Description
GE IC697PCM711: Keep Your Series 90-70 PLCs Running Smoothly
Still running your Series 90-70 PLCs? You’re not alone. Many plants I’ve worked with rely on these rugged systems for critical processes, and the IC697PCM711 coprocessor is often the unsung hero keeping them humming. It slots right into your existing rack to handle specialized math or data logging tasks—freeing up your main CPU during those inevitable production crunch times. One thing I appreciate is how it handles brownouts; that battery-backed RAM typically saves your program when power flickers, which matters when you’re running 24/7 shifts.
Key Features That Actually Matter
- Single-slot efficiency – Handles floating-point math and high-speed counting without hogging rack space. In many cases, this eliminates the need for extra modules.
- Battery-backed memory – Keeps your program intact for 30+ days during power loss. From my experience, this avoids those dreaded 2 AM troubleshooting calls.
- Seamless Series 90-70 integration – Communicates directly with the PLC CPU via backplane. No extra wiring headaches—just drop it in and configure.
- Legacy protocol support – Works with older SCADA systems through the CPU. Crucial if you’re stuck with that 2005 HMI panel nobody wants to replace.
Technical Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand/Model | GE IC697PCM711 |
| HS Code | 8537.10.0090 (Programmable controllers) |
| Power Requirements | 5V DC @ 300mA from backplane (no external power) |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to 55°C (32°F to 131°F) – survives most factory floors |
| Installation | Single slot in IC697 rack (any position except CPU slot) |
Where You’ll Actually Use This
Think paper mills with aging refiner controls, municipal water plants running legacy pumps, or automotive stamping lines where downtime costs $20k/hour. A customer in Maine told me they’ve used these since 2003 on their boiler control system—replacing a failed coprocessor took 20 minutes during a graveyard shift. It’s not for new designs, but if you’re sweating over maintaining 90s-era infrastructure? This module quietly solves real headaches.
Why Procurement Should Care
Let’s be real: You’re not buying this for “innovation.” You’re buying avoided risk. When your $500k production line depends on 25-year-old PLCs, compatibility is king. This module drops into existing racks without re-engineering—saving weeks of downtime versus migrating systems. Plus, that 365-day warranty (with 1-week delivery for in-stock units) means if it fails during installation, we’ll swap it before your maintenance team finishes coffee. Payment’s simple: 50% upfront, balance when it ships via FedEx/UPS/DHL.
Installation & Maintenance Reality Check
Pop it into any IC697 rack slot (except where the CPU lives), and you’re done—no external power needed. Just ensure your cabinet stays below 55°C; I’ve seen these fail prematurely in unventilated enclosures near ovens. Maintenance is boringly simple: wipe vents annually and check the battery every 2 years (it’s a standard CR2032). One minor quirk: firmware updates require the old Series 90 Toolkit software—keep that CD safe. Oh, and never hot-swap it; Series 90 racks hate that.
Quality You Can Verify
It carries the original GE CE mark (pre-2000s style) and meets UL 508 industrial safety standards. GE’s legacy warranty applies—365 days from shipment. Not the flashiest certification portfolio today, but for legacy support? It’s what keeps actual factories running. We test every unit before shipping; last month’s batch had 0% failure in field reports.
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