GE Series 90-70 IC697 Modules: IC697CHS782 Rack,

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE Series 90-70 IC697 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE Series 90-70 (IC697) programmable logic controller platform is one of the most widely deployed large-frame PLC architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical complexes, nuclear power stations, offshore oil platforms, and continuous-process refineries, the IC697 backplane and module ecosystem has maintained an active installed base since its commercial introduction in the late 1980s. Its 9-slot and 5-slot rack configurations, high-capacity CPU modules, and deterministic I/O scanning make it a reference architecture for safety-critical and high-availability automation environments. The IC697CHS782 is a 9-slot VME-compatible rack chassis that serves as the physical backbone for Series 90-70 system builds, supporting all IC697-series CPU, I/O, and communication modules.

The Evolution of IC697 Architecture

The Series 90-70 platform was engineered by GE Fanuc Automation (later GE Intelligent Platforms, now GE Automation & Controls / Emerson) as a modular, rack-based PLC targeting large-scale process and discrete manufacturing. The architecture is built on a proprietary VME-derived backplane bus operating at 10 MHz, with a shared memory model that allows CPU modules to address all I/O data through a unified memory map.

Early-generation CPUs such as the IC697CPU731 and IC697CPU771 provided 512 KB to 1 MB of user memory with basic ladder logic execution. Mid-generation releases introduced the IC697CPU781 and IC697CPU782, expanding memory to 2 MB and adding structured text and function block diagram support under the VersaPro programming environment. The high-end IC697CPU789 represented the performance ceiling of the platform, with 4 MB user memory, floating-point co-processing, and Ethernet-ready communication slots.

Rack options evolved from the original 5-slot IC697CHS750 to the 9-slot IC697CHS782 and the 12-slot expansion chassis IC697CHS790, enabling system architects to scale I/O density without additional CPU overhead. Communication adapters bridged the platform to Genius Bus, Profibus-DP, DeviceNet, and Ethernet/IP networks, extending the operational life of IC697 installations well into the 2010s.

GE officially announced end-of-life for the Series 90-70 product line, with last-time-buy windows closing progressively between 2015 and 2020. The recommended migration path is to the GE RX3i (IC695) platform. However, the volume of IC697 systems still in active service — particularly in nuclear and refinery environments where requalification costs are prohibitive — sustains strong demand for certified spare and replacement modules.

IC697 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Rack / Chassis

• IC697CHS782: 9-slot Series 90-70 VME rack chassis, standard configuration
• IC697CHS750: 5-slot compact rack chassis for space-constrained installations
• IC697CHS790: 12-slot expansion rack chassis for high I/O density systems

CPU Modules

• IC697CPU731: 512 KB user memory CPU, ladder logic, basic instruction set
• IC697CPU771: 1 MB user memory CPU, enhanced math and data handling
• IC697CPU781: 2 MB user memory CPU, IEC 61131-3 multi-language support
• IC697CPU782: 2 MB CPU with expanded I/O table and floating-point support
• IC697CPU789: 4 MB high-performance CPU, Ethernet-ready, floating-point co-processor

Power Supply Modules

• IC697PWR710: 120/240 VAC input, 30 W output power supply module
• IC697PWR711: 120/240 VAC input, 40 W output, redundancy-capable power supply
• IC697PWR724: 24 VDC input power supply, 30 W, for DC-powered panel installations

Discrete Input / Output Modules

• IC697MDL340: 32-point 24 VDC discrete input module, isolated commons
• IC697MDL341: 32-point 120 VAC discrete input module
• IC697MDL740: 32-point 24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per point
• IC697MDL741: 32-point 120 VAC discrete output module, triac output

Analog I/O Modules

• IC697ALG320: 8-channel analog input module, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 12-bit resolution
• IC697ALG321: 16-channel analog input module, high-density configuration
• IC697ALG440: 4-channel analog output module, 4–20 mA, 12-bit resolution

Communication Modules

• IC697CMM711: Genius Bus Controller, supports up to 32 Genius I/O blocks per bus
• IC697CMM742: Ethernet Interface Module, 10BASE-T, SRTP and Modbus TCP support
• IC697BEM711: Genius Bus Expansion Module for remote I/O drop configuration

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC697 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for Series 90-70 components, including modules that have been discontinued by GE for more than five years. Our sourcing network covers de-installed units from plant shutdowns, certified refurbished stock from qualified repair facilities, and new-old-stock (NOS) modules from authorized distributor closeouts.

For end-users operating IC697 systems under long-term service agreements or nuclear quality assurance programs (10 CFR 50 Appendix B, IAEA NS-R-1), DriveKNMS provides full traceability documentation including country of origin, date codes, and test records. Modules are cross-referenced against GE's published hardware compatibility matrices to confirm firmware and backplane revision compatibility before shipment.

Quality Control for the IC697 Range

IC697 modules present specific test challenges due to their VME backplane architecture and the age profile of available stock. DriveKNMS applies the following verification procedures to all IC697 units prior to dispatch:

• Backplane bus continuity and slot impedance verification using a Series 90-70 test rack
• CPU module power-on self-test (POST) execution with logged output capture
• I/O module channel-by-channel functional test under rated load conditions (discrete: full voltage/current cycle; analog: calibrated signal injection across full scale)
• Communication module protocol handshake verification (Genius Bus token passing, Ethernet SRTP session establishment)
• Visual inspection per IPC-A-610 Class 2 criteria: solder joint integrity, connector pin condition, conformal coating assessment
• Firmware revision identification and documentation against GE hardware compatibility tables
• 48-hour burn-in at rated operating temperature for CPU and power supply modules

For IC697CHS782 availability, cross-reference requests, or full Series 90-70 BOM sourcing:

• Email: sale@driveknms.com
• WhatsApp: +86 18359293191
• Web: driveknms.com

© 2026 DriveKNMS. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice. Verify all parameters against official documentation before installation.