IC697BEM734 GE 90-70 PLC Peer-to-Peer Datagram Module

Product Overview

The IC697BEM734 is a rugged, industrial Genius Bus Controller (GBC) manufactured by GE Fanuc for the Series 90-70 programmable logic controller (PLC) platform. Serving as an intelligent communication gateway, this single-slot module manages decentralized distributed networks utilizing Genius IC660 and IC661 input/output blocks. Weighing 1.81 kg, it offloads complex field communications from the central processing unit, facilitating deterministic peer-to-peer messaging, broad data acquisition, and real-time plant diagnostics across heavy-duty industrial automation applications.

Core Technical Advantages

• Detailed Suffix Logic Breakdown:
  • IC697: Establishes direct hardware form-factor alignment with the high-capacity GE Fanuc Series 90-70 VME rack.
  • BEM: Identifies the module as a Bus Expansion Module purpose-built for field network coordination.
  • 734: Represents the specific operational core and firmware iteration within the Genius interface line.
• Versatile Block Interfacing: Engineered specifically to act as a master communications link for legacy Genius IC660 and IC661 smart I/O blocks, safeguarding investments in existing field infrastructure.
• Flexible Baud Adjustments: Operates at a default transmission speed of 153.6 kbps, allowing tailored fieldbus configurations via system software to balance overall data throughput against physical network line distances.
• Advanced Datagram Messaging: Employs structured communication methodologies including Global data broadcasting, Directed control sequences, and Peer-to-Peer datagram configurations for efficient networking.

Technical Specifications

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Chassis Insertion and Seat Protocols

Ensure that all primary and auxiliary power to the Series 90-70 chassis rack is entirely switched off prior to handling. Align the card edge of the IC697BEM734 module with the physical tracking guides of any available rack slot. Push firmly until the backplane pins are completely seated, then tighten the upper and lower integrated chassis hardware screws to establish a path to earth ground.

Fieldbus and Handheld Tool Connection

Terminate the incoming industrial trunk line into the designated PL3 terminal connection block on the module faceplate. If field-level diagnostic sweeps or manual node configurations are required, connect an external Genius Handheld Monitor (HHM) directly into the dedicated PL1 diagnostic interface port without disrupting backplane transactions.

LED Operational State Awareness

Maintain continuous monitoring of the 3 integrated front-panel status LEDs to simplify system troubleshooting. The Power LED verifies stable backplane voltage delivery from the 5V rail. The Active LED flashes rhythmically to represent active datagram transmission across the Genius loop, while the Fault LED illuminates steady red to indicate an unaddressed communication timeout or local internal chip failure.

Engineering Advantages

• Stable Thermal Design: Built to endure extended industrial panel temperatures from –20°C to +60°C, preventing operational drift or communication dropouts under intense factory floor conditions.
• Independent Network Upgrades: Simplifies network optimization using specialized MS-DOS configuration scripts, allowing engineers to remap the default node address away from 31 without altering hardware components.
• Low System Footprint: Draws a stable 1.3 Amps at 5 V DC, keeping maximum power consumption below 6.5 Watts to minimize the heat generated inside sealed, unventilated enclosures.
• Highly Reliable Casing: Enclosed in a rugged 1.81 kg protective housing designed to insulate sensitive internal circuits from industrial electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ambient airborne dust.

Technical FAQs

Q1: Can this bus controller coexist with other network cards in the same Series 90-70 rack?
A1: Yes. The Series 90-70 VME platform supports multi-module configurations. You can install multiple IC697BEM734 controllers in a single chassis to build independent Genius field channels, provided the rack power supply has enough current capacity on the 5V DC rail.

Q2: Is the IC697BEM734 hot-swappable if a network chip component fails?
A2: No. The backplane design of the Series 90-70 PLC does not allow live hot-swapping. Removing or replacing the module while the rack is powered up can cause electrical arcs, corrupt active VME data traffic, and permanently damage the internal circuits of the module.

Q3: What cable types are recommended for connecting the PL3 field port to remote blocks?
A3: To maintain a stable 153.6 kbps transmission speed, use high-quality, low-capacitance shielded twisted-pair cables designed specifically for Genius networks. Ensure that appropriate end-of-line termination resistors match the characteristic impedance of the trunk to prevent signal reflections.