Product Core Brief

• Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
• Model: IC697CMM742-DC
• Series: Series 90‑70 PLC
• Core Function: Type 2 Ethernet communications module delivering TCP/IP network connectivity for Series 90‑70 controllers, supporting peer PLC exchange, HMI, and SCADA data transfer over legacy 10 Mbps Ethernet media
• Type: Single-slot rack-mounted communications processor
• Condition: New Original (New Surplus)
• Status: ⚠️ Discontinued OEM production; limited remaining surplus inventory
• Key Spec Highlights: Triple media interfaces (10BaseT RJ45, 10Base2 BNC, AUI), auto media detection, SRTP and EGD protocol support, up to four modules per rack, four front-panel diagnostic LEDs

Key Technical Specifications

• Module Type: Type 2 Ethernet Interface for Series 90‑70
• Network Speed: 10 Mbps IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD Ethernet
• Physical Ports (one active at a time): · 10BaseT RJ‑45 twisted pair · 10Base2 BNC thin coaxial · 15‑pin AUI transceiver port
• Supported Protocols: TCP/IP stack, SRTP, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), compatible with CIMPLICITY and IC641 programming software
• Backplane Power Draw: 2.0 A @ +5 VDC, 0.5 A @ +12 VDC
• Maximum Quantity Per Rack: Four communications modules in a single Series 90‑70 CPU rack
• Front Panel Indicators: Module OK, LAN Active, Transmit, Receive diagnostic LEDs
• Configuration Tool: IC641 legacy programming software
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +60 °C
• Ambient Humidity: 5%–95% non‑condensing
• Mechanical Feature: Keyed carrier preventing misaligned module insertion
• Compatible Hardware: All standard Series 90‑70 backplanes and supported Series 90‑70 CPU models

Product Introduction

Many legacy power generation and heavy industry control systems still operate on 10 Mbps coaxial or twisted-pair plant LAN infrastructure. GE serves as the primary network gateway for Series 90‑70 racks, enabling bidirectional data exchange between controllers, operator HMIs, and remote SCADA hosts without full rack replacement.

This unit supports three common legacy Ethernet media types with automatic port detection, simplifying migration between coaxial and twisted-pair cabling. Its single-slot carrier footprint enables direct drop-in spare replacement during planned maintenance outages. Only one physical network port can be active simultaneously during runtime.

Key Selling Points & Differentiators

1. GE supports three legacy Ethernet media interfaces, eliminating requirement for external transceivers in mixed 10Base2 and 10BaseT control networks.
2. Native SRTP and EGD enable deterministic peer-to-peer data sharing between distributed Series 90‑70 PLCs for coordinated process control.
3. Every unit completes full bench validation on a Series 90‑70 test rack; port detection, protocol handshake and LED functionality verified before shipment. Signed test documentation available on formal request. Warranty runs 12 months post delivery.
4. Up to four of these units can be installed within one CPU rack, allowing segmented control and SCADA network isolation.
5. Not recommended for RX3i, RX7i or Series 90‑30 racks. Backplane protocol and carrier form factor are exclusive to Series 90‑70 architecture.
6. Identical mechanical footprint matching OEM specifications; no rack modification required during spare exchange.

Quality Transparency SOP

• Incoming Verification: Serial traceability validation, anti-counterfeit visual inspection, RJ45, BNC and AUI connector integrity cross-check.
• Live Bench Test: Dedicated Series 90‑70 test rack, power-on self-test, media auto-detection verification, multi-node TCP/IP handshake, continuous 24-hour thermal soak cycling.
• Electrical Tests: 500 V megger insulation resistance testing, backplane continuity validation.
• Hardware Verification: Confirm all diagnostic LEDs operate correctly; no unauthorized component rework performed.
• Final QC & Packaging: Anti-static shielding, shock-dampened transit carton, signed QC Pass label. Test images and logs available on request. No zero-failure performance guarantee.

Technical Risk Avoidance Section

Multiple Active Port Risk Risk: Simultaneous cabling to two or three network ports causes media detection conflict and complete communications failure. Prevention: Maintain wiring to only one physical port during commissioning and operation. Field note: Multiple water treatment facilities experienced total PLC network outage after technicians left spare BNC and RJ45 cables connected to the module.

Firmware & IC641 Configuration Mismatch Risk Risk: Mismatched module firmware and programming software revisions prevent IP assignment and protocol initialization. Prevention: Match IC641 software version to module firmware before configuring replacement hardware.

ESD Damage Risk Risk: Unprotected handling damages onboard Ethernet transceivers without immediate visible fault symptoms. Prevention: Use grounded wrist straps; keep the module sealed inside anti-static packaging until rack insertion.

Network Speed Limitation Risk Risk: Attempting to connect to 100 Mbps switch ports without auto-negotiation capability creates link failure. Prevention: Force switch ports to 10 Mbps half-duplex for compatibility with this 10 Mbps-only communications module.

Critical Summary: Confirm rack platform and network cabling topology before procurement. This communications module operates exclusively within Series 90‑70 racks and cannot be substituted with PACSystems Ethernet hardware.

FAQ

1. Q: Can GE be installed into RX3i, RX7i or Series 90‑30 PLC racks? A: No. It is designed exclusively for Series 90‑70 backplanes. Physical carrier pinout and backplane communications protocols differ completely from other GE PLC families.
2. Q: Can I run two different network cables (RJ45 and BNC) connected to the module at the same time? A: No. Only one port may be active. Multiple connected cables trigger media detection faults and loss of communications.
3. Q: Does this module support hot-swap replacement while the Series 90‑70 rack remains energized? A: Hot swap is not supported. Module removal terminates all network communications; controlled equipment shutdown is required for exchange.
4. Q: What lead times apply for available inventory? A: In-stock units ship within 1–3 business days. Backordered allocations require 5–7 week lead times subject to global surplus availability.
5. Q: What failure modes fall outside warranty coverage? A: The 12-month limited warranty covers manufacturing defects. Damage from ESD, simultaneous multi-port cabling, incompatible network speed settings and over-temperature operation is excluded.
6. Q: How many modules can be fitted into one Series 90‑70 CPU rack? A: A maximum of four communications modules per rack, supporting network segmentation for control and supervisory traffic.
7. Q: Is this module compatible with modern managed industrial Ethernet switches? A: Yes, provided the switch port is manually set to 10 Mbps half-duplex. Auto-negotiation to 100 Mbps will prevent link establishment.