IC697CPX935 GE Series 90-70 High-Performance CPU Module

Description

Product Model: IC697CPX935
Product Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson (Series 90-70)
Product Series: Series 90-70 (CPU “CPX935” class)
Product Features (key strengths):

• 96 MHz 32-bit CPU, floating-point capable, with execution time ~0.4 µs per Boolean operation.
• Supports up to 12 K discrete I/O points (any mix of inputs/outputs) and up to 8 K analog I/O words.
• Integrated three serial ports (1 × RS-232, 2 × RS-485), enabling rich communications without extra modules.
• Single-slot module design for the Series 90-70 rack with robust memory (1 MB RAM, 256 kB flash) and battery-backed retention.

Product Role & System Fit

The IC697CPX935 serves as a central processing unit (CPU) in the legacy GE Fanuc / Emerson Series 90-70 automation platform. In other words, this module is the “brain” of a rack-based control system: it executes logic, responds to I/O requests, handles communications, and orchestrates the overall automation operation. Unlike simpler modular I/O cards, the CPX935 integrates floating-point capability, multiple serial ports, and substantial I/O capacity, making it a high-performance choice within the Series 90-70 ecosystem.

From a system-fit perspective, if you already have a Series 90-70 rack infrastructure (backplane, power supply, I/O modules), the IC697CPX935 drops into a single slot and upgrades the system’s capability. It’s compatible with discrete I/O, analog I/O, high-speed modules, communications modules, and legacy IC660/IC661 I/O systems.  For companies maintaining legacy systems, this CPU offers a practical way to extend the life of their platform while retaining software tools, wiring, and I/O investments.

In one scenario, a production line controller originally operating on an older CPU was upgraded to the CPX935 to gain improved speed for additional floating‐point calculations, while maintaining the existing I/O layout and programming environment. The result: better throughput and maintained field investment — a typical fit case for this module.

Applications & Industry Context

When your automation system spans batching, processing, motion, or complex logic, you need a CPU that can handle floating‐point math, high I/O counts, and robust communications. The IC697CPX935 meets those demands. It’s used in industries such as chemical processing, water/wastewater treatment, pulp & paper, metals, material handling, and wherever legacy Series 90-70 systems still run.

For example, in a chemical treatment plant where dosing logic, flow measurement, pH control and analog loops coexist, the CPX935’s ability to support up to 8K analog I/O words means you don’t have to split control across multiple processors. The built-in three serial ports allow direct connectivity to field devices (RS-232 or RS-485), analyzers, or distributed controllers, which simplifies architecture.

In a machine-tooling environment, rapid logic execution (≈0.4 µs per Boolean) means responsiveness is higher, enabling tighter control loops, better throughput, and fewer missed events. Field engineers often report fewer logic bottlenecks post-upgrade to CPX935 compared to older CPUs with slower clock rates.

However, keep in mind that this is a legacy module — while robust, it demands support for older backplane and I/O systems, and you should verify firmware and compatibility before deployment.