GE IC697 Modules | IC697PWR720C Power Supply Adapter Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE IC697 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE Fanuc Series 90-70 (IC697) programmable logic controller platform is one of the most widely deployed rack-based control architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore platforms, and continuous-process chemical plants, the IC697 backplane and its associated I/O, CPU, and power modules represent a mature, mission-critical infrastructure layer that remains operational in thousands of facilities worldwide. The IC697PWR720C is a power supply adapter module within this ecosystem, providing regulated DC bus power distribution across the Series 90-70 rack assembly.

The Evolution of IC697 Architecture

The IC697 platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation in the late 1980s as a high-density, rack-mounted PLC solution targeting large-scale process control applications. The architecture is built around a parallel backplane bus supporting up to 21 slots per rack, with multi-rack expansion via the IC697BEM711 and IC697BEM713 bus expansion modules. Early CPU generations (IC697CPU731, IC697CPU771) used proprietary GE Fanuc instruction sets and were programmed via the Logicmaster 90-70 software suite. Subsequent generations transitioned to IEC 61131-3 compliance under the Proficy Machine Edition environment, introducing the IC697CPX935 and IC697CPX928 high-performance CPUs with expanded memory and Ethernet capability. Power supply modules evolved from single-output designs (IC697PWR710, IC697PWR711) to redundant and adapter configurations (IC697PWR720, IC697PWR720C) to support high-availability architectures. The IC697 series entered its end-of-life phase in the 2010s as GE transitioned customers toward the PACSystems RX7i platform, which maintains physical and logical compatibility with IC697 racks, allowing mixed-module operation during migration. This backward compatibility has extended the operational lifespan of IC697 installations significantly, making spare parts availability a critical operational concern for maintenance teams.

IC697 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Power Supply Modules

• IC697PWR710: 120/240VAC input, 30W output power supply for standard rack
• IC697PWR711: 125VDC input, 30W isolated DC power supply module
• IC697PWR720: High-capacity 120/240VAC power supply, 55W rack output
• IC697PWR720C: Power supply adapter module for redundant bus power distribution
• IC697PWR748: 48VDC input power supply for telecom-grade rack installations

CPU & Controller Modules

• IC697CPU731: Series 90-70 CPU, 12K word user memory, Logicmaster compatible
• IC697CPU771: Enhanced CPU, 32K word memory, floating-point math support
• IC697CPU781: High-speed CPU with expanded I/O scan and coprocessor support
• IC697CPX935: PACSystems-compatible CPU, 64MB user memory, dual Ethernet ports
• IC697CPX928: High-performance CPU, 32MB memory, IEC 61131-3, Proficy ME support

Discrete Input Modules (DI)

• IC697MDL340: 32-point 24VDC discrete input module, source/sink configurable
• IC697MDL341: 16-point 120VAC discrete input, isolated group commons
• IC697MDL653: 32-point 24VDC positive logic discrete input module

Discrete Output Modules (DO)

• IC697MDL740: 32-point 24VDC discrete output, 0.5A per point, source type
• IC697MDL741: 16-point 120VAC discrete output, triac isolated outputs

Analog I/O Modules (AI/AO)

• IC697ALG230: 16-channel analog input, 4–20mA / 0–10V configurable per channel
• IC697ALG320: 8-channel analog output, 12-bit resolution, 4–20mA output
• IC697ALG440: 16-channel analog input with high-speed simultaneous sampling

Communications & Network Modules

• IC697BEM711: Local bus expansion transmitter for multi-rack Series 90-70 systems
• IC697BEM713: Remote bus expansion receiver module, up to 7 expansion racks
• IC697CMM711: Serial communications module, RS-232/RS-485, multi-protocol support
• IC697CMM742: Ethernet TCP/IP communications module, 10BaseT interface

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC697 Parts

GE Fanuc formally discontinued the IC697 product line and transitioned support to the PACSystems RX7i platform. However, the installed base of Series 90-70 systems in continuous-process industries means that unplanned downtime caused by module failure carries significant financial and safety consequences. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of IC697 spare parts, including power supply modules, CPU boards, and I/O cards, sourced from decommissioned systems, authorized surplus channels, and tested refurbished stock. All IC697 modules supplied by DriveKNMS are individually tested against original GE Fanuc factory specifications prior to shipment. For obsolete or low-availability models such as the IC697PWR720C, IC697CPU731, and IC697CMM711, DriveKNMS provides lead-time estimates and cross-reference support to identify compatible replacement modules where direct substitution is not possible. Long-term maintenance agreements and consignment stocking programs are available for facilities operating large IC697 installations.

Quality Control for the IC697 Range

The IC697 backplane uses a parallel bus architecture with active termination and board-level diagnostics. Quality verification for IC697 modules at DriveKNMS includes rack-level functional testing using a dedicated Series 90-70 test bench, backplane bus signal integrity measurement, power rail voltage and ripple verification under load, and module-specific diagnostic routines executed via Proficy Machine Edition or Logicmaster 90-70. Power supply modules including the IC697PWR720C are tested for output voltage regulation, current limiting behavior, and thermal performance under sustained load. Communications modules are verified for protocol handshake, baud rate accuracy, and isolation resistance. Each module is assigned a test record and ships with a condition report.