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- IC697BEM742
- FIP Bus Controller
- USA
- 172 × 33 × 142 mm
- 0.54 kg
- Xiamen, China
- New & In Stock
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Product Overview
The GE IC697BEM742 FIP Bus Controller is an industrial communication module designed for use with GE Fanuc Series 90-70 programmable logic controller systems. It provides a dedicated interface between the PLC control architecture and compatible FIP industrial communication networks, allowing control data and device information to be exchanged across a distributed automation system.
In large industrial installations, control equipment is often distributed across different machines, production areas, process sections, or remote cabinets. Connecting every field device directly to the PLC can result in complex wiring and difficult maintenance. A dedicated FIP Bus Controller provides a structured method of connecting distributed devices to the PLC network.
The IC697BEM742 is therefore an important communication component within compatible Series 90-70 architectures. It works alongside the PLC CPU, rack, power supply, I/O modules, network cabling, and connected FIP devices to create a coordinated industrial control network.
With its compact rack-mounted form factor, the module is suitable for industrial automation systems where communication reliability, organized network architecture, and long-term serviceability are important.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc / GE |
| Model | IC697BEM742 |
| Product Type | FIP Bus Controller |
| Product Family | Series 90-70 |
| Communication Function | FIP network communication |
| Network Type | FIP Bus |
| Module Category | Bus Controller / Communication Module |
| Primary Function | Interface between PLC system and FIP network |
| Installation | Series 90-70 PLC rack |
| Dimensions | 172 × 33 × 142 mm |
| Weight | 0.54 kg |
| Application | Industrial automation and distributed control |
| System Integration | GE Series 90-70 control architecture |
| Network Role | FIP bus interface and communication controller |
| Typical Environment | Industrial control environment |
| Typical Applications | Manufacturing, machine control, process automation and distributed systems |
| Service Application | PLC communication maintenance and replacement |
Function and Working Principle
The primary purpose of the GE IC697BEM742 is to provide FIP bus communication within a compatible Series 90-70 PLC installation.
A PLC-based automation system normally consists of a CPU, power supply, rack, I/O modules, field devices, and communication interfaces. When devices are distributed throughout a facility, an industrial communication network can connect these devices with the main control system.
The IC697BEM742 functions as the communication interface for the FIP network.
A simplified communication architecture can be represented as:
Series 90-70 PLC → IC697BEM742 → FIP Network → Distributed Devices
The bus controller manages the exchange of information between the PLC system and connected network equipment. This allows data generated by field devices to become available to the control system while control commands can be transferred toward the appropriate network devices.
Depending on the system architecture, exchanged information may include:
- Process data
- Device status
- Control commands
- Diagnostic information
- Operating values
- Remote I/O information
- Network communication data
The exact operation depends on the complete FIP network configuration and the devices connected to the controller.
Role in Industrial Control Systems
The IC697BEM742 provides an important communication function within a GE Series 90-70 control system.
A typical system can contain:
- Series 90-70 CPU
- Series 90-70 rack
- PLC power supply
- Digital input modules
- Digital output modules
- Analog input modules
- Analog output modules
- Communication modules
- FIP network devices
- Remote I/O equipment
- Sensors and actuators
The PLC CPU executes the main control program, while the IC697BEM742 provides the designated FIP communication interface.
This separation between control processing and network communication allows the automation architecture to be organized around distributed devices.
For example, a production line may contain several remote machines. Instead of bringing every individual field signal back to one central cabinet, compatible distributed devices can communicate through the FIP network.
This can help simplify system architecture and make expansion easier.
Industrial Applications
The GE IC697BEM742 can be used in industrial automation systems requiring FIP communication between a Series 90-70 PLC and distributed equipment.
Manufacturing Automation
Manufacturing plants often contain multiple production stations, machines, remote I/O points, drives, and monitoring devices. An industrial communication network can connect these distributed elements with the PLC control system.
Machine Automation
The module can be integrated into machinery where multiple controllers or field devices need to exchange information with a central PLC.
Process Control
Industrial processes may contain remote control cabinets and field equipment distributed throughout a plant. Network communication allows these devices to exchange information with the main control architecture.
Material Handling
Conveyor systems and automated material-handling equipment may use distributed control points. Network-based communication can reduce the amount of individual wiring required between remote equipment and the main PLC.
Factory Automation
Large production facilities can use distributed network architectures to connect different control areas while maintaining centralized PLC-based supervision.
Installation and System Integration
The IC697BEM742 is intended for installation as part of a compatible GE Series 90-70 PLC system.
It should not be treated as a general-purpose standalone FIP converter.
Before installation, verify:
- Series 90-70 rack compatibility
- PLC power supply condition
- CPU and rack configuration
- Correct module identification
- FIP network configuration
- Network cable compatibility
- Proper network termination where required
- Connector condition
- Grounding and shielding arrangements
Basic Installation Procedure
- Place the PLC system in a safe maintenance condition.
- Remove electrical power according to the site’s approved safety procedure.
- Confirm the replacement module identification.
- Compare the new IC697BEM742 with the original module.
- Inspect the rack connector for contamination or damage.
- Install the module into the appropriate rack position.
- Secure the module correctly.
- Connect the FIP network cable.
