Description

GE IC697CMN742-HT – High-Temperature Industrial PLC Communication Module

Product Description

Product Parameters

1. Module Type: High-temperature industrial communication module, exclusive to GE Series 90-70 PLCs
2. Supported Protocols: Native support for Modbus RTU, Ethernet/IP, and GE Genius Bus, optimized for thermal stability
3. Communication Ports: 1 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet port (RJ45, thermal-resistant connector) + 1 x RS-485 serial port (for Modbus RTU)
4. Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) – specialized high-temperature tolerance (exceeding standard 70°C limits)
5. Storage Temperature Range: -55°C to 100°C (-67°F to 212°F), ensuring durability during transportation and idle periods
6. PLC Compatibility: Fully compatible with GE Series 90-70 CPU modules (IC697CPU731, IC697CPU780, IC697CPU790) and Series 90-70 chassis (IC697CHS790)
7. Power Consumption: 2.8 W (typical) at 24 VDC input, 3.5 W (max), energy-efficient for continuous high-temperature operation
8. Physical Dimensions: 110 mm × 80 mm × 130 mm (4.33 in × 3.15 in × 5.12 in), DIN rail mountable (EN 50022 standard)
9. Certifications: UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2, ATEX (Zone 2), and IEEE 802.3 compliant, with additional high-temperature material certifications
10. Operating Humidity: 5% – 95% (non-condensing), adaptable to humid high-heat environments
11. Thermal Protection: Built-in temperature monitoring and overload protection to prevent overheating
12. Mechanical Protection: IP20 dust protection rating, with a rugged ceramic-reinforced plastic chassis (heat-resistant up to 100°C)

Advantages and Features

1. Specialized High-Temperature Tolerance: The GE IC697CMN742-HT operates reliably up to 85°C, outperforming standard modules (limited to 70°C) and eliminating the need for costly cooling systems in high-heat areas like furnace zones and refinery process units.
2. Multi-Protocol Seamless Connectivity: Native support for three key industrial protocols enables integration with both modern Ethernet networks and legacy serial devices, simplifying system architecture and reducing the need for additional gateways.
3. Thermal-Resistant Components: Ceramic-reinforced chassis, high-temperature connectors, and heat-dissipating circuitry ensure the GE IC697CMN742-HT maintains signal integrity and structural stability even under prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
4. Seamless Series 90-70 Integration: Plug-and-play compatibility with all Series 90-70 hardware and software minimizes deployment time, allowing for easy upgrades of existing high-temperature control systems without redesign.
5. Reliable Industrial-Grade Protection: Built-in temperature monitoring, surge protection, and ESD resistance (±8 kV contact, ±15 kV air) safeguard the module against harsh conditions, extending its service life (MTBF exceeding 120,000 hours).
6. Dual-Port Flexibility: The combination of Ethernet and RS-485 ports supports hybrid network setups, making the GE IC697CMN742-HT versatile for both new installations and retrofits of legacy high-temperature systems.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Steel Mill Furnace Control: A global steel manufacturer deployed the GE IC697CMN742-HT in its blast furnace control systems, where ambient temperatures regularly reach 80°C. The module connected PLCs to temperature sensors, gas analyzers, and a central SCADA system via Ethernet/IP, ensuring real-time monitoring of molten iron production and reducing process downtime by 22%.
2. Oil Refinery Heater Management: An oil refinery integrated the GE IC697CMN742-HT into its crude oil heater control units, leveraging Modbus RTU to link PLCs with flow meters and temperature transmitters in the heater bay (operating at 78°C). The module’s high-temperature tolerance eliminated frequent module failures, cutting maintenance costs by 30%.
3. Glass Manufacturing: A specialty glass producer used the GE IC697CMN742-HT in its glass melting furnace control system, where near-furnace temperatures exceed 82°C. The module’s Ethernet port enabled data transmission to a cloud-based analytics platform, optimizing furnace temperature profiles and improving glass quality consistency by 18%.
4. Metallurgical Processing: A copper smelting plant adopted the GE IC697CMN742-HT for its smelter control systems, using the RS-485 port to communicate with legacy process controllers and the Ethernet port to connect to a modern MES. The module’s durability in 85°C smelter environments ensured 24/7 operation, reducing unplanned shutdowns by 25%.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Suggestions

1. Prioritize High-Heat Environments: Choose the GE IC697CMN742-HT for applications where ambient temperatures exceed 70°C (e.g., furnaces, smelters, refinery heaters), as standard modules 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 PLCs, ensuring seamless integration and full access to GE’s technical support for high-temperature system optimization.
3. Evaluate Protocol Needs: Opt for the GE IC697CMN742-HT if your setup requires both Ethernet/IP and Modbus RTU, avoiding the need for additional modules in space-constrained high-heat control cabinets.
4. Legacy System Retrofits: Use this module to upgrade aging communication modules in legacy high-temperature systems, as its dual ports support both existing serial devices and modern digital platforms.

Precautions

1. Temperature Monitoring: Regularly check ambient temperatures around the GE IC697CMN742-HT to ensure they stay within the -40°C to 85°C range; avoid direct exposure to open flames or molten materials.
2. Connector Maintenance: Inspect Ethernet and RS-485 connectors periodically for heat-induced wear or corrosion; use high-temperature-rated cables to maintain signal integrity.
3. Static and Surge Protection: Use anti-static wristbands when handling the module during installation (critical in dry, high-heat environments); install surge protectors on all communication lines to prevent voltage spikes.
4. Power Supply Stability: Connect to a regulated 24 VDC power supply with overvoltage protection, as voltage fluctuations in high-heat environments can damage the module’s thermal-sensitive components.
5. Firmware Updates: Update firmware via GE’s official software to enhance thermal performance and security—never use unapproved firmware, which may compromise high-temperature stability.

IC697CMN742-HT