GE IC697CHS791G 9-Slot Rack | 445mm, 4.5kg, 32-Bit VME Bus

Core Function of This Front Mount Rack

The GE IC697CHS791G provides mechanical support and backplane connectivity for PLC modules. This 9-slot chassis holds CPU, power supply, and I/O modules in one enclosure. It distributes power and communication signals to each installed card. Consequently, the rack enables flexible system configuration for large control applications.

Physical Dimensions and Rack Construction

This front mount rack measures 445 mm in total width. Its height reaches 267 mm for a 9-slot vertical arrangement. The rack depth stands at 152 mm including the backplane assembly. You will find a welded steel chassis with a powder-coated finish. The GE IC697CHS791G weighs approximately 4.5 kilograms for stable mounting.

Slot Configuration and Backplane Details

The GE IC697CHS791G features nine module slots in a single row. Slot 1 reserves space for the power supply module only. Slots 2 through 9 accept any Series 90-70 compatible modules. The passive backplane uses a multilayer PCB with gold-plated connectors. Each slot includes a 48-pin DIN 41612 connector for module interfacing. A 90-pin expansion connector allows rack-to-rack communication.

Power Distribution and Bus Architecture

This front mount rack distributes +5 V DC and +24 V DC to all slots. The backplane carries a 32-bit VME bus for high-speed data transfer. Each slot receives up to 2 A at 5 V DC from the power supply. The backplane also provides two dedicated interrupt lines per slot. A separate battery backup bus preserves CPU memory during power loss.

Cooling and Thermal Management

The GE IC697CHS791G does not include integrated cooling fans. Instead, natural convection dissipates heat through the metal chassis. Each module must maintain proper clearance around ventilation holes. The rack design allows vertical airflow between adjacent modules. Users should avoid filling all slots with high-power modules simultaneously.

Mounting Options and Enclosure Compatibility

This rack supports both panel mount and rack mount installations. Four M6 threaded holes accept panel mounting bolts directly. The rack also includes two side flanges for 19-inch cabinet mounting. A removable top cover provides access to the backplane test points. The chassis includes a grounding stud for connecting to the system earth.

Parameter	Specification
Model	IC697CHS791G
Brand	GE (General Electric)
Category	9-Slot Front Mount Rack
Width	445 mm
Height	267 mm
Depth	152 mm
Weight	4.5 kg
Number of slots	9 (single row)
Slot 1 assignment	Power supply only
Slots 2-9 assignment	Any Series 90-70 module
Backplane type	Passive multilayer PCB
Module connector	48-pin DIN 41612 per slot
Expansion connector	90-pin (rack-to-rack)
Bus architecture	32-bit VME
+5 V DC per slot	2 A maximum
+24 V DC per slot	0.5 A maximum
Chassis material	Welded steel
Finish	Powder-coated
Cooling method	Natural convection
Mounting holes	4 x M6 threaded
19-inch rack flanges	2 (included)
Grounding stud	1 (M4)
Operating temperature	0°C to +60°C

Installation and Compatibility Notes

You must install the power supply in slot 1 before adding other modules. Always attach a ground wire to the chassis grounding stud. Then, verify that each module locks securely into its slot. The rack works with CPU models IC697CPU731 through IC697CPU782. Do not exceed the total backplane current rating of 10 A at 5 V DC.