The GE Fanuc IC697BEM731R is a high-speed communication interface module for the Series 90-70 Programmable Logic Controller. As a Genius Bus Controller (GBC), this module serves as the vital link between the IC697 CPU and a network of Genius I/O blocks, power tracs, and other intelligent devices, facilitating seamless distributed control across the plant floor.

 

Technical Specifications & Datasheet

General Parameters

• Manufacturer: GE Fanuc (Emerson Automation)
• Part Number: IC697BEM731R
• Module Type: Genius Bus Controller (GBC)
• Series: Series 90-70
• Bus Speed: 38.4 Kbaud, 76.8 Kbaud, or 153.6 Kbaud (Switch selectable)
• Network Capacity: Up to 31 devices per bus

Physical Attributes

• Dimensions: Single-slot width for IC697 PLC rack
• Weight: 1.8 lbs (0.82 kg)
• Country of Origin: USA
• Current Required: 1.2 Amps from +5V Bus

 

Application Fields

The IC697BEM731R is essential for complex, distributed automation architectures requiring high data integrity:

• Mining and Minerals: Managing remote I/O blocks across long-distance conveyors and crushers.
• Oil & Gas: Controlling distributed pumping stations and remote wellhead monitoring.
• Infrastructure: Synchronizing movable bridge controls and large-scale ventilation systems.
• Manufacturing: Integrating multi-station assembly lines with localized intelligence.

 

Product Usage Instructions

1. Network Planning: Before installation, assign a unique Serial Bus Address (SBA) between 0 and 31 for the controller. Typically, the controller is assigned SBA 31.
2. Hardware Installation: Slide the IC697BEM731R into the designated slot of the Series 90-70 rack. Ensure the module is firmly seated into the backplane connectors.
3. Cabling: Use approved shielded twisted-pair cable for the Genius bus. Ensure proper termination resistors (75, 100, or 150 ohms) are installed at both physical ends of the bus to prevent signal reflection.
4. Configuration: Use Proficy Machine Edition or Logicmaster 90-70 software to configure the GBC. Define the scan rate and map the I/O points for the remote Genius blocks.
5. Diagnostics: Utilize the front-panel LEDs for troubleshooting. The “OK” LED indicates the module has passed internal power-up diagnostics, and the “COMM” LED indicates active bus traffic.

Q&A: Common Questions

Q: Can I use multiple IC697BEM731R modules in a single rack? A: Yes, the Series 90-70 architecture supports multiple bus controllers, allowing for redundant bus configurations or the expansion of the network to handle more than 31 devices.

Q: What is the maximum cable length supported by this module? A: The distance depends on the baud rate and cable type. At 38.4 Kbaud, the Genius bus can extend up to 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) using specific high-quality cables.

Q: Does this module support “Hot Swapping”? A: While the Series 90-70 is robust, it is always recommended to power down the rack or follow specific “Hot Insertion” procedures defined by GE Fanuc to avoid system faults or electrical damage.

 

Industry News & Trends

The GE Fanuc Series 90-70 and its Genius network protocol remain a cornerstone of industrial reliability. While newer Ethernet-based protocols like PROFINET are becoming standard in greenfield projects, the Genius bus architecture managed by the IC697BEM731R is celebrated for its deterministic performance and extreme noise immunity in electrically “dirty” environments.

Current industry trends show a surge in the use of Genius-to-Ethernet gateways. This allows facilities using the IC697BEM731R to bridge their reliable legacy I/O data to modern cloud analytics and IIoT platforms. Furthermore, the “R” revision of this module indicates enhanced components designed for longer service life, making it a highly sought-after spare part for critical infrastructure that cannot afford the downtime of a complete system migration.