Product Core Brief

• Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
• Model: IC697BEM711
• Series: Series 90‑70 PLC
• Core Function: Early-generation single-channel Genius bus master module providing communication between Series 90‑70 backplane and distributed remote Genius I/O drops for discrete and analog field signal collection
• Type: Single-slot rack-mounted Genius bus communications processor
• Condition: New Original (New Surplus)
• Status: ⚠️ Discontinued OEM production; limited surplus inventory
• Key Spec Highlights: Single Genius bus port, 1.5 Mbps transfer speed, supports up to 30 remote Genius I/O drops, shielded twisted-pair wiring, front-panel diagnostic LED array

Key Technical Specifications

• Network Interface: One Genius bus master terminal block port
• Bus Data Rate: 1.5 Mbps
• Maximum Nodes: Up to 30 Genius I/O drops per bus trunk
• Approved Media: Shielded twisted-pair Genius field bus cable
• Maximum Bus Length: 2000 meters with qualified cabling
• Backplane Power Draw: 0.7 A @ +5 VDC
• Front Panel Indicators: Module OK, Bus Active, Bus Fault LEDs
• Supported Hardware: Full lineup of Genius discrete, analog, and specialty remote I/O assemblies
• Configuration Software: Legacy IC641 programming utility
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +60 °C
• Ambient Humidity: 5%–95% non‑condensing
• Mechanical Feature: Keyed carrier to prevent incompatible module insertion
• Compatible Hardware: Standard Series 90‑70 backplanes and supported Series 90‑70 CPU variants

Product Introduction

Distributed Genius I/O architecture reduced costly multi-conductor home-run wiring on legacy power and process control systems. GE is the original single-channel bus expansion gateway enabling Series 90‑70 CPUs to exchange data with remote Genius I/O blocks spread across plant facilities.

This unit continuously monitors bus integrity and signals short circuits, drop power loss, and wiring anomalies to control logic. It shares the single-slot Series 90‑70 carrier footprint with later BEM generations; however, firmware and feature sets differ. Planned maintenance windows allow direct spare exchange when hardware faults occur.

Key Selling Points & Differentiators

1. GE is the original single-channel Genius bus master, matching the OEM bill of materials for older installed Series 90‑70 control racks.
2. Supports the complete installed base of legacy Genius remote I/O assemblies without requiring network topology modifications.
3. Every unit undergoes full bench validation on a Series 90‑70 test rack; bus initialization, multi-drop simulation and LED operation verified prior to shipment. Signed test documentation available on formal request. Warranty runs 12 months post delivery.
4. Simple bus fault diagnostics accelerate field troubleshooting for intermittent remote I/O signal loss.
5. Not recommended for RX3i, RX7i or Series 90‑30 racks. Backplane connector and bus protocol are exclusive to Series 90‑70 architecture.
6. Identical mechanical form factor to other Series 90‑70 BEM modules, but verify firmware compatibility before substituting with BEM713 / BEM733 variants.

Quality Transparency SOP

• Incoming Verification: Serial traceability validation, anti-counterfeit visual inspection, terminal block hardware integrity cross-check.
• Live Bench Test: Dedicated Series 90‑70 test rack, power-on self-test, Genius bus multi-drop simulation, fault state testing, continuous 24-hour thermal soak cycling.
• Electrical Tests: 500 V megger insulation resistance testing, backplane continuity validation.
• Hardware Verification: Confirm diagnostic LED array operates per datasheet; 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

Module Generation Compatibility Risk Risk: Direct substitution between , IC697BEM713 and IC697BEM733 may require firmware and project validation even with matching physical footprint. Prevention: Maintain original part number spares for sites with unmodified legacy project configurations. Field note: Multiple process plants experienced initial bus initialization delays after replacing with newer BEM variants without offline project testing.

Bus Termination Risk Risk: Missing or duplicate terminator resistors create signal reflections leading to intermittent I/O dropout and bus fault alarms. Prevention: Install exactly one terminator resistor at the farthest Genius drop on each trunk.

Shield Ground Loop Risk Risk: Multiple shield grounding points induce common-mode noise and data corruption on long field cables. Prevention: Single-point shield grounding at the control room side only.

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

Critical Summary: Confirm original site BEM part number before procurement. cannot operate within PACSystems racks and is not functionally identical to later single-channel Genius bus modules.

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: What are the core differences between , IC697BEM713 and IC697BEM733? A:

• : Early generation single-channel Genius bus master, Genius I/O only.
• IC697BEM713: Dual-mode unit; Genius bus OR redundancy sync link for RCM711.
• IC697BEM733: Updated single-channel Genius bus master with enhanced diagnostics. Form factor matches, but feature sets and firmware requirements differ.

1. Q: Does this module support hot-swap replacement while the Series 90‑70 rack remains energized? A: Hot swap is not supported. Module removal interrupts all Genius bus communications; coordinated equipment shutdown is required for exchange.
2. 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.
3. Q: What failure modes fall outside warranty coverage? A: The 12-month limited warranty covers manufacturing defects. Damage from improper bus termination, shield grounding errors, wiring transients, ESD and over-temperature operation is excluded.
4. Q: How many remote Genius I/O drops can be connected to one ? A: Maximum of 30 Genius drops per bus trunk, maximum cable length of 2000 meters using approved shielded twisted-pair cable.
5. Q: Can be used for CPU redundancy synchronization with IC697RCM711? A: No. Only IC697BEM713 supports redundancy link mode. functions solely as a Genius remote I/O bus master.