Description
Product Introduction
The GE Fanuc IC697CPM790 is a single-slot, high-performance central processing unit designed for the Series 90-70 VME-based controller family. Powered by a 1 GHz Intel microprocessor and packed with 1 Megabyte of battery-backed user memory, it stands as one of the fastest and most capable processors ever manufactured for the legacy Series 90-70 platform.
Engineered to handle demanding multi-axis motion, complex batch control, and high-density PID process loops, the IC697CPM790 executes boolean logic in a blistering 0.04 microseconds per instruction. It occupies a single slot in any standard Series 90-70 main rack and connects seamlessly with VersaPro or Logic Developer PLC programming environments via its onboard serial communications ports or Ethernet option modules.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Processor Type | 1 GHz Intel Microprocessor |
| User Logic Memory | 1 Megabyte (Battery-backed CMOS RAM & Flash support) |
| Boolean Execution Speed | 0.04 µs per boolean function |
| I/O Capacity | Up to 12,000 Discrete Inputs/Outputs, 8,000 Analog Inputs/Outputs |
| Floating-Point Math | Hardware floating-point coprocessor support onboard |
| Backplane Standard | VMEbus Architecture (Series 90-70 Rack Slot 1) |
| Serial Ports | 1 RS-232 / RS-485 SNP programming port |
| Memory Backup | Lithium battery on module front panel / baseboard |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Power Draw | +5 VDC from Series 90-70 power supply backplane bus |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
When a main CPU module fails on a Series 90-70 system, the entire facility or process cell halts. All local and remote I/O drops drop offline, bringing turbine controls, rolling mills, or water treatment plants to a complete standstill.
- Power Generation Facilities – Managing high-speed turbine governor controls, fuel feeds, and generator synchronization logic.
- Metals & Mining Systems – Executing rapid-response closed-loop position algorithms for high-speed rolling mills and hot strip line shear controls.
- Chemical Processing – Running hundreds of continuous PID loops and batch sequencing scripts across large VME I/O racks.
Field Case Study: A municipal water utility experienced a fatal CPU memory parity crash on a critical 90-70 master controller handling main high-service pumps. With no spare CPM790 on site, the station was forced into manual emergency bypass. A replacement pre-tested IC697CPM790 module was sourced, the backup logic program was uploaded via Logic Developer, and the entire pumping station returned to full automatic control in less than 3 hours—preventing a system-wide pressure drop.
IC697CPM790
IC697CPM790
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
Testing high-speed 1 GHz VME CPUs requires a dedicated Series 90-70 test chassis, active VME communication cards, and diagnostic software suites.
- Inbound Mechanical Inspection: Inspect VME gold-plated backplane pin arrays, faceplate latch levers, serial ports, and confirm OEM serial/revision stickers.
- Backplane Boot & Memory Check: Install into Slot 1 of a Series 90-70 rack, verify POST (Power-On Self Test) sequences, and clear CPU fault tables.
- Firmware & Memory Stress Test: Load complex 1MB diagnostic logic routines into RAM and Flash memory to test parity, real-time clock integrity, and battery backup rails.
- I/O & Network Polling Run: Execute active communication cycles with connected Genius Bus Controllers (IC697BEM733) and Ethernet cards under 100% simulated CPU scan load.
- ESD Packaging & Battery Isolation: Disconnect memory backup battery to prevent discharge during transit, seal in static-shielding bag, and box with custom dense foam padding.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
⚠️ VME Slot 1 Installation Only! The IC697CPM790 CPU MUST be installed into Slot 1 (the leftmost slot) of the primary Series 90-70 main rack. Placing it in an expansion slot or secondary rack will prevent backplane bus arbitration and cause system boot failure.
❗ Don’t Forget the Backup Battery! The onboard CMOS RAM relies on a lithium battery to retain the PLC user program and system configuration during power outages. When installing a replacement CPM790, always connect a fresh lithium battery before downloading logic—otherwise, a power cycle will wipe the entire CPU memory!
⚠️ Check Firmware & Software Compatibility! Because the CPM790 runs at 1 GHz, older programming software versions (like early DOS-based LM90) may not fully support its extended hardware capabilities. Use VersaPro 2.0+ or PAC Machine Edition (Logic Developer) for full configuration access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the IC697CPM790 compatible with Series 90-30 or RX3i racks?
A: No. The IC697CPM790 is built on the larger VMEbus standard and only works in Series 90-70 racks.
Q: How do I backup or transfer the logic program to an ?
A: You can connect your engineering laptop via an IC690USB901 (USB-to-SNP converter) to the serial port on the front of the CPU using VersaPro or PAC Machine Edition / Logic Developer PLC software.
Q: Can I replace an older, slower CPM processor (like an IC697CPM780) with an ?
A: Yes, in most cases the CPM790 serves as a direct form-fit-function replacement for earlier Series 90-70 CPUs, providing significantly faster scan times and expanded execution memory.
Q: What should I do if the “OK” LED on the front panel fails to turn solid green?
A: A flashing or dark “OK” LED indicates a hardware fault or missing operating system. Connect with programming software to read the CPU Fault Table to determine if it is a power issue, memory parity error, or firmware mismatch.
Q: What warranty is offered with this CPU module?
A: All new surplus and fully bench-tested pre-owned modules shipped from our facility come backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty.
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