Product Overview

Reliable communication between a PLC controller and connected field or remote devices is essential for stable industrial automation. The GE IC697BEM731 Bus Controller Module is designed for integration into the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC family, providing bus control and communication functionality within compatible industrial control architectures.

The IC697BEM731 acts as a dedicated interface between the PLC system and the associated bus network. It manages communication between the control system and compatible devices connected through the bus architecture, allowing information to be exchanged in an organized and reliable manner.

In industrial automation applications, a PLC may need to communicate with numerous devices distributed throughout a machine, production line, or process facility. A bus controller provides an important communication layer that allows the PLC to coordinate these devices without requiring every communication function to be handled directly by the central processor.

The IC697BEM731 can therefore form part of a larger control architecture containing a Series 90-70 CPU, PLC rack, power supply, I/O modules, communication equipment, distributed devices, and operator interfaces.

The specified dimensions of the IC697BEM731 are 206.4 × 49.8 × 158.5 mm, with an approximate product weight of 1.5 kg.

For system integrators, PLC engineers, OEM machine builders, and maintenance personnel working with GE Series 90-70 installations, the IC697BEM731 provides a dedicated bus-controller solution for compatible industrial communication applications.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The primary function of the IC697BEM731 is to provide bus controller functionality within a compatible GE Series 90-70 PLC system.

A simplified architecture can be represented as:

PLC CPU → IC697BEM731 → Industrial Bus → Connected Devices

The PLC CPU executes the application control program.

The IC697BEM731 provides the communication and bus-control interface required for communication with compatible devices.

The bus network provides the physical and logical communication path between the controller and connected equipment.

Depending on the overall system configuration, information exchanged through the bus may include:

• Device status
• Input information
• Output commands
• Control data
• Diagnostic information
• Device configuration information
• Communication status
• System information

The bus controller helps coordinate this communication so that information can be exchanged between the PLC and connected devices according to the system architecture.

For example, a production machine may contain multiple distributed devices that provide sensor information or receive control commands.

The PLC can process information received through the bus and execute the corresponding control logic.

Output commands can then be transferred through the communication architecture to the appropriate devices.

This allows the control system to coordinate multiple devices as part of one integrated automation application.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The IC697BEM731 functions as a bus controller and communication interface within a Series 90-70 PLC architecture.

A typical system may include:

• GE Series 90-70 PLC CPU
• IC697BEM731 Bus Controller Module
• Series 90-70 PLC rack
• GE PLC power supply
• Digital input modules
• Digital output modules
• Analog input modules
• Analog output modules
• Distributed I/O devices
• Bus-connected devices
• Communication modules
• HMI
• SCADA system
• Industrial sensors
• Actuators
• Motor-control equipment
• Programming workstation

The PLC CPU provides the central processing function.

The IC697BEM731 manages the appropriate bus communication function.

Connected devices provide field information or receive control commands.

The HMI and SCADA system can provide visualization and supervisory control.

Together, these components create a coordinated automation system.

The bus-controller layer becomes particularly important in applications where multiple devices must communicate with the PLC through an organized communication network.

Industrial Applications

The GE IC697BEM731 can be used in industrial control architectures requiring bus-based communication between a Series 90-70 PLC and compatible devices.

Typical applications include:

• Factory automation
• Machine control
• Manufacturing systems
• Production lines
• Material handling
• Packaging systems
• Process automation
• Industrial equipment
• OEM machine control
• Distributed control architectures
• Automated assembly systems
• Industrial monitoring

Factory Automation

Modern production systems can contain numerous controllers, I/O devices, sensors, and actuators.

A bus-based communication architecture allows the PLC to coordinate these devices through an organized communication structure.

Machine Control

Industrial machines often require communication between the central PLC and multiple distributed devices.

The IC697BEM731 can provide the bus-control interface needed for compatible system configurations.

Production Lines

Production lines can contain multiple machine sections and distributed control devices.

A bus controller can help establish communication between the PLC and connected equipment so that different sections operate according to the programmed production sequence.

Material Handling

Conveyor systems, transfer stations, and other material-handling equipment may contain distributed sensors and control devices.

Bus communication can provide an efficient method of exchanging status and control information.

OEM Systems

Machine builders can incorporate bus communication into modular automation architectures where multiple devices must be coordinated by a central PLC.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is important for reliable operation of the IC697BEM731.

Recommended installation practices include:

• Verify Series 90-70 compatibility before installation.
• Confirm that the module matches the intended bus architecture.
• Disconnect system power before installation or removal.
• Install the module securely in the appropriate system location.
• Inspect connectors and interfaces for damage.
• Verify bus cabling and termination requirements.
• Keep communication cables away from high-power electrical wiring where practical.
• Apply suitable grounding and shielding practices.
• Confirm connected device compatibility.
• Verify PLC hardware configuration.
• Check communication parameters.
• Monitor diagnostic information during commissioning.
• Test communication with connected devices before normal operation.

