GE IC697CHS790D

Description

Product Description

The GE IC697CHS790D is a critical passive hardware component, serving as the 7-slot VME backplane for the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC system. This backplane acts as the central nervous system and power distribution backbone for the entire PLC rack. Its primary function is to provide the physical mounting slots, electrical data pathways (VME bus), and power connections that allow the CPU, I/O modules, communication modules, and power supply to interconnect and function as a unified system. The GE IC697CHS790D does not contain any active logic but is essential for establishing the high-speed communication channel between all intelligent modules in the rack. Installing this backplane into a rack enclosure is the foundational step in building a Series 90-70 control system, determining its physical size and modular expansion capability. The reliability of the entire PLC system hinges on the integrity of this passive, yet vital, component.

Technical Parameters and Features

• Device Type: VME Backplane for GE Series 90-70 PLC.
• Form Factor: 7-slot backplane, providing mounting positions for up to seven modules, including the CPU, power supply, and I/O or communication modules.
• Bus Architecture: Implements the VME (Versa Module Europa) bus standard, which provides a 16-bit data path and 24-bit address path for communication between modules.
• Connectors: Features a series of high-density, multi-pin connectors (typically DIN 41612 type) for each slot. These connectors carry the VME bus signals, module-to-module interrupt lines, and distributed power from the supply.
• Power Distribution: Distributes the +5VDC logic power and ±12VDC (or other) auxiliary power from the system power supply module (e.g., IC697PWR711) to every slot in the rack.
• Mounting: Designed to be securely mounted inside a standard 19-inch rack enclosure or a proprietary GE Series 90-70 chassis.
• Slot Designation: Slots are typically numbered (e.g., Slot 0, Slot 1, etc.). The CPU module usually has a designated slot (often Slot 0) due to its role as the VME bus controller.
• Compatibility: Specifically designed for the IC697 Series 90-70 modules. It is not compatible with other GE PLC families like Series 90-30 or Rx3i.

Advantages and Key Features

• System Foundation: The GE IC697CHS790D provides the stable and standardized foundation upon which a reliable, modular control system is built. Its quality ensures robust electrical connections and signal integrity across all modules.
• Modular Scalability: The 7-slot design offers a balanced size for many mid-range applications, allowing for a CPU, power supply, and five additional modules for I/O or communications. This facilitates system expansion without changing the core chassis.
• Proven VME Bus Reliability: The use of the industrial-grade VME bus ensures high-speed, deterministic communication between the CPU and I/O modules, which is critical for real-time control performance.
• Passive Reliability: As a purely passive component with no moving parts or firmware, the IC697CHS790D offers exceptional long-term reliability. Failures are rare and typically physical (e.g., cracked solder joints on connectors).
• Preserves Legacy Investment: For facilities with existing Series 90-70 systems, this backplane is essential for spare parts, system repairs, or controlled expansions, helping to extend the lifecycle of critical automation assets.

Application Case Studies in Various Fields

• Manufacturing Assembly Line: Forms the core of a 90-70 system controlling a robotic welding cell. The backplane hosts the CPU, a discrete I/O module for sensors, an analog module for weld current feedback, and a communication module for the robot interface.
• Water Treatment Plant: Used in a control panel for a filtration system. The IC697CHS790D backplane holds the CPU, a power supply, remote I/O scanner module to talk to distributed drops, and a serial communication module for pump VFDs.
• Material Handling System: Acts as the main rack for a conveyor control system. It accommodates the CPU, high-density I/O modules for photo-eye sensors and motor starters, and a Genius bus controller module for distributed I/O blocks.
• Legacy Process Control: Serves as the hardware base for a burner management system (BMS) upgrade where the existing 90-70 logic is retained, and the IC697CHS790D allows for the integration of new I/O cards.

Comparison with Competing Products

Compared to the backplanes or racks of other contemporary PLC systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley 1771, Siemens S5-115U), the GE IC697CHS790D and the 90-70 platform are distinguished by:

1. VME vs. Proprietary Backplanes: The 90-70’s use of the open VME standard was a different architectural choice. It offered high performance and a wide ecosystem of third-party VME cards, whereas competitors often used proprietary buses.
2. Modularity Philosophy: The Series 90-70, centered on a backplane like the IC697CHS790D, emphasized a single rack with intelligent modules. This contrasted with some systems that used separate, dumb I/O racks connected via a fieldbus, offering a different balance of centralization vs. distribution.
3. Legacy Positioning: Today, the primary “competition” for the IC697CHS790D is not other brands, but migration to newer GE platforms (RX3i, PACSystems). The backplane’s value is in maintaining existing systems, not in new designs.

Selection Advice and Important Notes

• Verify Complete Compatibility: Ensure all modules planned for the rack (CPU, Power Supply, I/O) are from the IC697 Series 90-70 family. Modules from other GE series (90-30, VersaMax, Rx3i) are physically and electrically incompatible with the IC697CHS790D backplane.
• Follow Slot Placement Rules: Always install the CPU in its designated slot (usually Slot 0). The power supply also often has a specific slot requirement. Consult the Series 90-70 Hardware Manual for the correct placement to ensure proper bus arbitration and power sequencing.
• Handle with Care: While robust, the backplane is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and physical damage. Avoid touching the connector pins and support the board properly during installation to prevent flexing.
• Inspect for Physical Damage: Before installing or when troubleshooting, visually inspect the IC697CHS790D for damaged pins, cracked solder joints, or burnt components on the power traces. These are common failure points.
• Consider Migration Planning: For new projects or major upgrades, evaluate migrating to a modern GE platform. The IC697CHS790D should be selected primarily for maintaining or sparing existing Series 90-70 systems.

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