed, Class 1 Division 2, ATEX Zone 2 |
Commercial and Logistics Information
- Condition: New Original (Factory Sealed Surplus or Current Stock)
- Warranty: 12-month industrial-grade warranty from date of shipment
- Availability: In stock; standardized processing and shipment within 1 to 2 business days
- Logistics: International express priority transit available via DHL, FedEx, or UPS
- Pricing Policy: Indicative only. Market demand and component supply levels fluctuate; contact us for a binding commercial quote.
Architectural and Integration Insights
Dual-OS Hypervisor Architecture
The EPSCPE100-ACAH employs a hardware-assisted hypervisor that splits processing tasks into two isolated, independent operating system instances. This architecture guarantees that high-demand web tasks or Python scripts executing on the Linux side can never starve the real-time VxWorks engine of CPU cycles.
- Deterministic Side (VxWorks): Executes machine logic, handles high-speed PROFINET I/O scans, and safety interlocking via PAC Machine Edition configuration profiles.
- Linux Side (Ubuntu-based): Runs open-source data wrappers, database loggers, and analytical scripts. It communicates internally with the deterministic side via a secure, high-speed virtual register bus.
PROFINET Network Topologies
The controller features four built-in Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. Port 1 and Port 2 are typically dedicated to the deterministic IO network, functioning as a PROFINET controller node. It supports Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) ring configurations, allowing the controller to maintain communication with localized RX3i or RSTi-EP remote I/O drops even if a single physical ethernet cable breaks.
[ Enterprise WAN / Cloud ]
│ (MQTT / OPC UA)
┌───────────┴───────────┐
│ EPSCPE100-ACAH │ <--- Internal Virtual Bus (VxWorks <-> Linux)
└───────────┬───────────┘
│ (PROFINET / MRP Ring)
┌────────────┴────────────┐
│ │
[ RX3i I/O Drop ] [ RSTi-EP I/O Drop ] Edge Software Stack and Cyber Security
The edge partition comes pre-loaded with an open Linux environment capable of running Docker containers. This enables field engineers to deploy localized Grafana dashboards, Node-RED sequencing flows, or edge-to-cloud gateways directly on the controller housing without adding external industrial PCs.
To safeguard this access, the hardware features a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip and supports Secure Boot, enforcing encrypted firmware updates and preventing unauthorized root access to the physical control layers.
Field Installation and Maintenance Notes
Power Sequencing and Grounding Requirements
The controller operates on a wide input range (18 to 30 V DC). Because of the sensitive solid-state storage array running the Linux OS, clean power is critical.
Important Power Rule: Do not install this controller on the same unregulated 24 V DC bus used by large inductive loads like heavy-duty hydraulic solenoids or motor contactors. High-voltage switching spikes can induce logic resets. Always route power through a dedicated, isolated Class 2 power supply and ensure the chassis ground strap connects to a low-impedance copper bus bar.
Safe Shutdown and Data Retention
The deterministic partition retains its application variables inside non-volatile memory during an unannounced power loss. However, unbuffered power cycles can cause file system corruption on the Linux SSD partition if active write operations are underway. It is highly recommended to configure an external UPS signal line to one of the discrete inputs, enabling a graceful script-driven Linux shutdown sequence if primary panel power is lost.
Firmware Flash Procedures
When upgrading firmware on the EPSCPE100-ACAH, the system updates both the deterministic boot image and the Linux operating system kernel. This process must be performed via a clean USB flash drive formatted to FAT32 or through the web-based configuration interface. Do not cycle power while the front-facing “SYS” LED flashes yellow; doing so can brick the hypervisor partition, requiring a factory-level hardware reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Linux applications exchange data with the PLC logic?
Data exchange occurs over an internal virtual network layer. The deterministic runtime maps selected variables to an internal OPC UA server or a shared memory region. The Linux application (such as a Python script or an MQTT broker) then queries these tags locally via standard OPC UA client protocols or custom API drivers without generating external network traffic.
What should I check if the network ports fail to establish a link?
- Check the front-panel Link/Activity LEDs for the specific port configuration. Ports 1 and 2 are typically bound together under a dedicated network interface card (NIC) for IO traffic, while Ports 3 and 4 are often isolated for enterprise or public network bridging.
- Verify that your IP address assignment inside PAC Machine Edition does not conflict with the default factory static IP addresses loaded onto the Linux edge interface.
Can this unit be expanded with local, right-side I/O modules?
No. The EPSCPE100-ACAH is a standalone edge controller without a physical right-side backplane extension rail. All physical process I/O must be interfaced remotely using distributed I/O architectures over networks like PROFINET, Modbus TCP, or EtherNet/IP.
