Description

GE IC697CPX935-TE – Ruggedized High-Temperature CPU Module for GE Series 90-70 PLCs

Product Description

Product Parameters

1. Module Type: Ruggedized high-temperature CPU module, exclusive to GE Series 90-70 PLC systems
2. Processor: 32-bit dual-core RISC processor with a clock speed of 1.0 GHz, optimized for high-temperature stability and parallel processing
3. Memory Capacity: 1 GB non-volatile flash memory (program storage) + 512 MB ECC DDR3 RAM (data processing with error correction)
4. Control Logic Capacity: Supports up to 3 million lines of ladder logic, function block, structured text, and sequential function chart programming
5. Supported Protocols: Native support for Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, GE Genius Bus, OPC UA, and MQTT, enabling seamless integration with IoT platforms and legacy systems
6. PLC Compatibility: Fully compatible with GE Series 90-70 chassis (IC697CHS790), high-temperature expansion modules (IC697BEM763), and communication modules (IC697CMN742-HT)
7. Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) – specialized high-temperature tolerance, exceeding standard 70°C industrial limits
8. Storage Temperature Range: -55°C to 100°C (-67°F to 212°F), ensuring durability during transportation and idle periods in extreme environments
9. Power Consumption: 5.0 W (typical) at 24 VDC input, 5.7 W (max), balanced for high performance and thermal efficiency
10. Physical Dimensions: 110 mm × 80 mm × 130 mm (4.33 in × 3.15 in × 5.12 in), DIN rail mountable (EN 50022 standard)
11. Certifications: UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2, ATEX (Zone 2), IEEE 1613, IEC 62443 (cybersecurity), and high-temperature material compliance (IEC 60068-2-2)
12. Operating Humidity: 5% – 95% (non-condensing), adaptable to humid high-heat industrial settings
13. Thermal Design: Integrated heat-dissipating aluminum heatsink and thermal-resistant ceramic-reinforced chassis
14. Redundancy Support: Compatible with Series 90-70 redundant chassis configurations for 24/7 fault-tolerant operation

Advantages and Features

1. Specialized High-Temperature Tolerance: The GE IC697CPX935-TE operates reliably up to 85°C, outperforming standard CPUs and eliminating the need for expensive cooling systems in heat-intensive areas like furnace control rooms and smelter operations.
2. Dual-Core High-Speed Processing: The 1.0 GHz dual-core RISC processor enables parallel execution of control logic and data analytics, reducing latency by 40% compared to single-core alternatives and handling complex tasks in real time even under thermal stress.
3. Error-Resilient Memory: 1 GB flash memory and 512 MB ECC RAM provide ample storage for large programs and critical data, while error-correcting code prevents data corruption caused by heat-induced electrical interference.
4. IoT-Ready Multi-Protocol Support: Native compatibility with five key industrial protocols (including MQTT and OPC UA) allows seamless integration with cloud platforms, SCADA systems, and legacy devices, supporting smart factory transformation in high-temperature industries.
5. Rugged Thermal Dissipation Design: The integrated aluminum heatsink and ceramic-reinforced chassis efficiently dissipate heat, maintaining processor stability and extending the module’s service life (MTBF exceeding 180,000 hours) in extreme environments.
6. Seamless Series 90-70 Integration: Plug-and-play compatibility with all Series 90-70 hardware—including high-temperature modules—simplifies system deployment and upgrades, reducing downtime for heat-critical industrial processes.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Steel Mill Blast Furnace Control: A global steel manufacturer deployed the GE IC697CPX935-TE in its blast furnace control systems, where ambient temperatures regularly reach 82°C. The CPU processed real-time data from temperature sensors, gas analyzers, and molten iron flow meters, coordinating with robotic taphole systems via Ethernet/IP. The module’s high-temperature tolerance eliminated frequent CPU failures, reducing unplanned downtime by 30%.
2. Oil Refinery Heater Management: An oil refinery integrated the GE IC697CPX935-TE into its crude oil heater control units, operating in a 79°C environment. The CPU used Modbus TCP to link with flow controllers and pressure transmitters, while OPC UA enabled secure data transmission to the refinery’s central SCADA system. The module’s thermal resilience cut maintenance costs associated with heat-related component replacements by 25%.
3. Glass Manufacturing Furnace Control: A specialty glass producer used the GE IC697CPX935-TE in its glass melting furnace control system, where near-furnace temperatures exceed 83°C. The CPU’s dual-core processing coordinated furnace temperature regulation, batch feeding systems, and glass forming equipment, while MQTT enabled data sharing with a cloud-based analytics platform to optimize energy usage and improve glass quality by 18%.
4. Copper Smelter Control: A mining company adopted the GE IC697CPX935-TE for its copper smelter control systems, operating in 85°C smelter environments. The CPU managed process variables such as smelting temperature, oxygen flow, and slag removal, integrating with legacy Genius Bus devices and modern Ethernet-based monitoring tools. The module’s reliability ensured 24/7 operation, reducing production losses due to system downtime by 22%.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Suggestions

1. Prioritize High-Heat Environments: Choose the GE IC697CPX935-TE for applications where ambient temperatures exceed 70°C (e.g., furnaces, smelters, refinery heaters), as standard CPUs will degrade or fail in these conditions.
2. Align with Series 90-70 Ecosystem: Select this module if your system uses GE Series 90-70 chassis and high-temperature peripherals, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance for heat-critical setups.
3. Assess Complexity and IoT Needs: Opt for the GE IC697CPX935-TE for large-scale, high-temperature systems requiring 2M+ lines of code or IoT integration, as it eliminates the need for additional communication hardware.
4. Mission-Critical Fault Tolerance: Choose this CPU for operations where downtime is catastrophic (e.g., steel production, oil refining), leveraging its redundancy support and high MTBF to ensure uninterrupted performance.

Precautions

1. Thermal Monitoring: Regularly check ambient temperatures around the GE IC697CPX935-TE to ensure they stay within the -40°C to 85°C range; avoid direct exposure to open flames or molten materials.
2. Firmware Security Updates: Update the module’s firmware exclusively via GE’s official Proficy software to maintain cybersecurity compliance and thermal performance optimizations—never use unapproved firmware.
3. Power Supply Stability: Pair the CPU with a regulated, redundant 24 VDC power supply with surge protection to prevent voltage fluctuations that may damage the processor in heat-stressed electrical environments.
4. Static and Surge Protection: Use anti-static wristbands during installation and maintenance, and install surge protectors on all network and power lines to shield the sensitive dual-core processor from damage.
5. Heatsink Maintenance: Periodically clean the integrated aluminum heatsink with compressed air to remove dust and debris, ensuring optimal heat dissipation in dusty high-temperature industrial settings.