Description
The IC687BEM713B is a high-performance Genius Bus Controller Module designed and manufactured by GE Fanuc, now part of Emerson’s extensive automation portfolio. This module serves a critical role as a communication interface, specifically engineered to seamlessly integrate the powerful Genius® I/O system with the versatile Series 90-70 PLC platform. Its core function is to act as a dedicated gateway, allowing the Series 90-70 rack to communicate with, manage, and exchange data with up to 32 distributed Genius I/O blocks on a single bus. The IC687BEM713B effectively bridges the central processing power of the 90-70 system with the reliability and flexibility of distributed I/O, enabling sophisticated and scalable control architectures.
As a single-slot module within the Series 90-70 rack, the IC687BEM713B handles all complex protocol conversions and high-speed data transactions autonomously, offloading this burden from the main CPU. It maps the entire configured Genius I/O data directly into the Series 90-70’s %I and %Q register memory space, making the remote I/O appear as local to the control logic programmer. This transparent integration is a cornerstone of its value, simplifying system design, programming, and troubleshooting. The IC687BEM713B is strategically positioned for large-scale industrial applications requiring robust distributed control, offering a proven solution for expanding system I/O count without the need for extensive additional chassis or wiring runs, thereby reducing overall installation and maintenance costs.

IC687BEM713B GE
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product Model | IC687BEM713B |
| Manufacturer | GE (now part of Emerson) |
| Product Type | Genius Bus Controller Module |
| Compatible PLC Rack | Series 90-70 |
| Supported Network | Genius I/O Bus |
| Bus Data Transfer Rate | 153.6 kbaud (Standard Speed) |
| Maximum Number of Drops | Supports up to 32 Genius devices on a single bus |
| Isolation | 1500V RMS between bus and baseplate |
| Bus Connector | 9-pin D-type female connector |
| Status Indicators | LEDs for Run, OK, Bus Comm Enabled, Bus Fault |
| Backplane Current Load | 800 mA @ 5V DC |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
Main Features and Advantages
The IC687BEM713B delivers a suite of features designed for maximum reliability and ease of use in demanding industrial environments. Its most significant advantage is its robust communication capability, providing deterministic and high-integrity data exchange between the central PLC and the distributed Genius I/O network. The module features comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, including bright LED status indicators that provide instant visual feedback on module health, communication status, and bus faults. This allows for rapid troubleshooting and minimizes system downtime.
The IC687BEM713B supports full Genius bus functionality, including the ability to read detailed diagnostic information from intelligent Genius devices, providing deep system insight for predictive maintenance. It offers optical isolation (1500V) between the bus and the PLC backplane, protecting the sensitive central controller from electrical noise, surges, or faults occurring on the field bus. Furthermore, the module’s configuration is handled entirely within the PLC’s hardware configuration software, making setup intuitive and centralized. The proven reliability of the IC687BEM713B makes it an indispensable component for building scalable, fault-tolerant, and maintainable control systems around the powerful Series 90-70 platform.
Application Field
The IC687BEM713B is deployed in large-scale industrial automation and process control applications that demand a distributed I/O strategy controlled by a high-end PLC. It is a cornerstone technology in industries such as water and wastewater treatment for plant-wide control, automotive manufacturing for complex assembly line automation, and oil & gas for pipeline monitoring and pump control stations. In these settings, the IC687BEM713B is used to connect the central Series 90-70 CPU to a network of remote Genius I/O drops located close to their respective field devices.
This application significantly reduces long and costly home-run wiring by distributing I/O points throughout the facility. For example, a single IC687BEM713B module can manage an entire network of Genius blocks handling thousands of I/O points—from motor starters and valve actuators (discrete I/O) to flow meters and pressure transmitters (analog I/O). It is particularly suited for applications requiring high reliability and extensive diagnostic coverage across a large geographical area, ensuring that the central control system maintains a complete and accurate view of the entire operation. The IC687BEM713B enables a scalable architecture that can grow with the plant’s needs.
IC687BEM713B GE
Related Products
IC697BEM731: A Genius Bus Controller Module for the later Series 90-70 racks, offering similar functionality with potential firmware updates.
IC693BEM331: A Genius Bus Controller for the smaller Series 90-30 PLC platform.
IC670CHS001: A Genius Bus Controller for the VersaMax PLC system, demonstrating the versatility of the Genius network.
IC660BBD100: A representative Genius discrete input block that would be controlled by the IC687BEM713B.
IC660TBA026: A Genius bus termination assembly, a required component for proper bus wiring.
IC697CPU782: A high-performance Series 90-70 CPU module that would be the central processor using the IC687BEM713B.
IC694MDL645: A Series 90-70 discrete input module, representing the type of local chassis I/O used alongside the distributed Genius network.



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