Description
Product Description
GE IC687BEM731 is a Genius Bus Controller by GE Fanuc, built for Series 90-70 and PACSystems RX7i, enabling the CPU to communicate with up to 31 devices on a single Genius bus while fitting a single PLC backplane slot. GE IC687BEM731 supports Global Data, datagrams, and Directed Control Data for seamless cross-device data sharing, plus FSK modulation and configurable baud rates (38.4K/76.8K/153.6K) for flexible, reliable industrial communication. GE IC687BEM731 handles bus initialization, fault management, and real-time data imaging, offloading host CPUs to focus on core control tasks in manufacturing and power generation. GE IC687BEM731 works with Genius I/O blocks, remote drops, Versamax I/O stations, and field control stations, supporting daisy-chain, STP, twinax, or fiber-optic bus configurations. GE IC687BEM731 runs on 5VDC (1.3A), operates at 0–60°C, and offers system redundancy support, making it ideal for safety-critical setups needing 99.99% uptime. GE IC687BEM731 also includes a handheld monitor port for on-site diagnostics, simplifying troubleshooting and reducing maintenance downtime.
Product Parameters
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Module Type | GE Fanuc Genius Bus Controller (GE IC687BEM731) |
| Core Function | Host – Genius bus communication; up to 31 devices per bus; fault management; Global Data transfer |
| Compatible Systems | Series 90-70, PACSystems RX7i |
| Backplane Slot | 1 slot |
| Baud Rates | 38.4K/76.8K/153.6K baud (configurable) |
| Modulation | Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) |
| Max Bus Length | 7500 ft (2286 m) at 38.4K baud |
| Termination Resistors | 75/100/120/150 ohms (bus ends) |
| Power Supply | 5VDC, 1.3A |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Supported Configurations | Daisy-chain, STP, twinax, fiber-optic |
| Weight | ~0.45kg |
| Dimensions | 98.4mm × 69.9mm × 19.1mm |
| Compliance | CE, UL, CSA |
Advantages and Features
- High Device Density: GE IC687BEM731 connects up to 31 bus devices, maximizing I/O expansion for large-scale automation networks.
- Host CPU Offload: It manages all bus traffic and diagnostics, freeing hosts for high-priority control logic.
- Redundancy Support: GE IC687BEM731 enables system redundancy for uninterrupted operation in safety-critical applications.
- Flexible Connectivity: Multiple baud rates and bus types let GE IC687BEM731 adapt to diverse industrial setups.
- Built – in Diagnostics: The handheld monitor port on GE IC687BEM731 enables fast fault detection and troubleshooting.
- Native GE Compatibility: It integrates seamlessly with Series 90-70/RX7i, cutting integration time and costs vs. third-party bus controllers.
Application Cases in Application Fields
- Automotive Production Line I/O Expansion: GE IC687BEM731 linked 31 Genius I/O blocks (sensors/actuators) to an RX7i CPU, using 153.6K baud for real-time control. It reduced CPU load by 35% and cut bus-related downtime by 40%.
- Power Plant Auxiliary System Control: It managed 28 remote I/O devices (pump/valve status, pressure sensors) in a 300MW gas-fired plant, supporting Global Data to sync with the main DCS, achieving 99.98% data integrity and 25% faster alarm response.
- Chemical Plant Batch Process Monitoring: GE IC687BEM731 connected 25 Versamax I/O stations to a Series 90-70 CPU, using datagrams for batch data logging. The redundant setup prevented production losses during a CPU switchover, ensuring 100% batch completion.
- Warehouse Material Handling: It controlled 30 remote drops for conveyor speed and position, using Directed Control Data for real-time adjustments, improving throughput by 20% and lowering maintenance costs via predictive fault alerts.
Comparisons with Competing Products
| Parameter | GE IC687BEM731 | Siemens CP 343-5 (PROFIBUS) | ABB CI854A (PROFINET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | Genius Bus | PROFIBUS DP | PROFINET IO |
| Max Devices | 31 | 124 | 128 |
| Host Offload | Native (full bus traffic management) | Partial (needs host – side stack) | Partial (depends on host) |
| Redundancy | Native system redundancy | Requires extra modules | Requires PROFINET MRP |
| Baud Rates | 38.4K/76.8K/153.6K | Up to 12M | Up to 1000M |
| GE Compatibility | Series 90-70/RX7i (native) | Limited (needs converters) | Limited (needs gateways) |
| Cost – Effectiveness | High (low integration cost; long lifespan) | Medium (extra licensing/module cost) | Medium (gateway/hardware overhead) |
Selection Suggestions and Precautions
Selection Suggestions
- Choose GE IC687BEM731 for Series 90-70/RX7i systems needing to connect up to 31 Genius bus devices in manufacturing, power, or chemical applications.
- Prefer it for safety-critical setups requiring redundancy, host CPU offload, and fast troubleshooting via the handheld monitor port.
Precautions
- Install GE IC687BEM731 in a single backplane slot; use shielded twisted-pair cables and match termination resistors (75–150 ohms) to bus length and baud rate.
- Ensure GE IC687BEM731 operates within 0–60°C and avoid overloading the 5VDC power supply (max 1.3A) to prevent communication errors.
- Configure baud rates consistently across all bus devices and enable redundancy if using GE IC687BEM731 in safety-critical applications.
- Use only GE-approved cables and connectors to maintain noise immunity and signal integrity with GE IC687BEM731.

F-Com01 HIMA
F8627X HIMA PLC
F8650X HIMA DCS
F8652E HIMA
F8652X HIMA PLC
F-Com01 HIMA
IS200EPCTG1A GE PLC
Brand new✔ In stock ✔ Fast shipping✔
PLC : Allen Bradley , Siemens MOORE, GE FANUC , Schneider
DCS : ABB ,Honeywell, Invensys Triconex , Foxboro , Ovation,YOKOGAWA, Woodword, HIMA
TSI : Triconex , HIMA , Bently Nevada , ICS Triplex
Complete service we offer
Payment: T/T
Delivery: 1-2 days
Shipment: DHL UPS FedEx, etc
After-sales service: Yes, 24/7 hours
Email: sales@plcfcs.com
Phone:+86 15343416922
Wechat:+86 15343416922
PLC : Allen Bradley , Siemens MOORE, GE FANUC , Schneider
DCS : ABB ,Honeywell, Invensys Triconex , Foxboro , Ovation,YOKOGAWA, Woodword, HIMA
TSI : Triconex , HIMA , Bently Nevada , ICS Triplex
Complete service we offer
Payment: T/T
Delivery: 1-2 days
Shipment: DHL UPS FedEx, etc
After-sales service: Yes, 24/7 hours




Email: jiedong@sxrszdh.com
Phone / Wechat:+86 15340683922
Wechat:+86 15343416922