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IC697BEM713G GE Bus Expansion Module for PLC I/O Enhancement

Product Model: IC697BEM713G
Product Brand: GE (General Electric / GE Fanuc / Emerson)
Product Series: Series 90-70 PLC Modules
Product Features:
• High-performance bus transmitter for local and expansion I/O connectivity.
• Supports up to seven additional PLC racks for scalable automation architectures.
• High-speed parallel data transfer and status LEDs for diagnostic visibility.
• Software-configurable interface with no DIP switches simplifies setup.

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Description

Product Model: IC697BEM713G
Product Brand: GE (General Electric / GE Fanuc / Emerson)
Product Series: Series 90-70 PLC Modules
Product Features:
• High-performance bus transmitter for local and expansion I/O connectivity.
• Supports up to seven additional PLC racks for scalable automation architectures.
• High-speed parallel data transfer and status LEDs for diagnostic visibility.
• Software-configurable interface with no DIP switches simplifies setup.

Technical Specifications Table

Specification Detail
Product Model IC697BEM713G
Module Type Bus Transmitter Module (BTM)
PLC Series GE Series 90-70
Power Input 5 Volts DC (from backplane)
Current Draw 1.4 Amps
Effective Data Rate ~500 Kbytes/sec
Expansion Support Up to 7 additional PLC racks
Programming Interface One high-performance parallel port
Expansion Bus Interface One expansion port for daisy-chain connection
Status Indicators Three LEDs (module OK, programmer, bus active)
Maximum Cable Length (Total) ~50 feet (15 m)
Rack Slot Requirement 1 slot; not Slot 1 reserved for CPU
IC695RMX128
IC697BEM713G

Product Role & System Fit

At the core of every modular industrial control architecture lies the need for seamless communication between the CPU and remote I/O racks. The IC697BEM713G from GE is purpose-built for this role within the Series 90-70 programmable logic controller (PLC) ecosystem. Unlike standalone controllers that handle logic and I/O in a single package, medium- to large-scale PLC systems distribute I/O racks to suit varied machinery layouts and large plant footprints.

This bus transmitter module (BTM) enables such distributed I/O designs. It sits in the main CPU rack, establishing a communication bridge between the controller’s central processor and additional expansion racks. Without it, a system’s maximum I/O points are constrained to the CPU rack’s native capacity. When the operational requirement exceeds that capacity, the IC697BEM713G extends the reach to up to seven additional racks, effectively broadening the system’s control horizon.

Mechanically, the transmitter occupies a single PLC rack slot. Electrically, it draws its operating power from the backplane (5V DC bus) and includes status indicators that convey module health and communication activity. Over decades of field deployment, system integrators have appreciated its robust interface and predictable performance in series 90-70 systems where reliability is non-negotiable.

Its ecosystem compatibility extends beyond rack count: the module works with standard GE backplanes, supported expansion cables, and legacy configuration tools — making it a common choice in brownfield upgrades and long-term installations where continuity is paramount.