GE IC687BEM731-AB Ethernet Global Data (EGD) Communication Module

Description

What This Product Solves

In large-scale industrial automation and process control environments, one of the biggest challenges is maintaining fast, deterministic, and reliable communication between controllers and distributed I/O or peer devices. The GE IC687BEM731-AB addresses this challenge by providing a high-performance Ethernet Global Data (EGD) communication module for GE’s Series 90-70 PLC platform. It enables seamless real-time data sharing across controllers, HMIs, and supervisory systems — ensuring that process visibility and control logic stay perfectly aligned.

Traditional control systems often suffer from data bottlenecks or latency when multiple controllers exchange high-volume process information. The GE IC687BEM731-AB solves this by using EGD protocols to broadcast data across industrial Ethernet networks with deterministic timing and minimal overhead. This capability is vital in applications where coordinated control among multiple PLCs is critical — such as turbine control, chemical batching, and coordinated drive systems.

Engineers implementing redundant or distributed control architectures depend on modules like the GE IC687BEM731-AB to provide secure, high-reliability communication. It supports continuous data exchange even under high network load and integrates easily with existing Series 90-70 infrastructure. By reducing communication latency and simplifying controller synchronization, it helps operators maintain tighter process stability, shorter response times, and improved system efficiency.

How the Product Works & Fits into a System

The GE IC687BEM731-AB functions as an Ethernet communication module that connects a Series 90-70 PLC to an industrial Ethernet network. It uses the Ethernet Global Data (EGD) protocol to publish and subscribe to data sets between multiple devices in real time. This allows PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems to share critical process data without the delays associated with traditional request/response messaging.

Mounted directly into a Series 90-70 PLC rack, the module interfaces with the PLC’s CPU via the backplane bus, while the external Ethernet port connects to the plant network. The GE IC687BEM731-AB supports both peer-to-peer and multicast data exchanges, enabling flexible system architectures from small control cells to plant-wide networks. Each data exchange (known as an “EGD exchange”) can be configured for specific refresh rates, data sizes, and communication priorities, ensuring deterministic behavior even in complex systems.

The module is designed for robust industrial networking, supporting IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards and offering status LEDs for link integrity, activity, and module health. It integrates seamlessly with GE’s Proficy Machine Edition configuration software, allowing users to define EGD exchanges directly within the control project.

Whether operating as part of a redundant controller pair or in a network of independent PLCs, the GE IC687BEM731-AB ensures stable, synchronized operation. This makes it essential in automation environments requiring precise coordination, fast data throughput, and high system reliability.

Technical Highlights Summary

Real-World Benefits

The GE IC687BEM731-AB is engineered for engineers who need high-reliability Ethernet communication between controllers without compromising determinism. By leveraging EGD technology, this module ensures that each data set exchange happens on schedule, maintaining tight synchronization between distributed PLCs and supervisory systems.

Unlike conventional polling-based communication, the GE IC687BEM731-AB continuously broadcasts data to subscribed devices, reducing latency and simplifying data exchange logic. This approach minimizes programming complexity and eliminates unnecessary network traffic, improving both performance and scalability. For control engineers, this translates directly into reduced engineering time and higher confidence in system predictability.

Built for long-term performance, the GE IC687BEM731-AB incorporates industrial-grade components, robust EMI shielding, and firmware-driven fault diagnostics to ensure dependable operation even in electrically noisy or high-temperature environments. Its design supports quick module replacement, firmware updates, and straightforward configuration, keeping maintenance workloads low and uptime high.

For users seeking a proven networking solution that integrates seamlessly into GE’s control ecosystem while supporting modern Ethernet-based data architectures, the GE IC687BEM731-AB delivers both reliability and simplicity.

 Typical Use Cases

The GE IC687BEM731-AB is widely used in power generation, where synchronization between multiple turbine controllers or protection relays is critical to system safety and performance. In process control environments, it enables high-speed communication between PLCs managing different process units — for example, blending, filling, or refining operations — ensuring coordinated control and consistent product quality.

In manufacturing automation, the module connects PLCs to supervisory control systems (SCADA/HMI) or to other controllers managing adjacent production lines, providing real-time data visibility for operators and maintenance personnel. Its deterministic Ethernet communication ensures reliable operation even under high network traffic, making it ideal for critical system uptime applications.

From oil and gas facilities to water treatment plants and heavy manufacturing lines, the GE IC687BEM731-AB provides the communication stability and scalability modern industrial networks demand.

Compatible or Alternative Products

IC687BEM731 – Base version without the AB firmware revision
IC693BEM331 – Ethernet communication module for the Series 90-30 PLC family
IC200GBI001-KL – VersaMax Genius Bus Interface for hybrid or mixed-network systems
IC695ETM001 – PACSystems RX3i Ethernet Interface supporting advanced TCP/IP functions
IC660BBD022N – Genius digital I/O block compatible via network bridging
IC693CPU374 – Ethernet-enabled CPU for smaller, integrated systems
IC200PWR002 – Power supply module for VersaMax and compatible backplanes

 Setup Notes & Maintenance Insights

Before installation, confirm that the GE IC687BEM731-AB firmware version is compatible with the Series 90-70 CPU and the project configuration. Ensure the Ethernet network is properly segmented and that IP addressing aligns with the EGD exchange definitions. Adequate panel ventilation and grounding should be provided to maintain optimal operating temperature and minimize EMI.

When configuring EGD exchanges, verify that refresh rates are tuned to process requirements — overly frequent updates can saturate network bandwidth, while overly long cycles may delay control synchronization. LED indicators should be reviewed during startup to confirm link integrity and communication status.

Routine maintenance includes monitoring network health via the control software, inspecting Ethernet cabling for wear, and performing periodic firmware updates when recommended by GE. The GE IC687BEM731-AB supports hot-swapping under controlled conditions, allowing replacement without a complete system shutdown when redundancy or standby configurations are present.