The GE IC697BEM731 is a Genius Bus I/O Bus Controller Module for GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems. It is designed to manage high-speed communication between the PLC CPU and distributed Genius I/O devices across an industrial network.
This module plays a critical role in distributed control architectures, enabling reliable data exchange, remote I/O scanning, and system-wide coordination. It is widely used in large-scale automation systems where long-distance, multi-device communication is required with high stability and deterministic performance.
Technical Specifications
The IC697BEM731 provides robust industrial communication for Genius Bus networks.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | IC697BEM731 |
| Product Type | Genius Bus I/O Controller Module |
| Series | GE Fanuc Series 90-70 |
| Function | Bus control / distributed I/O communication |
| Protocol | GE Genius Bus (proprietary) |
| Device Capacity | Up to 30 devices per channel |
| Data Rates | 38.4 / 76.8 / 153.5 Kbaud |
| Communication Distance | Up to 7,500 ft (depending on baud rate) |
| Power Supply | 5 V DC (backplane powered) |
| Backplane Current | ~1.3 A |
| Ports | Bus port + Hand-Held Monitor (HHM) port |
| Diagnostics | LED status indicators |
| Configuration | Software-based (CPU configured) |
The module supports global data exchange, redundancy functions, and PLC alarm integration for advanced system diagnostics. (dosupply.com)
Physical Dimensions & Weight
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | Approx. 292 mm × 230 mm × 50 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.5 kg – 2.0 kg (varies by revision/packaging) (unisgroup.com) |
Its standard single-slot rack design ensures easy integration into GE Series 90-70 PLC chassis systems.
Recommended Related Models
For a complete distributed control system, IC697BEM731 is commonly used with:
- GE IC697CPU772 Central Processing Unit
- GE IC697BEM711 Bus Receiver Module
- GE IC697BEM713 Bus Transmitter Module
- GE IC697CHS790 Rack Chassis
- GE IC697PWR711 Power Supply Module
These modules together enable scalable multi-rack and distributed Genius Bus architectures.
Popular GE Series 90-70 Modules
- IC697CPU780 – High-performance PLC CPU
- IC697MDL740 – Digital input module
- IC697MDL750 – Digital output module
- IC697ALG230 – Analog input module
- IC697CMM711 – Communication processor module
These components are widely used in long-life industrial automation and SCADA systems.
