Description
GE Fanuc IC697BEM733 Bus Expansion Module – Reliable rack-to-rack expansion for Series 90-70 systems
The GE Fanuc IC697BEM733 is a Bus Expansion Module designed for the Series 90-70 (IC697) platform. From my experience, it’s typically used to extend system capacity or segment large I/O installations, allowing the CPU to communicate deterministically with additional racks over a dedicated expansion bus. You might notice that it keeps legacy 90-70 lines productive without forcing a major re-architecture, which in many cases is the most cost-effective path.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery: 1 week for in-stock; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment before delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- Series 90-70 backplane integration – Plugs directly into IC697 racks and communicates over the system backplane to the CPU.
- Expansion/Inter-rack connectivity – Extends I/O capacity by linking additional racks via a dedicated expansion bus, typically with deterministic update behavior.
- Single-slot footprint – Preserves cabinet space while adding substantial expansion capability.
- Status and diagnostics – Front-panel indicators aid commissioning and fault isolation, which saves time during maintenance.
- Legacy system continuity – Helps maintain and scale existing 90-70 installations with minimal rewiring.
- Stable performance in industrial environments – Designed for typical plant-floor temperature and electrical noise conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | GE Fanuc IC697BEM733 (Series 90-70) |
| HS Code | 8537.10 (Industrial control equipment, for a voltage not exceeding 1000V) |
| Power Requirements | Supplied via Series 90-70 (IC697) backplane, nominal 5 VDC (consult module manual for exact load) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Standard single-slot IC697 module format; fits IC697 racks |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60 °C (typical industrial range), non-condensing environment recommended |
| Signal Input/Output Types | Backplane interface to CPU; front-panel expansion bus connection(s) for inter-rack communication |
| Communication Interfaces | GE expansion bus (IC697 BEM series), front-panel status LEDs for link/health |
| Installation Method | Plugs into IC697 rack slot; bus cable routed from front-panel connector; cabinet mounting as per GE 90-70 practices |
Application Fields
The IC697BEM733 is typically deployed where the system needs to grow without disrupting validated logic or wiring standards.
- Process industries: chemicals, oil & gas, and power generation—expanding I/O while keeping the main CPU centralized.
- Water & wastewater: adding remote racks in distributed pump stations or filter galleries.
- Pulp & paper and metals: segmenting large I/O sets to reduce cabinet density and ease maintenance.
- Transportation and material handling: interconnecting racks across long conveyors or separated panels.
One thing I appreciate is how maintenance teams can extend an aging but stable 90-70 install. A plant engineer told us their line was back up in minutes after swapping a failed bus module thanks to the familiar footprint and clear LED diagnostics.
Advantages & Value
- Reliability – Proven hardware behavior under industrial conditions; stable communication once installed and grounded properly.
- Compatibility – Designed for GE Fanuc Series 90-70 racks, power supplies, and CPUs; helps preserve existing logic and I/O investments.
- Cost control – Extends system life and capacity without forced platform migration; typically reduces project risk and downtime.
- Supportability – Straightforward diagnostics and a well-known installation pattern simplify spares strategy and operator training.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & rack – Install in an IC697 rack within a clean, ventilated enclosure; follow standard 19-inch panel practices and allow airflow around the modules.
- Wiring & grounding – Use the specified expansion bus cable type; route away from high-noise power lines; bond shields at the recommended end to avoid ground loops.
- Power budgeting – Verify rack backplane 5 VDC capacity against total module load; keep headroom for ambient temperature derating.
- ESD & safety – Power down the rack before inserting/removing modules; observe ESD precautions.
- Routine checks – Inspect connectors and cabling periodically, clean dust from vents, confirm LED status, and keep module firmware/CPU configuration aligned with your validated revision (where applicable).
- Spare strategy – In many cases, holding one spare per system area minimizes MTTR on critical lines.
Quality & Certifications
- Manufactured for industrial control use; GE Fanuc 90-70 modules typically carry CE and UL listings for relevant categories.
- RoHS applicability may vary by production era; verify per batch if required by your site standards.
- Warranty: 365 days from delivery.
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