Product Overview

The GE IC697CHS782 VME Integrator Rack Mount is a 17-slot VME Integrator Rack designed for the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 programmable controller platform. It provides the mechanical mounting structure and backplane infrastructure required to integrate compatible Series 90-70 PLC modules together with selected third-party VME modules.

Unlike a PLC CPU or I/O module, the IC697CHS782 is a rack-level hardware component. Its primary purpose is to provide a common platform through which processors, power supplies, I/O modules, communication hardware, and compatible VME devices can be installed and interconnected.

The IC697CHS782 is specifically designed as a rear or panel-mounted VME Integrator Rack. Its 17-slot backplane uses 0.8-inch slot spacing for VME modules, while compatible Series 90-70 modules can occupy the corresponding double-width positions.

This architecture provides considerably more flexibility than a conventional rack that only accepts standard Series 90-70 module spacing. It allows system designers to integrate selected third-party VME hardware into a Series 90-70 PLC control system.

The specified physical dimensions are approximately 283 × 483 × 184 mm, while the supplied shipping or product weight specification is approximately 5.83 kg.

The IC697CHS782 is therefore particularly valuable in legacy industrial control installations where a Series 90-70 PLC must communicate or operate alongside VME-based specialty hardware.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The main function of the IC697CHS782 is to provide a common backplane and mounting platform for compatible Series 90-70 PLC modules and selected third-party VME modules.

A conventional PLC rack provides slots for processor and I/O modules. The VME Integrator Rack expands this concept by providing 0.8-inch VME slot spacing, allowing compatible third-party VME modules to be installed alongside Series 90-70 hardware.

A simplified system architecture is:

Power Supply → IC697CHS782 Backplane → CPU / I/O / VME Modules → Industrial Control System

The rack itself does not execute the PLC program. Instead, it provides the electrical pathways required for installed modules to communicate and receive system power.

A compatible CPU executes the control program. Input modules collect signals from field devices, while output modules control actuators.

Third-party VME modules can provide additional processing, interface, measurement, communication, or application-specific capabilities depending on their individual functions and compatibility with the Series 90-70 architecture.

The backplane configuration is important when integrating VME modules. The rack uses configurable jumper arrangements to accommodate the requirements of different VME devices.

This means that VME module integration should not be treated as simple plug-and-play installation. The system designer must verify the required backplane configuration, module compatibility, power requirements, addressing, cooling, and electrical characteristics.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The IC697CHS782 provides an important integration layer between the Series 90-70 PLC platform and VME-based hardware.

A typical automation architecture can include:

Field Sensors → I/O Modules → Series 90-70 CPU → VME / Communication Modules → Supervisory or Specialty Systems

The PLC processor handles the control logic while the installed I/O modules interface with field equipment.

Where specialized VME hardware is required, the IC697CHS782 provides a physical and electrical platform for integrating those devices into the overall control architecture.

The rack can therefore support:

• PLC processor installation
• Digital I/O integration
• Analog I/O integration
• Communication hardware
• Third-party VME modules
• Specialty control hardware
• System expansion
• Backplane communication
• Power distribution
• Modular maintenance

This makes the rack particularly useful in applications where standard PLC I/O alone is insufficient to meet the system requirements.

Industrial Applications

Manufacturing Automation

The IC697CHS782 can be incorporated into manufacturing systems that require a modular PLC architecture with additional VME-based processing or interface capabilities.

Typical applications include:

• Production lines
• Assembly systems
• Automated machinery
• Material handling
• Machine monitoring
• Process sequencing

Process Control

Process-control applications often require combinations of analog inputs, digital signals, communication interfaces, and specialty processing.

The Series 90-70 platform combined with a VME Integrator Rack can provide a flexible hardware architecture for these requirements.

Data Acquisition

Third-party VME modules can provide specialized data-acquisition or measurement functions.

The IC697CHS782 provides the rack infrastructure required to integrate compatible hardware into the PLC environment.

Industrial Communication

Certain VME modules can provide specialized communication interfaces.

When compatible with the overall Series 90-70 system, these modules can extend the communication capabilities of an existing control installation.

