GE IC697CPU731 Fixed Memory CPU Module – Series 90-70 Programmable Controller
When a CPU module fails mid-shift on a Series 90-70 rack, the consequences are immediate and measurable: production lines halt, safety interlocks go into undefined states, and maintenance teams face the pressure of sourcing a compatible replacement without disrupting validated control logic. The IC697CPU731 is not a generic processor — it is the specific fixed-memory CPU that the Series 90-70 backplane expects, with a defined memory map, ladder logic execution engine, and I/O scan cycle that the rest of the system is built around. No substitute can be dropped in without re-engineering the program architecture.
Within the Series 90-70 CPU family, the IC697CPU731 occupies the fixed-memory tier — a deliberate design choice for applications where program integrity and deterministic scan times matter more than runtime expandability. Introduced as part of GE Fanuc’s flagship rack-based PLC platform, the Series 90-70 became the backbone of heavy industrial automation across North America, Europe, and Asia through the 1990s and 2000s. Tens of thousands of these systems remain in active service today in power generation, automotive assembly, and chemical processing facilities, making the IC697CPU731 one of the most consistently demanded legacy CPU modules in the global MRO market.
Technical Specifications
Electrical
- Supply Voltage: 5 VDC (supplied via Series 90-70 backplane)
- Power Consumption: Refer to GE publication GFK-0356 for rack power budget
- Logic Solver: 32-bit processor architecture
- Program Memory: Fixed internal RAM (non-expandable)
- Data Memory: Fixed internal allocation
- I/O Points Supported: Up to 2,048 discrete I/O (system-dependent)
- Communication Ports: Serial port for programming and HMI connectivity
Mechanical
- Form Factor: Single-slot Series 90-70 VME-based module
- Weight: 600 g (approximate)
- Connector: Series 90-70 backplane edge connector
- Mounting: Rack-mount, compatible with IC697CHS750, IC697CHS782, IC697CHS790 and related chassis
Environmental
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
- Vibration: Per IEC 68-2-6
- Shock: Per IEC 68-2-27
Certifications & Standards
- UL Listed
- CE Marked (EMC Directive)
- Compliant with IEC 61131-2 (Programmable Controllers — Hardware Requirements)
- FCC Part 15 Class A
Key Features & Benefits
- Fixed Memory Architecture — Eliminates memory card dependency and associated failure modes; program resides in onboard RAM backed by lithium battery, reducing unplanned downtime risk in high-cycle applications.
- Deterministic Scan Cycle — Delivers consistent I/O scan performance critical for synchronized multi-axis motion and timed process control; scan jitter remains within IEC 61131-2 tolerances under full I/O load.
- Direct Backplane Compatibility — Slots into any Series 90-70 chassis without adapter hardware, preserving existing rack wiring and I/O module investments — a direct cost avoidance of rack replacement projects that can exceed $15,000 USD per line.
- Serial Programming Port — Supports Logicmaster 90-70 and Proficy Machine Edition programming environments via RS-232, allowing engineers to upload/download programs without additional communication modules.
- Battery-Backed RAM Retention — Program and data memory retained through power loss events; battery life typically exceeds 5 years under normal operating conditions, reducing maintenance intervention frequency.
- Long-Term MRO Availability — As a documented GE Fanuc part number with stable demand across installed base, IC697CPU731 units are available through authorized distributors and qualified MRO suppliers, supporting IEC 62402 obsolescence management strategies.
Industry & Equipment Applications
- Power Generation — Turbine governor auxiliary control, boiler feedwater pump sequencing, and auxiliary equipment monitoring in coal, gas, and hydro plants where Series 90-70 systems were specified in original plant design.
- Automotive Assembly — Body-in-white welding line control, paint shop conveyor sequencing, and press transfer automation in facilities that standardized on GE Fanuc PLC platforms during the 1990s–2000s build-out.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Processing — Batch reactor sequencing, valve manifold control, and safety interlock logic in SIL-rated applications where the existing validated program cannot be migrated without full re-qualification.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — Pump station control, aeration basin management, and SCADA interface in municipal facilities operating legacy GE-based SCADA architectures.
- Pulp & Paper — Digester control, stock preparation sequencing, and dryer section coordination in mills where Series 90-70 racks control multiple process zones from a single CPU.
- Mining & Minerals Processing — Conveyor drive sequencing, crusher control, and flotation cell management in remote sites where system stability and parts availability outweigh migration cost justification.
