IC687BEM713B

Description

Product Overview

The Emerson IC687BEM713B is a cost-effective basic bus expansion module under Emerson’s legacy 90-70 PLC series, serving as a “entry-level rack interconnection bridge” for medium-scale distributed industrial control systems. Unlike the high-performance enhanced module IC687BEM742 (supporting 2Mbps throughput and 16 racks) or the long-range remote communication module IC687RCM711B (focused on cross-facility connectivity), the IC687BEM713B is engineered to address the core demand of small-to-medium I/O expansion for 90-70 users with limited budgets. It enables stable data exchange between up to 8 local 90-70 racks via the classic Genius Bus protocol, maintaining microsecond-level real-time performance to meet the synchronization needs of general on-site control scenarios (such as small automotive parts workshops, regional water treatment stations, and medium-sized chemical reactors).

As a dedicated basic bus expansion solution, the IC687BEM713B operates on the mature classic Genius Bus protocol, with a data throughput of 1Mbps—half that of the enhanced IC687BEM742, but sufficient for most non-ultra-high-speed control tasks. Even when connecting 8 racks, the communication latency between adjacent racks remains ≤1ms, which is fully capable of supporting coordinated control of common equipment like conveyors, pumps, and small robotic arms. Each module can be configured as a “master” (installed in the CPU rack) or “slave” (installed in remote I/O racks): the master module manages bus data scheduling, while slave modules enable I/O modules (e.g., IC697MDL653 digital output modules, IC697MDL750 analog input modules) in remote racks to communicate with central CPUs (such as IC697CPU771 or entry-level IC697CPX928-FE). It also integrates essential bus fault isolation mechanisms: if a single rack suffers a communication failure, the module can isolate the faulty rack within 500ms, ensuring the normal operation of the remaining racks and avoiding overall system downtime—a key advantage over non-isolated bus solutions.

For users operating medium-scale 90-70 PLC systems (e.g., small manufacturing plants, regional utility facilities) with moderate expansion needs and budget constraints, the IC687BEM713B offers a cost-efficient choice. Its full compatibility with all 90-70 rack models (including IC697RACK104, IC697RACK208) and entry-level to mid-range CPUs allows for flexible system expansion without replacing existing hardware or rewriting control logic. Additionally, its rugged design—with an operating temperature range of -20°C to +70°C, IP20 terminal protection, and ±2kV surge resistance (per IEC 61000-4-5)—ensures stable operation in general harsh on-site environments, such as dusty workshops and temperature-fluctuating pump rooms.

Technical Specifications

IC687BEM713B

Main Features and Advantages

Cost-Effective Medium-Scale Expansion

The IC687BEM713B provides 1Mbps throughput and 8-rack expansion capacity at approximately 60% of the cost of the enhanced IC687BEM742, making it ideal for users with moderate expansion needs. A Chinese small automotive parts manufacturer used the module to expand its 90-70 system from 1 to 4 racks in a stamping workshop: the master module (installed in the IC697CPU771 rack) coordinated 3 slave racks, each equipped with 4 IC697MDL653 digital output modules (32 channels each) for stamping machine control. The 1Mbps bus met the stamping cycle synchronization requirement (±2ms), and the total expansion cost was reduced by 40% compared to adopting the IC687BEM742, achieving cost optimization without compromising production efficiency.

Mature Protocol with Strong Compatibility

Based on the classic Genius Bus protocol (used in tens of thousands of 90-70 systems globally), the IC687BEM713B ensures seamless compatibility with legacy 90-70 hardware and software. A US regional water treatment plant upgraded its 20-year-old 90-70 system with 3 IC687BEM713B modules: the new modules directly connected to the existing IC697CPU771 and IC697MDL750 modules without modifying the original ladder logic or updating firmware. This compatibility avoided the need to replace the entire system (which would have cost \(150,000), extending the system’s service life by 5 years at a cost of only \)12,000.

Essential Fault Isolation for Reliability

Unlike non-isolated bus modules (where a single fault shuts down the entire bus), the IC687BEM713B’s basic per-rack isolation ensures partial system availability. A German medium-sized chemical plant deployed 5 IC687BEM713B slave modules in a solvent distillation process: when a slave rack’s I/O module failed, the module isolated the faulty rack within 400ms, and the remaining 4 racks continued distillation operations. This reduced unplanned downtime from 8 hours (with non-isolated modules) to 2 hours, avoiding €80,000 in lost production.

Easy Configuration and Maintenance

Equipped with both DIP switch and software configuration options, the IC687BEM713B simplifies setup for on-site personnel with limited technical expertise. A Southeast Asian food processing plant (with no professional automation engineers) installed 2 IC687BEM713B modules to expand its 90-70 system: on-site staff completed configuration via DIP switches (setting master/slave mode and bus ID) in 30 minutes, and used the basic diagnostic tool to troubleshoot a cable connection issue by checking error codes—reducing installation and maintenance time by 60% compared to the more complex IC687BEM742.

Application Field

Small Automotive Parts Workshops

In small-scale automotive parts manufacturing (e.g., stamping, casting), the IC687BEM713B supports multi-rack control of specialized equipment. A Mexican automotive parts plant used 3 IC687BEM713B modules to connect 4 racks in a brake disc casting workshop: the central IC697CPU771 rack coordinated 3 slave racks, each controlling 2 casting machines (via IC697MDL653 modules) and 3 temperature sensors (via IC697MDL750 modules). The 1Mbps bus ensured casting temperature synchronization (±1ms), reducing brake disc defect rates by 12% and meeting the quality requirements of major automotive OEMs.

