GE Fanuc Series 90-70 IC697 Modules: IC697CPX935-FD

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE Fanuc Series 90-70 IC697 Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of IC697 Architecture

The Series 90-70 platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation in the late 1980s as a successor to the Series Six PLC family. The IC697 module numbering convention encodes function type, I/O count, and revision level, enabling precise identification across a catalog of several hundred distinct part numbers.

Generation 1 (1988–1995): Initial VME-bus rack architecture with single-slot CPU modules (IC697CPU731, IC697CPU771). Backplane communication operated at 10 MHz. I/O modules used parallel bus addressing. Firmware was stored on EPROMs, requiring physical chip replacement for updates.

Generation 2 (1995–2003): Introduction of high-speed CPUs (IC697CPX935, IC697CPX928) with expanded memory addressing and floating-point coprocessor support. The -FD suffix variants (e.g., IC697CPX935-FD) denote fault-detection or field-diagnostic hardware revisions. Communications modules expanded to include Ethernet (IC697CMM742) and Genius Bus (IC697BEM731) interfaces. Redundancy modules (IC697RCM711) enabled hot-standby CPU configurations.

Generation 3 / Migration Era (2003–present): GE Fanuc (later rebranded as GE Automation & Controls, then acquired by Emerson) formally placed the Series 90-70 in a sustained-support lifecycle. Direct hardware replacements are no longer manufactured. Migration paths to PACSystems RX7i (IC698 prefix) are officially recommended, as the RX7i rack accepts Series 90-70 I/O modules via compatibility adapters, protecting field wiring investments. For sites that cannot migrate, third-party MRO suppliers provide refurbished and tested IC697 modules to extend operational life.

IC697 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following represents a cross-section of the IC697 Series 90-70 module catalog, organized by functional category. All models listed are genuine GE Fanuc part numbers.

CPU & Coprocessor Modules

• IC697CPX935-FD: Series 90-70 fault-diagnostic CPU module, 32-bit processor, expanded memory, high-availability rack applications.
• IC697CPX935: Standard variant of the CPX935 CPU; identical architecture without -FD fault-detection revision marking.
• IC697CPX928: High-performance 90-70 CPU with floating-point math coprocessor; used in motion and analog-intensive applications.
• IC697CPU771: Mid-range 90-70 CPU module; 512KB user memory; standard scan-cycle controller for discrete manufacturing.
• IC697CPU731: Entry-level 90-70 CPU; 256KB user memory; suited for smaller I/O configurations up to 2,048 points.
• IC697MEM717: Expansion memory module for Series 90-70 CPUs; adds program and data storage capacity.

Discrete Input Modules

• IC697MDL340: 32-point 24VDC discrete input module; sinking/sourcing compatible; standard field device interfacing.
• IC697MDL341: 32-point 120VAC discrete input module; zero-crossing detection; industrial panel wiring.
• IC697MDL653: 16-point 125VDC isolated discrete input; high-voltage field signal conditioning.

Discrete Output Modules

• IC697MDL940: 32-point 24VDC discrete output module; 0.5A per point; relay-equivalent solid-state switching.
• IC697MDL753: 16-point relay output module; Form C contacts; 2A per point; motor starter and solenoid control.

Analog I/O Modules

• IC697ALG320: 16-channel analog input module; 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable; 12-bit resolution; process instrumentation.
• IC697ALG321: 8-channel analog input, high-resolution 16-bit; thermocouple and RTD compatible configurations.
• IC697ALG440: 8-channel analog output module; 4–20mA; valve positioner and variable-speed drive setpoint control.

Communications & Network Modules

• IC697CMM742: Ethernet TCP/IP communications module; 10BaseT; SRTP and Modbus TCP protocol support.
• IC697BEM731: Genius Bus Interface Unit; connects Series 90-70 rack to GE Genius field bus network.
• IC697CMM711: Serial communications module; RS-232/RS-422/RS-485; SNP and RTU protocol support.

Power Supply Modules

• IC697PWR711: 120/240VAC input power supply; 30W output; standard rack power for up to 10-slot configurations.
• IC697PWR724: 24VDC input power supply; 30W; battery-backed operation; suitable for UPS-fed panels.

Redundancy & Special Function

• IC697RCM711: Redundancy Control Module; manages hot-standby CPU switchover; sub-100ms failover time.
• IC697ACC724: Battery backup module; maintains CPU memory during power interruption; lithium cell assembly.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC697 Parts

GE Fanuc formally discontinued new production of Series 90-70 hardware. OEM spare parts channels have been closed for the majority of IC697 catalog items. For operators of chemical plants, power generation facilities, and refineries running Series 90-70 systems, unplanned module failure without a qualified replacement source creates a critical operational risk.

Quality Control for the IC697 Range

Series 90-70 modules present specific technical challenges during refurbishment and testing due to their VME backplane architecture and age-related component degradation. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol to all IC697 units: