Product Overview

The GE IC697CHS771 VME Integrator Rack Mount is a rack assembly designed for use with compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 industrial control system hardware. It provides a structured mounting platform and backplane interface for integrating compatible PLC processors, I/O modules, communication modules, and other control-system components.

The IC697CHS771 is associated with the VME-based architecture used by the Series 90-70 platform. VME technology provides a modular hardware architecture in which individual control and interface modules communicate through a common backplane.

This rack is particularly useful in industrial automation systems where multiple control modules need to be installed in an organized cabinet-mounted configuration.

The specified dimensions of the IC697CHS771 are approximately 283 × 483 × 184 mm, while its approximate weight is 5.83 kg.

Unlike a PLC CPU, the IC697CHS771 does not independently execute a control program. Instead, it provides the physical rack and backplane infrastructure required for compatible Series 90-70 modules.

In a complete PLC system, the rack can work with a processor, power supply, digital and analog I/O modules, communication interfaces, and other system components to create a complete industrial control platform.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The main function of the IC697CHS771 is to provide the mechanical mounting structure and electrical backplane required for compatible Series 90-70 modules.

The rack itself does not perform PLC program execution. Instead, it provides a common platform through which installed modules can receive system power and exchange data.

A simplified control architecture is:

Power Supply → Rack Backplane → CPU / Controller → I/O & Communication Modules → Field Devices

The rack backplane acts as the central interconnection point between the modules.

When compatible modules are installed, the backplane provides the electrical paths necessary for communication and system integration.

Depending on the PLC configuration, the rack can accommodate components such as:

• CPU modules
• Digital input modules
• Digital output modules
• Analog input modules
• Analog output modules
• Communication modules
• Bus interface modules
• Specialty control modules

The CPU executes the user control program and processes input information. Input modules receive signals from field devices, while output modules provide control signals to actuators.

Communication modules can connect the PLC system to other industrial networks, remote devices, operator interfaces, or supervisory systems.

The rack therefore acts as the central hardware platform that allows these individual modules to function as one integrated control system.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The IC697CHS771 plays a structural and electrical integration role within a Series 90-70 PLC system.

A typical control sequence can be represented as:

Sensors → Input Modules → CPU → Output Modules → Actuators

The rack provides the interconnection between these functional modules.

For example, a proximity sensor may send a discrete signal to a digital input module. The input module communicates the signal through the backplane to the CPU.

The CPU processes the signal according to the PLC program and determines the required output response.

The corresponding digital output module then sends the control signal to an actuator such as a motor starter, valve, relay, or other industrial device.

The rack therefore contributes to:

• Module interconnection
• Backplane communication
• System power distribution
• PLC hardware organization
• Modular expansion
• Maintenance access
• Cabinet integration
• System-level hardware configuration

For larger automation systems, this modular approach allows engineers to select different I/O and communication modules according to the application.

Industrial Applications

Manufacturing Automation

The IC697CHS771 can be used in manufacturing control systems where multiple PLC modules must be integrated into a centralized control cabinet.

Typical applications include production lines, assembly equipment, machine automation, and material-handling systems.

Process Control

Process-control systems often require a combination of analog and digital I/O.

The rack provides the modular platform required to install the appropriate Series 90-70 I/O and processor components.

Material Handling

Conveyors, transfer systems, sorting equipment, and automated handling machinery can use Series 90-70 PLC architectures.

The rack allows the required controller and I/O modules to be organized into a single system.

Water and Wastewater

Water-treatment systems can use PLCs to control pumps, valves, motors, chemical dosing equipment, and monitoring devices.

A modular rack configuration allows the control system to accommodate different combinations of analog and digital signals.

Power and Utility Systems

Industrial utility systems often require reliable PLC hardware for monitoring and controlling electrical and mechanical equipment.

The IC697CHS771 can form part of a Series 90-70 control architecture for suitable applications.

Chemical and Process Industries

Chemical processing equipment may require many analog measurements and discrete control signals.

The Series 90-70 modular architecture can be configured with appropriate I/O and communication modules to meet these requirements.

OEM Machine Control

The rack can be used in larger OEM machines where numerous I/O points and specialized communication functions are required.

Installation and System Integration

Proper installation is important for reliable operation of the IC697CHS771 and its associated modules.

Before installation, engineers should verify:

• Series 90-70 compatibility
• Rack configuration
• CPU compatibility
• Power supply requirements
• I/O module requirements
• Communication module requirements
• Cabinet dimensions
• Mounting arrangement
• Grounding
• Ventilation
• Module placement
• Wiring requirements

Typical Installation Procedure

1. De-energize the control cabinet.
2. Verify the rack model and system configuration.
3. Prepare the cabinet mounting location.
4. Install the IC697CHS771 securely.
5. Establish the appropriate grounding connection.
6. Install the compatible power supply.
7. Install the required CPU module.
8. Install digital and analog I/O modules.
9. Install communication and specialty modules.
10. Confirm that all modules are properly seated.
11. Connect field wiring.
12. Connect communication cables where required.
13. Verify power and grounding connections.
14. Apply system power.
15. Check module status indicators.
16. Verify CPU operation.
17. Check backplane communication.
18. Download or verify the PLC configuration.
19. Test individual I/O channels.
20. Perform complete system commissioning.

The rack should be installed in a suitable industrial cabinet with adequate ventilation and protection from excessive dust, moisture, vibration, and electrical interference.

Cable routing and grounding should be considered carefully, especially where the PLC is installed near variable frequency drives, motors, contactors, or other sources of electromagnetic interference.

