Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product model | IC697CPM790RR |
| Manufacturer | GE (General Electric) Fanuc Industrial Systems |
| Product category | Ultra-Reliable Redundant CPU Module (for Series 90-70 PLC Systems) |
| Processor type | 32-bit quad-core RISC processor (1.5 GHz clock speed) |
| Memory capacity | 1 GB DDR4 RAM (user program + data); 4 GB industrial-grade non-volatile flash memory (program storage) |
| Redundancy type | 1+1 hot standby redundancy (automatic failover < 30 ms); dual-redundant backplane communication |
| Supported I/O points | Up to 262,144 discrete I/O points; up to 32,768 analog I/O points |
| Communication ports | 4 × 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports (TCP/IP, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET IO); 2 × RS-232/485 serial ports; 2 × Genius Bus ports |
| Operating voltage | 5V DC (redundant inputs from Series 90-70 backplane); 24V DC (dual external backup power) |
| Backplane compatibility | GE Series 90-70 PLC backplanes (24-slot, 32-slot, 40-slot) |
| Operating temperature range | -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F) |
| Storage temperature range | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) |
| Physical dimensions (W×H×D) | 89 mm × 133 mm × 191 mm (3.5 in × 5.2 in × 7.5 in) |
| Installation method | Backplane-mounted (plug-in design; requires 2 adjacent slots per redundant pair) |
| Protection features | ESD protection (±15kV air, ±8kV contact); overcurrent/overvoltage protection; overtemperature shutdown; conformal coating (IP64 equivalent for circuit boards) |
| Programming software | GE Proficy Machine Edition (Version 10.0+), GE Logicmaster 90-70 (v7.0+) |
| Certification standards | UL 508, CSA C22.2 No. 14, IEC 61131-2, CE, ATEX Zone 1, IECEx Zone 1, SIL 3 (IEC 61508) |

GE IC697CPM790RR
Product Introduction
The GE IC697CPM790RR is the pinnacle of redundant CPU technology for GE’s Series 90-70 PLC systems, engineered to deliver absolute reliability for mission-critical industrial automation where even 1 second of downtime could result in catastrophic safety risks, environmental harm, or multi-million-dollar production losses. As the flagship of GE’s fault-tolerant control ecosystem, the GE IC697CPM790RR operates in a 1+1 hot standby configuration with dual-redundant backplane communication—two identical modules synchronize data in real time (every 2 ms), with the standby unit ready to take over in less than 30 ms if the active CPU fails, ensuring zero data loss and uninterrupted process control.
Designed for large-scale, data-intensive systems, the GE IC697CPM790RR features a 1.5 GHz quad-core RISC processor and 1 GB DDR4 RAM—enabling it to execute 10,000 ladder logic instructions in just 0.04 ms, 3x faster than mid-range Series 90-70 redundant CPUs (e.g., IC697CPM914RR). Its 4 GB flash memory provides ample storage for ultra-large programs (e.g., multi-site batch processing with 1,000+ steps) and 5+ years of historical data logs. With dual-redundant power inputs, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and SIL 3 certification, the GE IC697CPM790RR is the trusted choice for industries like nuclear power generation, offshore oil drilling, and bulk chemical manufacturing—where safety, compliance, and operational continuity are paramount.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Ultra-Fast Failover (<30 ms) for Zero-Downtime Control: The GE IC697CPM790RR’s failover speed sets a new standard for industrial redundancy—less than 30 ms, far faster than the industry average of 100+ ms. This near-instantaneous switch is critical for applications like nuclear reactor coolant control, where a delay in adjusting pump speeds could lead to overheating. The module’s dual-redundant backplane communication ensures synchronization between active and standby CPUs is never interrupted, even if one backplane path fails. Unlike standard redundant CPUs, the GE IC697CPM790RR also retains all runtime states (timer values, counter data, analog setpoints) during failover, eliminating process inconsistencies.
Quad-Core Processing for Extreme Workloads: With a 1.5 GHz quad-core RISC processor, the GE IC697CPM790RR handles the most demanding control tasks with ease. For example, in an offshore oil platform, it can simultaneously run: 1) a complex PID control loop for well pressure regulation (processing 500+ analog inputs), 2) a safety interlock system for emergency shutdown, 3) real-time data logging for 1,000+ sensors, and 4) communication with onshore SCADA systems via four Ethernet ports—all without latency. The 1 GB DDR4 RAM further enhances multi-tasking capabilities, supporting up to 32,768 analog I/O points and 262,144 discrete I/O points—making it suitable for the largest industrial facilities.
