Description
Product Model: GE IC697BEM742
Product Brand: General Electric (GE Fanuc Automation)
Product Series: Series 90-70
Product Features:
• High-reliability Genius Bus Controller for distributed I/O systems
• Designed for seamless integration with GE Series 90-70 PLCs
• Stable, deterministic communication across Genius I/O networks
• Proven long-term operation in mission-critical industrial environments
- IC697BEM742
- IC697BEM742
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Model | GE IC697BEM742 |
| Module Type | Genius Bus Controller |
| PLC Platform | GE Series 90-70 |
| Communication Network | Genius I/O Bus |
| Primary Function | Distributed I/O network management |
| Mounting | Series 90-70 rack-mounted |
| Backplane Interface | Series 90-70 system backplane |
| Diagnostics | Bus status and fault reporting |
| Operating Environment | Industrial control cabinets |
| Typical Applications | Distributed I/O, legacy PLC systems |
| Manufacturer | General Electric (GE Fanuc) |
Technical Features & Benefits
The GE IC697BEM742 reflects a mature design philosophy centered on reliability, clarity, and predictable performance. Its core function is to control and supervise Genius Bus communications, ensuring accurate and timely data transfer between the PLC and distributed I/O devices.
One of its most significant advantages is deterministic communication. Genius Bus operates on a well-defined polling mechanism, and the GE IC697BEM742 ensures that each remote device is serviced consistently. This predictability simplifies control logic and reduces the likelihood of timing-related faults, especially in interlock-heavy systems.
Electrical robustness is another key benefit. Industrial environments introduce noise from motors, drives, and switching equipment. The module is engineered to tolerate these conditions, helping maintain network stability even in electrically harsh locations. Field experience shows that Genius Bus hardware often continues to operate reliably long after newer equipment in the same cabinet has been replaced.
Diagnostics are integrated at both the hardware and system levels. Status indicators provide immediate visual feedback on bus health, while the PLC can monitor communication status through system registers. This allows maintenance personnel to detect wiring issues, device failures, or network interruptions quickly.
From a lifecycle perspective, the GE IC697BEM742 supports incremental system maintenance. Remote I/O blocks can be replaced or added without extensive downtime, and spare modules can be stocked to mitigate risk in critical applications.
Related Models
• GE IC697BEM713 – Earlier Genius Bus controller variant for Series 90-70
• GE IC697BEM731 – Alternate Genius controller with configuration differences
• GE IC697CPU731 – Series 90-70 PLC CPU module
• GE IC660BBD110 – Genius discrete input I/O block
• GE IC660BBD120 – Genius discrete output I/O block
• GE IC660CBB902 – Genius analog I/O block




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