GE Series 90-70 IC697 Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

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

The GE Series 90-70 — identified by the IC697 prefix — is a rack-based programmable logic controller platform developed by GE Fanuc Automation (now GE Automation & Controls). Since its commercial introduction in the late 1980s, the Series 90-70 has accumulated a substantial installed base across continuous-process industries including petrochemical refining, nuclear power generation, pulp and paper manufacturing, and large-scale water treatment infrastructure. Its VMEbus-compatible backplane architecture, deterministic scan cycle, and broad I/O density made it the preferred DCS/PLC hybrid for applications requiring high channel counts and long operational continuity. Many facilities running IC697 hardware have operational horizons extending to 2035 and beyond, making lifecycle parts management a critical engineering concern.

The Evolution of Series 90-70 (IC697) Architecture

The Series 90-70 platform was engineered around a VMEbus-derived backplane that supports up to 21 slots per rack (using the IC697CHS790 and IC697CHS782 chassis). The architecture separates CPU processing from I/O scanning via a dedicated serial backplane bus, allowing modular expansion without CPU cycle degradation.

Generation 1 (1988–1995): Initial CPUs such as the IC697CPU731 and IC697CPU771 operated at clock speeds under 20 MHz with limited ladder logic memory (64K–256K words). These units used battery-backed CMOS RAM for program retention and required the IC697ACC701 memory backup module for extended outages.

Generation 2 (1995–2005): The IC697CPM915 and IC697CPM925 introduced the C-based Motion Processing Unit architecture, integrating motion control and PLC logic into a single module. The CPM series added Ethernet connectivity options and expanded program memory to 512K words. Compatibility with legacy IC697 I/O racks was maintained, enabling in-place CPU upgrades without rewiring.

Generation 3 / Transition (2005–present): GE introduced the PACSystems RX7i (IC698 prefix) as the designated successor to the Series 90-70. The RX7i uses the same 7-slot and 17-slot VME rack form factor and accepts IC697 I/O modules via a compatibility backplane, providing a documented migration path. However, IC697 CPUs and communications modules are not interchangeable with IC698 CPUs. Sites requiring exact form-fit-function replacement must source original IC697 hardware.

IC697 Series 90-70 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Central Processing Units (CPU)

• IC697CPM915: Series 90-70 C-based Motion CPU, 512K word program memory, 1 Ethernet port, motion axis support up to 4 axes.
• IC697CPM925: Enhanced Motion CPU, 512K word memory, dual Ethernet, expanded motion coordination for up to 8 axes.
• IC697CPU771: Standard CPU, 256K word program memory, RS-422 serial port, no motion capability.
• IC697CPU781: High-capacity CPU, 512K word memory, floating-point math coprocessor, enhanced PID loop execution.
• IC697CPU731: Entry-level CPU, 64K word program memory, single serial port, suited for small discrete I/O applications.
• IC697CPU788: Redundant CPU module, designed for hot-standby configurations with IC697BEM731 redundancy link.

Discrete Input Modules (DI)

• IC697MDL340: 32-point 24VDC discrete input module, isolated, 3ms input filter, DIN rail compatible.
• IC697MDL341: 32-point 120VAC discrete input, optically isolated, surge-protected inputs for field wiring.
• IC697MDL653: 16-point 125VDC positive/negative logic input, designed for high-voltage DC field devices.

Discrete Output Modules (DO)

• IC697MDL940: 32-point 24VDC discrete output, 0.5A per point, short-circuit protected, sourcing type.
• IC697MDL753: 16-point relay output module, Form C contacts, 2A per point, 120/240VAC or 24VDC load.

Analog Input/Output Modules (AI/AO)

• IC697ALG320: 16-channel analog input, 4–20mA or 0–10V selectable, 12-bit resolution, single-ended.
• IC697ALG321: 8-channel analog input, differential, 16-bit resolution, for precision process measurement.
• IC697ALG440: 8-channel analog output, 4–20mA, 12-bit resolution, with open-loop detection per channel.

Communications & Network Adapters

• IC697BEM731: Genius Bus Controller, supports up to 32 Genius I/O blocks per bus, 153.6 Kbaud.
• IC697CMM711: Serial Communications Module, 2 RS-232/RS-422 ports, supports SNP, SNPX, RTU Modbus protocols.
• IC697CMM742: Ethernet Interface Module, 10BaseT, supports SRTP and Modbus TCP for SCADA integration.

Power Supply Modules

• IC697PWR711: 120/240VAC input power supply, 30W output, supports up to 10-slot IC697 rack.
• IC697PWR724: 24VDC input power supply, 30W, for DC-powered panel installations.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC697 Series 90-70 Parts

GE formally transitioned the Series 90-70 to end-of-life (EOL) status, with factory repair and new-manufacture support discontinued for the majority of IC697 CPU and communications modules. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested IC697 surplus and refurbished modules to support facilities that cannot execute a full platform migration within current capital budgets.

DriveKNMS sources IC697 hardware through controlled decommissioning projects, OEM surplus channels, and direct acquisition from facilities upgrading to PACSystems RX7i. All units are catalogued by firmware revision and hardware revision level to ensure compatibility with existing rack configurations. For CPU modules such as the IC697CPM915, firmware version matching is critical when replacing a unit in a redundant pair — DriveKNMS verifies and documents firmware revision on all CPU stock prior to dispatch.

For obsolete modules with no direct replacement (e.g., IC697CMM711 with specific protocol firmware), DriveKNMS provides exchange programs where a customer's failed unit is accepted as a core return against a tested replacement, reducing net acquisition cost.

Quality Control for the IC697 Series 90-70 Range

IC697 modules present specific test challenges due to their VMEbus backplane interface, battery-backed memory circuits, and multi-protocol communications firmware. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all IC697 inventory:

• Backplane Continuity Test: All edge connector pins are verified for continuity and pin integrity using a dedicated VMEbus test fixture before rack insertion.
• Power-On Self-Test (POST) Verification: Each CPU module is powered in an IC697 test rack and monitored for successful POST completion, including memory checksum validation and I/O bus initialization.
• Program Memory Retention Test: Battery-backed CMOS RAM modules are loaded with a test program and subjected to a 72-hour power-off retention test. Modules failing retention are recelled before dispatch.
• Communications Port Loopback: All serial and Ethernet ports on CMM and CPU modules are tested with protocol-specific loopback frames (SNP, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP) to confirm firmware integrity.
• Analog Calibration Check: ALG-series modules are verified against a calibrated reference source at 0%, 50%, and 100% of rated input/output range. Modules outside ±0.1% of rated accuracy are recalibrated or rejected.
• Burn-In Cycle: All repaired or refurbished modules undergo a minimum 24-hour burn-in at rated operating temperature before final inspection.

For IC697CPM915 availability, cross-reference requests, or full Series 90-70 parts lists, contact DriveKNMS directly:

• 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.