Product Overview

Reliable communication between a central PLC and remotely installed I/O equipment is essential for modern industrial automation systems. The GE IC697BEM733 Remote I/O Scanner Module is designed for integration with the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC family, providing an interface for communication with compatible remote I/O devices.

The IC697BEM733 functions as a communication interface between the PLC control system and remote I/O stations. It allows input and output information from equipment located away from the main PLC rack to participate in the overall control process.

Remote I/O architecture is particularly useful in large machines, production lines, and industrial facilities where field devices may be physically separated from the main control cabinet. Instead of bringing every individual field signal directly back to the central PLC rack, remote I/O can collect signals closer to the equipment and exchange the information with the PLC through a communication network.

The specified dimensions of the IC697BEM733 are 201 × 40 × 153 mm, with an approximate product weight of 0.48 kg.

Within a compatible Series 90-70 architecture, the module can work together with PLC CPUs, racks, power supplies, remote I/O equipment, communication cables, field devices, operator interfaces, and supervisory systems.

For PLC engineers, system integrators, OEM machine builders, and maintenance professionals, the IC697BEM733 provides a practical interface for incorporating remote I/O into a Series 90-70 control system.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The primary function of the IC697BEM733 is to provide remote I/O scanning and communication within a compatible Series 90-70 PLC system.

A simplified architecture can be represented as:

PLC CPU → IC697BEM733 → Remote I/O Network → Remote I/O Station → Field Devices

The PLC CPU executes the control program and determines the required machine or process actions.

The IC697BEM733 provides the communication interface required to exchange I/O information with remote I/O equipment.

Remote input devices collect information from the field.

This information is transferred through the remote I/O communication architecture to the scanner module and then made available to the PLC control system.

The PLC processes the incoming information according to its control program.

Output commands generated by the PLC can then be transferred through the remote I/O communication path to the appropriate remote output devices.

This creates a communication cycle between the central PLC and remotely installed field equipment.

Depending on the system configuration, exchanged information may include:

• Digital input status
• Digital output commands
• Analog process information
• Device status
• I/O status
• Diagnostic information
• Communication status
• Control information

Remote I/O scanning is especially valuable when field devices are distributed over a large physical area.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The IC697BEM733 serves as a remote I/O communication interface within the Series 90-70 PLC architecture.

A typical system may contain:

• GE Series 90-70 PLC CPU
• IC697BEM733 Remote I/O Scanner Module
• Series 90-70 PLC rack
• GE PLC power supply
• Remote I/O stations
• Digital input modules
• Digital output modules
• Analog input modules
• Analog output modules
• Industrial sensors
• Actuators
• Motor-control equipment
• HMI
• SCADA system
• Industrial communication equipment
• Remote field cabinets
• PLC programming workstation

The central PLC executes the control logic.

Remote I/O stations collect field signals and control distributed equipment.

The IC697BEM733 provides the communication interface required to exchange information between the central control system and compatible remote I/O equipment.

This architecture allows a single PLC system to coordinate equipment distributed throughout a machine or facility.

Industrial Applications

The GE IC697BEM733 can be used in industrial automation applications where I/O devices are distributed away from the main PLC rack.

Typical applications include:

• Factory automation
• Manufacturing systems
• Machine control
• Production lines
• Material handling
• Packaging systems
• Process automation
• Water treatment
• Power-related automation
• Chemical processing
• Industrial equipment
• OEM machine control

Factory Automation

Large production facilities may have sensors and actuators located across different machine sections.

Remote I/O allows field signals to be collected closer to the equipment while maintaining communication with the central PLC.

Machine Control

Large machines can contain many sensors, switches, valves, and actuators positioned far from the main control cabinet.

A remote I/O architecture can simplify the system wiring and provide organized communication with the PLC.

Production Lines

Production lines often contain multiple stations.

Each station may have its own I/O equipment while the central PLC coordinates the overall production sequence.

Material Handling

Conveyors and transfer systems may extend across significant distances.

Remote I/O can provide a practical method for connecting sensors and actuators distributed along the equipment.

Process Automation

Industrial processes can span multiple areas of a plant.

Remote I/O architecture allows field instrumentation and control devices to communicate with the central PLC without requiring every signal to return directly to the main rack.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is important for stable remote I/O communication.

Recommended installation practices include:

• Verify Series 90-70 compatibility before installation.
• Confirm that the module matches the intended remote I/O architecture.
• Disconnect system power before installation or removal.
• Install the module securely in the appropriate rack or system location.
• Inspect connectors and communication interfaces.
• Verify remote I/O network wiring.
• Check communication cable routing.
• Keep communication cables separated from high-power electrical conductors where practical.
• Apply appropriate grounding and shielding practices.
• Confirm remote I/O station configuration.
• Verify PLC hardware configuration.
• Check communication parameters.
• Monitor diagnostic information during commissioning.
• Test remote input and output points before normal operation.

Potential causes of remote I/O communication problems include:

• Incorrect communication wiring
• Loose connectors
• Damaged communication cables
• Incorrect configuration
• Incorrect station addressing
• Power supply problems
• Electrical interference
• Grounding problems
• Incompatible equipment
• Hardware failure

A useful commissioning sequence is:

PLC Power Supply → Series 90-70 CPU → IC697BEM733 → Remote I/O Network → Remote I/O Stations → Field Devices

After installation, engineers should verify that the scanner communicates correctly with all required remote I/O stations.