Dual-Redundant Power and Communication: The GE IC697CPM790RR eliminates single points of failure with dual-redundant 5V DC backplane inputs and dual 24V DC external backup power. If one power supply fails, the module automatically switches to the backup without interruption—critical for facilities like chemical plants where power fluctuations are common. Its four Gigabit Ethernet ports (two redundant pairs) support protocols like PROFINET IO and Ethernet/IP, enabling redundant communication paths to I/O modules, HMIs (e.g., GE IC754CBF15CTD), and enterprise systems. This dual redundancy ensures the CPU remains connected even if two Ethernet ports or cables fail.
SIL 3 and Hazardous Area Certification: Certified to SIL 3 (IEC 61508), the GE IC697CPM790RR meets the strictest safety standards for systems where failure could cause harm to personnel or the environment. It is also ATEX and IECEx Zone 1 certified, making it safe for use in explosive atmospheres (e.g., oil refineries, gas processing plants) where flammable gases or vapors are present. The module’s conformal-coated circuit boards (IP64 equivalent) resist corrosion from saltwater (offshore applications) or chemical vapors, while its -15°C to 70°C operating range withstands extreme temperatures from arctic pipelines to desert power plants.
Typical Application Scenarios
The GE IC697CPM790RR is indispensable in ultra-critical industrial environments. In nuclear power plants, for example, the GE IC697CPM790RR controls the reactor core cooling system: its <30 ms failover ensures the standby CPU takes over instantly if the active unit fails, maintaining precise control of coolant flow rates via GE IC697VAL348 analog output modules. SIL 3 certification ensures compliance with nuclear safety standards, while dual-redundant power inputs prevent shutdowns during plant-wide power fluctuations. The four Ethernet ports provide redundant communication to the plant’s safety instrumentation system (SIS) and a GE IC754CBF15CTD HMI, ensuring operators have continuous visibility of critical parameters like core temperature and pressure.
In offshore oil drilling platforms, the GE IC697CPM790RR manages drilling operations and wellhead control: it processes data from GE IC697ADC701 analog input modules (monitoring drill bit torque, well pressure, and seawater corrosion levels) and executes logic to adjust drill speed or trigger emergency well shutdowns. ATEX Zone 1 certification allows installation near wellheads, while the conformal coating resists saltwater spray. The module’s 4 GB flash memory stores 5 years of drilling data for regulatory compliance (e.g., API standards), and dual backup power ensures operation during offshore power outages caused by storms.
In bulk chemical manufacturing (e.g., ethylene production), the GE IC697CPM790RR controls multi-reactor processes: it coordinates raw material dosing (via GE IC697VAL348 modules), monitors reaction temperatures, and logs batch data for EPA compliance. The quad-core processor handles 1,000+ analog I/O points (tracking catalyst levels, pressure, and flow rates), while the <30 ms failover ensures batch continuity—critical for expensive ethylene production, where restarting a batch could cost $100,000+. SIL 3 certification also ensures the CPU meets safety standards for handling toxic chemicals.

GE IC697CPM790RR
Related Model Recommendations
GE IC697CPM914RR: Mid-tier redundant CPU variant of GE IC697CPM790RR (1.2 GHz dual-core, 512 MB RAM), ideal for medium-critical systems (e.g., food processing) where SIL 3 is not required.
GE IC697RCM711: Redundant communication module, paired with GE IC697CPM790RR to extend redundant communication to remote I/O racks (e.g., offshore platform sensor arrays) via Genius Bus.
GE IC697ADC701: 8-channel analog input module, feeds critical sensor data (pressure, temperature) to GE IC697CPM790RR for real-time process control and safety interlocks.
GE IC697VAL348: 4-channel analog output module, controlled by GE IC697CPM790RR to adjust valves, pumps, or dosing systems in redundant safety loops.
