GE Fanuc IC697BEM735 I/O Scanner Module 5V DC New

Product Overview

The IC697BEM735 is a high-capacity Genius Bus Controller (GBC) and I/O scanner module developed by GE Fanuc for the Series 90-70 programmable logic controller (PLC) platform. Purpose-built to manage the legacy IC66 bus architecture, this single-slot Bus Expansion Module enables deterministic remote communication over extended plant distances up to 7,500 feet (2,275 meters). Designed for intensive industrial automation tasks, it provides centralized processors with robust, isolated control over massive clusters of distributed field devices while maintaining strict data link synchronization.

Core Technical Advantages

• Detailed Suffix Logic Breakdown:
  • IC697: Matches the high-performance backplane and form-factor of the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 VME control system.
  • BEM: Identifies the hardware as a dedicated Bus Expansion Module specialized for communication networks.
  • 735: Specifies the internal engineering design and firmware version for this legacy Genius I/O controller.
• High-Density Channel Mapping: Capable of scanning and updating up to 1024 discrete input/output channels or up to 64 independent analog I/O data channels during each complete bus cycle.
• Dual-Interface Connectivity: Outfitted with a standard 9-pin male D-Type connector for local node networks alongside an RS-422/RS-485 15-pin female serial port for auxiliary hardware configurations.
• Versatile Device Interfacing: Establishes drop-in data links with traditional standard IC697 I/O blocks, analog expanders, PCM modules, IC660/IC655 PLC nodes, Host PCs via PCIM cards, and third-party GENI-compatible field units.

Technical Specifications

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Backplane Insertion and Power Safety

Always isolate the main control panel power before inserting or pulling the module. Carefully slide the IC697BEM735 housing into the designated slot guides of the Series 90-70 backplane. Seat the module firmly to ensure the rear pins lock into place. Hand-tighten the upper and lower faceplate screws to provide proper grounding and mechanical stability against industrial vibrations.

Genius Bus Trunk Wiring and Distance Setup

Connect network lines directly using the 16 removable IC66 Bus terminals. When running lines up to the 7,500-foot (2,275-meter) boundary limit, implement high-grade shielded twisted-pair cable. Ensure the correct end-of-line termination resistors are installed across the final bus drop to prevent signal reflections and data loss.

Diagnostic Monitoring and Cover Use

The module is built with a transparent, hinged front cover plate that shields terminal paths from dust and oil spray. Status tracking is achieved using 3 distinct front-panel LEDs positioned beneath this window, giving maintenance teams at-a-glance health metrics for both backplane data traffic and active network lines.

Engineering Advantages

• Efficient Backplane Loading: Draws a steady 1.3 Amps at 5.0 VDC, keeping total power dissipation to 6.5 Watts. This low thermal load prevents heat buildup inside crowded control cabinets.
• Large Distributed Capacity: Consolidates up to 1024 individual digital drops into a single rack slot, reducing the need for multiple central controller cards and lowering initial hardware costs.
• Isolated Serial Port: Features an isolated 15-pin female RS-422/RS-485 serial connection interface. This port handles configuration transfers and firmware adjustments without interrupting active bus operations.
• Legacy System Retention: Provides a reliable communication bridge for upgrading older IC660 and IC655 networks, allowing modern Series 90-70 PLCs to manage existing field blocks seamlessly.

Technical FAQs

Q1: What configuration utility is needed to map the I/O addresses on this module?
A1: Addressing and hardware parameters for the Genius Bus Controller are managed using standard Logicmaster 90-70 or MS-DOS/Windows-based configuration software packages linked to the main CPU slot.

Q2: Can I hot-swap the IC697BEM735 module if a communication error occurs?
A2: No. The Series 90-70 backplane does not support live hot-swapping. Removing the module while the rack is powered can cause an inductive arc that risks damaging the onboard chips and disrupting data lines for adjacent modules.

Q3: How does cable selection affect the 7,500-foot maximum communication range?
A3: Reaching the 7,500-foot (2,275-meter) limit requires a lower transmission speed (typically 38.4 Kbps) paired with specialized high-quality, low-capacitance Genius-certified shielding. Higher baud rates like 153.6 Kbps will shorten the maximum allowed cable distance.