Description
Product Introduction
The GE Fanuc IC697CPX935 is a single-slot, high-performance central processing unit designed for large, compute-intensive applications on the Series 90-70 VME control platform. Powered by a 96 MHz Intel 80486DX4 microprocessor, the CPX935 executes boolean functions in a swift 0.4 microseconds per instruction and includes an onboard hardware floating-point math coprocessor.
Equipped with 1 MB of battery-backed CMOS RAM and 256 KB of non-volatile Flash memory for user programs and firmware, the module supports up to 12,000 discrete I/O points and 8,000 analog I/O channels. Uniquely featured with three onboard serial communications interfaces (one RS-232 and two RS-485 ports), the IC697CPX935 handles multi-node SNP/SNP-X communication loops and serial peripheral links without requiring extra communications coprocessors.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Microprocessor | 96 MHz Intel 80486DX4 |
| Boolean Execution Speed | 0.4 µs per boolean function |
| User Logic RAM | 1 MB fast battery-backed CMOS RAM |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB Flash (Non-volatile user program & firmware storage) |
| Discrete I/O Capacity | Up to 12,000 points (inputs/outputs mixed) |
| Analog I/O Capacity | Up to 8,000 channels (inputs/outputs mixed) |
| Backplane Standard | VMEbus Architecture (Series 90-70 Slot 1) |
| Serial Ports | 1× RS-232 (RJ-11), 2× RS-485 (9-pin D-sub) |
| Cooling Requirement | Forced air fan (>70 CFM required if ambient >50°C) |
| Power Consumption | 3.1 Amps @ +5 VDC (backplane power) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
When a main CPU module fails on a Series 90-70 rack, process loops collapse, remote Genius I/O nodes drop offline, and the entire control system halts.
- Petrochemical Refineries – Running multi-loop PID pressure/temperature control and high-density ESD safety trip interlocks across large VME racks.
- Continuous Web Handling & Paper Mills – Executing high-speed speed-matching and tension control algorithms across section drives.
- Water Treatment Master Racks – Handling multi-node SNP communication networks across remote lift stations and filter backwash units.
Field Case Study: A chemical processing plant suffered a severe CPU lockup on an old IC697CPM780 processor due to scan-time overruns during a system expansion. Upgrading to the higher-clocked 96 MHz IC697CPX935 dropped total scan times from 42 ms down to 11 ms, clearing fault interrupts and restoring stable real-time control to 16 connected remote Genius I/O drops.
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
Testing VMEbus Series 90-70 processors requires an active VME backplane chassis, serial protocol exercisers, and memory retention routines.
- Inbound Mechanical Check: Inspect VME gold pins, front insertion/ejection levers, port housing threads, and confirm OEM serial/revision tags.
- Backplane POST & Boot Sequence: Mount in Slot 1 of a Series 90-70 rack and verify Power-On Self Test LED indications and boot registers.
- RAM & Flash Memory Test: Write and verify a full 1MB user program into battery-backed RAM and non-volatile Flash, testing power-cycle retention.
- Triple Serial Port Stress Test: Exercise simultaneous full-duplex communication across the RS-232 port and both RS-485 ports using SNP polling loops under 100% CPU load.
- Anti-Static Packaging: Disconnect the lithium battery during transport to prevent discharge, wrap in anti-static shielding bags, and box in heavy-duty foam packaging.
IC697CPX935
IC697CPX935
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
⚠️ Slot 1 Installation Requirement: The IC697CPX935 MUST be placed in Slot 1 (the leftmost slot) of the primary Series 90-70 rack. Installing it in an expansion chassis or standard slot will prevent VME bus arbitration and cause the rack to remain dark.
❗ Watch the Temperature and Fan Requirements! The 96 MHz 80486DX4 processor generates significant heat inside sealed control cabinets. If operating temperatures exceed 50°C (122°F), you MUST install cabinet cooling fans delivering at least 70 CFM forced airflow over the rack, or the CPU will suffer thermal shutdowns.
⚠️ Keep Track of the Front Panel Keylock / Memory Protect Switch: The front panel includes a Memory Protect switch. If this switch is turned ON, PAC Machine Edition or VersaPro software will return write-protect errors when attempting to download new program logic or runtime changes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use the IC697CPX935 in a PACSystems RX3i or Series 90-30 rack?
A: No. The IC697CPX935 uses the larger VMEbus card format and is designed specifically for Series 90-70 racks.
Q: How do I program the CPU?
A: Programming is supported using PAC Machine Edition (Logic Developer – PLC), VersaPro, or legacy LM90 software via an RS-232 (RJ-11) or RS-485 (9-pin) serial connection.
Q: What battery does the use for RAM retention?
A: It uses the standard GE Fanuc IC697ACC701 3V lithium battery assembly connected to the front module housing.
Q: Does the support onboard Ethernet?
A: No. Ethernet functionality requires a dedicated Series 90-70 Ethernet Interface module (such as the IC697CMM742) installed alongside the CPU in the rack.
Q: What warranty is provided with this processor module?
A: All new surplus and bench-tested pre-owned modules supplied from stock come backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty.
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