Description

GE IC697BEM742 – High-Performance Backplane Expansion Module for Series 90-70 PLC

Product Description

Product Parameters

Advantages and Features

1. Flexible System Expansion: The GE IC697BEM742 supports up to 3 remote expansion racks, allowing users to extend the I/O capacity of Series 90-70 PLC systems to accommodate growing production lines or additional process monitoring points without replacing the core CPU.
2. Seamless Backplane Communication: Delivers stable 10 Mbps data transfer over the Series 90-70 backplane, ensuring real-time synchronization between the main CPU and expansion modules, eliminating data latency in critical control applications.
3. Strong Legacy Compatibility: Fully compatible with all Series 90-70 hardware, including legacy CPU modules and I/O modules, making the GE IC697BEM742 a cost-effective upgrade option for existing systems instead of costly full system replacements.
4. Plug-and-Play Installation: Requires no complex configuration or custom firmware; the module is automatically recognized by the Series 90-70 CPU once installed, reducing deployment time and minimizing setup errors for maintenance teams.
5. Industrial-Grade Durability: Built to withstand industrial operating conditions, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and mechanical vibration, ensuring long-term reliability in manufacturing, energy, and process control environments.
6. Space-Saving Design: The compact single-slot form factor maximizes space in control cabinets, allowing for dense module configurations without sacrificing airflow or accessibility for maintenance.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Steel Manufacturing Plant: A large steel mill upgraded its legacy Series 90-70 PLC systems with the GE IC697BEM742 to expand I/O capacity for temperature and pressure sensors in blast furnaces. The module supported 3 remote expansion racks, enabling the mill to monitor 200+ additional data points and improve furnace efficiency by 12%.
2. Paper & Pulp Production Line: A paper manufacturer integrated the GE IC697BEM742 into its Series 90-70 PLC to connect remote I/O modules for roller speed control and pulp consistency monitoring. The seamless backplane communication ensured synchronized operation across the production line, reducing paper waste by 15%.
3. Industrial Boiler Control Systems: A regional power plant deployed the GE IC697BEM742 to expand its boiler control PLC, adding expansion racks for fuel flow sensors, steam pressure monitors, and safety interlock modules. The module’s legacy compatibility preserved the plant’s existing hardware investment while meeting new regulatory monitoring requirements.
4. Automotive Parts Stamping Facility: An automotive parts supplier used the GE IC697BEM742 to extend its Series 90-70 PLC system, connecting additional I/O modules for stamping press position control and quality inspection sensors. The flexible expansion allowed the facility to add 2 new production lines without replacing the core PLC infrastructure.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Selection Suggestions:
   • Choose the GE IC697BEM742 for existing Series 90-70 PLC users looking to expand I/O capacity without replacing legacy hardware, especially in manufacturing, power, and process control applications.
   • Opt for this module if you need to connect multiple remote expansion racks (up to 3), as it offers greater scalability than most competing backplane expansion modules.
   • Prioritize the GE IC697BEM742 for projects with budget constraints, as its legacy compatibility avoids the high cost of full PLC system overhauls.
2. Precautions:
   • Ensure the module is installed in a genuine GE Series 90-70 rack to maintain compatibility and avoid communication errors with the CPU and expansion modules.
   • Verify that the Series 90-70 backplane provides stable 5 VDC power to the module, as voltage fluctuations can disrupt data transfer between the main rack and remote racks.
   • Avoid installing the module in environments exceeding the 0°C to 60°C operating temperature range, as extreme temperatures may degrade performance and shorten service life.
   • Regularly inspect the module’s backplane connectors for dust or corrosion, which can cause poor contact and communication failures in industrial environments.
   • Use only GE-approved expansion racks and I/O modules with the GE IC697BEM742 to preserve system stability and avoid voiding the product warranty.

IC697BEM742