Product Overview

The ALSTOM M0004784 (IC697CHS770E) is a dual redundant PLC rack associated with the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 control platform. It is designed to provide a structured hardware platform for redundant PLC configurations where system availability and continuity of control are important.

The IC697CHS770 is a rear-mount redundant rack with two independent sections. Each section provides a power supply position and six backplane positions, allowing two Series 90-70 PLC configurations to be installed within a single rack assembly. This architecture makes the rack particularly suitable for redundant control arrangements in industrial automation systems.

The rack supports standard IC697 Series 90-70 modules and can also accommodate certain IC687 VME I/O and communications modules. The backplane design provides the necessary infrastructure for integrating CPUs, communications modules, I/O interfaces, and redundancy-related hardware into a coordinated control system.

For procurement purposes, M0004784 and IC697CHS770E should be cross-checked against the existing system documentation, nameplate, rack configuration, and revision level before replacement, particularly when the part is being used in an existing ALSTOM or legacy GE control system.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Manufacturer / Brand	ALSTOM / GE Fanuc
ALSTOM Part Number	M0004784
GE Catalog Number	IC697CHS770E
Product Type	Redundant PLC Rack
PLC Platform	GE Fanuc Series 90-70
Rack Configuration	Dual redundant
Mounting Type	Rear / panel mount
Power Supply Positions	2
Backplane Sections	2 independent sections
Slots per System	6 module positions plus power supply position
Total Backplane Positions	12
Module Compatibility	IC697 Series 90-70 modules
VME Compatibility	Supports applicable IC687 VME I/O and communication modules
Backplane Spacing	0.8 in for VME-oriented configuration
Dimensions	Approx. 11.15 × 19.00 × 7.5 in
Dimensions, Metric	Approx. 283 × 483 × 190 mm
Mounting	Rear mount / panel installation
System Function	PLC chassis, backplane and redundant system integration

The manufacturer documentation specifies two systems per redundant rack, with each system providing six slots plus its power supply position. The published rack dimensions are approximately 283 mm high × 483 mm wide × 190 mm deep.

 

Redundant Architecture

One of the main characteristics of the IC697CHS770E is its ability to accommodate two PLC sections in one integrated rack.

Each side of the rack can accommodate a power supply, CPU and associated control or communication modules. In redundancy applications, dedicated redundancy communication hardware can be used to maintain coordination between the primary and secondary control units.

The integrated redundant rack was specifically designed for applications requiring two PLCs within a coordinated redundant architecture. GE documentation describes the IC697CHS770 as a rear-mounted integrated redundant rack, while IC697CHS771 is the corresponding front-mounted version.

This arrangement can help reduce the physical complexity of a redundant PLC installation while providing a common mechanical and backplane structure for the two control sections.

 

Module Compatibility

The IC697CHS770 platform was designed to accept standard IC697 Series 90-70 PLC modules. It can also support applicable IC687 VME I/O and communications modules, making the rack useful in systems that combine conventional Series 90-70 hardware with VME-based components.

Typical system components associated with this architecture can include:

1. Series 90-70 CPU modules
2. Redundancy CPU modules
3. Redundancy Communications Modules
4. Bus Transmitter and Bus Receiver modules
5. Genius Bus Controllers
6. Series 90-70 I/O modules
7. Applicable VME I/O and communications modules
8. Compatible Series 90-70 power supplies

Module selection must be verified against the specific PLC configuration because not every Series 90-70 or VME module is interchangeable simply based on physical dimensions.

 

Applications

The ALSTOM M0004784 / IC697CHS770E can be used in industrial control systems where redundant PLC architecture is required.

Typical applications include:

1. Power generation control systems
2. Industrial process automation
3. Turbine and auxiliary control systems
4. High-availability PLC applications
5. Legacy ALSTOM control platforms
6. GE Fanuc Series 90-70 automation systems
7. Industrial plants requiring CPU redundancy
8. Retrofit and maintenance projects for legacy control systems

The redundant rack is particularly relevant when maintaining an existing Series 90-70 installation where replacing the complete control architecture would be considerably more expensive or disruptive than maintaining the original rack and module ecosystem.

 

Installation and Configuration Considerations

The IC697CHS770E is not simply a passive mounting frame. Its backplane and redundant architecture form part of the PLC hardware configuration, so replacement should be performed with attention to the existing system design.

Before purchasing a replacement rack, engineers and procurement teams should verify:

1. The complete part number, including the E revision.
2. The ALSTOM reference M0004784, if this is the number shown in the plant documentation.
3. Existing CPU and redundancy module configuration.
4. Power supply type and capacity.
5. Installed IC697 and IC687 modules.
6. Rear-mount installation requirements.
7. Backplane and rack wiring condition.
8. Existing system drawings and configuration documentation.

For a maintenance replacement, providing a clear photograph of the existing rack nameplate can also help confirm the exact hardware revision before an order is placed.

 

Verification & Quality Control

For legacy industrial automation hardware such as the ALSTOM M0004784 / IC697CHS770E, product verification is important because multiple revisions and aftermarket conditions can exist in the supply chain.

Before shipment, the unit can be checked for:

1. Correct model and part number identification.
2. Nameplate and revision verification.
3. Physical condition of the chassis and backplane.
4. Connector and terminal inspection.
5. Evidence of corrosion, mechanical damage or contamination.
6. Compatibility with the customer’s specified configuration.
7. Functional testing where appropriate and technically possible.

For used or refurbished units, the available testing procedure should be confirmed according to the actual condition and configuration of the product.

 

Related Models

The following models are commonly associated with the Series 90-70 rack and redundancy architecture:

1. IC697CHS770 — Redundant rear-mount rack
2. IC697CHS771 — Redundant front-mount rack
3. IC697CHS750 — Standard 5-slot rear-mount rack
4. IC697CHS790 — Standard 9-slot rear-mount rack
5. IC697CHS791 — Standard 9-slot front-mount rack
6. IC697RCM711 — Redundancy Communications Module
7. IC697BEM713 — Bus Transmitter Module
8. IC697BEM711 — Bus Receiver Module
9. IC697BEM731 — Genius Bus Controller

The IC697CHS770 and IC697CHS771 are especially important cross-reference models because they represent the rear-mount and front-mount versions of the redundant rack architecture.