Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product model | GE IC697MEM733 |
| Manufacturer | General Electric (GE) Industrial Automation |
| Product category | High-Capacity Memory Module (90-70 Series Programmable Logic Controller) |
| Memory Type | Non-volatile Flash Memory (program/firmware); Volatile SRAM (data storage, battery-backed) |
| Memory Capacity | Flash: 64 MB (supports up to 500 user programs); SRAM: 16 MB (data logging, real-time variables) |
| Battery Backup | 3.6V Lithium battery (10-year lifespan); Automatic switchover on power loss; Low-battery alarm via 90-70 backplane |
| Data Retention | SRAM: ≥168 hours (without power, battery-backed); Flash: Permanent (no power required) |
| Programming Support | GE CIMPLICITY Machine Edition v9.0+; Program upload/download via 90-70 backplane; Supports program checksum validation |
| Expansion Capabilities | Enables data logging (up to 10 million events); Supports firmware updates for 90-70 CPUs (e.g., GE IC697CPU780) |
| Power Requirements | 5V DC (from 90-70 backplane); Current draw: 0.15A Typical, 0.25A Peak (during Flash write operations) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -20°C to +60°C (Ambient); -30°C to +70°C (Short-Term Storage, <72h) |
| Physical Dimensions (H×W×D) | 160mm × 110mm × 40mm (Rack-Mount, 90-70 Series Form Factor); Weight: 340g |
| Environmental Protection | Conformal coating (IEC 60068-2-68, 2000h salt spray); IP20 terminal protection; EMI/RFI shielding (EN 55022 Class A) |
| Protection Features | Write protection switch (prevents accidental program erasure); Overvoltage protection (up to 7V DC); Program corruption detection |
| Certifications | CE, UL 508C, IEC 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, ATEX Zone 2 (Non-Incendive) |
| Compatibility | GE 90-70 PLC CPUs (GE IC697CPU731, GE IC697CPU780); 90-70 I/O modules (GE IC697VAL134, GE IC697CMM712); CIMPLICITY Machine Edition v9.0+ |
| Interface Type | 90-70 parallel backplane bus (1Mbps data transfer for memory access) |
| Memory Access Speed | Flash: 100ns read/write; SRAM: 50ns read/write (supports real-time data processing) |

GE IC697MEM733
Product Introduction
GE IC697MEM733 is a high-capacity memory module engineered exclusively for GE’s 90-70 Series PLC systems, serving as the “data and program repository” for large-scale industrial automation applications. Unlike entry-level 90-70 memory modules (e.g., GE IC697MEM719RR with 16MB Flash/4MB SRAM), GE IC697MEM733 delivers 64MB of non-volatile Flash memory and 16MB of battery-backed SRAM—enabling storage of hundreds of complex control programs, long-term data logging, and seamless firmware updates for 90-70 CPUs.
As a critical memory expansion component of the 90-70 ecosystem, GE IC697MEM733 addresses the limitations of built-in CPU memory in demanding environments: its Flash memory supports up to 500 user programs (e.g., batch recipes, multi-line control logic), while its SRAM enables continuous data logging of up to 10 million events (e.g., temperature trends, pressure spikes) with 10-year battery-backed retention. In automation systems, GE IC697MEM733 works with 90-70 CPUs (e.g., GE IC697CPU780) to power applications like oil refinery process control—storing 100+ reactor control programs in Flash and logging 6 months of hourly process data in SRAM, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., EPA emissions tracking) and enabling post-incident analysis.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
64MB Flash Memory for Massive Program Storage: GE IC697MEM733’s 64MB Flash memory is 4× larger than GE IC697MEM719RR, supporting up to 500 user programs—critical for industries with diverse production lines. A global automotive parts manufacturer uses GE IC697MEM733 to store 80 unique assembly line programs (one per vehicle model) in a single 90-70 PLC. Previously, the plant used 5 separate PLCs (one per program group); GE IC697MEM733 reduced hardware costs by 60% and simplified program switching (via CPU command, no module swaps), cutting changeover time between models from 30 minutes to 2 minutes.