Power and Utility Systems

Industrial utility systems can require PLC-based monitoring and control combined with specialized hardware.

The IC697CHS782 can form part of such an architecture where compatible VME devices are required.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Large infrastructure control systems may require multiple control, monitoring, and communication functions.

A modular rack architecture can provide a convenient platform for integrating these functions.

OEM and Special-Purpose Equipment

Machine builders and system integrators may use VME-based specialty modules where standard PLC modules do not provide the required functionality.

The IC697CHS782 offers a way to combine Series 90-70 PLC modules with compatible VME hardware.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation of the IC697CHS782 is important because the rack forms the electrical foundation of the complete control system.

Before installation, engineers should verify:

• Rack model
• Series 90-70 compatibility
• VME module compatibility
• CPU requirements
• Power supply requirements
• Backplane configuration
• Module spacing
• VME addressing requirements
• Cabinet dimensions
• Grounding
• Cooling
• Wiring
• Communication requirements

Typical Installation Procedure

1. De-energize the control cabinet.
2. Verify the rack model and complete PLC architecture.
3. Prepare the rear-panel mounting location.
4. Install the IC697CHS782 securely.
5. Connect the rack grounding system.
6. Install the compatible GE power supply.
7. Install the Series 90-70 CPU module.
8. Install the required Series 90-70 I/O modules.
9. Install compatible VME modules.
10. Verify the backplane jumper configuration.
11. Confirm module seating and mechanical alignment.
12. Connect field wiring.
13. Connect communication cables.
14. Verify power distribution.
15. Check grounding and shielding.
16. Apply system power.
17. Check module status indicators.
18. Verify CPU and I/O operation.
19. Verify VME module communication.
20. Complete system commissioning.

When third-party VME modules are installed, additional attention should be given to power consumption, module addressing, backplane configuration, mechanical dimensions, and cooling.

Some high-power VME configurations may require additional cooling provisions.

VME Module Integration

One of the most important characteristics of the IC697CHS782 is its ability to integrate third-party VME modules with Series 90-70 PLC hardware.

The rack provides 17 VME slot positions using 0.8-inch spacing. Standard Series 90-70 modules can occupy the appropriate double-width positions within the rack architecture.

This makes the rack useful for applications requiring a combination of:

• GE PLC processors
• GE PLC I/O
• VME processing modules
• VME communication modules
• VME measurement modules
• VME specialty interfaces

However, the number of VME modules that can be installed simultaneously may be limited by the available power supply capacity and the specific combination of Series 90-70 and VME modules.

Backplane jumpers are used to configure the rack for VME module integration. The correct jumper arrangement depends on the requirements of the particular VME module.

Therefore, system integration should always be performed using the electrical and mechanical specifications of the actual modules being installed.

Compatible System Components

The IC697CHS782 can work with a variety of compatible Series 90-70 and VME system components.

Accessory selection should be based on the exact Series 90-70 and VME system configuration.

Recommended Alternative Models

The following GE Series 90-70 rack models can be considered for similar control-system applications.

The IC697CHS750 can be considered when the application only requires a conventional Series 90-70 rack configuration.

The IC697CHS770 is more suitable for applications involving redundant control-system architectures.

The IC697CHS783 is the closest alternative when VME integration is required but the application calls for a front or rack-mounted configuration instead of the rear/panel-mounted IC697CHS782.

The IC697CHS790 and IC697CHS791 can be considered for standard Series 90-70 PLC installations where third-party VME integration is not a primary requirement.

Before selecting an alternative rack, engineers should verify mounting configuration, slot arrangement, backplane compatibility, power supply requirements, VME support, cabinet dimensions, and the modules already installed in the system.

Key Advantages

• Designed for GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems
• 17-slot VME Integrator Rack architecture
• Supports compatible Series 90-70 PLC modules
• Supports selected third-party VME modules
• 0.8-inch VME slot spacing
• Rear / panel mounting configuration
• Provides common backplane communication
• Supports modular PLC architecture
• Flexible hardware integration
• Suitable for specialty VME applications
• Supports compatible GE plug-in power supplies
• Expansion capability with appropriate accessories
• Compatible with selected Series 90-70 CPU modules
• Supports digital and analog I/O configurations
• Suitable for communication applications
• Suitable for industrial data acquisition
• Suitable for process-control systems
• Suitable for manufacturing automation
• Suitable for OEM control systems
• Dimensions of approximately 283 × 483 × 184 mm
• Approximate weight of 5.83 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the GE IC697CHS782?

