Description
GE Fanuc IC697CHS790D – 9‑Slot Rack/Backplane for Series 90‑70 PLC Systems
The IC697CHS790D is the 9-slot rack used across GE Fanuc Series 90‑70 PLC installations. From my experience, it’s a solid choice when you need a stable backplane to host a CPU, comms modules, and mixed I/O without overbuilding the control cabinet. It’s a legacy platform, yes, but still runs reliably in a lot of plants—typically in process lines, metals, utilities, and older OEM machines where uptime matters more than shiny features.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery time: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
- Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- 9-slot Series 90‑70 backplane – Space for a CPU and up to eight additional modules (I/O, comms, specialty), which is usually enough for compact to mid-size cells.
- IC697 power-supply mounting – Works with the IC697PWR series supplies; the rack itself doesn’t take mains directly.
- VME-style IC697 bus – Stable, time-proven backplane signaling; you might notice fewer bus-related nuisance faults compared to makeshift expansions.
- Panel/cabinet mounting – Straightforward mechanical install; typically used in NEMA or IEC enclosures with standard DIN accessories nearby.
- Wide module compatibility – Accepts 90‑70 CPUs, discrete/analog I/O, Ethernet/serial comms, and Genius bus modules in many cases.
- Revision D hardware – Later revision that tends to play nicely with a broader set of module firmware levels in brownfield upgrades.
- Service-friendly layout – Clear slot addressing and guided insertion help reduce bent pins and speed up change-outs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | GE Fanuc IC697CHS790D (Series 90‑70 rack/backplane) |
| HS Code | 8538.90 (Parts suitable for 8537 apparatus) |
| Power Requirements | Powered via IC697PWR series supply module; the rack itself has no mains input. |
| Slot Count | 9 module slots (plus power supply position) |
| Dimensions & Weight | 6U backplane height; 9-slot width; panel-mounted chassis; weight typically in the 4–5 kg range depending on hardware. |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60°C (typical for Series 90‑70 chassis) |
| Signal I/O Types | Backplane bus only; I/O types are provided by installed modules. |
| Communication Interfaces | IC697 (VME-style) backplane; external interfaces are module-dependent (Ethernet, serial, Genius, etc.). |
| Installation Method | Panel/cabinet mounting; horizontal orientation recommended; power supply position at the left end of the rack. |
Related or Supporting Products
- IC697CHS750 – 5-slot rack for smaller nodes; good when cabinet space is tight.
- IC697CHS791 – 11-slot rack when you need more I/O or multiple comms processors on one backplane.
- IC697PWR711 / IC697PWR713 – Compatible power supplies (AC and DC variants); choice depends on your incoming power.
- IC697CPU772 – High-performance 90‑70 CPU option often paired with the CHS790 for mid-size control tasks.
- IC697CMM7xx series – Communications modules (e.g., Ethernet) to network the rack with SCADA or higher-level systems.
- IC697ALG/IC697MDL series – Analog and discrete I/O modules; pick ranges and densities based on the field signals.
One thing I appreciate is how the 9-slot format lets you keep a tidy architecture: CPU + Ethernet + a mixed I/O stack without going to a second rack. For plants modernizing slowly, it seems to be a practical bridge—retain field wiring now, migrate controllers later.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet environment – Use a clean, dry enclosure with adequate ventilation; avoid heat sources under or behind the rack. Keep ambient within 0–60°C, humidity non-condensing.
- Mounting – Panel-mount the rack horizontally; allow clearance for module insertion/extraction and cable bend radius. Ground the backplane/chassis to the cabinet earth bar.
- Power – Select an IC697PWR supply appropriate for your mains (AC or DC). Size the supply current for the CPU + all installed modules; leave headroom for inrush and future additions.
- Wiring – Route high-voltage and noisy cabling away from I/O. Separate analog from high-frequency digital where possible to reduce induced noise.
- ESD care – Handle modules with ESD protection. Insert straight into the guides; don’t force the connectors.
- Routine maintenance – Quarterly dust-out with dry air, check all module latches, inspect backplane connectors. Yearly: verify power-supply health, battery status on the CPU, and update firmware on CPU/comms modules if required by your change policy.
A maintenance lead told me they cut nuisance trips by simply reseating modules annually on older 90‑70 racks—simple, but on aging connectors it helps more than you’d think.
Quality & Certifications
- CE and UL markings are commonly observed on Series 90‑70 hardware.
- RoHS compliance may vary by production date; legacy units are often not RoHS.
- Manufacturer’s design and process controls typical of GE Fanuc-era industrial hardware.
Warranty from us: 365 days. If it’s in stock, shipment is typically within one week via FedEx, UPS, or DHL—no later than one month in extended cases. Payment terms are 50% advance, with the balance before delivery.







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