GE IC698CHS009A Universal Backplane Chassis

Description

🏗️ Real-World Use & Application Scenarios (Open Strong)

The GE IC698CHS009A is the foundational structure—the physical backbone—of medium-to-large-scale industrial automation systems utilizing the high-performance GE Fanuc RX3i platform. Its function is not electronic, but structural: it provides the standardized, interconnected framework for mounting the CPU, power supply, and all I/O, specialty, and communication modules. It is universally applied in demanding industries such as process control in chemical facilities, high-speed manufacturing, and utility infrastructure where the system must handle thousands of I/O points and complex control strategies.

Engineers specify the GE IC698CHS009A when they require a single, consolidated unit capable of housing up to nine modules, including the critical components that define the system’s power and logic. It is particularly crucial in applications where future expansion is anticipated, as the $9$-slot capacity provides ample room beyond the initially required modules. For example, in a factory setting, the $9$-slot chassis might house the main CPU, a high-capacity power supply, two high-density input modules, two output modules, and an Ethernet interface, still leaving two slots open for the addition of analog or motion control cards later on. The passive backplane of the GE IC698CHS009A uses the high-speed PCI Express bus to link all modules, ensuring rapid and deterministic data exchange between the CPU and I/O, which is essential for responsive industrial automation performance.

🔬 Product Introduction & Positioning

The GE IC698CHS009A is a non-intelligent, Universal Backplane Chassis designed for the GE Fanuc RX3i (IC695) PACSystems. It is a passive device, meaning it contains no active electronic components that execute logic; its sole purpose is to provide mechanical support and the electrical pathways (the backplane bus) necessary for communication and power distribution.

Its role in the system architecture is the central integration point. It is the physical structure into which the CPU, power supply, and various I/O and communication modules are inserted. The IC698CHS009A features nine universal slots, meaning most modules (with the exception of the Power Supply, which occupies a dedicated slot) can be installed in any available slot. This universal slot design simplifies system configuration and logistics. What makes the GE IC698CHS009A valuable is its implementation of the high-speed PCI Express backplane. This technology is vital for the RX3i’s performance, providing significantly faster data throughput than previous generations of PLC backplanes, which is necessary for handling the high data rates of modern analog and motion control modules.

🚀 Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The core functional benefit of the GE IC698CHS009A is its high-speed data bus. The integrated PCI Express backplane ensures that the high processing speed of the RX3i CPU is not bottlenecked by slow data exchange with the I/O modules. This feature allows for the rapid updating of I/O status and quick execution of control loops. A key strength is its Universal Slot design (for slots $1$ through $8$), which provides maximum flexibility for module placement and simplifies system design without complex slot restrictions.

In terms of hardware design, the IC698CHS009A is built from a rugged metal structure suitable for industrial environments. The mounting mechanism is standardized, allowing it to be easily secured to a panel within a control cabinet. The chassis features a dedicated slot (Slot $0$) for the system’s Power Supply Module and eight additional universal slots. The electrical design of the backplane ensures low-noise power distribution to all modules from the power supply, which is crucial for the reliability of sensitive analog and communication electronics. This rugged construction and the advanced backplane technology collectively ensure the long-term reliability and high performance of the GE RX3i system.

📋 Detailed Technical Specifications

🧩 Related Modules or Compatible Units

IC695CPU310 – A standard RX3i CPU module that installs into one of the universal slots of the GE IC698CHS009A.

IC695PWR100 – A common AC Power Supply Module that must be installed in the dedicated power supply slot (Slot 0) of the IC698CHS009A.

IC695MDL660 – A high-density discrete I/O module that plugs into any of the eight universal slots.

IC695ETM001 – The Ethernet Interface Module that also occupies a universal slot to provide network connectivity.¹

IC698CHS007 – A similar but physically smaller 7-slot universal chassis, used when space constraints are tighter.

IC695CBL001 – An inter-chassis cable used to link the GE IC698CHS009A main rack to an expansion chassis for additional I/O capacity.

🛠️ Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

When installing the GE IC698CHS009A, ensure that the chassis is securely mounted to the control panel using all available mounting hardware to provide adequate grounding and vibration resistance. Grounding is non-negotiable; connect the chassis to the cabinet earth ground bus with a low-impedance connection, as the chassis acts as the reference for the entire system’s noise suppression. When inserting modules, apply even pressure and ensure the latching mechanism fully engages to guarantee a proper electrical connection to the high-speed backplane.

Maintenance for the IC698CHS009A is passive, focusing primarily on environmental factors. The primary maintenance expectation is to keep the chassis and backplane connectors clean and free of dust, debris, and corrosion, as contamination on the PCI Express connections can lead to intermittent communication errors and system faults. Before inserting or removing any module, always follow the system’s power-down or hot-swap procedures specified for the RX3i platform to prevent damage to the backplane electronics. Periodically inspect the module retention clips and screws to ensure they remain tight and secure against industrial vibration.