GE Series 90-70 Modules: IC697CMM741

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE Series 90-70 Series Technical Notes

The GE Fanuc Series 90-70 (also referenced as GE Series 90-70 or 9070) is a rack-based programmable logic controller platform deployed extensively across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical refining, nuclear power generation, pulp and paper manufacturing, and continuous-process chemical plants. First introduced in the late 1980s, the Series 90-70 established itself as a high-density, high-throughput PLC backbone capable of supporting large I/O counts, redundant CPU configurations, and multi-network communication architectures. Its modular backplane design — supporting up to 21 slots per rack with multi-rack expansion — made it the preferred control platform for facilities requiring deterministic scan times and long-term hardware stability. Installations of Series 90-70 hardware remain operational in facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with many sites maintaining active spare parts programs to extend system life beyond the platform's official end-of-sale status.

The Evolution of Series 90-70 Architecture

The Series 90-70 architecture evolved through three distinct generations. The original release (circa 1988–1993) established the VME-based backplane standard with the IC697 module prefix, supporting early CPU models such as the IC697CPU731 and IC697CPU771, alongside discrete and analog I/O modules. Communication in this era was primarily handled via the Genius Bus (IC697BEM711) and early serial interfaces.

The second generation (1993–2002) introduced expanded memory CPUs, TCP/IP Ethernet capability via modules such as the IC697CMM741 (MMS/TCP-IP Ethernet LAN Interface), and enhanced coprocessor support. This period saw the integration of the Series 90-70 into SCADA and DCS hybrid architectures, with modules supporting SRTP, Modbus TCP, and MMS protocol stacks simultaneously.

The third and final generation (2002–2015) focused on performance consolidation: higher-density CPU models (IC697CPX935), expanded RAM configurations, and compatibility bridges to GE's successor platform, the PACSystems RX7i. GE officially transitioned the Series 90-70 to end-of-sale status, with PACSystems RX7i (IC698 prefix) serving as the direct architectural successor. However, the VME backplane form factor of the RX7i maintains physical compatibility with select Series 90-70 I/O modules, enabling phased migration without full rack replacement.

Series 90-70 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU & Coprocessor Modules

• IC697CPU731: Series 90-70 CPU, 512KB user memory, standard scan performance
• IC697CPU771: Series 90-70 CPU, 1MB user memory, enhanced instruction set
• IC697CPU781: Series 90-70 CPU, 2MB user memory, floating-point math support
• IC697CPU788: Series 90-70 CPU, 4MB user memory, high-speed interrupt handling
• IC697CPX935: Series 90-70 CPU, 10MB user memory, fastest scan rate in series
• IC697CGR935: Series 90-70 Hot Standby CPU Redundancy module, 10MB

Communication & Network Modules

• IC697CMM741: MMS / TCP-IP Ethernet LAN Interface, 10BaseT, SRTP & MMS protocol support
• IC697CMM742: Ethernet Interface Module, dual-port 10/100BaseT, enhanced throughput
• IC697BEM711: Genius Bus Controller, supports up to 32 Genius devices per bus
• IC697BEM713: Genius Bus Controller with enhanced diagnostics and bus fault isolation
• IC697CMM711: Serial Communications Module, RS-232/RS-422/RS-485, Modbus RTU support
• IC697PCM711: Programmable Coprocessor Module, C-language programmable, serial I/O

Discrete Input / Output Modules

• IC697MDL340: 32-point 24VDC discrete input module, sink/source configurable
• IC697MDL341: 32-point 24VDC discrete input module, isolated commons
• IC697MDL740: 32-point 24VDC discrete output module, 0.5A per point
• IC697MDL741: 32-point relay output module, Form C contacts, 2A per point
• IC697MDL653: 16-point 120VAC discrete input module, optical isolation
• IC697MDL752: 16-point 120VAC discrete output module, triac output

Analog Input / Output Modules

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

Power Supply Modules

• IC697PWR711: 120/240VAC input power supply, 30W output, standard rack
• IC697PWR724: 24VDC input power supply, 30W output, battery-backed
• IC697PWR748: High-capacity power supply, 55W, supports fully populated racks

Quality Control for the Series 90-70 Range

Series 90-70 modules utilize a VME-based backplane with proprietary GE bus arbitration logic. Quality verification for these modules requires protocol-level testing beyond standard power-on checks. DriveKNMS applies the following test procedures to all Series 90-70 units prior to shipment:

• Backplane bus continuity verification across all VME address and data lines
• CPU module functional test: program load, scan execution, and I/O map validation using GE Proficy Machine Edition or legacy Logicmaster 90 software
• Communication module protocol handshake testing: SRTP session establishment for Ethernet modules (IC697CMM741, IC697CMM742); Genius bus token-passing verification for bus controllers (IC697BEM711, IC697BEM713)
• Analog module calibration check: input accuracy within ±0.1% of full scale; output linearity verification across full range
• Power supply load test: output voltage stability under 80% rated load for minimum 30 minutes
• Thermal cycling: modules subjected to operational temperature range per GE environmental specifications before final inspection