GE IC697RCM711 Retrofit-Compatible Remote Comm Module

GE IC697RCM711 Retrofit-Compatible Remote Communications Module for Legacy Series 90-70 Systems

The GE IC697RCM711 is a Remote Communications Module (RCM) designed for the GE Series 90-70 programmable logic controller platform — one of the most widely deployed large-frame PLC architectures in process and discrete manufacturing. As GE Automation (now part of Emerson) has progressively discontinued Series 90-70 hardware, the IC697RCM711 has become a critical spare and retrofit component for facilities that must extend the operational life of existing control infrastructure without committing to a full platform migration.

NINERMAS supplies the IC697RCM711 as a tested, retrofit-ready module with a 12-month warranty, supporting customers across power generation, oil & gas, chemical processing, automotive assembly, and water treatment sectors who depend on continuous, uninterrupted control system availability.

Upgrade Compatibility Table

Retrofit Planning for Existing Automation Systems

Replacing the IC697RCM711 in an active Series 90-70 control system requires careful pre-migration planning to avoid unplanned downtime and configuration errors. The module serves as the communications bridge between the central CPU rack and remote I/O drops distributed across the plant floor, making it a high-criticality component in any retrofit scenario.

Before initiating a module swap, engineers should document the existing Genius Bus topology, including all drop numbers, baud rate settings, and the physical wiring terminations at the RCM’s serial port. The IC697RCM711 communicates over the Genius Bus at configurable baud rates, and any mismatch between the replacement module’s DIP switch settings and the existing network configuration will result in loss of communication to remote I/O drops — including IC697MDL340 discrete input modules, IC697MDL341 discrete output modules, IC697ALG320 analog input modules, and IC697ALG440 analog output modules distributed throughout the facility.

Power supply capacity is a frequent oversight during Series 90-70 retrofits. The IC697PSA350 (350W AC power supply) and IC697PWR748 (power supply with battery backup) must be verified to have sufficient headroom to support the IC697RCM711 alongside other modules in the same IC697CHS750 or IC697CHS782 rack chassis. If the existing power supply is already operating near its rated capacity, a power supply upgrade should be planned concurrently with the RCM replacement.

Backplane slot assignment must be confirmed against the existing hardware configuration stored in the CPU — typically an IC697CPU772 or IC697CPU781 — before the replacement module is installed. The Series 90-70 CPU maintains a hardware configuration table that maps each rack slot to a specific module type. Installing the IC697RCM711 in an incorrect slot, or without updating the configuration, will generate a hardware mismatch fault and prevent the system from entering RUN mode.

For facilities running Proficy Machine Edition or the legacy Logicmaster 90-70 programming environment, a full program backup should be performed before any hardware change. The program logic itself is stored in the CPU, not the RCM, but communication block configurations and Genius Bus parameters embedded in the program must be verified to match the replacement module’s hardware settings. If the control system interfaces with a CIMPLICITY or iFIX SCADA platform, OPC server tag configurations and alarm setpoints should be reviewed to ensure continuity after the module swap.

In multi-rack configurations, the IC697RCM711 may also interact with IC697BEM731 Bus Expansion Modules and IC697CHS790 expansion rack chassis. Engineers should map the full rack-to-rack communication path and verify that the replacement RCM is correctly addressed within the Genius Bus hierarchy before powering up the system.

NINERMAS provides pre-shipment functional testing for all IC697RCM711 units, with test documentation available upon request. Each module is verified for communications integrity, backplane interface function, and configuration switch accessibility prior to dispatch.

Downtime Control During System Migration

Minimizing production downtime during an IC697RCM711 replacement is achievable with structured pre-migration preparation. The recommended approach is to perform all configuration documentation, spare module testing, and program backup activities during scheduled maintenance windows, reserving the physical module swap for a planned shutdown period.

Where the process permits, a hot-standby or redundant control path should be established before the primary RCM is removed. In Series 90-70 systems with redundant CPU configurations, the standby CPU can maintain control while the primary rack undergoes maintenance. For non-redundant systems, coordinating with production scheduling to identify the shortest viable maintenance window — typically 2 to 4 hours for an experienced controls engineer — is essential.

After installing the replacement IC697RCM711, the recommended commissioning sequence is: (1) verify DIP switch settings match the original module’s Genius Bus configuration; (2) power up the rack and confirm the CPU recognizes the module without hardware faults; (3) force the CPU to RUN mode and verify all remote I/O drops re-establish communication; (4) confirm SCADA and HMI screens reflect correct process values; and (5) document the completed replacement in the facility’s maintenance management system.

NINERMAS maintains buffer stock of the IC697RCM711 to support emergency replacement scenarios, with expedited shipping available for critical plant situations. Our 12-month warranty covers the replacement module from the date of shipment, providing assurance for both planned retrofits and emergency spare deployments.

Retrofit Support FAQ

Q: Is the IC697RCM711 a direct drop-in replacement for a failed RCM in my Series 90-70 rack?
A: Yes, provided the replacement module’s DIP switch settings are configured to match the original module’s Genius Bus drop number and baud rate. The IC697RCM711 is slot-compatible with the IC697 VME backplane and does not require rack or wiring modifications in standard replacement scenarios.

Q: What pre-shipment testing does NINERMAS perform on the IC697RCM711?
A: Each unit undergoes functional verification of backplane interface integrity, communications port operation, and configuration switch accessibility before dispatch. Test documentation is available upon request, and all units are covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of shipment.

Q: Can the IC697RCM711 be used in a Series 90-70 system still running Logicmaster 90-70 software?
A: Yes. The IC697RCM711 is compatible with both Logicmaster 90-70 and Proficy Machine Edition programming environments. No firmware upgrade is required for standard replacement. Customers should verify that the hardware configuration stored in the CPU matches the module type and slot assignment before returning the system to RUN mode.

Q: What is the lead time and long-term supply availability for the IC697RCM711?
A: NINERMAS maintains in-stock inventory of the IC697RCM711 with standard lead times of 3–5 business days. Long-term supply commitment programs are available for customers requiring guaranteed stock over 12–36 month horizons, supporting lifecycle extension strategies for Series 90-70 installations.