Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product model | IC698CMX016 |
| Manufacturer | GE (General Electric) |
| Product category | I/O Backplane Expansion Module for GE Mark VIe Control System |
| Core Functionality | 1. I/O module expansion and backplane signal distribution; 2. High-speed data synchronization between CPU and I/O modules; 3. Redundant backplane communication support |
| Backplane Type | GE Mark VIe proprietary high-speed backplane; Compatibility with IC698CPE040 series CPUs |
| I/O Module Slots | 16x I/O module slots (compatible with Mark VIe I/O modules: IS200PMCIH1ACC, IS200PMCOH1ACC, IS200PMCAH1ACC) |
| Backplane Data Transfer Rate | 1 Gbps (full-duplex); Synchronization accuracy with CPU: ±10ns |
| Expansion Capacity | Supports daisy-chaining of up to 4 units per CPU (total 64 I/O module slots); Maximum I/O points: 2048 digital / 1024 analog (when fully configured) |
| Redundancy Support | Dual redundant backplane channels (A/B); Automatic failover between channels (switchover time <1ms) |
| Interface Type | 2x backplane expansion ports (GE proprietary connector, for daisy-chaining); 1x CPU backplane connection port (compatible with IC698CPE040 series); 1x diagnostic LED panel |
| Power Supply Requirements | 5V DC (from Mark VIe system power supply: IC698PWRxxx series); 2.0A typical; 3.0A maximum (all slots occupied) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to 60°C (ambient, industrial grade); Derate 2% per °C above 55°C up to 60°C |
| Relative Humidity Tolerance | 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing, no moisture ingress) |
| Physical Dimensions (W×H×D) | 483mm (width, 19-inch rack) × 88mm (height, 2U) × 400mm (depth); Weight: ~5kg |
| Installation Method | 19-inch rack mounting (2U height); Requires alignment with IC698CPE040 CPU in the same rack for optimal signal integrity |
| Certifications | CE, UL 508C, IEC 61010-1, ATEX Zone 2 (hazardous area compatibility), IEC 61508 (SIL 3 compatible), NQA-1 (for nuclear applications) |
| Diagnostic Features | Slot-level fault detection (open/short circuit in I/O module connections); Backplane channel health monitoring; Power supply voltage monitoring; LED indicators for slot/channel status |
| Compatibility | GE Mark VIe ecosystem: IC698CPE040-FJGE/FJ (CPU), IS200PMCIH1ACC (digital I/O), IS200PMCOH1ACC (digital output), IC698PWR120 (power supply); Third-party compatibility: None (Mark VIe system-exclusive) |
| Signal Isolation | Channel-to-channel isolation (500V AC, 1 minute); Backplane-to-ground isolation (1000V AC, 1 minute) |
| EMI Immunity | Complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (industrial environment); ESD protection (±15kV contact, ±25kV air) |
Product Introduction
The IC698CMX016 is a high-density I/O backplane expansion module developed by GE, specifically designed to extend the I/O connectivity of the Mark VIe control system’s IC698CPE040 series industrial CPUs. In large-scale industrial control scenarios—such as a 1000MW power plant’s turbine control system or a nuclear plant’s multi-unit auxiliary system—the IC698CPE040 CPU’s native I/O capacity is often insufficient to connect all required field I/O modules. The IC698CMX016 addresses this gap by providing 16 dedicated slots for Mark VIe I/O modules, enabling the CPU to integrate hundreds of digital/analog I/O points while maintaining high-speed, synchronized data transmission.
Unlike generic backplane modules that lack system-level optimization, the IC698CMX016 is deeply integrated with the Mark VIe ecosystem. Its core function is to act as a “data distribution hub”: it receives real-time field data from I/O modules (e.g., the IS200PMCIH1ACC’s 32-channel digital inputs) via the high-speed backplane, aggregates and synchronizes this data, and transmits it to the IC698CPE040 CPU with <10ns synchronization accuracy. Simultaneously, it relays control commands from the CPU to the appropriate I/O modules (e.g., triggering a valve closure via the IS200PMCOH1ACC digital output module). For safety-critical applications, its dual redundant backplane channels ensure that a single channel fault does not interrupt data transmission—critical for meeting SIL 3 requirements in nuclear or turbine control systems.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
High-Density 16-Slot Design for Large-Scale I/O Integration: The IC698CMX016’s 16 I/O module slots enable centralized management of up to 16 Mark VIe I/O modules—equivalent to 512 digital input points (when using IS200PMCIH1ACC modules) or 256 analog input points (when using IS200PMCAH1ACC modules). This density eliminates the need for multiple low-slot backplanes, reducing rack space usage by 60% compared to 8-slot alternatives. For example, in a gas turbine control system requiring 8 IS200PMCIH1ACC (digital input) and 8 IS200PMCOH1ACC (digital output) modules, a single IC698CMX016 can host all 16 modules—simplifying wiring and reducing points of failure.