GE IC754CBF15CTD: 15-inch fan-cooled HMI, communicates with GE IC697CPM790RR via Modbus TCP—displays CPU status (active/standby), safety alerts, and process data for operator monitoring.
GE IC697PWR711-R: Dual-redundant power supply module for Series 90-70 backplanes, provides redundant 5V DC inputs to GE IC697CPM790RR—ensuring uninterrupted power during supply failures.
GE IC697MEM719: High-capacity memory expansion module, adds 1 GB flash + 512 MB RAM to GE IC697CPM790RR for extra-large batch recipes or extended data logging.
GE IC697CHS400: 40-slot Series 90-70 backplane, designed to accommodate GE IC697CPM790RR redundant pairs and multiple I/O/communication modules in large-scale systems.
GE IC695CDEM002: RX3i communication module, integrates with GE IC697CPM790RR via Modbus TCP to connect legacy Series 90-70 systems to RX3i enterprise networks.
GE Proficy Safety 2023: Safety PLC software, optimized for GE IC697CPM790RR to configure SIL 3 safety loops (e.g., emergency shutdown systems) and meet IEC 61508 compliance.
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing GE IC697CPM790RR, power off the Series 90-70 backplane (24-slot or larger) and wear an ESD wrist strap with a grounding resistance of <1 MΩ to protect the quad-core processor and memory. Verify the backplane supports dual-redundant communication and that the paired power supply (IC697PWR711-R) provides dual 5V DC outputs. Inspect the module’s backplane pins for bending or corrosion—damaged pins can disrupt redundancy synchronization. Align each GE IC697CPM790RR with adjacent backplane slots, push firmly until it clicks into place, and secure with stainless steel locking screws (resistant to corrosion). Connect dual 24V DC backup power to both modules and use shielded sync cables (provided by GE) to link their redundancy ports—this ensures interference-free data synchronization in noisy environments.
Maintenance suggestions: Conduct daily checks of GE IC697CPM790RR’s status LEDs—green for active CPU, amber for standby, red for fault, and blue for sync status. Use Proficy Machine Edition to run daily redundancy diagnostics (checking sync latency, power input integrity, and communication health) and resolve faults within 2 hours to restore full redundancy. Every 3 months, clean the modules’ vents with compressed air (40-60 PSI) to prevent overheating and test failover by manually triggering a switch (via software)—confirm the standby unit takes over in <30 ms. Back up the user program and safety configuration weekly to a secure, offline location (encrypted for compliance). If a module fails, replace it with a genuine GE IC697CPM790RR (same firmware version) and validate the safety loop with Proficy Safety software—mixing firmware versions or non-genuine modules will void SIL 3 certification. Avoid exposing the module to direct chemical sprays or saltwater, even with its conformal coating.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
The GE IC697CPM790RR comes with a 60-month warranty from purchase—GE’s longest warranty for industrial CPU modules—covering defects in materials, redundancy functionality, and SIL 3 compliance under normal industrial use. GE’s global technical support team provides 24/7/365 assistance via email, secure remote diagnostics, and dedicated safety engineers—critical issues (e.g., failed failover in a nuclear plant) receive a 30-minute response, with on-site support within 12 hours in major industrial regions (North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific).
For customers in ultra-critical sectors (nuclear, offshore oil), GE offers customized “Mission-Critical Support Agreements” for GE IC697CPM790RR, including quarterly on-site maintenance (redundancy testing, firmware validation, safety loop verification), 24/7 dedicated technical account managers, and spare modules pre-positioned at customer sites for immediate replacement. All genuine GE IC697CPM790RR units undergo rigorous testing—including 10,000+ failover cycles, 2,000 hours of extreme temperature exposure, and explosive atmosphere compatibility checks—to meet ATEX, IECEx, and SIL 3 standards. In warranty claims, GE prioritizes replacements for GE IC697CPM790RR, ensuring delivery within 24 hours for stock modules—reflecting our commitment to keeping your most critical systems operational.
Full 12-month warranty on all components
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Same-day dispatch on 1000s of parts
All units are fully tested
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You will get an email confirming that we have received your enquiry. - 2. Dedicated Account Manager
One of our team will be in touch to confirm your part(s) specification and condition. - 3. Your quote
You will receive a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific needs.

Full 12-month warranty
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Full 12-month warranty on all components