GE IC697MEM717C CMOS Expansion Memory Daughterboard

Description

In legacy Series 90-70 industrial automation and process control systems, engineers often run into memory constraints on older CPUs or coprocessor modules that limit program size, data tables, register counts, or custom C-block storage. This becomes a bottleneck when adding advanced sequencing, extensive alarming, historical trending, or third-party integrations—risking slower scans, forced code optimization, or even project abandonment without costly hardware upgrades.

The GE IC697MEM717C solves this directly as a CMOS expansion memory daughterboard, adding supplemental non-volatile storage to compatible host modules without occupying additional rack slots. Available in capacities up to 512 KB (with the -C revision commonly associated with higher-density variants), it expands user memory for both logic and data, enabling larger applications while preserving battery-backed retention during power cycles.

The GE IC697MEM717C is essential for sustaining proven Series 90-70 platforms during capability upgrades, implementing complex control strategies in mature plants, or extending system life in process control environments. It provides high reliability for program integrity and data persistence in industrial automation setups where modular, non-disruptive enhancements maintain uptime and reduce migration risks.

The GE IC697MEM717C mounts as a daughterboard directly onto the host module—typically the IC697CPU771, CPU772, or Programmable Coprocessor Module (IC697PCM711)—sharing the same VME rack slot and backplane connection. Once installed, it seamlessly supplements onboard memory, configurable via Logicmaster 90-70 or CIMPLICITY software for program, data, or mixed allocation.

Retention relies on the host’s lithium battery (IC697ACC701), maintaining contents for months without power while supporting the PLC calendar clock. No active components or diagnostics reside on the board itself—status reflects through the host CPU’s fault tables and background parity checks.

In the automation stack, the GE IC697MEM717C enhances the core processing layer, allowing higher-density logic execution alongside Genius I/O, Ethernet interfaces, or serial communications without altering field wiring or rack layout.

Choosing the GE IC697MEM717C unlocks reliable memory expansion that supports larger, more sophisticated programs without compromising scan performance or requiring rack reconfiguration. Engineered for the demanding electrical environments of Series 90-70 systems, it ensures long-term performance through parity-checked CMOS technology and robust battery-backed retention.

Maintenance efficiency improves dramatically—no moving parts mean minimal failure risk, while field-installable design allows quick upgrades during planned outages. Integration overhead is virtually zero for existing 90-70 users; standard programming tools recognize the added capacity immediately.

In practice, the value shows in extended platform viability: accommodate growing logic needs or data-intensive features while leveraging decades of proven code. The GE IC697MEM717C delivers consistent, low-risk memory augmentation that keeps critical systems operational far beyond original specifications.

The GE IC697MEM717C commonly supports power generation control rooms for expanding alarm histories or sequence-of-events recording in turbine auxiliaries, where memory headroom ensures critical system uptime amid noisy electrical conditions.

Pulp and paper facilities use it in process control for digester or stock line programs requiring extensive recipe storage and trending under humid, vibrating environments.

Metals processing plants deploy it for furnace or rolling mill logic, providing high reliability for complex interlocking and data tables in harsh thermal cycles. Across oil & gas, water treatment, and large-scale material handling, the GE IC697MEM717C excels where modular memory growth sustains continuous operations.

IC697MEM715C – Higher-capacity variant (often 512 KB) for maximum expansion

IC697MEM713C – Lower-capacity (64 KB or 128 KB) for moderate needs

IC697MEM719C – Alternative density in same family

IC697MEM717B – Previous revision with similar core functionality

IC697PCM711 – Programmable Coprocessor Module (common host)

IC697CPU771 – Entry-level floating-point CPU (common host)

IC697CPU772 – Extended-memory base CPU (common host)

IC697ACC701 – Lithium battery for memory retention

Before adding the GE IC697MEM717C, confirm host module compatibility (CPU771/772 or PCM711) and that firmware supports the revision—most versions are backward-compatible. Ensure the host battery is fresh, as it alone maintains expanded memory.

Installation requires only removing the host cover, aligning connectors, and securing with screws—no tools beyond a screwdriver needed. Back up logic first, then verify added capacity in software after power-up.

Ongoing maintenance centers on the host battery: check voltage annually via diagnostics and replace every 3-5 years preemptively. No direct diagnostics exist on the daughterboard, but host parity errors flag issues quickly. Keep a spare matched to your typical capacity for fast swaps in high-availability applications.