Multi-Rack Expansion Solution – AB IC697BEM711 | Series 90-70
Where This Product Is Used
The IC697BEM711 Bus Receiver is a critical expansion module deployed in GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC architectures wherever the control system must span multiple equipment racks. It is routinely specified in the following industrial environments:
- Automotive Manufacturing: Body-in-white welding lines, paint shop conveyors, and powertrain assembly cells requiring distributed I/O across long distances.
- Oil & Gas Processing: Wellhead control panels, compressor station automation, and pipeline SCADA systems where rack separation is dictated by hazardous-area zoning.
- Power Generation & Utilities: Turbine control, boiler management, and substation automation where I/O is physically distributed across switchgear rooms.
- Pulp & Paper / Chemical Plants: Continuous-process lines with geographically separated field devices requiring a single logical PLC domain.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment: Pump station control and SCADA integration where remote racks must communicate reliably over the Series 90-70 bus.
- Food & Beverage: Packaging lines and batch-process systems with hygienic-zone separation between control and field I/O racks.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | IC697BEM711 |
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc (now Emerson / GE Automation) |
| Series | Series 90-70 PLC |
| Module Type | Bus Receiver (Remote I/O Expansion) |
| Backplane Bus | Series 90-70 VME-based parallel bus |
| Rack Compatibility | IC697CHS750 / IC697CHS782 / IC697CHS790 and compatible 90-70 racks |
| Max Expansion Racks | Up to 7 remote racks per Bus Transmitter (IC697BEM711 paired with IC697BEM731) |
| Communication Distance | Up to 15 m (standard cable) / extended with repeaters |
| Power Consumption | Supplied via rack backplane (5 VDC) |
| Module Weight | 240 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to 85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5 % to 95 % non-condensing |
| Form Factor | Single-slot VME card |
| Firmware | Factory-embedded, field-replaceable EPROM |
Why Engineers Specify This Model
- Seamless Rack Expansion: The IC697BEM711 acts as the receiver end of the Series 90-70 bus extension pair, allowing the CPU rack to address remote I/O racks as if they were local — no additional programming overhead.
- High-Speed Deterministic Communication: The parallel bus architecture delivers low-latency, scan-cycle-synchronous data transfer, critical for tight motion and process control loops.
- Drop-In Replacement: Pin-compatible with the existing Series 90-70 backplane; no rack modification or re-wiring required during maintenance replacement.
- Proven Long-Service Reliability: Designed for 24/7 continuous operation in harsh industrial environments; widely deployed in legacy systems still running after 20+ years.
- Simplified Spare-Parts Strategy: A single SKU covers receiver duties across all compatible 90-70 rack configurations, reducing spare-parts inventory complexity.
Complete System Bill of Materials
A typical Series 90-70 multi-rack expansion system using the IC697BEM711 includes:
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Rack | IC697CHS750 | 9-slot Series 90-70 main rack |
| CPU Module | IC697CPX935 / IC697CPU772 | Series 90-70 central processing unit |
| Bus Transmitter | IC697BEM731 | Installed in CPU rack; drives the expansion bus |
| Bus Receiver | IC697BEM711 | Installed in each remote rack (this product) |
| Remote Rack | IC697CHS782 / IC697CHS790 | 5- or 9-slot expansion rack |
| Power Supply | IC697PWR710 / IC697PWR711 | Series 90-70 rack power supply |
| Bus Expansion Cable | IC697CBL700 / IC697CBL702 | Shielded bus extension cable (specify length) |
| I/O Modules | IC697MDL340 / IC697MDL753 etc. | Discrete or analog I/O as required |
Compliance & Industry Standards
- CE Marking: Compliant with EU Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive (original factory certification).
- UL Listed: UL 508 (Industrial Control Equipment) — original factory listing.
- RoHS: Legacy hardware; consult Konmask for RoHS compliance documentation if required for your project.
- IEC 61131-2: Programmable controller hardware requirements.
- ATEX / IECEx: Not intrinsically safe; install in purged/pressurized enclosures for Zone 2 applications.
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
- All IC697BEM711 units sourced by Konmask undergo a multi-point inspection protocol: visual inspection, board-level continuity check, and functional power-on verification before dispatch.
- Units are supplied with anti-static packaging and individual serial-number traceability records.
- Konmask maintains relationships with authorized distributors and certified refurbishers to ensure authentic, non-counterfeit components.
- A 90-day warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
- Expedited sourcing available for emergency plant-down situations — contact our team for priority fulfillment.
How to Source This Part
- Add to Cart directly on this page for standard lead times.
- Request a Quote for volume orders (5+ units) or project-based procurement — email support@konmask.com.
- Emergency / Plant-Down Orders: Call +0086 19859288691 for same-day response and expedited shipping options.
- Cross-Reference Check: If you are unsure whether IC697BEM711 is the correct part for your rack configuration, share your system layout with our engineers for a free compatibility review.
Application-Specific FAQ
Q: Can I use IC697BEM711 with a Series 90-30 or PACSystems RX7i rack?
A: No. The IC697BEM711 is exclusively compatible with the Series 90-70 backplane bus. It is not interchangeable with Series 90-30 (IC693) or PACSystems RX7i modules.
Q: How many IC697BEM711 receivers can one IC697BEM731 transmitter drive?
A: One transmitter supports up to 7 remote receiver racks in a daisy-chain or star topology, depending on cable length and system configuration.
Q: Is the IC697BEM711 still manufactured new?
A: GE Fanuc has discontinued new production of Series 90-70 hardware. Konmask supplies tested surplus and refurbished units with full functional verification — the most reliable source for ongoing maintenance and spares.
Q: What cable do I need to connect the transmitter to the receiver?
A: Use GE Fanuc bus expansion cables IC697CBL700 (1 m), IC697CBL702 (2 m), or equivalent shielded cables. Konmask can supply cables alongside the module.
Q: Can this module be repaired if it fails?
A: Board-level repair is possible by qualified technicians. Konmask offers exchange/repair services — contact us for a repair quotation before scrapping a failed unit.
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Original Source: https://Konmask.com
Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
