GE IC698CHS017 PLC Rack / Backplane for Series 90-70 Systems

GE IC698CHS017: Industrial Data Link Backbone for Series 90-70 Smart Factory Networks

The GE IC698CHS017 is a 17-slot PLC rack chassis engineered for the GE Series 90-70 and RX7i control platform, serving as the physical and electrical backbone of industrial automation networks. Designed to host CPU modules, communication processors, and distributed I/O modules within a single unified backplane, the IC698CHS017 enables seamless data exchange across field devices, control layers, and supervisory systems — making it a critical node in any smart factory architecture.

In modern industrial environments, the demand for real-time data visibility, protocol interoperability, and network resilience has never been greater. The IC698CHS017 addresses these demands by providing a robust, high-capacity rack infrastructure that supports the full range of GE Series 90-70 modules, from analog and digital I/O to Ethernet and serial communication processors. Whether deployed in automotive assembly, oil and gas processing, power generation, or discrete manufacturing, this rack chassis delivers the structural and electrical integrity required for continuous, mission-critical operations.

Compatibility & Integration Notes

Connected Automation Data Flow

The IC698CHS017 rack chassis sits at the heart of the Series 90-70 control architecture, orchestrating data flow between every layer of the automation hierarchy. At the field level, sensors and actuators connect through digital and analog I/O modules — such as the IC697MDL340 discrete input module and IC697ALG320 analog output module — which slot directly into the rack’s backplane. These field signals are processed in real time by the IC698CPE020 or IC698CPE030 CPU modules, which execute ladder logic and function block programs at scan rates optimized for deterministic control.

For network communication, the rack accommodates the IC698ETM001 Ethernet TCP/IP module, enabling the PLC to communicate with SCADA systems such as GE CIMPLICITY or Wonderware InTouch over standard industrial Ethernet. Simultaneously, the IC697BEM731 Genius Bus Controller module extends the control network to remote I/O drops, allowing field devices distributed across large plant floors to report status and receive commands without additional wiring infrastructure.

When integration with third-party systems is required, the IC697CMM742 serial communication module provides RS-232/RS-485 connectivity for Modbus RTU devices, legacy HMI panels, and barcode readers. For plants running Profibus DP networks, the IC697BEM761 Profibus master module slots into the IC698CHS017 rack to bridge GE Series 90-70 logic with Siemens ET 200 remote I/O, ABB drives, and other Profibus-compatible field devices.

At the supervisory level, data collected by the IC698CHS017-hosted CPU is forwarded to edge gateways and MES platforms via the Ethernet module, enabling real-time OEE dashboards, alarm management, and predictive maintenance analytics. The IC698PSA100 power supply module, mounted in the rack’s dedicated power slot, ensures stable 5V and 24V DC rails across all installed modules, maintaining signal integrity even under high electromagnetic interference conditions common in heavy industrial environments.

Solving Data Isolation in Industrial Sites

One of the most persistent challenges in industrial automation is data isolation — the inability to move process data freely between field devices, controllers, and enterprise systems due to protocol fragmentation, aging infrastructure, or proprietary communication barriers. The GE IC698CHS017 directly addresses this challenge by providing a unified rack platform that can simultaneously host CPU, communication, and I/O modules, eliminating the need for separate gateway hardware in many integration scenarios.

By installing an Ethernet communication module alongside a Modbus or Profibus processor in the same IC698CHS017 chassis, engineers can bridge legacy serial networks with modern TCP/IP infrastructure — enabling SCADA systems to poll field data from devices that previously operated in isolation. This multi-protocol coexistence within a single rack dramatically reduces integration complexity and commissioning time.

Remote monitoring and diagnostics are equally simplified. With the IC698ETM001 Ethernet module active in the rack, maintenance engineers can access PLC fault logs, I/O status tables, and program execution data from any networked workstation or mobile device running GE’s Proficy Machine Edition software. Alarm conditions detected at the field level propagate through the backplane to the CPU and are immediately forwarded to SCADA and HMI systems, enabling rapid response and minimizing unplanned downtime.

For plants undergoing digital transformation, the IC698CHS017 supports phased expansion. Additional I/O modules can be added to unused slots as production lines grow, and communication modules can be upgraded to support new protocols without replacing the rack chassis. This scalability protects capital investment and allows manufacturers to adopt IIoT and Industry 4.0 technologies at their own pace. Every IC698CHS017 unit shipped by ZYPLC undergoes pre-shipment functional testing and is backed by a warranty terms confirmed during quotation, ensuring reliability from day one of installation.

Industrial Connectivity FAQ

Q1: What communication protocols does the GE IC698CHS017 support?
The IC698CHS017 is a rack chassis and does not itself implement communication protocols — protocol support is determined by the communication modules installed in its slots. Common options include the IC698ETM001 for Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP, the IC697CMM742 for Modbus RTU over RS-485, and the IC697BEM761 for Profibus DP. This modular approach allows the rack to support virtually any industrial protocol required by the application.

Q2: Is the IC698CHS017 compatible with both Series 90-70 and RX7i systems?
Yes. The IC698CHS017 is designed for the GE Series 90-70 platform and is fully compatible with RX7i CPU modules and I/O modules. It supports the full range of Series 90-70 communication, analog, and digital modules, making it suitable for both new installations and system expansions on existing Series 90-70 networks.

Q3: How does the IC698CHS017 contribute to network stability in demanding industrial environments?
The rack’s robust backplane design provides low-impedance power distribution and shielded signal paths between modules, minimizing crosstalk and noise-induced communication errors. The dedicated power supply slot accommodates redundant power configurations, and the chassis is rated for operation in high-vibration, high-EMI environments typical of heavy manufacturing and process industries.

Q4: What warranty and pre-shipment testing does ZYPLC provide for the IC698CHS017?
Every IC698CHS017 unit supplied by ZYPLC is subject to pre-shipment functional testing to verify backplane integrity, slot connectivity, and power rail performance. All units are covered by a warranty terms confirmed during quotation against manufacturing defects and operational failures. Availability is confirmed via RFQ for same-day dispatch via DHL or FedEx Express to destinations worldwide.