GE IC697VDD100

Product Description

The GE IC697VDD100 is a VMEbus-based CPU module that represents the high-end processing option within the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC family. This specific unit, GE IC697VDD100, is equipped with a 100 MHz processor and integrated floating-point math capabilities, making it suitable for complex control applications requiring intensive mathematical calculations and fast scan times. Designed for use in the Series 90-70 rack system, the GE IC697VDD100 supports up to 8K of discrete I/O and 512 analog I/O points, providing exceptional scalability for large automation projects. The module features a built floating-point coprocessor, extensive user memory, and multiple communication ports, enabling seamless integration with host computers, HMIs, and distributed I/O networks. For facilities requiring high-speed processing, advanced data handling, and the proven reliability of the Series 90-70 platform, the GE IC697VDD100 represents a premium solution.

Technical Parameters

• Model Number: GE IC697VDD100

• Series: Series 90-70 PLC

• Processor Speed: 100 MHz

• Memory: 256 KB user RAM (expandable with memory expansion modules)

• Discrete I/O Capacity: Up to 8K points (local and remote)

• Analog I/O Capacity: Up to 512 points

• Floating-Point Math: Integrated floating-point coprocessor (standard)

• Communication Ports:

  • 1 x RS-232/RS-485 (programming/communication port)

  • 1 x RS-485 (serial communication)

• Backplane: VMEbus (compatible with Series 90-70 racks)

• Scan Time: Approximately 0.5 ms per 1K of logic (typical)

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C

• Firmware: Flash-based for field upgrades

Advantages & Features

• High-Speed Processing: The 100 MHz processor in the GE IC697VDD100 delivers exceptional scan times, enabling fast response to I/O events and supporting complex control algorithms that would challenge slower processors. This performance is critical for applications requiring tight synchronization between multiple axes or high-speed material handling.

• Integrated Floating-Point Math: Unlike lower-tier Series 90-70 processors, the GE IC697VDD100 includes a built-in floating-point coprocessor as standard, allowing efficient execution of complex mathematical operations such as PID loops, trigonometric functions, and engineering unit conversions without performance degradation.

• VMEbus Architecture: The GE IC697VDD100 leverages the industry-standard VMEbus backplane architecture, providing exceptional flexibility for integrating third-party VME modules, including specialized motion controllers, vision systems, and high-speed communication interfaces, alongside standard Series 90-70 I/O.

• Extensive I/O Capacity: Supporting up to 8K discrete I/O points, the GE IC697VDD100 is well-suited for large-scale applications such as entire production lines, water treatment plants, or material handling facilities requiring extensive distributed I/O networks.

• Flash Firmware Storage: The GE IC697VDD100 utilizes flash memory for firmware storage, allowing field upgrades without requiring EPROM replacement. This simplifies maintenance and ensures that the processor can be updated to support new features or I/O modules without hardware modifications.

• Comprehensive Diagnostics: The CPU features extensive self-diagnostics, including watchdog timer, memory verification, and communication health monitoring, with LED status indicators for rapid fault identification.

Application Cases & Fields

The GE IC697VDD100 is extensively deployed in large-scale industrial applications requiring high performance and extensive I/O capacity:

• Automotive Manufacturing: Used in body shops, paint lines, and final assembly areas to coordinate hundreds of robots, conveyors, and process stations. The GE IC697VDD100 provides the scan speed and I/O capacity necessary to manage these complex, high-throughput environments.

• Water & Wastewater Treatment: Deployed in large municipal water treatment facilities and pumping stations to manage thousands of I/O points across distributed treatment processes, from intake screening to final discharge.

• Material Handling & Logistics: Installed in large distribution centers, airport baggage handling systems, and postal sorting facilities, where the GE IC697VDD100 provides the processing power to manage high-speed sortation systems and extensive conveyor networks.

• Metal Processing: Utilized in steel mills, aluminum rolling mills, and metal processing lines to coordinate complex sequencing, tension control, and temperature regulation across multiple process stages.

• Power Generation: Deployed in fossil fuel power plants and combined cycle facilities for boiler control, turbine supervisory systems, and balance-of-plant management.

Comparison with Competing Products

When compared to similar large-scale PLC processors from other manufacturers, the GE IC697VDD100 offers distinct advantages within its application domain:

• vs. Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 1756-L6x Series: The ControlLogix platform offers modern tag-based programming and integrated motion control. However, the GE IC697VDD100 provides exceptional value for facilities with existing Series 90-70 infrastructure, offering direct drop-in replacement capability without requiring re-engineering of I/O racks, termination panels, or field wiring. For legacy facilities, the GE IC697VDD100 preserves significant capital investment while delivering competitive processing performance.

• vs. Siemens S7-400 Series: The Siemens S7-400 is a powerful platform with extensive communication options. The GE IC697VDD100 competes by offering superior VMEbus integration capabilities, allowing users to incorporate specialized third-party VME modules that are not available in the Siemens ecosystem. Additionally, the GE IC697VDD100 is often more cost-effective for applications requiring large quantities of discrete I/O.

• vs. Modicon Quantum 140 CPU 6xx Series: The Modicon Quantum platform is well-established in process industries. The GE IC697VDD100 offers faster processing speeds and a more extensive installed base in North American discrete manufacturing sectors. For automotive and material handling applications, the GE IC697VDD100 is frequently the preferred choice due to its historical dominance in these markets.

Selection Suggestions & Precautions

When selecting the GE IC697VDD100 for your system, consider the following:

1. Verify Rack Compatibility: The GE IC697VDD100 is designed for use in Series 90-70 racks (such as IC697CHS7xx series). Ensure that your rack has adequate slots and that the backplane revision supports this CPU module. Some early revision racks may have limitations that affect CPU compatibility.

2. Confirm Memory Requirements: While the GE IC697VDD100 includes 256 KB of user RAM as standard, complex applications with extensive data logging, recipe management, or large ladder logic programs may require additional memory. Evaluate your application’s memory requirements and consider memory expansion modules (such as IC697MEM717) if necessary.

3. Power Supply Capacity: The GE IC697VDD100 draws significant current from the rack backplane. When adding this CPU to an existing Series 90-70 system, calculate the total power consumption of all modules against the capacity of the rack power supply (such as IC697PWR711 or IC697PWR724). Overloading the power supply can cause intermittent faults or complete system shutdown.

4. Firmware Version Compatibility: When replacing an existing GE IC697VDD100, ensure that the replacement unit has firmware compatible with your programming software (such as VersaPro or Proficy Machine Edition) and with any existing application code. Mismatched firmware can cause communication errors or require code modifications.

5. Programming Software Requirements: The GE IC697VDD100 requires appropriate programming software versions. VersaPro 2.0 or later, or Proficy Machine Edition 5.0 or later, typically support this CPU. Verify software compatibility before commissioning to avoid delays.

6. Battery Backup: The GE IC697VDD100 requires a battery (typically IC697ACC701 or equivalent) to maintain user memory during power-down cycles. Ensure that the battery is fresh and properly installed. A failed battery can result in loss of the application program during extended power outages.

7. Environmental Considerations: Although the GE IC697VDD100 is rated for industrial environments, ensure adequate ventilation within the control cabinet. High-density configurations may require forced cooling to maintain operating temperatures within the 0°C to 60°C specification.