GE IC697PWR724D 90-Watt DC Power Supply Module

Description

In manufacturing plants running continuous processes or discrete assembly lines, power stability often determines uptime. The GE IC697PWR724D steps in where voltage fluctuations from factory floor supplies could otherwise trip CPUs, I/O modules, or communication gear in a GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC rack. Operators in metal fabrication shops, wastewater treatment facilities, or packaging operations rely on this power supply module to keep racks energized through motor starts, welders firing, or pump surges that hammer the 24 VDC feed. It shows up frequently in upgrades where sites add more modules to existing cabinets but need dependable backplane power without swapping the whole enclosure. Used in industrial automation setups demanding rack-level redundancy, the GE IC697PWR724D handles the leftmost slot in Series 90-70 baseplates, feeding +5 VDC for logic, +12 VDC for peripherals, and -12 VDC for analog references—all while riding through brief input drops that would reset lesser supplies. In environments like automotive tier suppliers or food processing, where a single rack might control conveyors, fillers, or robotic weld cells, this module ensures the PLC stays responsive even as loads climb toward its 90-watt limit. Engineers specify the GE IC697PWR724D for its ability to support a second rack via interconnect cable when expanding without overtaxing a single unit, a practical fix for brownfield sites avoiding full rewiring. Across oilfield pumping stations or pharmaceutical batching, it tackles the real challenge of inconsistent plant DC supplies by holding steady from 18-32 VDC input, preventing nuisance faults that cascade into hours of downtime.

The GE IC697PWR724D is a 90-watt DC power supply module engineered for the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC platform, anchoring the rack’s electrical backbone. It plugs directly into the leftmost position on the backplane via a 48-pin connector, distributing regulated voltages to CPUs like the IC697CPU771, I/O modules, and memory boards while providing sequencing signals for orderly startup. Positioned as a workhorse for mid-sized control systems, the GE IC697PWR724D fits seamlessly into the Series 90-70 architecture, where it balances input draw against output demands without external converters. For system integrators, its value shines in scenarios demanding VME compatibility and overcurrent protection on the critical 5 VDC rail, letting them populate racks confidently up to spec limits. Unlike bulkier AC-to-DC units, this model thrives on nominal 24 VDC feeds common in panels, making it ideal for distributed control where panels draw from centralized rectifiers. Maintenance teams appreciate how the GE IC697PWR724D integrates without custom cabling beyond the optional IC697CBL700 inter-rack link, keeping spares interchangeable across revisions like D or earlier C series. In control hierarchies, it empowers the PLC to manage high-density I/O or coprocessors reliably, extending the platform’s relevance in plants committed to GE ecosystems.

Engineers choose the GE IC697PWR724D for its rock-solid ride-through capability—holding full load for 10 milliseconds through input interruptions—which keeps scan times intact during utility blips or contactor chatter. Short-circuit protection kicks in automatically on the 5 VDC bus, isolating faults without powering down the rack, a feature that has saved countless commissioning runs in noisy motor control centers. At full tilt, it pulls 160 watts from 18-32 VDC inputs with inrush capped at 22 joules, so starters and drives nearby don’t trigger upstream breakers. The module’s convection-cooled design shrugs off 0-60°C factory heat, and its slide-in mounting means no tools beyond a screwdriver for swaps, even in tight cabinets.

Hardware-wise, the GE IC697PWR724D occupies one rack slot with front-panel diagnostics—LEDs for OK, overvoltage, and fault status—that let techs spot issues at a glance before diving into logic. Outputs scale precisely: up to 18 amps at +5 VDC for heavy logic loads, 1.5 amps at +12 VDC for comms and relays, and 1 amp at -12 VDC for op-amps or sensors. Overvoltage clamping at 5.8 VDC guards downstream modules religiously. In dual-rack setups, it shares load via prewired cable without derating, perfect for linking remote I/O to a main CPU rack over distance.

Long-term, the GE IC697PWR724D earns trust through its field-proven tolerance for vibration, dust, and 24/7 cycling, often outlasting the panels it’s bolted into. No fans to clog or replace—just passive airflow and industrial-grade capacitors rated for decades. Paired with Series 90-70’s hot-swap tolerance, it minimizes mean-time-to-repair, and its firmware-stable design avoids obsolescence headaches in validated processes.

Detailed Technical Specifications

GE IC697PWR748 – Higher-capacity 125-watt AC/DC supply from the same family, used when racks need more headroom or AC input is preferred over DC.​

GE IC697CPU772 – High-performance CPU module that draws cleanly from the GE IC697PWR724D‘s rails in dense processing racks.​

GE IC697CMM711 – Serial communications module often powered alongside CPUs by the GE IC697PWR724D for protocol-heavy applications.​

GE IC697MDL653 – Discrete output module that benefits from the GE IC697PWR724D‘s stable +12 VDC for relay coils and field devices.​

GE IC697ALG230 – Analog input module relying on the GE IC697PWR724D‘s precise -12 VDC reference for signal conditioning.​

GE IC697BEM731 – Expansion module connected via cable to extend the GE IC697PWR724D‘s reach to remote racks without power loss.​

GE IC697PCM711 – Coprocessor module that shares the GE IC697PWR724D‘s backplane for custom logic without exceeding wattage limits.​

GE IC697HSC700 – High-speed counter module powered reliably by the GE IC697PWR724D in motion or event-tracking setups.

​

Before sliding the GE IC697PWR724D into a rack, confirm the panel’s DC source holds 18-32 VDC steady under full plant load—test with a clamp meter during peak draws—and ensure at least 2U clearance above for heat rise. Ground the cabinet chassis solidly to the DC return, and route input wiring away from I/O bundles to cut noise pickup; twisted pairs with ferrite clamps work best for runs over 10 meters. Calculate total backplane draw first—sum CPU, I/O, and memory specs against 90 watts—and if dual-racking, spec the IC697CBL700 cable length to match your layout, verifying polarity at termination. Preload test the supply standalone with dummy loads matching your module mix to baseline voltage ripple under 1%.pdfsupply+2

Ongoing upkeep for the GE IC697PWR724D starts with quarterly peeks at front LEDs for flicker or fault lights, paired with a multimeter check on output rails during light-load periods. Log input voltage trends via PLC analog inputs if wired, and clean dust from vents annually with compressed air—never vacuum—to preserve convection flow. Firmware rarely changes, but snag updates from GE archives during outages, applying via handheld programmer after rack power-down. If faults latch, cycle input after 30 seconds; persistent overcurrent often traces to a shorted I/O module downstream. Spares rotation every 5-7 years catches capacitor age, and pairing with site UPS keeps ride-through from wearing edges.