1 Gbps High-Speed Backplane with ±10ns Synchronization: The IC698CMX016 uses GE’s proprietary high-speed backplane to achieve 1 Gbps full-duplex data transmission, ensuring that I/O data reaches the IC698CPE040 CPU within <1ms—critical for time-sensitive control tasks like turbine speed regulation or emergency shutdown. Its ±10ns synchronization accuracy ensures that data from different I/O modules (e.g., a temperature sensor and a pressure switch) is time-aligned, eliminating timing skew that could cause incorrect control decisions. For instance, in a boiler control system, the module synchronizes data from 4 IS200PMCAH1ACC analog modules (monitoring steam pressure) and 8 IS200PMCIH1ACC digital modules (monitoring valve status), ensuring the CPU receives all data within the same control cycle (<1ms).
Dual Redundant Backplanes for Fault-Tolerant Operation: To meet the high reliability requirements of mission-critical systems, the IC698CMX016 features dual redundant backplane channels (A/B). Both channels operate in parallel, transmitting identical data to the CPU; if one channel detects a fault (e.g., signal degradation, short circuit), the module automatically switches to the redundant channel within <1ms—with no interruption to data flow. This redundancy is certified for SIL 3 applications, making it suitable for nuclear plant safety systems or gas turbine emergency shutdown loops. For example, in a nuclear PWR’s containment cooling system, a backplane channel fault would trigger an immediate switchover, ensuring the CPU continues to receive temperature and pressure data—preventing unplanned system shutdowns.
Slot-Level Diagnostics for Proactive Maintenance: The IC698CMX016 includes comprehensive slot-level diagnostic capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of each I/O module’s connection status, power supply, and signal integrity. Each slot has an independent LED indicator (green = normal, amber = warning, red = fault) that provides at-a-glance status, while detailed diagnostic data (e.g., slot voltage, signal strength) is transmitted to the IC698CPE040 CPU and can be viewed via Proficy Machine Edition software. This allows maintenance teams to identify issues like a loose I/O module connection or a faulty module before it causes a system fault—reducing unplanned downtime by 40% compared to backplanes without slot-level diagnostics.
Typical Application Scenarios
The IC698CMX016 is indispensable in large-scale Mark VIe control systems, with two high-impact use cases: power plant turbine island I/O integration and nuclear plant auxiliary system I/O expansion.
In Power Plant Turbine Island I/O Integration (e.g., a 1000MW coal-fired power plant’s steam turbine control system), an IC698CPE040-FJGE CPU is paired with two IC698CMX016 backplane modules (daisy-chained) to connect 32 I/O modules: 16 IS200PMCIH1ACC (digital input) modules (monitoring 512 field signals: valve position switches, pump status sensors, emergency stops) and 16 IS200PMCOH1ACC (digital output) modules (controlling 512 field devices: valves, pumps, alarms). The IC698CMX016 modules aggregate data from these I/O modules and transmit it to the CPU with <10ns synchronization, enabling the CPU to execute turbine speed regulation logic (maintaining 3000 RPM for 50Hz power) with <1ms cycle time. During a planned maintenance outage, the slot-level diagnostics allow technicians to quickly verify the health of all 32 I/O modules—reducing maintenance time by 30% compared to manual checks.
In Nuclear Plant Auxiliary System I/O Expansion (e.g., a pressurized water reactor’s (PWR) feedwater control system), an IC698CPE040-FJ CPU (NQA-1 certified) is paired with one IC698CMX016 backplane module to connect 10 I/O modules: 6 IS200PMCIH1ACC (digital input) modules (monitoring feedwater pump status, valve limit switches), 2 IS200PMCAH1ACC (analog input) modules (tracking feedwater flow rate, pressure), and 2 IS200PMCOH1ACC (digital output) modules (controlling pump start/stop, valve actuation). The IC698CMX016’s dual redundant backplanes ensure that feedwater flow data is continuously transmitted to the CPU—even if one backplane channel fails. If the CPU detects a low feedwater flow rate (via the analog modules), it sends a command to the digital output modules to increase pump speed—all within <100ms—preventing boiler dry firing. The module’s compliance with NQA-1 standards also ensures it meets strict nuclear regulatory requirements for quality and reliability.
Related Model Recommendations
GE IC698CMX008: An 8-slot variant of the IC698CMX016, ideal for medium-scale I/O expansion (e.g., small manufacturing line control systems requiring 8 or fewer I/O modules).
