GE IC697CPX928 | Series 90-70 CPU | 96MHz 486 Processor | In Stock

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Product Introduction

The IC697CPX928 is essentially the “Pentium” of the Series 90-70 world, though technically it’s rocking a 486 architecture. If you are still running this in 2026, you likely have a massive installed base—think power generation, water treatment, or heavy manufacturing lines that were built in the late 90s or early 2000s. It’s a beast. Unlike modern slimline PLCs, this thing has heft and serious thermal output. It was designed when “industrial grade” meant “over-engineered,” and it shows.Why do people keep these around? Raw, deterministic speed for its time. With a scan rate of 0.4 microseconds per bit, it handles massive logic arrays without choking. The real selling point here is the memory—6 MB of battery-backed RAM is huge for a controller of this vintage. It allows you to store vast amounts of historical data or complex PID loops without needing an external historian. However, be warned: this module runs hot. It relies on the chassis forced-air cooling (70 CFM minimum). If your cabinet fans died five years ago, this CPU is likely cooked.

Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls (The Reality Check)

The Lab Report (SOP):
Since these are vintage, our testing is rigorous. We don’t just light up the LEDs.

1. Capacitor & Battery Check: We measure the leakage current on the electrolytic capacitors (common failure point in old GE gear) and verify the lithium battery voltage is >3.0V. A dead battery means your RAM is wiped the second you pull the plug.
2. Backplane Stress Test: We insert the CPU into a loaded rack and force high-speed communication across all three serial ports simultaneously to test the transceivers.
3. Memory Write/Read: We write a dummy program to the Flash and execute it from RAM to ensure there are no bad memory sectors.

The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls):

Field Horror Story: A plant manager swapped a failed CPX928 with a “new” surplus unit. He didn’t realize the new unit had a different Firmware Version (V1.2 vs V2.0). The logic downloaded fine, but the Ethernet Global Data (EGD) exchanges wouldn’t handshake because the protocol handling changed between revisions. The line sat down for 6 hours while we figured out why the “new” part acted differently. Always check the sticker on the side for the firmware revision!

Installation & Configuration Guide

Swapping a CPU in a live Series 90-70 rack is risky business.

1. Pre-Installation:
   • ⚠️ Backup Everything: If the old CPU is still alive, upload the program and hardware configuration immediately. Do not trust that “someone else saved it.”
   • Power Down: Unless you have a fully redundant system (which is rare for 90-70), kill the rack power.
2. Removal:
   • Remove the ribbon cable (if attached for programming) and unscrew the mounting ears.
   • Pull the card straight out. It might be stiff due to the 96-pin DIN connector.
3. Configuration (Critical):
   • No Jumpers: Good news—the CPX928 has no internal DIP switches or jumpers. All config is software-based via Proficy Machine Edition.
   • Battery Install: Verify the battery is seated. If the LED labeled “BATT” is blinking, your memory is on borrowed time.
4. Installation:
   • Slide the module into the leftmost slot (Slot 1). It must be in Slot 1 to function as the CPU.
   • Secure the screws. Loose grounding causes communication noise on the backplane.
5. Power-Up:
   • Apply power. The LEDs should cycle: TEST -> RUN (Green).
   • If you see a solid RED fault light, check the “Fault Table” in your programming software. It usually means the Hardware Configuration doesn’t match what’s physically in the rack.

Compatible Replacement Models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I use a USB-to-Serial adapter to program this?
  • A: You can try, but honestly? Don’t. Windows 10/11 drivers for those adapters often corrupt the timing required for the SNP protocol. Use a real laptop with a native RS-232 port or a dedicated PCMCIA/ExpressCard serial card. Save yourself the headache.
• Q: What does the “GE1” suffix mean?
  • A: Usually indicates a specific production batch or packaging type (like “General Electric Revision 1”). For all practical field purposes, it is interchangeable with the standard CPX928, provided the firmware version matches your project requirements.
• Q: My BATT light is flashing. Is the module dead?
  • A: No, the module is fine. The 3V Lithium battery is dead. You need to replace it while the unit is powered up (if possible) or be prepared to re-download your program immediately after power cycling, as the RAM will wipe out.
• Q: Does this support Ethernet?
  • A: Not natively on the board itself. The CPX928 has serial ports. To get Ethernet (TCP/IP), you need to install a separate Ethernet Interface module (like the IC697ACC600 series) in another slot of the rack.
• Q: How do I clear the memory if I forgot the password?
  • A: There is a “Clear Memory” jumper or procedure using the hardware handshaking lines on the serial port, but it wipes everything. If the OEM set a 4-level password and locked the subroutines, you’re stuck. You’ll need to overwrite the whole thing.