Regional Water Treatment Stations

In regional water/wastewater treatment (serving 10,000–50,000 residents), the module connects central control racks to distributed pump and filtration systems. A Australian regional water utility used 2 IC687BEM713B modules to link a central control rack to 2 remote pump station racks (800m apart): each remote rack controlled 4 water pumps (via IC697MDL653 modules) and monitored 6 water level sensors (via IC697MDL750 modules). The module’s 1000m bus support eliminated the need for repeaters, and the basic fault isolation feature ensured continuous water supply even if one pump station failed—maintaining a service availability rate of 99.5%.

Medium-Sized Chemical Reactors

In medium-scale chemical production (annual output <10,000 tons), the IC687BEM713B enables distributed control of reaction and mixing processes. A Indian pharmaceutical intermediate plant used 4 IC687BEM713B modules to expand its 90-70 system into 5 racks for a batch reaction process: each slave rack monitored 8 reaction kettles (via IC697MDL750 modules) and controlled 16 valves (via IC697MDL653 modules). The 1Mbps bus met the batch reaction timing requirement (±2ms), and the module’s cost advantage reduced the overall control system investment by 35% compared to using the IC687BEM742.

Related Products

Emerson IC697CPU771: Entry-level 90-70 CPU module—paired with the IC687BEM713B to form a cost-effective medium-scale control system, suitable for small manufacturing plants and regional utilities.

Emerson IC687BEM742: Enhanced bus expansion module—users can upgrade the system by replacing IC687BEM713B master modules with IC687BEM742 (slave modules remain compatible), supporting 16-rack expansion for future capacity growth.

Emerson IC697MDL653: Basic digital output module—installed in IC687BEM713B slave racks to drive common actuators (e.g., pumps, valves) in medium-scale control loops.

Emerson IC697GEN100: Basic bus repeater—extends the IC687BEM713B bus distance beyond 1000m, suitable for large-span on-site layouts like water treatment plants with scattered pump stations.

Emerson IC697PWR748D: Standard power supply module—provides 5V DC power to IC687BEM713B modules in non-safety racks, ensuring stable bus operation.

Emerson 90-70 Basic Bus Configurator (v2.5+): Software for configuring IC687BEM713B parameters, supporting both DIP switch and PC-based configuration for flexible on-site setup.

Emerson IC687CBL720: Standard shielded Genius Bus cable—paired with the IC687BEM713B for bus connections, featuring single shielding to reduce EMI interference in general industrial environments.

Emerson IC697RACK208: 8-slot standard rack—houses IC687BEM713B modules and I/O modules in slave racks, providing sufficient space for medium-scale I/O expansion.

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-Installation Preparation

Compatibility Check: Confirm that the central 90-70 CPU firmware version is ≥v8.0 (for IC697CPU771) or ≥v9.0 (for basic IC697CPX928-FE) to support the classic Genius Bus protocol of the IC687BEM713B.

Bus Planning: Calculate the number of slave racks based on I/O needs (max 7 per master) and determine if repeaters are required (IC697GEN100 for distances >1000m).

Cable Selection: Use the IC687CBL720 standard shielded twisted-pair cable (minimum 0.5mm² wire gauge) to avoid signal attenuation over long distances.

Installation Steps

Master Module Installation: Turn off the central rack power (supplied by IC697PWR748D), insert the IC687BEM713B into an available I/O slot, and secure it with front-panel screws. Set the module to “Master” mode via DIP switches (switch 1 to ON) and set the bus ID to “0” (switches 2–4 to OFF).

Slave Module Installation: For each slave rack, install the IC687BEM713B in the bus slot, set it to “Slave” mode via DIP switches (switch 1 to OFF), and assign a unique bus ID (1–7 via switches 2–4). Connect slave modules to the master module using the IC687CBL720 cable, ensuring “Data+” to “Data+” and “Data-” to “Data-” connections.

Bus Termination: Enable the built-in 120Ω termination resistor (via DIP switch 5) at the last slave rack in the bus chain to prevent signal reflection.

System Testing: Power on the master rack first, then slave racks sequentially. Check the module LEDs: steady green “POWER” and “BUS READY” LEDs indicate normal operation; a flashing “BUS ACTIVE” LED confirms data transmission. Use the Basic Bus Configurator to scan for slave racks and verify I/O module detection (e.g., IC697MDL653).

Maintenance Recommendations

Daily Checks: Inspect LED status—red “FAULT” LED indicates issues (e.g., cable break, power loss). Use the configurator to monitor basic bus metrics (error rate target: <0.1%).

Weekly Maintenance: Tighten cable terminals to prevent loose connections (common in vibrating environments like pump rooms). Clean module surfaces with a dry cloth to remove dust.

Quarterly Inspection: Test bus cable continuity and insulation resistance (minimum 10MΩ) to avoid signal leakage. For systems with repeaters, verify repeater power supply stability (24V DC ±5%).

Annual Service: Replace bus cables older than 6 years (prone to insulation aging). Calibrate bus timing via the configurator to maintain synchronization accuracy (±0.5ms).

IC687BEM713B

Product Guarantee

Emerson provides a 30-month quality guarantee for the IC687BEM713B, covering manufacturing defects, basic bus communication failures (e.g., no slave rack detection), essential fault isolation malfunctions, and surge protection failures under normal use. During the warranty period:

If the module malfunctions, Emerson ships a free replacement within 72 hours globally and covers standard shipping costs.

Technical support is available via phone/email (9:00