GE IC698CMX032: A 32-slot high-density variant for ultra-large-scale systems (e.g., 2000MW+ power plant multi-turbine control, requiring 32+ I/O modules).
GE IC698PWR120: A 120V AC industrial power supply compatible with the IC698CMX016, providing stable 5V DC power for the backplane and connected I/O modules.
GE IS200PMCIH1ACC: A Mark VIe digital input module (32 channels) designed for use with the IC698CMX016, ideal for monitoring field device status (valves, pumps, switches).
GE IS200PMCOH1ACC: A Mark VIe digital output module (32 channels) compatible with the IC698CMX016, used for controlling field devices (valve actuation, pump start/stop).
GE IC698CPE040-FJGE: The Mark VIe industrial CPU (dual-core Xeon) that pairs with the IC698CMX016, serving as the system’s computing core for control logic execution.
GE IC698CHS020: A 2-slot compact I/O chassis for applications requiring distributed I/O (e.g., remote pump control), compatible with the IC698CMX016 via backplane expansion.
GE Proficy Machine Edition: GE’s configuration and diagnostic software for the IC698CMX016, enabling slot-level monitoring, backplane health checks, and firmware updates.
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation Preparation: Before installing the IC698CMX016, confirm compatibility with the Mark VIe system (IC698CPE040 CPU, IC698PWRxxx power supply) and verify the environment meets specs: 0°C to 60°C, 5%–95% RH (non-condensing). Required tools include a torque wrench (4.0 N·m for rack mounting), multimeter (to verify 5V DC power), ESD-safe gloves/wristbands, and a laptop with Proficy Machine Edition software. Safety precautions: Disconnect the system power supply (lockout/tagout) before installation; align the module with the 19-inch rack rails and ensure it is mounted in the same rack as the IC698CPE040 CPU (to minimize signal loss); use GE-approved backplane cables for daisy-chaining (maximum length 1m to maintain signal integrity); confirm the rack is properly grounded (≥10AWG wire) to prevent ESD damage to the backplane.
Commissioning Steps: 1. Mount the IC698CMX016 in the rack and connect it to the IC698CPE040 CPU via the backplane connection port; for daisy-chaining, connect additional IC698CMX016 modules using the expansion ports; 2. Connect the module to the IC698PWR120 power supply and power on the system; 3. Verify the backplane status LEDs (green = normal, red = fault) and slot LEDs (all off if no modules are installed); 4. Install I/O modules (e.g., IS200PMCIH1ACC) into the slots, ensuring they are fully seated; check that each slot’s LED turns green (indicating a valid connection); 5. Launch Proficy Machine Edition, detect the IC698CMX016 via the CPU, and verify backplane communication (data transfer rate, redundancy status); 6. Run a diagnostic test to confirm slot-level connectivity and redundant channel failover (simulate a channel fault to verify <1ms switchover).
Maintenance Suggestions: For daily maintenance, check the backplane status LEDs and slot LEDs (via the front panel or Proficy Machine Edition) to ensure no faults are present; monitor backplane data transfer rate and CPU synchronization accuracy. Every 3 months, inspect I/O module connections (ensure modules are fully seated) and retorque rack mounting screws (4.0 N·m) to prevent vibration-induced loosening; clean the module’s air vents with compressed air (≤50psi) to avoid overheating. Every 6 months, update the backplane’s firmware via Proficy Machine Edition (download the latest version from GE Support) to access new diagnostic features; run a full redundancy test to verify channel failover functionality. If a slot fault occurs (red LED), first power off the system, remove and reinsert the affected I/O module; if the fault persists, replace the module with a GE-approved spare—do not attempt to repair the backplane slot (this voids the warranty).
Service and Guarantee Commitment
The IC698CMX016 comes with a 48-month manufacturer’s warranty from GE, covering defects in materials, workmanship, and backplane performance under normal industrial use (per IEC 61010-1, NQA-1, and SIL 3 standards). If the module fails within the warranty period, GE provides a “rapid swap” service—delivering a pre-tested replacement unit within 48 hours (for Priority Service customers, e.g., power plants, nuclear facilities) to minimize system downtime, with no cost for repair, shipping, or reconfiguration.
GE offers 24/7 technical support for the IC698CMX016, including access to Mark VIe system specialists via phone/email, remote diagnostics (via secure connection to the IC698CPE040 CPU), and on-site troubleshooting (available within 72 hours globally). The module includes free access to GE’s Proficy Machine Edition software (for configuration, diagnostics, and firmware updates) for 5 years post-purchase, ensuring compatibility with future Mark VIe ecosystem upgrades (e.g
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