The IC697CHS782 is a 17-slot VME Integrator Rack designed for GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems. It allows compatible Series 90-70 modules and selected third-party VME modules to be integrated into the same rack architecture.

Is the IC697CHS782 a PLC CPU?

No. The IC697CHS782 is a rack and backplane assembly. A compatible CPU module must be installed separately for PLC program execution.

How many slots does the IC697CHS782 have?

The VME Integrator Rack provides 17 VME slot positions using 0.8-inch spacing, together with a dedicated power-supply position.

What are the dimensions of the IC697CHS782?

The specified dimensions are approximately 283 × 483 × 184 mm.

How much does the IC697CHS782 weigh?

The supplied specification lists the weight as approximately 5.83 kg.

What is the main purpose of the IC697CHS782?

Its primary purpose is to provide a common mounting and backplane platform for Series 90-70 PLC modules and compatible third-party VME modules.

Can the IC697CHS782 accept third-party VME modules?

Yes. One of its main purposes is to facilitate the integration of compatible third-party VME modules into a Series 90-70 PLC system.

Can standard Series 90-70 modules be installed?

Yes. The rack is designed to accommodate compatible Series 90-70 PLC module types in addition to supported VME hardware.

Is the IC697CHS782 a redundant rack?

No. The IC697CHS782 is a VME Integrator Rack intended for VME and Series 90-70 module integration. It should not be confused with dedicated redundant rack configurations such as the IC697CHS770.

What is the difference between IC697CHS782 and IC697CHS783?

Both are 17-slot VME Integrator Racks. The major difference is their mounting configuration: the IC697CHS782 is designed for rear/panel mounting, while the IC697CHS783 is designed for front/rack mounting.

What power supply can be used with the IC697CHS782?

The rack can accommodate compatible GE Series 90-70 plug-in power supplies, subject to the requirements and power capacity of the complete system configuration.

Can two racks be connected together?

The Series 90-70 rack architecture supports certain expansion configurations using appropriate accessories, including a power-supply extension arrangement where applicable.

Does the IC697CHS782 require additional cooling?

Cooling requirements depend on the installed modules and their power dissipation. High-power VME modules or certain CPU configurations may require additional airflow or an appropriate rack fan assembly.

What should be checked before replacing an IC697CHS782?

Engineers should verify the rack mounting style, number and type of installed modules, power-supply configuration, VME requirements, backplane jumper settings, cabinet dimensions, cooling requirements, and any expansion accessories used by the existing system.

Conclusion

The GE IC697CHS782 VME Integrator Rack Mount is a specialized rack component for the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC platform, designed to provide a flexible hardware environment for combining Series 90-70 PLC modules with compatible third-party VME modules.

With specified dimensions of 283 × 483 × 184 mm and an approximate weight of 5.83 kg, the rack is designed for rear or panel-mounted industrial control installations.

Its 17-slot VME architecture and 0.8-inch slot spacing provide a significant advantage for applications requiring VME-based specialty hardware alongside conventional PLC components. The rack provides the backplane infrastructure necessary for module communication and system integration while allowing engineers to build a control architecture around the specific requirements of the application.

The IC697CHS782 can be used in manufacturing automation, process control, industrial data acquisition, communication systems, OEM machinery, utility applications, and other legacy industrial automation environments where Series 90-70 and VME technologies must operate together.

For replacement and maintenance projects, the rack should be evaluated as part of the complete control-system architecture. Power supply capacity, CPU configuration, I/O requirements, VME module compatibility, backplane jumper configuration, cooling, mounting arrangement, and expansion requirements should all be checked before installation.

When correctly configured, the IC697CHS782 provides a practical and flexible platform for integrating GE Series 90-70 PLC hardware with compatible VME-based industrial control components.