GE IC698CHS117C

Description

Product Overview

The GE IC698CHS117C is a critical VME backplane and chassis component for the GE Fanuc RX7i series of high-performance Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC). This unit, part of the VersaMax IC690 family designed for the RX7i, serves as the robust 17-slot chassis that houses the system’s CPU, power supply, and all I/O and specialty modules. The GE IC698CHS117C provides the physical and electrical backbone, ensuring reliable communication and power distribution across all installed components in a large-scale control system.

Key Product Parameters

• Product Type: 17-Slot VME Backplane Chassis

• Compatible System: GE Fanuc (now Emerson) RX7i (PACSystems)

• Number of Slots: 17 total slots (typically for CPU, power supply, and up to 15 I/O or communication modules)

• Bus Architecture: VME64 (VITA 1) backplane for high-speed communication between modules.

• Mounting: Designed for standard 19-inch rack mounting.

• Cooling: Includes integrated cooling fans to maintain optimal operating temperature for all installed modules.

• Power Distribution: Distributes +5VDC logic power and +24VDC I/O field power from the system power supply to all slots via the backplane.

• Compatibility: Houses IC698 series CPUs (e.g., IC698CPE040) and a wide range of IC698 I/O modules.

Advantages and Core Features

The primary advantage of the GE IC698CHS117C is its high-density, industrial-grade design that supports large, complex control strategies within a single chassis. Its VME backplane provides a high-bandwidth, deterministic data pathway, ensuring fast and reliable communication between the CPU and all I/O points. The integrated forced-air cooling is a critical feature for maintaining system reliability in demanding 24/7 operations. The modular and scalable nature of the RX7i system, anchored by a chassis like the IC698CHS117C, allows for significant system expansion without the need for multiple networked controllers, simplifying architecture and programming.

Application Scenarios

This large chassis is deployed in central control applications requiring extensive I/O counts and processing power:

• Water/Wastewater Treatment: Acting as the main controller for a large treatment facility, managing hundreds of I/O points for pumps, valves, clarifiers, and chemical feeds.

• Oil & Gas Midstream: Controlling large compressor stations or pipeline pump stations with extensive monitoring and safety interlocks.

• Power Generation: Managing balance-of-plant systems for coal, gas, or hydroelectric plants.

• Major Material Handling Systems: Controlling large airport baggage handling networks or parcel distribution center sorters.

• Large Manufacturing Lines: Such as automotive assembly or primary metals processing.

Comparison with Competing Products

The GE IC698CHS117C competes with large chassis from other high-end PLC/PAC manufacturers like Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix 1756-A17 chassis) and Siemens (Simatic S7-400 UR2 rack). Its key differentiator is the high-performance VME backplane, which historically offered superior bandwidth compared to some proprietary parallel backplanes. Compared to newer, distributed I/O architectures (like GE’s own RX3i with Ethernet-based backplanes), the IC698CHS117C represents a centralized, high-density approach that remains valued for its deterministic performance and consolidation of control logic.

Selection Guide and Important Notes

Selecting the GE IC698CHS117C is part of designing a large, centralized RX7i system. It is chosen when the required number of I/O and specialty modules exceeds the capacity of smaller (e.g., 5 or 10-slot) chassis.

Important Precautions:

• Power Supply Sizing: The chosen system power supply (e.g., IC698PSD350) must be adequately sized to supply the total current requirements of all modules installed in the IC698CHS117C chassis.

• Thermal Management: Ensure the chassis is installed in an enclosure or cabinet with adequate ambient airflow. Do not block the chassis intake or exhaust vents.

• Slot Configuration: The RX7i system has specific rules for which slots can hold the CPU and power supply. Consult the hardware manual for proper slot placement.

• Module Compatibility: Only IC698-series modules (and certain legacy IC697 modules with adapters) are compatible. Do not mix with other series.

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