GE IC698 Series Modules IC698CRE020

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE IC698 Series Technical Notes

The GE IC698 series — commercially designated as the Series 90-70 and its successor platform PACSystems RX7i — represents one of the most widely deployed programmable logic controller architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical complexes, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore oil platforms, continuous-process refineries, and large-scale utilities, the IC698 backplane ecosystem has accumulated decades of field-proven runtime in environments demanding deterministic scan cycles, high-availability redundancy, and long-term vendor support commitments. The IC698 rack accepts a standardized 9-slot or 12-slot VME-derived backplane, enabling mixed-module configurations that span CPU, I/O, communications, and power supply functions within a single chassis. Its architecture supports both simplex and hot-standby redundant CPU configurations, making it a reference platform for Safety Instrumented System (SIS) integration in IEC 61511-compliant installations.

The Evolution of IC698 Architecture

The IC698 lineage originates from GE Fanuc Automation's Series 90-70 platform, introduced in the late 1980s as a high-end rack-based PLC targeting process industries requiring large I/O counts and multi-CPU configurations. The original Series 90-70 CPUs — identified by IC697 and early IC698 prefixes — operated on a proprietary VME-derivative bus at 10 MHz clock rates with CMOS-based logic. Through the 1990s, GE Fanuc progressively migrated the platform toward the IC698 designation, introducing faster CPUs, expanded memory maps, and Ethernet-capable communications modules.

The transition to PACSystems RX7i in the early 2000s represented the most significant architectural shift: GE retained full IC698 backplane and I/O compatibility while replacing the CPU subsystem with Intel x86-based processors running a real-time OS, enabling dramatically faster scan times and native IEC 61131-3 programming environments. This backward compatibility is the defining characteristic of the IC698 platform — IC698 I/O modules, power supplies, and communications adapters installed in the 1990s continue to operate in RX7i racks without modification. As of 2026, GE Vernova (the successor entity following GE's industrial divestiture) has formally classified the Series 90-70 CPU modules as end-of-life, while continuing to supply IC698 I/O and power modules as long-term spare parts. End-users operating legacy Series 90-70 CPUs are advised to migrate to PACSystems RX7i CPUs (IC698CPE030, IC698CPE040) while retaining existing I/O infrastructure.

IC698 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU & Redundancy Modules

• IC698CRE020: CPU Redundancy Module — manages hot-standby switchover between dual CPUs in redundant RX7i configurations, synchronizes memory state across primary and secondary controllers.
• IC698CPE030: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 1.0 GHz Intel x86, 64 MB user memory, dual Ethernet ports, primary controller for high-performance process applications.
• IC698CPE040: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 1.0 GHz, 64 MB user memory, enhanced floating-point performance, supports C-block function extensions.
• IC698CPE010: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 300 MHz, 10 MB user memory, entry-level RX7i processor for moderate I/O count applications.
• IC698CPE020: PACSystems RX7i CPU, 700 MHz, 32 MB user memory, mid-range processor with dual Ethernet and serial ports.

Analog Input Modules

• IC698ALG230: 16-channel analog input module, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V configurable per channel, 16-bit resolution, supports HART pass-through on select channels.
• IC698ALG232: 8-channel analog input, high-speed simultaneous sampling, 16-bit resolution, suited for vibration and fast-process monitoring.
• IC698ALG233: 16-channel analog input, voltage/current selectable, with channel-level diagnostics and open-wire detection.
• IC698ALG322: 8-channel analog output module, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 16-bit resolution, with hold-last-value on CPU fault.
• IC698ALG323: 16-channel analog output, current/voltage configurable, supports ramp-to-zero on fault condition.

Digital I/O Modules

• IC698MDL650: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete input module, sink/source configurable, with per-channel diagnostics and input filtering.
• IC698MDL740: 32-channel 24 VDC discrete output module, 0.5 A per channel, with short-circuit protection and blown-fuse detection.
• IC698MDL730: 16-channel relay output module, Form C contacts, 2 A per channel at 120/240 VAC, for high-current switching applications.
• IC698MDL660: 16-channel 120 VAC discrete input module, for direct interface to field devices operating at line voltage.

Communications & Network Modules

• IC698ETM001: Ethernet TCP/IP communications module, 10/100 Mbps, supports SRTP, Modbus TCP, and EGD (Ethernet Global Data) protocols for peer-to-peer data exchange.
• IC698CMX016: Serial communications module, 4-port RS-232/RS-485, supports SNP, SNPx, Modbus RTU, and ASCII protocols.

Power Supply Modules

• IC698PSA100: 100 W AC power supply, 120/240 VAC input, provides +5 VDC and +/-15 VDC backplane rails, standard supply for IC698 9-slot and 12-slot racks.
• IC698PSA350: 350 W AC power supply, high-capacity supply for fully populated racks with high-current I/O modules.

Quality Control for the IC698 Range

IC698 modules present specific test challenges due to their VME-derivative backplane architecture and the tight timing tolerances of the redundancy synchronization bus used by the IC698CRE020 and associated CPU modules. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol to all IC698 modules prior to shipment: power supply modules undergo full-load burn-in at rated output current for a minimum of 4 hours with voltage ripple measurement at each output rail; CPU modules are bench-tested in a live IC698 rack with a known-good power supply, executing a standardized ladder logic program to verify scan cycle integrity and memory read/write fidelity; analog I/O modules are calibrated against a traceable reference standard with linearity verification across the full input/output range; and communications modules are tested for protocol handshake integrity on all configured ports. Modules exhibiting any parameter deviation outside GE Vernova published tolerances are quarantined and not offered for sale.