Product Core Brief

• Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
• Model: IC697CMM711
• Series: Series 90‑70 PLC
• Core Function: Serial communications coprocessor offloading serial protocol handling from the main CPU; establishes multi-drop links for peer PLC communication, HMIs, and third-party Modbus field devices
• Type: Single-slot rack-mounted serial communications coprocessor
• Condition: New Original (New Surplus)
• Status: ⚠️ Discontinued OEM production; limited surplus inventory
• Key Spec Highlights: Dual software-configurable RS‑232 / RS‑422 / RS‑485 ports, 12 MHz 80C186 processor, supports CCM, SNP/SNP‑X and Modbus RTU (slave only), battery-less operation, soft-switch configuration

Key Technical Specifications

• Onboard Processor: 12 MHz Intel 80C186 coprocessor
• Physical Interfaces: Two independent 25‑pin D-Sub serial ports
• Electrical Standard Per Port: Software selectable RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485
• Supported Baud Rates: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 bps
• Supported Protocols · CCM (master, slave, peer-to-peer) · SNP / SNP‑X (master and slave) · Modbus RTU (slave mode only)
• Configuration Method: Software soft-switch; no hardware jumpers or DIP switches
• Backplane Power Draw: 0.7 A @ +5 VDC
• Status Indicators: Module OK, Port 1 Activity, Port 2 Activity LEDs
• Front Control: Manual reset pushbutton for communications reinitialization
• Battery Requirement: None; configuration stored in non‑volatile memory
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +60 °C
• Ambient Humidity: 5%–95% non‑condensing
• Mechanical Feature: Keyed carrier to prevent mismatched module insertion
• Compatible Hardware: All standard Series 90‑70 backplanes and supported Series 90‑70 CPU models

Product Introduction

Legacy manufacturing and power plant control systems frequently rely on serial multi-drop networks to connect remote HMIs, field displays and auxiliary controllers. GE acts as a dedicated serial coprocessor to handle all serial traffic independently, eliminating CPU scan latency caused by heavy polling loads.

This unit delivers flexible wiring options by supporting three serial electrical standards on each port, allowing mixed topology layouts within a single rack. All protocol and physical layer selections are managed via programming software, removing the risk of misconfigured hardware jumpers. Its single-slot carrier enables direct drop-in spare replacement during planned maintenance outages.

Key Selling Points & Differentiators

1. GE offloads serial communications workload from the Series 90‑70 main CPU, stabilizing logic scan times on systems with dense serial device polling.
2. Dual independent serial ports can run different protocols simultaneously, supporting mixed Modbus RTU and native GE SNP/CCM networks within one module.
3. Every unit completes full bench validation on a Series 90‑70 test rack; port mode switching, multi-protocol handshake and LED functionality verified prior to shipment. Signed test documentation available on formal request. Warranty runs 12 months post delivery.
4. Software-only configuration removes field hardware adjustment, reducing human error during commissioning or spare changeout.
5. Not recommended for RX3i, RX7i or Series 90‑30 racks. Backplane carrier and communication protocol are exclusive to Series 90‑70 architecture.
6. Battery-less design eliminates routine battery replacement and avoids configuration loss after extended power outages.

Quality Transparency SOP

• Incoming Verification: Serial traceability validation, anti-counterfeit visual inspection, 25‑pin D-Sub connector integrity cross-check.
• Live Bench Test: Dedicated Series 90‑70 test rack, power-on self-test, multi-protocol port simulation, reset button function verification, 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

Modbus Functional Limitation Risk Risk: Engineers attempt to configure the module as Modbus RTU master; hardware only supports slave mode, resulting in polling failure. Prevention: Deploy an external Modbus master gateway if outbound polling to field instruments is required. Field note: Multiple water treatment facilities experienced communication outages after programming the port for unsupported Modbus master operation.

Topology Ground Loop Risk Risk: Long RS‑485 multi-drop wiring without proper isolation generates common-mode noise and intermittent data corruption. Prevention: Follow published grounding guidelines; use isolated repeaters for cable runs exceeding recommended distances.

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

Protocol Mode Mismatch Risk Risk: Mismatched port electrical standard (RS‑232 versus RS‑485) between module and field devices creates no-link conditions even with correct baud rate settings. Prevention: Document port electrical selection in control drawings for maintenance reference.

Critical Summary: Confirm rack platform and protocol requirements before procurement. This serial coprocessor cannot operate in PACSystems racks and lacks native Modbus RTU master capability.

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: Does this module operate as Modbus RTU master? A: No. Modbus RTU is supported only in slave mode. For Modbus master polling, external gateways or alternative communications hardware are required.
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 serial communications; coordinated 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, wiring transients, incorrect serial topology grounding, and over-temperature operation is excluded.
6. Q: What is the primary difference between and IC697CMM742-DC? A: is a dual serial coprocessor for RS‑232/422/485 communications. IC697CMM742-DC is a 10 Mbps Ethernet communications module; the two are not interchangeable.
7. Q: Can each serial port run a separate protocol at the same time? A: Yes. Valid combinations include CCM on Port 1 and Modbus RTU on Port 2, or independent SNP links on both ports. All settings are configured via programming software.