GE IC698ACC701 Retrofit-Compatible VME Carrier for Legacy Systems

GE IC698ACC701 Retrofit-Compatible VME Carrier for Legacy Systems

The GE IC698ACC701 is a PACSystems RX7i VME Carrier Module engineered to bridge the gap between legacy GE Series 90-70 automation infrastructure and the modern PACSystems RX7i control platform. For maintenance engineers and system integrators managing aging production lines, this carrier module represents one of the most cost-effective and operationally sound paths to extending the service life of existing VME-based I/O and specialty modules without requiring a full control system replacement. With verified in-stock availability, pre-shipment functional testing, and a 12-month warranty, the IC698ACC701 is a dependable retrofit solution for facilities that cannot afford extended downtime or unplanned capital expenditure.

The IC698ACC701 allows legacy VME-format modules originally designed for the Series 90-70 platform to be physically and electrically installed within the PACSystems RX7i backplane. This compatibility bridge is critical for plants that have invested heavily in Series 90-70 specialty modules — such as high-speed counter modules, analog I/O, or motion control cards — and wish to migrate to the RX7i CPU architecture without discarding functional field-proven hardware. The carrier handles backplane signal translation, ensuring that the RX7i CPU, such as the IC698CPE040 or IC698CPE030, can communicate with legacy VME modules as part of a unified control strategy.

Upgrade Compatibility Table

Retrofit Planning for Existing Automation Systems

Successful integration of the IC698ACC701 into an existing automation environment requires a structured pre-migration assessment. Before the carrier is installed, engineers must audit the target RX7i rack to confirm available slot positions. In most retrofit scenarios, the rack will already house a primary CPU such as the IC698CPE040, a redundancy module like the IC698CRE040, and a power supply — typically the IC698PSA100 or the higher-capacity IC698PSA350. The total power budget of the installed power supply must be recalculated to account for the additional draw introduced by the VME carrier and any legacy modules it will host.

Terminal wiring for field I/O connected to the legacy VME modules does not change when using the IC698ACC701 — the carrier preserves the original I/O terminal block interface, which significantly reduces rewiring time and the risk of field wiring errors. However, engineers must verify that the module address assigned in the original Series 90-70 hardware configuration is correctly remapped within the PACSystems RX7i hardware configuration tree in Proficy Machine Edition. Failure to align module addresses will result in I/O faults at startup and may prevent the CPU from entering RUN mode.

For racks that include communication modules such as the IC698ETM001 Ethernet interface or legacy SRTP-based communication links, the IC698ACC701 installation does not disrupt existing network topology. The Ethernet module continues to serve as the primary programming and SCADA interface, and no changes to IP addressing or communication path configuration are required. If the system also includes a redundancy memory transfer module such as the IC698RMX016 or IC698RMX008, the carrier must be positioned in a slot that does not conflict with the redundancy module’s backplane reservation map.

In control cabinets where space is constrained, the physical dimensions of the IC698ACC701 and the legacy VME module it hosts must be verified against the available rack depth and adjacent module clearances. Some legacy Series 90-70 modules — particularly high-density analog cards and the IC698HSC264 high-speed counter — have extended rear connectors that require additional depth clearance within the RX7i rack enclosure. Where HMI panels are integrated into the same control cabinet, screen layout and tag mapping should be reviewed to confirm that I/O tag addresses referenced in the HMI project remain valid after the module address reassignment. Any address changes must be propagated to the HMI configuration before the system is returned to service.

For facilities that also operate IC697-series racks in adjacent control zones, the IC698ACC701 migration path does not extend to IC697 backplane hardware. Those systems require separate retrofit planning, potentially involving the IC697PWR711 power supply and IC697BEM731 bus expansion modules as part of a parallel upgrade track. Coordinating both upgrade paths simultaneously can reduce total project downtime by allowing shared engineering resources and a single planned outage window.

Downtime Control During System Migration

Minimizing production downtime is the primary operational constraint in any retrofit involving the IC698ACC701. The recommended approach is to pre-configure the replacement RX7i rack offline — including the VME carrier, legacy modules, CPU, and power supply — and perform a complete hardware configuration download and I/O checkout in a staging environment before the planned outage begins. This offline validation step allows engineers to confirm that all module addresses resolve correctly, that the CPU enters RUN mode without faults, and that field I/O signals respond as expected using forced I/O simulation.

During the planned outage, the original Series 90-70 program logic should be exported and archived before any hardware changes are made. The PACSystems RX7i CPU is capable of importing converted logic from the Series 90-70 programming environment via Proficy Machine Edition’s import utilities, but engineers should validate all converted rungs, function blocks, and data table references before going live. Retaining the original program archive ensures that a rollback path exists if unexpected compatibility issues arise during commissioning.

Field communication links — including SRTP, Modbus TCP, and OPC connections to SCADA systems — should be tested immediately after the CPU is placed in RUN mode to confirm that all upstream data consumers are receiving valid process values. Where the IC698ETM001 Ethernet module is used as the primary communication interface, its IP configuration and channel assignments carry over from the previous hardware configuration without modification, further reducing commissioning time. Total planned outage for a single-rack IC698ACC701 retrofit typically ranges from four to eight hours when pre-staging and offline validation are completed in advance.

Retrofit Support FAQ

Q: Is the IC698ACC701 a direct replacement for the Series 90-70 VME carrier used in the original rack?
A: The IC698ACC701 is designed to allow Series 90-70 VME-format modules to operate within a PACSystems RX7i backplane. It is not a like-for-like replacement for a Series 90-70 rack slot — it is an adapter carrier that enables cross-platform module reuse. Compatibility of each individual VME module must be verified against GE’s published compatibility matrix before installation.

Q: What commissioning steps are required after installing the IC698ACC701?
A: After physical installation, the hardware configuration in Proficy Machine Edition must be updated to include the VME carrier and the hosted legacy module. Module slot addresses must be assigned, and a full hardware configuration download to the IC698CPE040 or IC698CPE030 CPU is required. I/O forcing and loop checks should be performed before returning the system to automatic operation.

Q: Does NINERMAS pre-test the IC698ACC701 before shipment?
A: Yes. All IC698ACC701 units supplied by NINERMAS undergo functional verification testing prior to shipment. Each unit is inspected for physical integrity, backplane connector condition, and electrical continuity. A 12-month warranty is provided from the date of shipment, covering manufacturing defects and functional failures under normal operating conditions.

Q: What is the typical lead time and stock availability for the IC698ACC701?
A: NINERMAS maintains service-ready inventory of the IC698ACC701 to support urgent retrofit and breakdown replacement requirements. Standard lead time for in-stock units is 3–7 business days for international shipments. For large-quantity orders or long-term supply agreements, contact our team directly to discuss reserved inventory arrangements and volume pricing.