GE IC697CHS770

Description

Product Overview: GE IC697CHS770

The GE IC697CHS770 is a high-capacity 7-slot expansion backplane designed and manufactured by General Electric for the Series 90-70 programmable logic controller (PLC) family. As a fundamental hardware component within the Series 90-70 platform, this backplane provides the mechanical and electrical infrastructure necessary to host a variety of expansion modules, including I/O modules and specialty communications processors. The GE IC697CHS770 is engineered to ensure reliable, high-speed communication between modules via the VME bus architecture, making it a cornerstone for building scalable and robust industrial control systems requiring additional capacity beyond the main CPU rack. For integrators and maintenance teams, selecting the GE IC697CHS770 means choosing a proven foundation for expanding mission-critical automation applications.

Product Parameters and Technical Specifications

The GE IC697CHS770 is constructed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial environments. Key parameters include:

• Type: Expansion Backplane / Rack
• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE) Fanuc
• Series: Series 90-70 PLC Family
• Model: GE IC697CHS770
• Slot Configuration: 7 slots for module insertion
• Function: Provides expansion slots for additional I/O and specialty modules beyond the main CPU rack
• Bus Architecture: VME (Versa Module Europa) bus for high-speed data transfer between modules
• Construction: Rugged metal chassis designed for panel mounting, providing structural support and electromagnetic shielding
• Power Distribution: Receives power from an external power supply module and distributes it to all installed modules in the rack
• Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Series 90-70 modules including discrete and analog I/O, specialty communications modules, and high-speed counters
• Connection: Includes cable connections for interfacing with the main CPU rack or other expansion racks

Advantages and Key Features

The GE IC697CHS770 offers several distinct advantages that make it a preferred choice for system architects and maintenance professionals:

• System Expandability: With 7 slots, the GE IC697CHS770 provides ample space for expanding Series 90-70 control systems, allowing users to add I/O capacity and specialty functions as application requirements grow without replacing existing hardware.
• VME Bus Architecture: The VME bus architecture of the GE IC697CHS770 ensures fast and deterministic communication between modules, which is critical for high-performance control applications requiring coordinated operation across multiple racks.
• Rugged Construction: Built for industrial durability, the GE IC697CHS770 can withstand vibration, temperature variations, and electrical noise typical in manufacturing and process environments.
• Flexible Placement: The expansion rack can be located remotely from the main CPU rack, allowing the GE IC697CHS770 to be positioned closer to field I/O devices for reduced wiring costs and improved signal integrity.
• Universal Compatibility: The backplane is designed to accept any Series 90-70 module in any slot, offering maximum flexibility during system design and reconfiguration.
• Simplified Troubleshooting: By organizing modules in a structured rack, the GE IC697CHS770 helps simplify troubleshooting compared to distributed mounting solutions.

Application Fields and Use Cases

The primary application domain for the GE IC697CHS770 spans across industries utilizing Series 90-70 control platforms. Specific use cases include:

• Large Manufacturing Systems: Used in automotive assembly plants and large machining facilities where the GE IC697CHS770 provides additional I/O capacity for extensive networks of sensors and actuators beyond what the main CPU rack can accommodate.
• Process Industries: Employed in chemical and pharmaceutical facilities where the GE IC697CHS770 hosts additional analog modules for expanded continuous process control capability as processes are added or modified.
• Power Generation: Integrated into power plant control systems where the GE IC697CHS770 supports additional I/O for balance-of-plant monitoring and control functions beyond the main turbine control rack.
• Water and Wastewater: Utilized in treatment plant control panels where the GE IC697CHS770 provides expansion capacity for additional pump stations, treatment processes, or remote telemetry units.
• Infrastructure Control: Deployed in large facility management systems where the GE IC697CHS770 expands control capability for HVAC, lighting, and access control across multiple zones or buildings.

Comparison with Competing Products

When compared to similar expansion backplane solutions from competitors like Siemens (e.g., ER 701-1 for S7-400) or Rockwell Automation (e.g., 1771-A4B for PLC-5), the GE IC697CHS770 holds its own with specific strengths:

• VME Architecture Advantage: While competitors often use proprietary backplane protocols, the GE IC697CHS770 leverages industry-standard VME bus technology, which offers proven performance and broad support for third-party VME modules when applicable.
• Series 90-70 Ecosystem: The GE IC697CHS770 is part of GE’s extensive Series 90-70 ecosystem, offering compatibility with a wide range of I/O modules, specialty processors, and communications options.
• Universal Slot Design: Unlike some competing racks that restrict certain module types to specific slots, the GE IC697CHS770 offers true universal slot compatibility, providing greater design flexibility and simplifying expansion planning.
• Legacy System Support: For facilities with existing Series 90-70 installations, the GE IC697CHS770 provides a reliable expansion path that preserves investments in existing I/O modules and engineering.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

When selecting and installing the GE IC697CHS770, consider the following:

• Expansion Requirements: Calculate the total number of additional I/O points and specialty modules required for your application to ensure that 7 slots on the GE IC697CHS770 are sufficient, or if multiple expansion racks will be needed.
• Power Supply Sizing: Verify that the power supply chosen for the GE IC697CHS770 has sufficient capacity to power all modules installed in the expansion rack. Refer to the power consumption specifications of each module and sum their requirements.
• Cable Length Considerations: When locating the GE IC697CHS770 remotely from the main CPU rack, consider the maximum cable length specifications for the expansion interface and ensure your installation distance is within limits.
• Physical Space: Measure your control panel depth and clearance requirements, as the GE IC697CHS770 requires adequate space for wiring ducts, module insertion/removal, and heat dissipation.
• System Configuration: Ensure that your Series 90-70 CPU and system configuration software support the number of expansion racks and total I/O count planned, including the GE IC697CHS770.
• ESD Precautions: Like all sensitive electronic assemblies, the GE IC697CHS770 should be handled using proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection when installing modules to prevent damage to the backplane circuitry.
• Source Verification: Due to its critical role as the system expansion foundation, it is crucial to source the GE IC697CHS770 from authorized distributors or reputable suppliers to guarantee authenticity and warranty coverage.

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