Description
GE Fanuc IC697BEM711 Bus Expansion Module – Extend your Series 90-70 backplane to more racks
The GE Fanuc IC697BEM711 is a Bus Expansion Module for Series 90-70 systems. It’s designed to extend the IC697 backplane bus from the CPU rack to expansion racks, so you can add more I/O capacity without changing your controller architecture. From my experience, plants use it when cabinet space is tight but the project keeps growing—keeping the scan time consistent and the wiring tidy.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery: typically 1 week for in‑stock items; no more than 1 month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment before delivery
- Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- Backplane expansion for IC697: Extends the Series 90‑70 I/O bus to additional racks, ideal for large systems.
- Works as a paired link: Typically used with a matching Bus Receiver in the expansion rack (for example, IC697BEM721), forming a transmitter/receiver pair.
- Deterministic performance: Maintains backplane-level data exchange, which usually means predictable I/O updates.
- On-board diagnostics: Status LEDs help technicians verify link health and module state quickly.
- No external power: Powered by the IC697 backplane; wiring stays simple and service-friendly.
- Series 90-70 compatibility: Fits standard IC697 racks; commonly used across many installed GE Fanuc systems.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | GE Fanuc IC697BEM711 (Bus Expansion Module) |
| HS Code | 8538.90 (Parts suitable for use with 8535/8536/8537 equipment; for reference) |
| Power Requirements | 5 VDC supplied by the IC697 backplane (no external power) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Single‑slot IC697 form factor for Series 90‑70 racks; standard module height |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60 °C (typical for IC697 modules) |
| Signal Input/Output Types | Backplane bus expansion only; no user discrete/analog I/O channels |
| Communication Interfaces | Proprietary IC697 expansion link; used with a matching receiver module in the expansion rack |
| Installation Method | Rack-mounted in an IC697 (Series 90‑70) rack; requires proper cabling to the paired receiver module |
Application Fields
You might notice that the IC697BEM711 is most at home in larger, multi-cabinet installations. Typical examples include:
- Automotive assembly lines adding extra I/O panels after process changes
- Food & beverage packaging halls where controllers need more points without reworking the CPU rack
- Power generation auxiliary systems (BOP) that must expand I/O near equipment skids
- Steel and material handling systems with long conveyor runs and distributed cabinets
“We installed the IC697BEM711 to push our 90‑70 system to two additional racks. The I/O behaved like it was on the local backplane—no rework to logic, and commissioning took a single shift.” — Maintenance supervisor, tier‑1 packaging plant
Advantages & Value
- Lifecycle-friendly: Extends existing Series 90‑70 systems without touching the CPU or core program.
- Cost control: Add capacity incrementally instead of replacing the controller platform.
- Reliability: GE Fanuc IC697 ecosystem; parts and service procedures are well understood by most sites.
- Compatibility: Typically works across a wide range of IC697 CPUs and I/O, minimizing integration risk.
- Support: We can assist with module pairing (e.g., IC697BEM711 with IC697BEM721) and cabling guidelines.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & environment: Install in a clean, ventilated enclosure; maintain ambient within 0–60 °C and avoid condensation.
- Rack placement: Mount the IC697BEM711 in the CPU rack; install the matching receiver in the expansion rack as per GE guidelines.
- Cabling: Route expansion link cables away from high-voltage or high-frequency lines; observe bend radius and secure strain relief.
- Grounding: Ensure common reference grounding between racks to reduce noise; bond cabinet doors and panels.
- Safety: Power down the rack before inserting/removing modules; Series 90‑70 modules are not hot‑swappable.
- Routine care: Check link indicators and cable integrity during PMs; clean dust from vents and connectors; verify firmware/module revision compatibility when adding racks.
Quality & Certifications
- Certifications: Typically CE and UL for Series 90‑70 modules; RoHS compliance may vary by production date (legacy product).
- Manufacturer policy: GE Fanuc product line for IC697; field-proven in industrial environments.
- Our warranty: 365‑day warranty from shipment date.
Related/Supporting Components
- IC697BEM721 Bus Receiver Module – typically installed in the expansion rack to pair with IC697BEM711.
- IC697 racks and power supplies – standard Series 90‑70 backplanes and PSU modules for CPU and expansion racks.
- Shielded expansion cabling and accessories – as specified in GE Fanuc installation manuals for IC697 bus expansion links.











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