Input and output points should then be tested systematically.

Compatible System Components

The IC697BEM733 can form part of a Series 90-70 control architecture containing compatible central and remote I/O components.

Typical associated equipment includes:

• GE Series 90-70 PLC CPUs
• Series 90-70 PLC racks
• GE PLC power supplies
• Remote I/O stations
• Digital input modules
• Digital output modules
• Analog input modules
• Analog output modules
• Remote I/O interface equipment
• Industrial sensors
• Proximity switches
• Limit switches
• Solenoid valves
• Motor-control devices
• HMI systems
• SCADA systems
• Industrial communication equipment
• PLC programming equipment
• Remote control cabinets

A simplified architecture can be represented as:

PLC CPU → IC697BEM733 → Remote I/O Network → Remote I/O Station → Sensors / Actuators

The exact system configuration depends on the remote I/O equipment, communication architecture, and control requirements.

When replacing the module, engineers should evaluate the complete remote I/O system rather than selecting a replacement based only on physical dimensions.

Recommended Alternative Models

Depending on the system architecture and communication requirements, the following related GE Series 90-70 modules may be considered:

These modules should not automatically be treated as direct substitutes.

Before selecting an alternative to the IC697BEM733, engineers should verify:

• PLC family
• Remote I/O architecture
• Communication protocol
• Remote station compatibility
• Number of connected stations
• Rack configuration
• CPU compatibility
• Communication parameters
• Software configuration
• Wiring requirements
• Environmental conditions

A module with similar physical dimensions may perform a different communication function and may therefore be unsuitable as a replacement.

Key Advantages

• Designed for GE Series 90-70 PLC systems
• Provides remote I/O scanner functionality
• Supports distributed I/O architectures
• Interfaces central PLC systems with remote I/O equipment
• Enables communication with distributed field devices
• Suitable for factory automation
• Suitable for machine control
• Suitable for production lines
• Suitable for material-handling systems
• Suitable for process automation
• Helps simplify distributed field wiring
• Supports remote input and output data exchange
• Suitable for OEM automation systems
• Dimensions of 201 × 40 × 153 mm
• Weight of approximately 0.48 kg
• Useful for system integration
• Suitable for maintenance and replacement projects

Technical FAQs

What is the GE IC697BEM733?

The GE IC697BEM733 is a Remote I/O Scanner Module designed for integration into compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems.

What does the IC697BEM733 do?

It provides the communication and scanning interface required for the PLC system to exchange input and output information with compatible remote I/O equipment.

What PLC family is the IC697BEM733 associated with?

The module is associated with the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC family.

What are the dimensions of the IC697BEM733?

The specified dimensions are 201 × 40 × 153 mm.

How much does the IC697BEM733 weigh?

The specified product weight is approximately 0.48 kg.

Is the IC697BEM733 an analog input module?

No. The IC697BEM733 is a Remote I/O Scanner Module, rather than a conventional analog input module.

What is remote I/O?

Remote I/O is an automation architecture in which input and output devices are installed away from the main PLC rack and exchange data with the central controller through a communication network.

Why is remote I/O useful?

Remote I/O can be useful when field devices are physically distributed across a machine or facility. It can reduce long point-to-point wiring runs and provide a structured method for connecting distributed equipment to the PLC.

Can the IC697BEM733 communicate with remote I/O stations?

Yes. Its function is to provide the appropriate remote I/O scanning and communication interface within a compatible Series 90-70 architecture.

What types of field devices can be connected through remote I/O?

Depending on the connected I/O modules, applications can include sensors, switches, valves, actuators, motor-control devices, and other industrial equipment.

What can cause remote I/O communication problems?

Possible causes include incorrect wiring, loose connectors, damaged communication cables, incorrect station configuration, power supply problems, electrical interference, incompatible equipment, or hardware faults.

Can another GE bus module directly replace the IC697BEM733?

Not necessarily. Different Series 90-70 communication modules can perform different functions. Compatibility should be verified according to the remote I/O architecture and complete system configuration.

What should be checked before replacing the IC697BEM733?

Engineers should verify PLC family, remote I/O architecture, communication protocol, connected remote stations, CPU compatibility, communication parameters, hardware configuration, wiring, software requirements, and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

The GE IC697BEM733 Remote I/O Scanner Module is designed to provide a communication interface between compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems and remote I/O equipment.

By supporting communication with distributed I/O stations, the module allows field sensors, actuators, and other equipment located away from the main PLC rack to participate in the overall control architecture.

The IC697BEM733 has specified dimensions of 201 × 40 × 153 mm and an approximate weight of 0.48 kg, making it a compact interface solution for compatible remote I/O installations.

When combined with a Series 90-70 CPU, PLC rack, power supply, remote I/O stations, field devices, HMI, SCADA system, and communication infrastructure, the IC697BEM733 can support factory automation, machine control, production lines, material handling, process automation, and other distributed control applications.

For system integrators and maintenance engineers, correct installation and replacement require verification of the complete remote I/O architecture, communication configuration, connected stations, PLC compatibility, wiring, and system diagnostics. Physical dimensions alone should not be used to determine whether another module is a suitable replacement.