Description

GE IC697BEM733 – High-Performance PLC Bus Expansion Module

Product Description

Product Parameters

1. Expansion Type: Genius Bus expansion module, dedicated to GE Series 90-70 PLCs for remote I/O rack connectivity
2. Communication Protocol: Native support for GE Genius Bus, enabling high-speed data transmission between CPU and remote I/O modules
3. Maximum I/O Capacity: Supports up to 8 remote I/O racks, with a total of 1,024 digital I/O points or 256 analog I/O points
4. Transmission Distance: Up to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) between CPU rack and remote racks with standard cabling
5. Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F), suitable for extreme industrial conditions
6. Power Consumption: 3.0 W (typical) at 24 VDC input, 3.6 W (max), energy-efficient for continuous operation
7. Physical Dimensions: 110 mm × 80 mm × 130 mm (4.33 in × 3.15 in × 5.12 in), DIN rail mountable (EN 50022 standard)
8. PLC Compatibility: Fully compatible with GE Series 90-70 CPU modules (IC697CPU731, IC697CPU780) and Genius I/O modules
9. Certifications: UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2, and ATEX compliant, meeting global industrial safety and performance standards
10. Operating Humidity: 5% – 95% (non-condensing), adapting to humid industrial settings
11. Mechanical Protection: IP20 dust protection rating with a rugged plastic chassis

Advantages and Features

1. Extended I/O Scalability: The GE IC697BEM733 supports up to 8 remote I/O racks, allowing users to expand their automation systems to cover large factory floors or distributed process units without replacing the core CPU.
2. Long-Distance Transmission: With a maximum communication distance of 1,200 meters, the module eliminates geographical constraints, ideal for applications like large-scale manufacturing plants or sprawling energy facilities.
3. Reliable Genius Bus Protocol: Optimized for industrial environments, the Genius Bus ensures stable data transmission even in high-electromagnetic-interference (EMI) settings, reducing signal loss and communication errors.
4. Industrial-Grade Durability: A wide operating temperature range and robust construction enable the GE IC697BEM733 to perform consistently in harsh conditions, including oil refineries, mining sites, and outdoor infrastructure.
5. Seamless Series 90-70 Integration: Plug-and-play compatibility with Series 90-70 CPUs and Genius I/O modules simplifies system design and deployment, minimizing downtime during expansion or upgrades.
6. Cost-Effective Expansion: By supporting multiple remote racks, the module reduces the need for additional CPUs, lowering hardware costs while maintaining centralized control over the entire automation system.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Large-Scale Manufacturing Plant: A global automotive parts manufacturer deployed the GE IC697BEM733 in its 50,000-square-meter production facility, using the module to connect 6 remote I/O racks across different assembly lines to a central Series 90-70 CPU. The long-distance transmission capability eliminated signal issues, improving production line synchronization by 28%.
2. Oil and Gas Pipeline Monitoring: An oil and gas company integrated the GE IC697BEM733 into its pipeline control system, leveraging the module to link remote I/O racks at pumping stations with a central PLC. The module’s rugged design withstood outdoor temperature fluctuations and harsh weather, ensuring 24/7 monitoring of pressure and flow rates.
3. Water Treatment Facility: A municipal water treatment plant adopted the GE IC697BEM733 to expand its PLC system, connecting 4 remote I/O racks (equipped with level sensors and pump control modules) to a central CPU. The extended I/O capacity allowed the plant to monitor and control multiple treatment stages simultaneously, reducing operational costs by 15%.
4. Paper Mill Automation: A large paper mill used the GE IC697BEM733 to scale its production line automation, using the module to connect remote I/O racks along the paper-making process (from pulp mixing to rolling). The Genius Bus protocol ensured real-time data exchange, enabling precise control of moisture levels and paper thickness, improving product quality by 22%.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Suggestions

1. Align with GE Series 90-70 Ecosystem: Prioritize the GE IC697BEM733 if your system uses GE Series 90-70 PLCs, as it ensures seamless integration and optimal performance compared to generic expansion modules.
2. Assess Expansion Scale: Choose this module for applications requiring 5-8 remote I/O racks (e.g., large factories, distributed process plants), as it offers greater scalability than competing products.
3. Evaluate Distance Requirements: Opt for the GE IC697BEM733 if remote racks are located over 800 meters from the CPU, as its 1,200-meter transmission range eliminates the need for signal repeaters.
4. Consider Environmental Conditions: Select this module for harsh industrial settings (e.g., outdoor facilities, high-temperature areas) due to its wider operating temperature range compared to competitors.

Precautions

1. Cabling Compliance: Use only GE-recommended Genius Bus cables to ensure maximum transmission distance and signal integrity; avoid mixing with non-certified cables to prevent communication errors.
2. Rack Address Configuration: Assign unique addresses to each remote I/O rack during setup to avoid conflicts; verify address settings via GE’s programming software before system operation.
3. Static Protection: Use anti-static wristbands when handling the GE IC697BEM733 during installation, as electrostatic discharge can damage the module’s sensitive bus communication circuitry.
4. Power Supply Stability: Connect the module to a regulated 24 VDC power supply with surge protection to avoid voltage fluctuations that may cause expansion bus failures or module damage.
5. Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect the module’s connectors and cabling for wear, corrosion, or loose connections; clean connectors with a dry, lint-free cloth to maintain reliable data transmission.

IC697BEM733