Description
The part number IC698CHS017B refers to a 17-slot modular rack chassis manufactured by GE Fanuc (later GE Intelligent Platforms, now Emerson Automation). The trailing letter “B” denotes a specific hardware revision level succeeding earlier base iterations of the IC698CHS017 design.
Product Overview
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Manufacturer: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
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Part Number / Model: IC698CHS017B (IC698CHS017)
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Component Type: 17-Slot Universal Backplane / PLC Chassis / Rack Assembly
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Platform: PACSystems RX7i Series (Backward compatible with Series 90-70 and standard VME modules)
Key Specifications & Features
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Slot Capacity: Features 17 total slots spaced 0.8 inches (20.3 mm) apart, supporting a flexible mixture of single-width and double-width modules (equivalent to 15 single-width module positions plus dedicated power and CPU slots).
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Dedicated Slot Architecture:
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Slot 0: Reserved exclusively for the system power supply unit (e.g., IC698PSA series).
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Slot 1: Reserved for the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
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Slots 2–16: Available for any combination of I/O, communication, or specialized application modules.
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Backplane Performance: Built on a high-speed VME64 bus architecture supporting enhanced data transfer rates (64 bits per cycle via J2 connectors).
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Addressing & Setup: Features automated slot-sensing technology, eliminating the need for manual physical DIP switches or jumpers for module configuration.
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Physical Dimensions:
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Height: 11.15 inches (283 mm)
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Width: 19.0 inches (483 mm — standard 19-inch rack mount format)
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Depth: 7.5 inches (190 mm)
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Industrial Deployment
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Applications: Utilized as the primary hardware backbone for large-scale industrial automation, continuous process control, and high-density manufacturing systems running the GE PACSystems RX7i ecosystem inside standard protective control cabinets (rated IP54 or higher).
IC698CHS017B
Product Overview
IC698CHS017B is a 17-slot rear-mount VME64 chassis manufactured by GE Fanuc for PACSystems RX7i automation platform. It serves as the mechanical carrier and backplane bus foundation for RX7i control racks, built with integrated VME64 backplane to realize high-speed data communication between all plug-in modules.
Slot 0 is dedicated for power supply module (such as IC698PSA100D), Slot 1 is reserved for CPU controller, and remaining slots support mixed installation of RX7i modules, Series 90-70 I/O modules and standard VME boards. The rear mounting structure allows front panel access for visual inspection and module replacement. Widely used in power plant, metallurgy and heavy industry critical control systems.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Part Number | IC698CHS017B |
| Module Type | 17-Slot Rear Mount VME64 Chassis |
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc / GE Intelligent Platforms |
| Applicable Platform | PACSystems RX7i Control System |
| Total Slots | 17 slots (Slot0: Power Supply; Slot1: CPU; Slots 2–17: I/O & Communication Modules) |
| Backplane Standard | VME64 bus architecture |
| Slot Spacing | 0.8 inch (20.3 mm) for single-width modules |
| Supported Modules | RX7i CPU, I/O, communication modules; Series 90-70 I/O; standard VME modules |
| Mounting Style | Rear panel / wall mounting inside control cabinet |
| Dimensions | 283 mm × 483 mm × 190 mm (H × W × D) |
| Material | Powder-coated heavy-duty steel frame |
| Operating Temperature | 0℃ ~ +60℃ |
| Ambient Humidity | 5%–95% non-condensing |
| Protection Class | Open frame, must be installed inside IP54+ control cabinet |
| Cooling | Natural convection; forced fan required under high-load continuous operation |
| Spare Part Status | Original production discontinued; new surplus and refurbished chassis available |
Key Features
- 17-slot large-capacity layout supports building medium & large-scale integrated control racks
- VME64 backplane delivers high bandwidth inter-module data interaction for real-time control tasks
- Standard slot assignment, clearly defined dedicated positions for power supply and CPU module
- Compatible with legacy Series 90-70 I/O, convenient for system migration and equipment retrofit
- Rear mounting design reserves front operation space for module maintenance and visual diagnosis
- Robust steel mechanical structure with anti-vibration performance suitable for power generation and metallurgical sites
- Supports hot swap of compatible modules without powering down the whole rack
- Built-in backplane monitoring circuit works with CPU to detect bus connection anomalies
- Strict full part number verification required; different chassis revisions cannot be directly interchanged
- Matches perfectly with IC698CPE030, IC698PSA100D and full range of RX7i series hardware
