The GE IC697BEM741 is a FIP Bus Controller (FBC) module designed for GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems. It enables the PLC to connect to a 1 Mbit FIP / WorldFIP fieldbus network, allowing high-speed communication with distributed I/O devices and remote automation stations.
This module is a key component in industrial fieldbus architectures, providing deterministic communication between PLC systems and large-scale remote I/O networks. It is widely used in complex automation environments requiring reliable, real-time data exchange across multiple devices and subsystems.
Technical Specifications
The IC697BEM741 delivers robust fieldbus communication and multi-device control capability.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | IC697BEM741 |
| Product Type | FIP Bus Controller Module |
| Series | GE Fanuc Series 90-70 |
| Fieldbus Type | FIP / WorldFIP (EN50170) |
| Communication Speed | 1.0 Mbit/s |
| Device Capacity | Up to 128 field devices |
| Channels | Dual-channel FIP bus |
| Function | Remote I/O scanning + data exchange |
| Protocol Support | FIP, WorldFIP |
| Power Supply | 5 V DC (backplane powered) |
| Backplane Current | ~1.3 A |
| Diagnostics | LED status indicators + reset button |
| Configuration | Software-based (Logicmaster 90-70 / CIMPLICITY) |
The module independently manages fieldbus scanning, reducing CPU load and improving system responsiveness.
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) |
Its standard Series 90-70 single-slot design ensures direct installation into IC697 PLC racks without mechanical modification.
Recommended Related Models
For a complete distributed fieldbus system, IC697BEM741 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 form a scalable GE Series 90-70 fieldbus control architecture.
Popular GE Series 90-70 Modules
- IC697CPU780 – High-performance PLC CPU
- IC697MDL740 – Digital input module
- IC697MDL750 – Digital output module
- IC697ALG230 – Analog input module
- IC697CMM741 – Communication module
These modules are widely used in legacy industrial automation and SCADA systems.
