GE Automation & Controls IC697CPM915

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE Series 90-70 (IC697) PLC Technical Notes

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.

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.