Description
The RXI042 is a mid-range, high-performance industrial computer from the PACiS RXi family (originally GE Intelligent Platforms, now Emerson). It is designed to serve as a ruggedized edge device, HMI host, or data concentrator. Unlike standard commercial PCs, the RXI042 utilizes a fanless, cable-less architecture and is built on a modular COM Express platform, allowing the processor to be upgraded while maintaining the same physical footprint and I/O base.
Availability and Procurement
- Condition: New Original (Factory Sealed) or Refurbished (Tested and Certified)
- Warranty: 12-month technical warranty
- Lead Time: 2–5 business days for standard configurations
- Pricing: Variable based on CPU grade (Core i5 vs. i7) and SSD capacity; contact us for a formal quote.
Technical Specifications
The RXI042 is engineered for 24/7 operation in environments with high vibration and temperature fluctuations.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Processor Options | Intel Core i5 or i7 (Dual/Quad Core) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB to 16 GB DDR3 (ECC options available) |
| Storage | Dual 2.5″ SATA SSD slots (RAID 0/1 support) |
| Ethernet | 4x 1,000 Mbps Gigabit ports (Independent controllers) |
| USB | 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Display Interface | 2x DisplayPort (supports dual independent displays) |
| Input Power | 24 V DC (18–30 V DC range) |
| Operating Temp | 0 °C to +60 °C (convection cooled) |
Core Design Advantages
1. Fanless and Cable-less Construction
The RXI042 avoids the most common points of failure in industrial computing: fans and internal ribbon cables. Heat is dissipated through a massive finned aluminum heat sink. This prevents the ingress of dust, oil, and moisture that typically damages internal components.
2. Network Segregation
With four independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, the RXI042 is an ideal “Edge” device. It can simultaneously connect to:
- Port 1: Corporate/Plant Network (SCADA/HMI traffic)
- Port 2: Machine Network (Profinet/Modbus TCP to PLCs)
- Port 3: Local I/O or Camera Network
- Port 4: Remote Access or Cloud Gateway
3. High Availability Storage
The dual SSD slots support RAID 1 mirroring. In critical SCADA applications, if one SSD fails, the system continues to run from the second drive without downtime, allowing for a planned maintenance replacement.
Engineering Insights: Deployment & Best Practices
In my field experience deploying RXi units for pharmaceutical and automotive plants, I recommend following these guidelines:
1. Mounting and Thermals
The unit is rated for 60 °C, but only when mounted vertically. Vertical mounting utilizes the chimney effect for natural convection. If you mount the unit horizontally on a flat surface, you must derate the maximum operating temperature to 45–50 °C or provide forced-air cooling.
2. SSD Selection
Do not use consumer-grade SSDs. The RXI042 is designed for industrial SLC (Single-Level Cell) or pSLC drives. Consumer drives lack the write endurance required for the constant logging of industrial databases (like Proficy Historian or GE iFIX).
3. Power Conditioning
Industrial PCs are susceptible to “dirty” power. I always recommend powering the RXI042 from a buffered 24 V DC supply or a DC-UPS. Sudden voltage drops during large motor starts can cause SSD file system corruption if the PC reboots unexpectedly.
4. OS Implementation
This hardware typically ships with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise or Windows 7 Professional. It is also fully compatible with various Linux distributions. Ensure your software stack supports UEFI boot, as modern RXi revisions have phased out legacy BIOS support.
FAQ
Q: Can I replace the processor module?
A: Technically, yes. The RXI042 uses a COM Express module. However, this involves opening the chassis and reapplying thermal paste/pads. It is usually more cost-effective to order the unit pre-configured for your CPU requirements.
Q: Does it have a battery for the BIOS/RTC?
A: Yes, there is an internal lithium battery. If the unit loses time settings after power cycles, the battery (typically a CR2032 or similar) requires replacement.
Q: Can this unit run GE iFIX or CIMPLICITY?
A: Yes, the Core i7 versions are specifically optimized for GE Digital’s software suite. The four Ethernet ports are particularly useful for the redundant network configurations often required by iFIX.
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