Description
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Need to replace or install a GE Fanuc / Emerson PACSystems RX7i IC698CHS009 9-slot rack? Review its VME64 backplane limits, slot spacing, grounding steps, and thermal fan options.
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In industrial automation, the physical backplane of your PLC rack acts as both the structural foundation and the primary high-speed data bus. A physical failure, structural warping, or electrical short in the chassis connector pins can render an entire PLC system useless. The GE Fanuc / Emerson PACSystems RX7i IC698CHS009 is a standard 9-slot, rear-mount rack designed to house RX7i CPUs, VME modules, and legacy Series 90-70 I/O cards. Leveraging a VME64 backplane with J2 connectors, this rack enables data transfer speeds of up to 64 bits per cycle to support high-speed processing and synchronized motion applications.
Technical Specification Snapshot
Before mounting the rack inside a control enclosure, verify these mechanical and electrical specifications:
| Parameter | Specification Value |
| Model Code | IC698CHS009 (Rear-mount variation; front-mount is IC698CHS109) |
| Product Family | PACSystems RX7i (Formerly GE Fanuc, now Emerson) |
| Total Slots | 9 I/O slots + 1 dedicated Power Supply slot (Slot 0) |
| Slot Spacing | 0.8 inches (20.3 mm) centers |
| Module Compatibility | RX7i modules, Series 90-70 I/O modules, standard VME modules |
| Integrated Backplane | VME64 compliant with automatic daisy-chaining (no blank slot jumpers needed) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11.15 in x 12.60 in x 7.25 in (283 mm x 320 mm x 184 mm) |
| Enclosure Rating | Requires minimum IP54-rated protective enclosure |
| Cooling Requirement | Optional fan assembly (Mandatory for IC698CPE020 / CRE020 and 350W PSUs) |
Sparing & Operational Strategy
From a preventative maintenance standpoint, the IC698CHS009 functions as a Class B infrastructure asset. Backplanes are passive and fail far less frequently than active CPU or power supply modules. However, mechanical damage to the backplane pins during card insertion or terminal block installation can result in a replacement bottleneck.
Because the entire RX7i platform is legacy, securing a spare chassis is crucial for facilities operating aging systems. Without a replacement rack on-site, a bent connector pin can result in days of downtime while searching for verified surplus inventory.
Not Recommended For:
Do not try to fit RX3i or Series 90-30 modules into this rack. It is keyed and spaced strictly for wide-format VME64/RX7i hardware.