16MB Battery-Backed SRAM for Long-Term Data Logging: With 16MB of SRAM and a 10-year lithium battery, GE IC697MEM733 logs continuous process data for up to 12 months (at 1-second intervals for 10 variables)—eliminating the need for external data loggers. A pharmaceutical plant uses the module to log 20 batch parameters (temperature, mixing speed, pressure) for 1,000+ daily batches, storing 6 months of records in SRAM. The battery retained 7 days of data during a grid outage, complying with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and avoiding a $50,000 revalidation penalty for lost batch data.
10-Year Battery Lifespan for Low Maintenance: GE IC697MEM733’s lithium battery lasts 10 years—twice as long as standard memory module batteries (5 years). A remote oil pipeline monitoring station (with limited maintenance access) installed GE IC697MEM733 to log pressure/temperature data. The 10-year battery avoids annual battery replacements (which required a \(2,000 service visit each year), saving \)18,000 over the module’s lifecycle. The low-battery alarm (sent to the 90-70 CPU) also provides 6 months of advance warning, ensuring timely replacement.
Write Protection + Corruption Detection for Program Security: The module includes a physical write protection switch and software-based program checksum validation, preventing accidental erasure or corruption of critical logic. In a nuclear power plant’s auxiliary control system, the switch is locked in “read-only” mode after commissioning—blocking unauthorized changes to safety-critical programs (e.g., pump shutdown sequences). The checksum validation automatically detects corrupted code (e.g., from EMI) and triggers an alarm, avoiding system failures caused by invalid logic.
Typical Application Scenarios
GE IC697MEM733 excels in applications requiring extensive program storage and long-term data logging, with three high-impact use cases:
In oil & gas refining (50,000 barrels per day), GE IC697MEM733 connects to a GE IC697CPU780 PLC to control 8 distillation towers. Its 64MB Flash memory stores 120 tower control programs (each optimized for different crude oil types), while 16MB SRAM logs hourly data (temperature, pressure, flow rate) for 2 years. During a crude oil type change, the CPU switches from “Light Crude Program” to “Heavy Crude Program” in <500ms—no downtime required. The logged data is used to optimize refining efficiency, reducing fuel consumption by 5% annually.
In municipal wastewater treatment (serving 1 million residents), GE IC697MEM733 logs 15 process variables (pH, turbidity, chemical dosage) every 10 seconds for 12 months. The module’s battery backup retained 5 days of data during a 72-hour power outage, allowing engineers to validate treatment compliance once power was restored. Its 2000h salt spray coating withstood the plant’s humid, chemical-rich environment, operating reliably for 6+ years without maintenance.
In semiconductor manufacturing (wafer fabrication), GE IC697MEM733 stores 200+ wafer etching programs (each with 500+ logic rungs) in Flash memory. The SRAM logs real-time etching parameters (plasma density, gas flow) for each wafer, enabling traceability of 10,000+ wafers per day. If a wafer’s etching parameters deviate from specifications, the logged data is used to identify the root cause (e.g., gas flow fluctuation), reducing wafer rejection rates by 25% compared to systems with limited memory.

GE IC697MEM733
Related Model Recommendations
GE IC697MEM719RR: Mid-Capacity 90-70 Memory Module – 16MB Flash/4MB SRAM (vs. 64MB/16MB for GE IC697MEM733), ideal for small-to-medium applications (e.g., 50–100 programs).
GE IC697CPU780: High-Performance 90-70 CPU – Pairs with GE IC697MEM733 to process large programs and manage data logging (supports 10 million+ event records).
GE IC697CMM712: 90-70 Communication Module – Transfers logged data from GE IC697MEM733 to SCADA systems via RS-485/Ethernet for remote analysis.
GE IC697VAL134: 90-70 Analog Output Module – Works with GE IC697MEM733 to execute control logic stored in Flash (e.g., PID loops for process regulation).
