GE Fanuc Series 90-70 IC698CHS117 Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE Fanuc Series 90-70 (IC698) Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE Fanuc Series 90-70 programmable logic controller platform, identified by the IC698 prefix, is one of the most widely deployed rack-based control architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore platforms, pulp and paper mills, and large-scale chemical processing plants, the Series 90-70 established the benchmark for high-density I/O and multi-slot backplane architecture throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Its VMEbus-derived backplane, deterministic scan cycle, and broad third-party integration support made it the preferred DCS/PLC hybrid for processes requiring both high availability and large I/O counts. Despite the platform entering its end-of-life phase, the installed base remains substantial, and demand for spare modules—particularly chassis, CPU, and analog I/O cards—remains active in the maintenance and lifecycle extension market.

The Evolution of Series 90-70 (IC698) Architecture

The Series 90-70 was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation in the late 1980s as a successor to the Series Six platform. The original architecture used a parallel VME-compatible backplane operating at 5V logic, supporting up to 12 slots per rack. Early CPU modules such as the IC697CPX935 (note: IC697 prefix for earlier generation) established the programming model that carried forward into the IC698 generation.

The IC698 generation introduced enhanced backplane throughput, support for Ethernet TCP/IP communications natively, and expanded memory addressing. Key architectural milestones include: the transition from RS-485 serial I/O bus to Ethernet-based peer communications; introduction of the RX7i rack (IC698CHS series) with a 17-slot high-density form factor; and integration of the PACSystems RX7i CPU (IC698CPE010, IC698CPE020, IC698CPE030) which brought IEC 61131-3 multi-language programming to the legacy backplane. The IC698 backplane is backward-compatible with select IC697 I/O modules, a critical factor for sites managing mixed-generation installations. As of 2020, GE (now Emerson Automation Solutions under the Movicon/PACSystems brand) has formally classified the Series 90-70 hardware as mature/end-of-life, with no new hardware development. Long-term support is now exclusively through third-party MRO suppliers and authorized repair centers.

Series 90-70 IC698 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Chassis / Rack

• IC698CHS017: 17-slot RX7i rack, standard depth, VME backplane, primary chassis for high-density I/O builds.
• IC698CHS117: 17-slot RX7i rack with integrated key switch, enhanced slot isolation, primary chassis variant for secure installations requiring keyed access control.
• IC698CHS009: 9-slot RX7i expansion rack, used for remote I/O extension within the same enclosure.

CPU / Controller Modules

• IC698CPE010: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 64 MB user memory, dual Ethernet ports, IEC 61131-3 multi-language support.
• IC698CPE020: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 64 MB user memory, enhanced floating-point performance, redundancy-capable.
• IC698CPE030: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 64 MB user memory, highest-performance variant, supports motion coordination.
• IC698CPE040: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 32 MB user memory, entry-level RX7i controller for smaller process cells.
• IC698CRE020: PACSystems RX7i redundancy CPU module, paired with CPE020 for hot-standby redundant control architectures.

Power Supply Modules

• IC698PSA100: 120/240 VAC input power supply, 90W output, standard rack power for IC698CHS017/117 chassis.
• IC698PSA350: 120/240 VAC input power supply, 350W output, high-capacity supply for fully populated 17-slot racks with high-draw analog modules.
• IC698PSD300: 24 VDC input power supply, 300W, for installations with DC-only power distribution.

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• IC698MDL230: 32-channel 120 VAC discrete input module, isolated groups, standard process input card.
• IC698MDL240: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete input module, sink/source configurable, high-density DI for 24V field devices.
• IC698MDL632: 32-channel 24 VDC positive logic input, fast response, used in high-speed discrete event capture.

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• IC698MDL330: 32-channel 120 VAC discrete output module, triac output, for AC-driven field actuators.
• IC698MDL740: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete output module, sourcing, standard DC actuator driver.

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• IC698ALG230: 16-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V configurable, 16-bit resolution, standard process measurement card.
• IC698ALG232: 16-channel analog input with HART pass-through, 4–20 mA, for smart field instrument integration.

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• IC698ALG390: 8-channel analog output, 4–20 mA, 16-bit resolution, for control valve and positioner drive.

Communications / Network Adapters

• IC698ETM001: Ethernet TCP/IP communications module, 10/100 Mbps, SRTP and Modbus TCP support, primary network interface for non-CPE CPU variants.
• IC698CMX016: Genius Bus Controller, interfaces IC698 rack to legacy Genius I/O field bus networks.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC698 Parts

The Series 90-70 platform reached formal end-of-active-production status, with GE/Emerson discontinuing new module manufacturing for the majority of IC698 catalog numbers. For facilities operating continuous processes—refineries, chemical plants, power generation—a full platform migration is a multi-year capital project. In the interim, lifecycle extension through verified spare parts procurement is the standard maintenance strategy.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of IC698 series modules sourced through controlled MRO channels. All units are inspected prior to listing. For obsolete or low-availability part numbers—including specific chassis variants such as the IC698CHS117, redundancy CPUs, and legacy analog cards—DriveKNMS operates a cross-reference and substitution service. Where a direct replacement is unavailable, compatible alternatives within the PACSystems RX7i catalog are identified and documented. Customers operating under planned maintenance windows can submit bill-of-materials lists for batch sourcing review.

Quality Control for the IC698 Range

The IC698 backplane architecture presents specific verification requirements due to its VME-derived parallel bus topology and multi-slot power distribution. DriveKNMS applies the following inspection protocol to all IC698 modules:

• Backplane continuity test: Each chassis (CHS series) undergoes slot-by-slot bus continuity verification to confirm backplane trace integrity and connector pin condition.
• Power rail verification: PSA/PSD power supply modules are load-tested at rated output (90W / 300W / 350W) with measured ripple and regulation checks against GE factory specifications.
• CPU functional test: CPE-series modules are booted in a reference IC698CHS017 rack, firmware version confirmed, and basic ladder/function block execution verified via Proficy Machine Edition test project.
• I/O channel scan: All analog and digital I/O modules are channel-scanned using calibrated signal sources. Analog modules are verified for linearity across the full 4–20 mA / 0–10 V range. Digital modules are verified for correct logic threshold and output drive capability.
• Communications module handshake test: ETM001 and CMX016 modules are tested for correct network enumeration and protocol response (SRTP ping, Modbus TCP register read).
• Visual and mechanical inspection: All modules inspected for capacitor condition, PCB corrosion, connector wear, and label legibility prior to dispatch.

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