GE VME Series Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE VME Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE VME (Versa Module Eurocard) series represents one of GE Automation's most widely deployed control architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power stations, offshore platforms, and large-scale chemical processing facilities, VME-based systems form the backbone of distributed control and programmable logic control infrastructure that has operated continuously for decades. The VME bus standard (IEEE 1014) provides a high-speed, deterministic backplane communication architecture that made this platform the preferred choice for safety-critical and high-availability applications throughout the 1990s and 2000s. GE's implementation of VME extended the standard with proprietary I/O expansion, redundancy management, and real-time operating system integration, creating a closed ecosystem that remains in active service at thousands of industrial sites worldwide.

The Evolution of VME Series Architecture

GE's VME platform evolved through several distinct generations. Early VME systems (late 1980s to mid-1990s) used 68000-family processors and 16-bit data paths, with discrete I/O modules communicating over a shared VMEbus backplane at 40 MB/s. The mid-generation transition (1995–2005) introduced 32-bit PowerPC-based CPUs, expanded memory addressing, and dual-redundant backplane configurations. Communication adapters evolved from RS-232 and RS-485 serial links to Ethernet-based SRTP (Service Request Transport Protocol) and Genius Bus interfaces, enabling integration with SCADA systems and historian platforms.

Compatibility across VME generations is constrained by backplane slot pitch, power supply voltage rails (±5V, ±12V), and firmware revision dependencies. Mixing early-generation I/O modules with later CPU boards requires careful firmware alignment and, in some configurations, interposer cards. As the platform has entered its end-of-life phase, GE (now part of Emerson after the GE Intelligent Platforms divestiture) has ceased active development, making third-party spare parts sourcing the primary maintenance pathway for installed base operators.

VME Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced modules within the GE VME platform. Each entry reflects a distinct functional role within the VME backplane architecture.

CPU / Controller Modules

• VME7671-42000A: VME-format control board; primary CPU/control logic carrier for VME rack systems.
• IC697CPU731: Series 90-70 CPU module; 32-bit processor, 512KB user memory, VME backplane compatible.
• IC697CPU771: High-performance Series 90-70 CPU; 1MB user memory, floating-point coprocessor support.
• IC697CPU781: Series 90-70 CPU with expanded I/O scan capability; supports up to 2048 discrete I/O points.
• IC697CPU788: Redundant CPU module for hot-standby configurations; dual-port RAM synchronization.
• IC697CPU789: Enhanced redundant CPU; faster switchover time (<1ms), Ethernet port integrated.

Discrete Input (DI) Modules

• IC697MDL340: 32-point 24VDC discrete input module; isolated, VME slot-mounted.
• IC697MDL341: 32-point 120VAC discrete input; optically isolated, group-isolated commons.
• IC697MDL653: 16-point 125VDC positive logic discrete input; high-voltage field wiring.

Discrete Output (DO) Modules

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

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• IC697ALG320: 16-channel analog input; 4–20mA or 0–10V selectable, 12-bit resolution.
• IC697ALG321: 8-channel high-speed analog input; 14-bit resolution, 1ms per channel scan rate.
• IC697ALG440: 16-channel thermocouple/RTD input module; cold junction compensation integrated.

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• IC697ALG390: 8-channel analog output; 4–20mA, 12-bit resolution, loop-powered field devices.

Communication & Network Adapters

• IC697CMM711: Ethernet TCP/IP communications module; 10BaseT, SRTP and Modbus TCP support.
• IC697CMM742: Genius Bus Controller; manages up to 32 Genius I/O blocks on a single bus segment.
• IC697BEM711: Remote I/O bus expansion master; extends VME rack I/O to remote drop locations.

Power Supply Modules

• IC697PWR710: 30W VME power supply; 120/240VAC input, ±5V/±12V/24V DC outputs.
• IC697PWR724: 100W high-capacity power supply; redundant configuration capable, wide-range AC input.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete VME Series Parts

GE Intelligent Platforms formally discontinued active manufacturing support for the majority of VME Series modules. Operators of installed VME systems face a sourcing environment where OEM new-stock is exhausted and lead times for alternatives can extend to 12–24 months. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for VME platform components, including modules that have been out of production for over a decade.

Our sourcing methodology for VME parts includes: direct acquisition from decommissioned plant asset liquidations, certified refurbishment of pulled units with full functional restoration, and cross-referencing of GE part number revisions (e.g., -42000A, -42000B suffix variants) to ensure hardware revision compatibility with the target system's firmware baseline. For operators requiring long-term maintenance agreements, DriveKNMS offers consignment stocking arrangements for critical VME modules tied to specific plant configurations.

Quality Control for the VME Series Range

VME Series modules present specific test challenges due to their VMEbus backplane interface, proprietary GE firmware dependencies, and mixed-voltage power rail requirements. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol to all VME modules prior to dispatch:

• Backplane continuity and bus termination resistance verification (VMEbus P1/P2 connector pin mapping per IEEE 1014).
• Power rail sequencing test: ±5V, ±12V rails brought up in correct order to prevent latch-up on CMOS logic devices.
• CPU modules: firmware version read-back via RS-232 SNP port; memory self-test execution and error log clear.
• I/O modules: channel-by-channel functional verification using calibrated signal sources (4–20mA loop tester, discrete 24VDC stimulus).
• Communication modules: Ethernet link establishment, SRTP session initiation, and Genius Bus token-passing verification.
• Burn-in: 48-hour powered soak at 40°C ambient prior to final inspection and packaging.

For VME Series module inquiries, availability checks, and bulk sourcing requests:

• Email: [email protected]
• WhatsApp: +86 18359293191
• Web: driveknms.com