GE IC698CHS117 PLC Rack – PACSystems RX7i

GE IC698CHS117: 17-Slot VME Backplane Chassis for PACSystems RX7i High-Density Control Architectures

The GE IC698CHS117 is a 17-slot VME (Versa Module Eurocard) backplane chassis engineered specifically for the GE PACSystems RX7i control platform. Within a distributed or centralized control architecture, this chassis functions as the physical and electrical backbone — providing the slot matrix, backplane bus routing, and power distribution rail that every installed module depends upon for deterministic data exchange and stable operation. Unlike smaller chassis variants in the IC698 family, the 17-slot form factor eliminates the need for expansion racks in the majority of large-scale process and discrete automation deployments, consolidating the entire control node into a single 19-inch rack enclosure.

In control loop terms, the IC698CHS117 is not a passive carrier. Its backplane implements the RX7i proprietary high-speed VME extension bus, which governs the arbitration and timing of all inter-module communication — from CPU scan cycle synchronization to I/O module data refresh. The bus architecture supports deterministic cycle times that are critical in closed-loop PID, motion sequencing, and safety interlock applications where scan jitter directly affects process stability.

Real-time Stock & RFQ: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +86 18359268345

Technical Parameters

Hardware Logical Analysis

The IC698CHS117 backplane implements a multi-layer PCB bus structure that separates power distribution planes from signal routing layers. This physical separation is a deliberate EMC design decision: by isolating the 5 VDC logic rail, the ±12 VDC analog rail, and the 24 VDC field power bus onto dedicated copper planes, the chassis suppresses conducted interference between high-current I/O switching events and the low-level analog signal paths used by precision measurement modules.

The VME extension bus on the RX7i platform operates at a higher clock rate than the original VME64 standard, with GE’s proprietary arbitration layer managing slot priority and bus grant cycles. Each slot is assigned a fixed bus address decoded by the backplane, which means module insertion order directly maps to the CPU’s I/O reference table — a design that simplifies commissioning and eliminates address conflict risks present in software-configured bus systems.

Backplane connector integrity is maintained through gold-plated VME DIN 41612 connectors at each slot position. The contact geometry provides a wiping action during module insertion, mechanically displacing surface oxidation and ensuring low-resistance electrical contact even after repeated module swaps in maintenance-intensive environments. The chassis frame itself is constructed from extruded aluminum alloy, providing both structural rigidity under vibration loads (IEC 60068-2-6 compliance) and a low-impedance chassis ground path that supports the EMC shielding strategy of the overall control cabinet.

Redundancy arbitration for dual-CPU RX7i configurations is handled at the backplane level through dedicated RMX (Redundancy Module) slot signaling lines. These lines carry the primary/secondary role negotiation signals independently of the main data bus, ensuring that a CPU failover event does not corrupt in-flight I/O transactions on the backplane — a critical requirement for bumpless transfer in continuous process control.

System Integration Benefits

• Single-Rack Consolidation: 17 slots accommodate the full complement of CPU, power supply, Ethernet, Profibus, and I/O modules in one enclosure, eliminating inter-rack fiber-optic expansion cables (IC698CBL series) and the associated latency and failure points they introduce.
• Deterministic Bus Arbitration: The fixed-priority VME extension bus ensures that CPU scan cycle timing is not degraded by bus contention, maintaining consistent I/O update rates across all 16 module slots regardless of installed module mix.
• Simplified Grounding Architecture: The chassis provides a single, low-impedance PE (Protective Earth) bonding point, allowing the entire control node to be grounded through one cable run — reducing ground loop risk in large installations with multiple cabinet sections.
• Hot-Swap Module Support: Compatible with RX7i modules that support hot insertion, enabling I/O module replacement during live operation without requiring a full system shutdown — a significant advantage in continuous process industries.
• Redundant CPU Readiness: Dedicated backplane signal traces for RMX redundancy modules support dual-CPU configurations with hardware-level failover arbitration, meeting SIL 2 architectural requirements when combined with appropriate safety-rated modules.
• Diagnostic Transparency: The backplane bus supports module health reporting to the CPU’s fault table, providing slot-level diagnostics including module presence detection, power fault flags, and communication error counters — all accessible via Proficy Machine Edition without additional hardware.
• Thermal Management: The open-frame chassis design allows forced-air cooling from standard 19-inch rack fan trays to flow across all module faces uniformly, preventing thermal stratification that can cause premature component aging in densely populated configurations.
• Long-Term Parts Availability: As a passive chassis with no active components subject to wear, the IC698CHS117 has an extended service life relative to CPU and I/O modules, making it a stable long-term infrastructure investment for plants with 15–20 year control system lifecycles.

Quality Assurance & Global Logistics

Every IC698CHS117 unit supplied by siemensplc.com is sourced as genuine GE (Emerson Automation Solutions) original hardware. Prior to dispatch, each chassis undergoes a structured inspection protocol: visual examination of backplane connector pins for deformation or corrosion, continuity verification of bus signal traces across all 17 slot positions, and anti-counterfeit label authentication against GE’s original part marking standards. Units are supplied with original manufacturer labeling and, where available, traceable lot documentation.

Logistics operations are based in Xiamen, China, a major international freight hub with direct air cargo connections to Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In-stock units are dispatched within 1–3 business days via DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, or UPS Worldwide Expedited, depending on destination and customer preference. All shipments use ESD-safe anti-static packaging with shock-absorbing foam inserts rated for the chassis weight and dimensions, ensuring backplane connector integrity is maintained through the full transit cycle. Export documentation including commercial invoice, packing list, and HS code declaration (HS 8537.10) is prepared for all international shipments to facilitate smooth customs clearance.

A 12-month warranty covers all units against manufacturing defects and functional failure from the date of shipment. Warranty claims are processed with a target response time of 24 hours and replacement dispatch within 3 business days upon fault confirmation.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +86 18359268345
Web: siemensplc.com
Location: Xiamen, China
© 2026 siemensplc.com. All rights reserved.