GE Fanuc IC697PCM711P – Programmable Coprocessor Module for Series 90-70 Custom Logic and Serial Integration

The GE Fanuc IC697PCM711P is a Programmable Coprocessor Module (PCM) for Series 90-70 PLC systems. From my experience, teams bring in the PCM when they need C‑level logic, custom serial protocols, or heavier data manipulation without overloading the main CPU. You might notice that it’s particularly handy when integrating legacy ASCII devices—barcode scanners, labelers, weigh scales, PLC-to-PLC bridges—or when you want to implement tailored algorithms that don’t fit cleanly in ladder logic.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• – Warranty period: 365 days

• – Delivery: typically 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest

• – Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery

– Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Programmable coprocessor for the 90-70 rack – Offloads compute-heavy logic and custom routines from the main CPU, improving scan-time stability.
• Serial integration (RS-232/RS-485) – Typically used to connect ASCII/serial devices such as drives, HMIs, printers, weighers, and scanners.
• C/advanced logic capability – Ideal for protocol conversion, string handling, data parsing, and math functions that are tedious in ladder.
• Tight backplane data exchange – Shares data with the 90-70 CPU over the backplane for fast, deterministic transfers.
• Field-proven in legacy plants – In many cases used to modernize I/O or bridge older serial equipment into newer SCADA/MES layers without a full controls rewrite.
• Serviceable and replaceable – Slots into a standard Series 90-70 base, making change-outs straightforward during planned downtime.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• IC697CMM711 – Communications module for the 90-70 if you only need standardized comms (less custom logic than a PCM).
• IC697CPU7xx – Series 90-70 CPU choices; size your CPU based on scan-time and memory requirements.
• IC697CHS7xx Racks – 90-70 baseplates the PCM installs into; choose slot counts per expansion needs.
• IC697PWR7xx Power Supplies – Ensure adequate 5 VDC bus capacity for CPU + PCM + I/O modules.
• IC693PCM301 – Similar concept for Series 90-30 systems if you’re standardizing across platforms.

One thing I appreciate is that the IC697PCM711P can extend the life of a 90-70 line without ripping out proven equipment. A packaging client told us, “We dropped the PCM in, parsed our printer protocol in C, and never had to touch the main logic again.”

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & environment – Install in a clean, dry, well‑ventilated enclosure. Maintain 0–60°C ambient and avoid vibration and conductive dust.
• Rack & slotting – Mount in an IC697CHS series rack. Power down before insertion or removal; hot swap is not supported in most 90-70 deployments.
• Wiring – Use shielded serial cables for RS-232/RS-485. Ground shields at one end. Keep serial runs separate from high‑voltage lines to reduce noise.
• Configuration – Set port parameters (baud, parity, protocol framing) to match end devices. Validate backplane data exchange with the CPU before commissioning.
• Routine maintenance – Periodically check connectors, cable strain relief, and cabinet temperature. Back up PCM applications; review firmware/toolchain versions during planned downtime.
• Troubleshooting – If serial comms are intermittent, verify termination on RS‑485, confirm common reference, and capture traffic for framing errors.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications – Typically CE and UL for industrial control equipment; many installations also reference CSA. For legacy modules, RoHS may not apply.
• Warranty – 365 days replacement/repair support as stated above.
• Traceability – It appears that most units include standard nameplate and revision details (the “P” revision in IC697PCM711P indicates a later hardware/firmware iteration).

If you’re tying serial devices into a mature 90-70 system and want to keep scan time tight, the IC697PCM711P is usually the cleanest way to add custom logic without disturbing your base program. Happy to help verify rack power budget and port pinouts if you share your device list.