Description

GE IC698CHS217 – Compact High-Performance Control Head Station for RX3i PLC

Product Description

Product Parameters

Advantages and Features

1. Compact 7-Slot Configuration: The GE IC698CHS217 packs 7 full-size slots into a 3U height rack, maximizing I/O capacity while minimizing the footprint in space-constrained control cabinets—ideal for small manufacturing cells, compact machinery, and distributed control nodes.
2. Gigabit High-Speed Backplane: The 32-bit serial backplane delivers 1 Gbps data transfer speed, ensuring real-time synchronization between CPU modules, I/O modules, and communication modules, eliminating latency in time-sensitive applications like robotic assembly and precision process control.
3. Flexible Power Supply Support: Compatible with both RX3i non-redundant and redundant power supplies, the GE IC698CHS217 adapts to diverse application requirements—from cost-sensitive small systems to mission-critical setups requiring uninterrupted power.
4. Seamless RX3i Ecosystem Integration: Fully compatible with all RX3i modules (CPU, I/O, communication, accessory), the control head station requires no custom firmware or adapters, enabling plug-and-play installation and reducing configuration errors for maintenance teams.
5. Industrial-Grade Ruggedness: Constructed with a reinforced steel chassis and corrosion-resistant materials, the module withstands extreme temperatures (-40°C to 75°C), vibration, and electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliability in harsh environments like outdoor utility stations and manufacturing shops.
6. User-Friendly Maintenance Design: Features tool-less module insertion, clear slot labeling, and accessible backplane connectors, streamlining installation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance to minimize operational downtime.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Electronics Precision Manufacturing: A global electronics OEM deployed the GE IC698CHS217 in its SMT (Surface Mount Technology) line RX3i PLC systems. The 7-slot configuration accommodated a CPU module, 3 digital I/O modules, 2 analog modules, and 1 communication module, powering 12+ pick-and-place robots while saving 40% of control cabinet space compared to larger racks.
2. Small-Scale Water Treatment Plant: A regional water authority integrated the GE IC698CHS217 into its pump station PLCs to control filtration systems, chemical dosing, and flow monitoring. The compact design fit into the plant’s limited equipment room, while the gigabit backplane ensured fast data transmission between sensors and the central SCADA system.
3. Automated Packaging Machinery: A food and beverage manufacturer used the GE IC698CHS217 to upgrade its packaging line PLCs, housing modules for product detection, sealing control, and labeling. The control head station’s compatibility with redundant power supplies prevented downtime during power fluctuations, reducing production losses by 22% annually.
4. Renewable Energy Microgrid: A solar energy company deployed the GE IC698CHS217 in its microgrid control PLCs to manage inverter operations, battery storage, and grid connectivity. The compact footprint fit into the microgrid’s outdoor control enclosure, while the rugged design withstood extreme temperature variations, ensuring stable energy distribution.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Selection Suggestions:
   • Choose the GE IC698CHS217 for RX3i PLC systems in space-constrained environments, such as small manufacturing cells, compact machinery, and equipment-limited facilities like microgrids and small water treatment plants.
   • Opt for this control head station if you need flexible power options, as it supports both non-redundant and redundant power supplies to adapt to cost-sensitive or mission-critical requirements.
   • Prioritize the GE IC698CHS217 for harsh environment deployments, thanks to its -40°C to 75°C temperature tolerance and rugged construction that outperforms temperature-sensitive competing models.
2. Precautions:
   • Ensure the unit is mounted in a 19-inch standard industrial rack to maintain structural stability and proper airflow, which is critical for preventing overheating in fully populated configurations.
   • Use only genuine GE RX3i modules and compatible power supplies with the GE IC698CHS217 to avoid backplane communication errors and preserve the product warranty.
   • Regularly inspect the backplane connectors for dust, corrosion, or loose connections, as these can disrupt inter-module communication in industrial environments.
   • Keep the operating temperature within the -40°C to 75°C range; avoid installing the head station in direct sunlight, unventilated enclosures, or areas with excessive moisture.
   • When configuring redundant power supplies, ensure both units are from GE’s RX3i-approved power supply series to guarantee seamless failover functionality.

IC698CHS217