Bus Controller Module (IC697BEM742/IC697BEM744) is a two-channel bus controller that interfaces the FIP (Fieldbus International Protocol) or World FIP I/O serial bus to an IC697 PLC system. These modules are used to connect various devices and remote input/output points to the IC697 PLC system. Below is a summary of the key features and functions of these modules:

    Interfaces the FIP or World FIP serial I/O bus to the IC697 PLC.
    Two versions available:
        IC697BEM742: Operates at a data rate of 1 Mbit/second.
        IC697BEM744: Operates at a data rate of 2.5 Mbits/second.
    2M RAM and 2M Flash memory included in both versions.
    Supports up to four FIP Bus Controllers per PLC system.
    Two FIP bus channels provide redundant bus capabilities.
    RS-485 serial port for easy in-system firmware upgrade (no PROMs to change).
    Pushbutton for resetting the Bus Controller and enabling it to accept firmware upgrades.
    Six status LEDs for monitoring system and communication status.
    Software configuration (no DIP switches or jumpers), using Windows-based programming software.

Functions:

The FIP Bus Controller (FBC) occupies a single slot in an IC697 PLC or VME Integrator Rack. The bus controller scans I/O devices on the FIP bus asynchronously, and I/O data is transferred to the CPU once per scan. Up to 31 Bus Controllers can be included in an IC697 PLC system, with a maximum of four FIP Bus Controllers.

The FIP bus can support:

    IC697 and IC693 PLCs, which are interfaced to the bus via FIP Bus Controllers.
    Remote I/O Racks, interfaced through Remote I/O Scanner Modules, which can contain a mix of discrete and analog I/O modules.
    Field Control Stations and Field Control I/O modules, connected via a FIP Bus Interface Unit (BIU).

Installation:

    Power off the rack before installation.
    Insert the FIP Bus Controller into its designated slot in the rack.
    Push the module into the card guide and ensure it aligns with the connector on the backplane.
    Press the upper and lower flanges to fully seat the module into the rack.
    Make the necessary bus connections to the front connectors on the module.

Status LEDs:

The six LEDs on the front panel of the FIP Bus Controller indicate module status and communication activity:

    MODULE OK: Indicates the health of the Bus Controller; it should remain ON when the module is functioning correctly.
    RUN: Shows the operational status and turns ON when the module is acting as the Bus Arbiter for the FIP network.
    CARRIER DETECT CH 1 and CH 2: These LEDs indicate detection of a carrier signal on the respective FIP bus channel.
    TRANSMIT ENABLE CH 1 and CH 2: Red LEDs that turn ON when the module transmits data on the respective FIP bus channel.

Pushbutton:

A reset pushbutton located below the LEDs is used to enable the module to accept a firmware upgrade or reset the Bus Controller in case of a watchdog timeout.

Serial Port (RS-485):

The 15-pin serial port supports the RS-485 standard and allows connection to a PC for firmware upgrades.

FIP Bus Connectors:

Two 9-pin connectors on the module are used to connect one or two FIP buses. The top connector is for Channel 1, and the bottom is for Channel 2, allowing for redundant bus configurations.

FIP Bus Characteristics:

    Bus Type: Single twisted pair with a shield; fiber optics cables and modems can also be used.
    Baud Rate:
        BEM742 operates at 1.0 Mbaud,
        BEM744 operates at 2.5 Mbaud.
    Maximum Bus Length:
        For BEM742: 1000 meters per section, 4000 meters for the entire network.
        For BEM744: 500 meters per section, 2000 meters for the entire network.
    Maximum Number of Devices: Up to 32 devices per section.

Bus Installation:

    Use shielded twisted-pair cables to connect devices on the FIP bus.
    For dual media or redundant configurations, both Channel 1 and Channel 2 connectors must be used.
    For installation and wiring details, refer to the FIP Bus Controller User’s Manual.

The FIP Bus Controller modules are essential components for integrating complex industrial automation systems, offering high data rates, redundant bus capabilities, and robust I/O control functionalities.

>> GE Fanuc IC697BEM742, IC697BEM744 User manual (pdf)

++ Other 90-30 PLC modules

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