- Check the network connection and cable routing.
- Restore system power.
- Observe the module’s status indications.
- Verify communication with the connected FIP devices.
- Confirm PLC application operation.
- Monitor the system for communication faults during commissioning.
Because many Series 90-70 installations have been operating for extended periods, it is good maintenance practice to document the original module location, cable arrangement, network configuration, and fault condition before removing the existing controller.
Compatible System Components
The IC697BEM742 works as part of a larger industrial control architecture rather than as an isolated component.
Common associated components include:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| GE Series 90-70 CPU | Executes PLC control logic |
| Series 90-70 Power Supply | Supplies power to the PLC rack |
| Series 90-70 Rack | Provides electrical and mechanical module integration |
| Digital Input Modules | Receive discrete field signals |
| Digital Output Modules | Control discrete field devices |
| Analog Input Modules | Acquire analog process signals |
| Analog Output Modules | Provide analog control signals |
| FIP Network Devices | Communicate with the PLC through the FIP network |
| Remote I/O | Provides distributed field signal interfaces |
| Network Cabling | Provides the physical FIP communication path |
| Engineering / Programming Equipment | Used for configuration, diagnostics and maintenance |
The exact system combination depends on the application and the configuration of the Series 90-70 installation.
Recommended Alternative Models
The following products can be considered related communication modules when planning maintenance, system expansion, or modernization. They should not automatically be considered direct electrical replacements for the IC697BEM742.
| Model | Type | Key Feature | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE IC697BEM742 | FIP Bus Controller | FIP network communication | Series 90-70 distributed control |
| GE IC697BEM741 | FIP Bus Controller | FIP network interface | FIP communication applications |
| GE IC697BEM713 | Bus Controller | Industrial network communication | Series 90-70 automation |
| GE IC697BEM731 | Bus Controller | Distributed network interface | PLC communication systems |
| GE IC697BEM711 | Bus Controller | Industrial bus communication | Distributed PLC networks |
| GE IC697CMM711 | Communication Module | Serial communication | Series 90-70 communication |
| GE IC697CMM741 | Communication Module | PLC network connectivity | Industrial automation |
| GE IC697CMM742 | Ethernet Communication Module | Ethernet-based communication | Industrial network integration |
When selecting a replacement, the original IC697BEM742 should be compared with the proposed module at the hardware, communication, rack, configuration, and application levels.
Key Advantages
- Provides FIP bus communication for compatible GE Series 90-70 systems
- Enables communication between the PLC and distributed FIP network devices
- Supports distributed industrial automation architectures
- Provides a dedicated communication interface within the PLC system
- Helps organize communication between remote devices and the central control system
- Suitable for manufacturing and industrial control applications
- Compact rack-mounted design
- Dimensions of 172 × 33 × 142 mm
- Product weight of approximately 0.54 kg
- Useful for maintenance of installed Series 90-70 automation systems
Technical FAQs
What is the GE IC697BEM742?
The GE IC697BEM742 is a FIP Bus Controller designed for compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems. It provides a communication interface between the PLC architecture and a FIP industrial network.
What is the main function of IC697BEM742?
Its main function is to facilitate communication between the Series 90-70 PLC system and compatible FIP network equipment.
What type of module is IC697BEM742?
It is an industrial PLC communication and bus controller module.
What are the dimensions of GE IC697BEM742?
The specified dimensions are 172 × 33 × 142 mm.
How much does IC697BEM742 weigh?
The specified product weight is approximately 0.54 kg.
Where is IC697BEM742 installed?
The module is designed for installation within a compatible GE Series 90-70 PLC rack.
Is IC697BEM742 a PLC CPU?
No. The IC697BEM742 is a FIP Bus Controller. The CPU is responsible for executing the PLC control program, while the BEM742 provides its designated FIP network communication function.
Can IC697BEM742 operate as a standalone FIP converter?
It is designed as a system component for a compatible GE Series 90-70 PLC architecture rather than as a general-purpose standalone communication converter.
What equipment works with IC697BEM742?
The module works as part of a compatible Series 90-70 architecture and communicates with appropriate FIP network equipment according to the system configuration.
What should be checked before replacing IC697BEM742?
The Series 90-70 rack, CPU configuration, original module identification, network architecture, FIP devices, cabling, and system configuration should be checked before replacement.
Conclusion
The GE IC697BEM742 FIP Bus Controller is a specialized communication module designed for compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 industrial control systems. Its primary role is to provide FIP network communication between the PLC architecture and distributed field equipment.
With specified dimensions of 172 × 33 × 142 mm and a weight of approximately 0.54 kg, the IC697BEM742 provides a compact rack-mounted solution for industrial communication applications.
The module can play an important role in manufacturing automation, machine control, process automation, material handling, and other distributed control applications where FIP communication is required.
For maintenance engineers and system integrators, the IC697BEM742 should be evaluated as part of the complete automation architecture rather than as an isolated communication component. Correct rack compatibility, network configuration, module identification, and connected-device requirements should all be confirmed before installation.
When replacing an existing IC697BEM742, matching the original module number is the safest approach. Related GE communication modules may provide useful alternatives for system modernization or redesign, but they should not be assumed to be direct replacements without confirming hardware and application compatibility.