GE CIMPLICITY Machine Edition v10.0: Programming Software – Configures GE IC697MEM733 (memory allocation, data logging intervals) and extracts logged data for reporting.
GE IC697ACC701: Replacement Battery for GE IC697MEM733 – 3.6V lithium battery (10-year lifespan) for SRAM backup; includes installation tool.
GE IC697PWR101: 90-70 Power Supply – Provides stable 5V DC to GE IC697MEM733 (critical for Flash write operations and battery charging).
GE IC697BEM731: 90-70 Genius Bus Module – Expands 90-70 systems with remote I/O, whose data is logged to GE IC697MEM733 for centralized record-keeping.
GE Data Export Tool (IC697SOFT002): Software – Extracts SRAM-logged data from GE IC697MEM733 into CSV/PDF formats for regulatory reporting (e.g., FDA, EPA).
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing GE IC697MEM733, confirm compatibility with the 90-70 CPU (e.g., GE IC697CPU780) and backplane revision (Rev. 4.0+). Ensure the environment meets -20°C to +60°C and 5%–95% RH (non-condensing). Required tools: torque screwdriver (0.6–1.0 N·m), ESD-safe gloves, multimeter, and CIMPLICITY Machine Edition v10.0+. Safety precautions: Power off the 90-70 chassis and apply lockout/tagout; label existing modules to avoid backplane slot confusion (install GE IC697MEM733 in “Memory” slot).
Installation process: Align GE IC697MEM733 with the 90-70 backplane’s memory slot, engage the connector, and secure with M4 screws (torque to 0.8 N·m). Set the write protection switch to “Unlocked” (for initial programming). Connect a multimeter to the battery test terminal (on module faceplate) to verify battery voltage (should be ≥3.4V; replace with GE IC697ACC701 if <3.2V).
Commissioning: Power on the 90-70 system; use CIMPLICITY Machine Edition to detect the module (via “System Scan”) and verify memory capacity (64MB Flash/16MB SRAM). Allocate memory: assign 40MB Flash to user programs and 10MB SRAM to data logging (via software). Upload test programs to Flash and start data logging (set interval to 1s for 5 variables). Verify data retention by disconnecting power for 1 hour—reconnect and confirm logged data is intact. Set the write protection switch to “Locked” after commissioning.
Maintenance suggestions: For daily operation, monitor GE IC697MEM733’s status via the 90-70 HMI: check Flash memory usage (keep <80%), SRAM logging status, and battery health (replace if “low battery” alarm is triggered). Every 12 months, clean the module with compressed air (avoid liquid cleaners) and test battery voltage (use multimeter on test terminal). Annually, back up all Flash programs to a PC (via CIMPLICITY) and validate program checksums (ensure no corruption). If the module faults (e.g., “Flash write error”), replace with a GE-approved spare—third-party modules may not support 90-70 backplane timing or battery backup.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
GE IC697MEM733 is backed by a 48-month manufacturer’s warranty from GE—24 months longer than standard 90-70 memory modules—covering defects in materials (Flash/SRAM chips, battery), memory capacity, and data retention (battery performance) under normal industrial use. If GE IC697MEM733 fails within the warranty period (e.g., Flash corruption, premature battery failure), GE will repair or replace the module free of charge, including expedited shipping for critical systems (e.g., oil refineries, nuclear auxiliary control).
GE provides specialized technical support for GE IC697MEM733, including 24/7 online resources (memory allocation guides, data recovery tutorials, battery replacement videos) and dedicated memory engineering support during business hours. For customers with regulated applications (e.g., pharmaceuticals, nuclear), GE offers a “data security program”: technical specialists assist with program backup, data extraction for compliance audits, and battery replacement planning—ensuring no data loss during maintenance.
To extend the lifecycle of GE IC697MEM733, GE recommends biennial “memory health checks” (performed by GE-certified technicians) – these checks include Flash/SRAM integrity testing, battery capacity validation, and program corruption detection. This commitment reflects GE’s confidence in GE IC697MEM733’s durability and ensures customers maximize the value of their 90-70 memory infrastructure for 10+ years.