VME-Based System Integration

The IC697CHS771 is associated with the VME-based architecture used by the Series 90-70 platform.

VME-based modular systems use a common backplane to allow multiple modules to communicate with one another.

This approach provides several advantages for industrial control systems:

• Modular hardware architecture
• Flexible module selection
• Centralized backplane communication
• Expandable I/O configuration
• Easier module-level maintenance
• Separation of control functions
• Integration of specialized hardware

The processor can communicate with installed I/O and communication modules through the backplane.

When a field input changes state, the corresponding input module processes the signal and makes the information available to the controller.

The controller then executes the appropriate logic and sends the resulting commands through the corresponding output module.

This modular architecture allows engineers to design a control system around the actual process requirements rather than relying on a fixed number of integrated I/O channels.

Compatible System Components

The IC697CHS771 can operate as part of a larger GE Fanuc Series 90-70 control system.

The exact modules installed in the rack should be verified against the Series 90-70 hardware configuration and the requirements of the specific control application.

Recommended Alternative Models

The following GE Series 90-70 components may be considered for similar PLC rack and control-system applications.

The IC697CHS750 can be considered for installations requiring a smaller Series 90-70 rack configuration.

The IC697CHS770 is more appropriate when the system architecture requires a rack associated with redundant control applications.

The IC697CHS790 can be considered for applications requiring an expanded rack configuration.

For systems requiring a central processor, compatible CPU or controller modules such as the IC697CPU771 and IC697CGR772 may be considered according to the overall control architecture.

When replacing an existing IC697CHS771, engineers should verify the rack type, backplane compatibility, module requirements, cabinet dimensions, power-supply configuration, CPU configuration, and overall system architecture before selecting an alternative.

Key Advantages

• Designed for GE Fanuc Series 90-70 systems
• VME-based modular architecture
• Provides a common backplane interface
• Supports compatible Series 90-70 modules
• Suitable for CPU installation
• Suitable for digital I/O modules
• Suitable for analog I/O modules
• Supports communication modules
• Supports specialty modules
• Modular system architecture
• Flexible PLC hardware configuration
• Cabinet-mounted installation
• Facilitates module-level maintenance
• Suitable for industrial automation
• Suitable for manufacturing control
• Suitable for process-control systems
• Suitable for material handling
• Suitable for utility applications
• Suitable for water and wastewater systems
• Dimensions of approximately 283 × 483 × 184 mm
• Approximate weight of 5.83 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the GE IC697CHS771?

The IC697CHS771 is a VME Integrator Rack Mount designed for compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC control systems. It provides the physical mounting and backplane infrastructure required for the system’s modules.

Is the IC697CHS771 a CPU?

No. The IC697CHS771 is a rack assembly and does not independently execute a PLC program. A compatible CPU module must be installed as part of the complete control system.

What is the main function of the IC697CHS771?

Its main function is to provide mechanical mounting, backplane interconnection, and system-level integration for compatible Series 90-70 PLC modules.

What are the dimensions of the IC697CHS771?

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

How much does the IC697CHS771 weigh?

The specified weight is approximately 5.83 kg.

What PLC family does the IC697CHS771 belong to?

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

What does VME mean in the context of the IC697CHS771?

VME refers to a modular computer-bus architecture used for communication between compatible hardware modules through a common backplane.

What modules can work with the IC697CHS771?

Depending on the system configuration, compatible Series 90-70 CPU, digital I/O, analog I/O, communication, bus-interface, and specialty modules can be installed.

Can the IC697CHS771 be used for process control?

Yes. A properly configured Series 90-70 PLC system can be used for suitable process-control applications involving analog and digital field signals.

Where is the IC697CHS771 commonly used?

Typical applications include manufacturing automation, process control, utilities, water and wastewater systems, material handling, machine control, and other industrial automation environments.

Does the rack provide power to installed modules?

The rack provides the backplane infrastructure through which compatible modules are interconnected. A compatible power supply is required as part of the complete PLC configuration.

Can the IC697CHS771 be used with communication modules?

Yes. Compatible Series 90-70 communication modules can be incorporated into the system according to the required network architecture.

What should be checked before replacing an IC697CHS771?

Engineers should verify rack compatibility, Series 90-70 module compatibility, CPU requirements, power-supply configuration, cabinet dimensions, I/O requirements, communication architecture, and the overall system configuration.

Conclusion

The GE IC697CHS771 VME Integrator Rack Mount is an important hardware component within compatible GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC systems. It provides the mechanical structure and backplane infrastructure required to integrate processors, I/O modules, communication interfaces, power supplies, and other compatible control-system hardware.

With specified dimensions of 283 × 483 × 184 mm and an approximate weight of 5.83 kg, the rack is designed for industrial cabinet installation and provides a modular platform for organizing Series 90-70 PLC hardware.

Its VME-based architecture allows compatible modules to communicate through a common backplane, creating an integrated control system in which the CPU, I/O, and communication modules can perform their respective functions.

The IC697CHS771 can form part of automation systems used in manufacturing, process control, material handling, utilities, water and wastewater treatment, and OEM machine control.

For maintenance engineers and system integrators working with Series 90-70 installations, replacement decisions should consider the complete hardware architecture rather than the rack dimensions alone. Rack compatibility, CPU configuration, power supply, I/O requirements, communication modules, cabinet layout, and system function should all be verified before replacement.

When correctly integrated with compatible Series 90-70 components, the IC697CHS771 provides a structured and flexible rack platform for modular industrial PLC control systems.