GE Fanuc IC697BEM731P Genius Bus Controller

The GE Fanuc IC697BEM731 is a high-performance Genius Bus Controller (GBC) module designed for the Series 90-70 PLC platform. It functions as the master controller for a Genius I/O serial bus, enabling robust communication and control over distributed I/O devices. This module is engineered for demanding industrial environments requiring reliable, deterministic I/O scanning and diagnostics.

Key Features & Specifications

• Module Type: Genius Bus Controller (GBC)
• Platform: GE Fanuc Series 90-70
• Bus Protocol: Genius I/O
• Function: Acts as the bus master, controlling all communication and I/O scanning on the Genius bus.
• Device Support: Manages up to 31 Genius I/O devices (slaves) on a single bus network.
• Communication Rate: Standard 153.6 Kbaud. Also supports extended distance mode at 76.8 Kbaud.
• Diagnostics: Comprehensive onboard diagnostics reported to the CPU, with front-panel LEDs for Bus Status (BUS OK), Module Status (MOD OK), and Serial Port Activity (I/O ENBL).
• Configuration: Configured using GE's programming software (such as Proficy Machine Edition). All bus parameters and I/O device configurations are stored in the PLC's CPU.
• Form Factor: Single-slot VME-style module for the IC697 PLC rack.
• Connector: Standard 15-pin D-sub female connector for the Genius bus cable connection.

Technical Details

The IC697BEM731 offloads I/O scanning from the main PLC processor, providing deterministic updates and freeing up the CPU for logic execution. It cyclically polls each configured device (I/O blocks, remote drops, other PLCs) on the bus, exchanging discrete and analog I/O data. The module supports global data broadcasts and provides advanced fault reporting, allowing for quick identification of network or device issues.

• Power Consumption: 1.2 Amps at +5 VDC from the PLC backplane.
• Bus Length:
  • Up to 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) at 153.6 Kbaud.
  • Up to 11,000 feet (3,353 meters) at 76.8 Kbaud (extended mode).
• Data Exchange: Manages I/O data transfer between the bus devices and the PLC's %I, %Q, %AI, and %AQ memory tables.

Applications

This module is the ideal solution for integrating distributed I/O systems in complex automation environments. It is commonly used in applications requiring a robust and intelligent I/O network to connect remote panels, operator stations, and device-level blocks back to a central Series 90-70 controller.

• Connecting multiple remote I/O racks.
• Integrating smart devices like motor starters and drives.
• Building distributed control systems across a large plant floor.
• Upgrading or maintaining existing GE Fanuc control systems utilizing the Genius I/O protocol.