Why is the GE 90-70 Series PLC the Core of Your Next-Generation Automation?
What is the GE 90-70 Series PLC (IC697)?
The GE Fanuc 90-70 Series PLC (product number prefix IC697) is a modular programmable logic controller system designed specifically for industrial automation. It provides a robust rack-mount platform containing a CPU, power supply, I/O modules, bus controller, and expansion racks, enabling comprehensive process control and distributed I/O configurations. Compared to older systems, the 90-70 Series PLC offers users greater flexibility, a modular design, and support for diverse I/O and communication configurations.
Why should you consider the 90-70 Series PLC now instead of a newer system?
Because the 90-70 Series PLC is a proven, tried-and-tested, and widely used platform. For many industrial sites, especially those with legacy infrastructure, replacing the entire control system can be costly, risky, and disruptive to operations. By choosing the 90-70, you gain continuous assurance: a stable, easy-to-understand architecture, compatibility with Genius I/O and remote I/O racks, and the ability to maintain or expand the system without redesign. For critical automation systems that must operate stably, the 90-70 is always a reliable backbone.
90-70 Series (IC697) Functionality Overview — Based on the Genius Bus Controller Datasheet
The core of the 90-70 Series' distributed I/O functionality lies in its "Genius" bus architecture. One key module is the IC697BEM731 Genius Bus Controller (GBC), which connects the PLC rack to the Genius I/O serial bus.
Modular, Distributed I/O, and Bus Flexibility
The Genius bus controller supports up to 30 I/O devices (modules) on a single bus channel.
It transmits I/O data to the CPU once per rack scan, enabling asynchronous bus scans and independent remote I/O outputs—ideal for distributed control and remote I/O racks.
Supports a variety of Genius I/O modules: discrete modules, analog modules, and dedicated modules—flexibly expandable to meet field requirements.
Communication Performance and Distance
The Genius bus uses a token-passing bus protocol. The standard communication rate is 153.6 kbps, with selectable baud rates of 76.8 kbps or 38.4 kbps to accommodate longer cable lengths or interference immunity requirements.
Cable distance: Up to 2,000 feet (approximately 610 meters) at standard baud rates; depending on the configuration, the bus distance can be extended to 7,500 feet (approximately 2.3 kilometers) via repeaters or by reducing the baud rate, enabling long-distance remote I/O connectivity.
Each Genius bus controller occupies one slot in a 90-70 series rack and communicates with the CPU via a backplane, maximizing cabling simplicity.
Diagnostics, Redundancy, and Reliability
The bus controller provides built-in diagnostics: power status, communication status, bus errors, and I/O module fault reports—feeding this information to the CPU fault table for monitoring or alarm handling.
In complex systems, multiple bus controllers (and remote branches) can be configured—enabling distributed I/O, redundancy, and scalability.
Modular design allows for the mixed use of discrete I/O, analog modules, remote I/O racks, and Genius I/O modules, enabling engineers to flexibly customize control systems to meet plant needs.
Application Cases and Typical Applications
With these features, the 90-70 series equipped with the Genius bus is particularly suitable for:
Large industrial automation systems requiring distributed control across remote control cabinets (e.g., manufacturing plants, production lines).
Existing legacy I/O systems—requiring expansion or retrofitting of I/O without replacing the entire control system.
Environments requiring remote I/O racks located away from the main PLC rack—utilizing long bus cable support and remote access capabilities.
Systems requiring robust diagnostic capabilities, reliability, and modular I/O expansion—e.g., petrochemical, utility, water treatment, packaging, or manufacturing industries.
Overview of GE PLC/Control Series – Key Advantages and Typical Parameters
|
Series / Family |
Typical Model / Prefix |
Key Strengths / Best For |
Typical I/O / CPU Characteristics / Notes |
|
IC697CPU731 / IC697CPX935 / etc. |
Modular, expandable, supports Genius bus & remote I/O, well-proven reliability |
From small 512-point CPUs to high-I/O CPUs (12 K discrete /O, analog support), modular backplane, rack system. |
|
|
Series 90-30 (IC693) |
—— |
Compact footprint, cost-effective, simpler installations |
Suitable for small-to-medium control tasks, legacy support for older installations. (Works with Genius I/O and basic communication modules.) |
|
VersaMax (IC200) |
IC200 series |
Compact / mid-size PLC for modular installations; easier for smaller or mid-scale control systems |
Good balance between flexibility and simplicity; cost effective for retrofit or small-to-medium plants. |
|
PACSystems RX7i (IC698) |
IC698 series |
Modern PAC一supports high-performance control, floating-point, better processing, more memory |
Often used when upgrading legacy systems; supports advanced functions, better integration, modern communications. |
|
Boards & DCS (Mark VI, IS200, IS215, etc.) |
IS200 / IS215 |
Distributed control for process industries, integrated DCS solutions |
For large-scale process control (power, petrochemical, utilities), supports dense I/O, redundancy, scaled architecture. |
The importance of GE's product portfolio: From compact PLCs (VersaMax, 90-30) to modular, scalable medium-to-large systems (90-70), to modern PAC systems (RX7i) and complete DCS/backplane solutions (Mark VI, IS200/IS215)—GE's products cover virtually all industrial automation needs. This extensive product line offers tremendous flexibility: you can choose according to the size, complexity, and future expansion plans of your plant.
How Moore Automated Can Help You—Finding Rare, Discontinued, or Hard-to-Find GE Products
At Moore Automated, we understand that many industrial facilities still rely on legacy GE control systems—some decades old—and spare parts, replacement modules, or expansion modules for these systems are difficult to obtain from the original manufacturer. Therefore, we focus on sourcing the following products:
Discontinued or rare modules from the 90-70 series (e.g., specific CPU models, Genius bus controllers, remote I/O racks);
Hard-to-find legacy series products, such as the 90-30 series (IC693) or VersaMax (IC200), which many customers seek when maintaining legacy systems;
Widely used upgrade targets, such as the PACSystems RX7i (IC698) or DCS components, such as the Mark VI (IS200, IS215)—allowing customers to confidently migrate or expand their systems.
Customers frequently request us to find models including: IC697CPU771, IC697BEM731, IC697CPX935, IC693CMM*, IC200CHS, IC698RX7i, IS200ISM, IS215ISM, etc.
We are committed to providing genuine and quality-verified modules—often at more competitive prices than market rates—and we handle sourcing, testing, and shipping to ensure you receive a usable part that meets your needs.
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