ABB IC697BEM731 – Bus Controller Module | Series 90-70 Remote I/O Platform
Engineering Background: In a distributed control architecture, the bus controller is the nerve center that keeps every remote I/O rack synchronized with the central PLC. When an IC697BEM731 fails or goes missing from a Series 90-70 system, the entire remote I/O segment goes dark — field signals stop updating, interlocks lose their feedback, and operators are left flying blind. Production lines halt, safety systems escalate to manual override, and maintenance teams face mounting pressure to restore communications within minutes, not hours. There is no software workaround; the physical module must be present and functional for the bus to operate.
Product Positioning: The ABB IC697BEM731 is the dedicated Bus Controller Module for the GE Fanuc / ABB Series 90-70 Remote I/O subsystem. It occupies the master slot of a remote I/O rack and manages all token-passing communications between the host CPU rack and distributed I/O expansion racks over the Series 90-70 Remote I/O bus. As one of the core connectivity modules in the 90-70 family — a platform that has powered heavy industry, utilities, and process manufacturing worldwide for decades — the IC697BEM731 remains an essential spare and replacement part for facilities running legacy 90-70 infrastructure.
Complete Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: ABB (formerly GE Fanuc / GE Intelligent Platforms)
- Part Number: IC697BEM731
- Module Type: Bus Controller Module (Remote I/O Master)
- Compatible Platform: Series 90-70 Remote I/O
- Bus Protocol: Series 90-70 Remote I/O Token-Passing Bus
- Rack Compatibility: Series 90-70 Remote I/O Expansion Racks
- Communication Role: Remote I/O Bus Master — manages token passing and I/O data exchange
- Power Consumption: Supplied by rack backplane power supply
- Form Factor: Single-slot Series 90-70 module
- Weight: Approx. 500 g
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (standard industrial range)
- Certifications: UL Listed; CE Marked (per original OEM specification)
Note: All specifications are based on published OEM documentation. Konmask does not fabricate or alter technical parameters.
Proven Application Environments
- Power Generation & Utilities: Turbine control, boiler management, and substation automation running Series 90-70 distributed I/O
- Oil & Gas Processing: Wellhead control panels and pipeline SCADA systems with remote rack expansions
- Automotive Manufacturing: Body-in-white assembly lines and paint shop conveyors using 90-70 remote I/O for distributed motor and valve control
- Chemical & Petrochemical Plants: Reactor control and batch processing systems requiring reliable remote I/O bus integrity
- Water & Wastewater Treatment: Pump station remote I/O racks communicating back to central 90-70 CPUs
- Pulp & Paper Mills: Distributed drive and actuator control across large plant footprints
- Food & Beverage Production: Legacy 90-70 lines requiring ongoing spare parts support
Engineering Advantages
- Drop-in Replacement: Direct hardware replacement for existing IC697BEM731 installations — no firmware changes or re-engineering required
- Bus Integrity: Maintains deterministic token-passing timing critical for real-time I/O updates in safety-sensitive processes
- Proven Longevity: Series 90-70 platform has demonstrated multi-decade service life in harsh industrial environments
- Broad I/O Compatibility: Works with the full range of Series 90-70 discrete and analog I/O modules in remote racks
- Simplified Diagnostics: Onboard status indicators allow field technicians to quickly verify bus communication health without additional test equipment
- Inventory Value: Stocking a spare IC697BEM731 eliminates extended downtime risk from single-point-of-failure bus controller loss
System Architecture & Signal Flow
In a typical Series 90-70 distributed I/O architecture, the host CPU rack communicates with one or more remote I/O racks via a dedicated coaxial or twisted-pair bus. The IC697BEM731 Bus Controller Module resides in the remote rack and acts as the local bus master for that segment. It receives token-passing frames from the CPU rack’s bus transmitter, coordinates I/O data exchange with all modules in its rack, and returns updated process data upstream. This architecture allows the 90-70 system to scale across large plant footprints while maintaining centralized PLC logic execution.
Compatible system components include: Series 90-70 CPU modules (IC697CPUxxx), Series 90-70 power supplies (IC697PWRxxx), Series 90-70 discrete I/O modules (IC697MDLxxx), Series 90-70 analog I/O modules (IC697ALGxxx), and Series 90-70 remote I/O expansion racks.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Genuine Parts: Konmask sources IC697BEM731 modules from verified industrial surplus channels, authorized distributors, and decommissioned plant inventories — never from unverified grey-market sources
- Pre-shipment Inspection: Each unit undergoes visual inspection for physical damage, connector integrity, and label authenticity before dispatch
- Functional Testing: Where test equipment is available, modules are bench-tested for basic power-up and communication response
- Traceability: Lot and serial number records are maintained for all stocked units
- Packaging: Anti-static packaging with foam cushioning to prevent transit damage to sensitive bus interface circuitry
Procurement Process
- Submit Inquiry: Contact us via the on-page inquiry form or email support@konmask.com with your required quantity and delivery timeline
- Stock Confirmation: Our team verifies current stock availability and condition within 1 business day
- Quotation: Receive a formal quotation including unit price, lead time, and shipping options (DHL / FedEx / sea freight)
- Order Confirmation: Approve the quotation and confirm your shipping address and payment terms
- Dispatch & Tracking: Module is packed, dispatched, and a tracking number is provided within 2 business days of payment confirmation
- After-sales Support: Konmask provides post-delivery technical support for installation and integration questions
Technical FAQ
Q: Is the IC697BEM731 compatible with all Series 90-70 remote I/O racks?
A: Yes. The IC697BEM731 is designed for use in Series 90-70 Remote I/O expansion racks and is compatible with the standard 90-70 remote I/O bus architecture.
Q: Can the IC697BEM731 be used as a CPU rack module?
A: No. The IC697BEM731 is a remote I/O bus controller for expansion racks only. It is not a CPU or communications coprocessor for the host rack.
Q: Do I need to reconfigure my PLC program after replacing the IC697BEM731?
A: In most cases, a direct module swap does not require PLC program changes, provided the replacement module is the same part number and the rack configuration is unchanged. Always verify with your system integrator.
Q: What is the lead time for the IC697BEM731?
A: Lead time depends on current stock levels. In-stock units typically ship within 2 business days. Contact us for real-time availability.
Q: Does Konmask provide a warranty on this module?
A: Yes. Konmask provides a standard 90-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for all shipped modules. Extended warranty options are available upon request.
Q: Can Konmask supply multiple units for a plant-wide spare parts program?
A: Yes. We support bulk and blanket orders for MRO and spare parts programs. Contact us to discuss volume pricing and scheduled delivery arrangements.
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