Possible causes of communication problems include:

• Incorrect bus wiring
• Loose connectors
• Damaged communication cables
• Incorrect configuration
• Incompatible devices
• Power supply problems
• Grounding problems
• Electrical interference
• Hardware failure

A useful commissioning sequence is:

PLC Power Supply → Series 90-70 CPU → IC697BEM731 → Bus Network → Connected Devices → Control Program

After installation, engineers should verify that the PLC recognizes the module and that communication with connected devices operates correctly.

Communication diagnostics should also be monitored during commissioning.

Compatible System Components

The IC697BEM731 can be integrated into a Series 90-70 PLC system containing compatible control, I/O, and communication components.

Typical associated equipment includes:

• GE Series 90-70 PLC CPUs
• Series 90-70 PLC racks
• GE PLC power supplies
• Digital input modules
• Digital output modules
• Analog input modules
• Analog output modules
• Bus-connected devices
• Distributed I/O equipment
• Communication interfaces
• Industrial sensors
• Actuators
• Motor-control devices
• HMI systems
• SCADA systems
• PLC programming equipment
• Industrial control cabinets

A simplified system architecture can be represented as:

PLC CPU → IC697BEM731 → Bus Network → Distributed Devices → Field Equipment

The exact configuration depends on the connected devices and the requirements of the particular Series 90-70 application.

Before integrating the module into an existing system, the complete hardware and communication architecture should be reviewed.

Recommended Alternative Models

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

These models should not automatically be considered direct substitutes.

Before selecting an alternative or replacement for the IC697BEM731, engineers should verify:

• PLC family
• Bus type
• Communication architecture
• Connected devices
• Rack configuration
• CPU compatibility
• Communication parameters
• Hardware configuration
• Software requirements
• Wiring requirements
• Environmental conditions

A module with a similar physical form may have a completely different communication function.

Key Advantages

• Designed for GE Series 90-70 PLC systems
• Provides bus controller functionality
• Supports industrial bus communication
• Interfaces PLC systems with compatible connected devices
• Suitable for distributed automation architectures
• Suitable for factory automation
• Suitable for machine control
• Suitable for production lines
• Suitable for material-handling systems
• Suitable for OEM machine applications
• Supports organized device communication
• Suitable for industrial control environments
• Dimensions of 206.4 × 49.8 × 158.5 mm
• Weight of approximately 1.5 kg
• Useful for system integration
• Suitable for maintenance and replacement projects

Technical FAQs

What is the GE IC697BEM731?

The GE IC697BEM731 is a Bus Controller Module designed for integration into compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems.

What does the IC697BEM731 do?

It provides bus control and communication functionality, allowing the PLC system to exchange information with compatible devices connected through the applicable bus architecture.

What PLC family is the IC697BEM731 associated with?

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

What are the dimensions of the IC697BEM731?

The specified dimensions are 206.4 × 49.8 × 158.5 mm.

How much does the IC697BEM731 weigh?

The specified product weight is approximately 1.5 kg.

Is the IC697BEM731 an analog or digital I/O module?

No. The IC697BEM731 is a Bus Controller Module, rather than a conventional analog or digital I/O module.

What is the purpose of a bus controller?

A bus controller provides the communication and control interface needed for a PLC system to exchange information with compatible devices connected through a bus architecture.

Can the IC697BEM731 be used in distributed automation systems?

Yes. It can form part of compatible distributed control architectures where the Series 90-70 PLC needs to communicate with connected devices.

What information can be exchanged through a PLC bus?

Depending on the system architecture, information may include device status, input data, output commands, diagnostic information, configuration information, and other control-system data.

What can cause bus communication problems?

Possible causes include incorrect wiring, loose connections, damaged cables, configuration errors, incompatible devices, power supply problems, grounding issues, electrical interference, or hardware faults.

What should be checked before replacing the IC697BEM731?

Engineers should verify the PLC family, bus architecture, connected devices, rack configuration, CPU compatibility, communication parameters, hardware configuration, wiring, software requirements, and environmental conditions.

Can another GE bus module be used as a direct replacement?

Not necessarily. Bus modules can perform different communication and interface functions even when they have similar physical dimensions. Compatibility must be confirmed against the complete system architecture.

Conclusion

The GE IC697BEM731 Bus Controller Module is a communication and control interface designed for compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems. Its primary role is to provide bus-controller functionality, allowing the PLC architecture to communicate with compatible devices through the applicable industrial bus network.

With specified dimensions of 206.4 × 49.8 × 158.5 mm and an approximate weight of 1.5 kg, the IC697BEM731 provides a dedicated hardware interface for industrial automation applications.

When combined with a Series 90-70 CPU, PLC rack, power supply, I/O modules, distributed devices, HMI, SCADA system, and compatible bus equipment, the module can form part of an integrated control architecture for factory automation, machine control, production lines, material handling, and other industrial applications.

For system integrators and maintenance engineers, correct replacement and commissioning require verification of the PLC architecture, bus requirements, connected devices, communication configuration, wiring, and system compatibility. Physical dimensions alone should not be used to determine whether another bus module is a suitable replacement.