System Integration & Compatible Parts
Compatible Chassis (upstream): IC697CHS750 (5-slot), IC697CHS782 (9-slot), IC697CHS790 (9-slot with fan), IC697CHS791
Compatible Power Supplies: IC697PWR710, IC697PWR711, IC697PWR724, IC697PWR748
Compatible I/O Modules (downstream): IC697MDL340, IC697MDL341, IC697MDL653, IC697ALG230, IC697ALG320 and full Series 90-70 I/O catalog
Programming Software: Logicmaster 90-70 (legacy), Proficy Machine Edition 9.x with Series 90-70 target
Communication Modules: IC697CMM711 (Ethernet), IC697CMM721 (Genius Bus Controller)
Functional Equivalents & Substitution Notes:
- IC697CPU771 — Higher-memory CPU in the same family; drop-in compatible at the hardware level, but program re-download required; verify memory map compatibility before substitution.
- IC697CPU781 — Expanded memory variant; compatible chassis and backplane, but firmware version differences may affect specific function block behavior — validate with GE documentation GFK-0356 before deployment.
- Cross-brand substitution (e.g., Siemens S7-400, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix) requires full system re-engineering and is not a direct replacement scenario.
Our Quality Assurance Process
Every IC697CPU731 unit shipped from Konmask.com passes through a four-stage verification process before dispatch:
- Visual & Physical Inspection — Board-level examination for corrosion, damaged traces, bent connector pins, and component integrity. Units with evidence of field repair or unauthorized modification are rejected at this stage.
- Functional Power-On Test — Module is seated in a Series 90-70 test rack, powered up, and verified to complete self-diagnostics without fault codes. CPU LED status patterns are confirmed against GE reference documentation.
- Program Load & Execution Verification — A reference ladder logic program is downloaded via serial port and executed through multiple scan cycles to confirm memory read/write integrity and I/O scan function.
- Final Documentation & Packaging — Unit is assigned a test record, photographed, and packaged in anti-static bag with foam insert. ESD precautions are maintained throughout handling.
Available Documentation on Request: Test report, product photographs (pre-shipment), GE original datasheet reference, certificate of conformance, packing list with serial number.
How to Order
- Submit Your Inquiry — Use the contact form on this page or email support@konmask.com with your required quantity, delivery timeline, and destination country. Include your application details if you need compatibility confirmation.
- Receive Your Quote — Our technical team reviews every inquiry and responds within 24 hours with pricing, lead time, and shipping options. We confirm unit availability and condition before quoting.
- Confirm & Ship — Upon order confirmation, units are prepared, tested, documented, and dispatched with full tracking. Export documentation is provided for international shipments.
Why Choose Konmask.com?
- Technical Verification Before Every Sale — We do not list and ship without testing. Every module is functionally verified in a live Series 90-70 rack before it leaves our facility.
- Specialist Focus on Industrial Automation MRO — Our inventory and expertise are concentrated on PLC, DCS, and drive components — not a general electronics catalog. This means faster identification of compatible parts and accurate substitution guidance.
- Transparent Condition Reporting — We clearly state whether a unit is new-surplus, refurbished, or tested-used, and provide pre-shipment photographs on request. No surprises on arrival.
- Export-Ready Documentation — We handle commercial invoices, packing lists, and country-of-origin documentation for international B2B buyers, reducing customs clearance friction.
- Responsive Technical Support — Our team includes engineers with hands-on Series 90-70 experience. If you have a compatibility question or need help identifying the right part, we answer with specifics — not generic catalog descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the GE IC697CPU731 compatible with all Series 90-70 chassis models, and does it require any firmware configuration before installation?
A: The IC697CPU731 is mechanically and electrically compatible with all standard Series 90-70 VME chassis, including the IC697CHS750, IC697CHS782, and IC697CHS790. No firmware configuration is required at the hardware level — the CPU initializes from its onboard ROM on power-up. However, you will need to download your application program via Logicmaster 90-70 or Proficy Machine Edition before the system enters RUN mode. Confirm your programming software version supports the IC697CPU731 target before installation.
Q: What is the difference between the IC697CPU731 fixed memory CPU and the IC697CPU771 expandable memory CPU for Series 90-70 applications?
A: The IC697CPU731 uses fixed onboard RAM for both program and data storage, making it suitable for applications with stable, defined program sizes where memory expansion is not required. The IC697CPU771 supports additional memory expansion modules, providing greater capacity for large ladder programs or extensive data table requirements. Both CPUs are backplane-compatible and use the same programming interface, but they are not interchangeable without re-downloading the application program. For most legacy maintenance scenarios, the IC697CPU731 is the correct like-for-like replacement.
Q: Can I use the GE IC697CPU731 as a direct replacement in a running production line, and what is the recommended changeover procedure to minimize downtime?
A: Yes, the IC697CPU731 can be used as a direct hardware replacement in an existing Series 90-70 system. The recommended procedure is: (1) back up the existing program from the current CPU using your programming terminal before removal; (2) power down the rack following your site lockout/tagout procedure; (3) seat the replacement IC697CPU731 and restore power; (4) download the backed-up program via serial port; (5) verify I/O status in STOP mode before returning to RUN. Total changeover time for a prepared maintenance team is typically under 30 minutes. Contact our team if you need application-specific guidance.
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