The General Electric IC697CMM711 is a high-performance communications coprocessor module designed for the Series 90-70 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) platform. This single-slot module acts as an interface for serial data exchange, utilizing an 80C186 microprocessor operating at 12 MHz to manage complex communication tasks independently of the main CPU.

Features

• Single-slot VME form factor for Series 90-70 backplanes.
• Equipped with two independent serial ports supporting RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 electrical standards.
• Supports a wide range of industrial protocols including CCM (master/slave/peer), SNP/SNP-X, and Modbus RTU (slave).
• Simultaneous communication capability on both serial ports.
• Configurable baud rates up to 19.2 Kbps.
• Integrated status LEDs for rapid visual diagnostics.
• Manual reset pushbutton for port re-initialization.

Applications

This module is engineered for industrial environments requiring reliable serial connectivity between the Series 90-70 PLC and external devices such as HMIs, SCADA systems, or third-party serial instruments. It is frequently utilized in legacy automation systems where multi-protocol serial support is required for data acquisition and supervisory control.

Technical Specifications

Installation Guidelines

• Ensure the PLC rack power is disconnected before installing or removing the module to prevent electrical damage.
• Slide the module into the designated slot in the 90-70 rack, ensuring proper alignment with the backplane connector.
• Secure the module using the built-in locking tabs or screws.
• Use shielded serial cables for RS-422/485 connections to minimize EMI interference in industrial environments.
• Verify that the port configuration (baud rate, parity, protocol) in your programming software matches the external device settings.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the IC697CMM711?

The IC697CMM711 serves as a dedicated communications coprocessor, offloading serial protocol handling (CCM, SNP, RTU) from the main PLC processor to improve system performance.

Can both ports operate at the same time?

Yes, the module supports simultaneous communication on both serial ports, allowing for flexible integration with multiple external devices.

Does this module require external power?

No, the module is powered directly through the Series 90-70 VME backplane and does not require external power supplies or battery backup.