GE Fanuc Series 90-70 IC697CMM742 Ethernet Communication Interface Module

Operational Overview

The IC697CMM742 is a high-performance Ethernet interface designed for the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system. This module provides a robust gateway for TCP/IP networking, enabling the PLC to communicate across local area networks (LAN) with other controllers, Host computers, and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI). By utilizing the IC697CMM742 (Part Number: IC697CMM742), engineers can implement advanced data acquisition, remote programming, and peer-to-peer communication protocols such as SRTP (Service Request Transfer Protocol) and Ethernet Global Data (EGD).

Technical Specifications

The following data represents the core technical parameters for the IC697CMM742 module integration:

• Processor Compatibility: GE Fanuc Series 90-70 CPU modules

• Communication Protocols: TCP/IP, SRTP, EGD (Ethernet Global Data)

• Hardware Architecture: Single-slot VME standard module

• Network Speed: 10 Mbps (Requires external transceiver for physical media conversion)

• Indicators: Faceplate LEDs for Module OK, LAN Online, and Serial Port Status

• Current Consumption: Approximately 1.5 Amps at +5 VDC from the backplane

• Configuration: Set via Logicmaster 90, Control, or Proficy Machine Edition software

• Physical Ports: AUI port for transceiver connection and a RS-485 serial station port

System Integration and Networking

The IC697CMM742 occupies one slot in a Series 90-70 rack and interfaces directly with the system's high-speed VME backplane. It is important to note that this module typically utilizes an Attachment Unit Interface (AUI), necessitating an external transceiver to connect to standard 10BaseT (RJ45) or Fiber Optic cabling. Once integrated, the module supports up to 16 simultaneous SRTP server connections, making it an ideal solution for large-scale industrial data management and supervisory control.

Diagnostic and Maintenance Features

Reliability is managed through internal self-diagnostic routines performed at power-up. The IC697CMM742 provides real-time feedback through its LED array to assist in troubleshooting network collisions, hardware failures, or software configuration mismatches. In legacy migrations, this module remains the primary method for bringing 90-70 series hardware into modern plant-wide Ethernet infrastructures without replacing the entire control layer.