When industrial automation systems require a dependable rack for CPU, I/O, and communication modules, Xin Yuan provides the GE IC698CHS017 as a practical solution for RX7i-based control architectures. Designed as a 17-slot rear-mount rack, it provides structured module installation, backplane connectivity, and compatibility with selected RX7i, Series 90-70, and VME modules.
The GE IC698CHS017 is a standard 17-slot rear-mount rack for the GE PACSystems RX7i platform. It provides slots for CPU and I/O modules while supporting selected Series 90-70 and VME modules, making it useful for industrial control systems that need substantial module capacity. The rack uses 0.8-inch (20.3 mm) slot spacing for standard-width modules, while the power supply occupies a dedicated 2.4-inch (61 mm) slot. Its 19-inch-wide, 11.15-inch-high, and 7.5-inch-deep construction makes it suitable for industrial control cabinets and equipment enclosures. The architecture also supports VME64 transfers and automatic daisy chaining of interrupt acknowledge and bus grant signals, helping simplify rack integration.
What Are the Key Specifications?
How Does Its Rack Architecture Work?
How Should Buyers Select and Verify This Rack?
GE IC698CHS017 is a 17-slot rear-mount rack designed for the PACSystems RX7i industrial control platform. Rather than functioning as a standalone PLC CPU or I/O module, the rack provides the physical and electrical backplane structure needed to install and interconnect compatible control modules.
The rack contains slots 1 through 17 for modules, with the CPU installed in slot 1 in a typical RX7i configuration. Slot 0 is reserved for the power supply and has a wider 2.4-inch opening. This arrangement gives engineers a centralized structure for building relatively large PLC configurations without requiring multiple small racks.
According to the technical documentation, the rack can accommodate RX7i I/O modules, VME modules, single-width Series 90-70 modules, and double-width Series 90-70 PLC modules when used according to the applicable integration guidelines.
For buyers researching the exact model, the GE IC698CHS017 product page can also be used to review supplier information and purchasing details.
The physical and electrical specifications of a PLC rack are important because incorrect rack dimensions, slot requirements, or power distribution can create problems during system design. The following table summarizes the major specifications associated with this model.
| Specification | GE IC698CHS017 Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | 17-slot rear-mount RX7i rack |
| Module Slots | Slots 1–17 |
| Standard Slot Width | 0.8 in. / 20.3 mm |
| Power Supply Slot | Slot 0, 2.4 in. / 61.0 mm |
| Dimensions | 11.15 in. H × 19.00 in. W × 7.5 in. D |
| Metric Dimensions | 283 mm H × 483 mm W × 190 mm D |
| VME Support | Designed to support VME64 |
| Mounting | Rear mount |
| Power Supply Options | RX7i plug-in AC power supplies, with higher-wattage options for high-current configurations |
The rack documentation also identifies a front-mount counterpart, IC698CHS117. This distinction matters when replacing an existing rack because physical mounting orientation and cabinet access requirements can differ even when the slot architecture is similar.
The backplane is one of the most important parts of a PLC rack because it provides the communication path between installed modules. In this rack architecture, the backplane is designed around 0.8-inch module spacing, allowing compatible single-width modules to be positioned in a consistent arrangement.
Several architectural features make the rack suitable for complex automation installations:
These features are particularly relevant when engineers are maintaining or expanding established industrial control systems rather than designing an entirely new PLC architecture.
Compatibility should always be confirmed against the specific CPU, I/O, communication, power supply, and VME configuration before installation. The rack itself is designed to support several module families associated with the RX7i and legacy Series 90-70 environment.
Potentially supported configurations include:
Double-width Series 90-70 modules occupy two standard slot positions, so the actual number of modules that can be installed depends on the width of the selected modules. System designers should therefore calculate available slot space rather than simply counting installed devices.
With 17 standard module positions in addition to the dedicated power supply position, the rack can accommodate a relatively extensive control configuration. This can be valuable for applications involving numerous digital, analog, communication, or specialized modules.
Support for selected Series 90-70 modules makes the architecture relevant to modernization and maintenance projects where existing hardware cannot be replaced immediately. This can help engineering teams extend the useful life of established control infrastructure.
The 19-inch width and rear-mount design provide a standardized mechanical format for suitable industrial cabinets and enclosures. Before ordering, buyers should compare the rack dimensions and rear-access requirements with the available cabinet space.
VME support gives engineers additional integration possibilities where compatible VME modules are required. However, VME integration should follow the relevant hardware and software documentation rather than assuming that every VME module is automatically compatible.
The RX7i rack architecture supports different power supply capacities. The technical documentation lists both 100-watt and 350-watt power supply configurations, allowing system designers to select a suitable power arrangement according to the connected modules.
A 17-slot PLC rack is generally selected when an industrial control system requires more module capacity than a smaller rack can provide. Typical application environments can include:
For example, an engineering team upgrading an established production line may need additional I/O capacity while retaining compatible legacy modules. A 17-slot rack can provide the physical platform for reorganizing the control system while maintaining a familiar module-based architecture.
Purchasing an industrial rack should involve more than checking the model number. Buyers should verify the complete system configuration before placing an order.
These checks can reduce the risk of receiving a physically similar but technically unsuitable rack, especially in legacy automation projects where several GE rack models may look comparable.
No. It is a rack or chassis rather than a PLC CPU. Its primary function is to provide the backplane and physical mounting structure for compatible CPU, I/O, communication, and other modules.
It provides 17 standard module positions, identified as slots 1 through 17. Slot 0 is a separate, wider position intended for the power supply.
Both are 17-slot RX7i rack models, but IC698CHS017 is the rear-mount version, while IC698CHS117 is the front-mount version. The mounting arrangement should therefore be checked carefully before replacement.
Yes, the rack is designed to accept compatible single-width Series 90-70 modules and double-width Series 90-70 PLC modules. Specific module compatibility should be verified using the applicable RX7i documentation.
Yes. The rack is designed to support VME modules, including VME64-oriented backplane functionality. VME integration must follow the manufacturer's integration guidelines.
GE IC698CHS017 remains a practical rack architecture for RX7i control systems that require substantial module capacity, structured backplane communication, and compatibility with selected legacy and VME hardware. Its 17 standard module positions, dedicated power supply slot, standardized dimensions, and flexible system architecture make it particularly relevant to industrial automation maintenance, expansion, and modernization projects.
For buyers evaluating a replacement or spare rack, the most important considerations are mounting orientation, module compatibility, available slot capacity, power requirements, enclosure conditions, and product condition. If you are sourcing GE IC698CHS017 for an industrial automation project and need help confirming specifications, availability, or configuration compatibility, contact us at Xin Yuan for product information and professional purchasing support.
