The GE IC698CHS009A is a 9-slot chassis designed for the PACSystems RX7i platform, serving as the physical and electrical backbone for high-performance industrial automation systems. It provides the infrastructure for mounting and connecting the system’s processor, power supply, and various I/O and communication modules .

Here is a quick overview of its key specifications:

🔧 Design and Key Features

The IC698CHS009A is built for reliability in harsh industrial environments. Its rugged, cold-rolled steel construction provides protection against vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference . A key innovation is its slot-sensing capability, which allows for software-based module addressing and eliminates the need for physical DIP switches or jumpers, streamlining system configuration and maintenance .

The chassis features a passive backplane based on the VME64 standard, enabling high-speed data communication up to 2.1 Gbps between all installed modules . For critical applications, it supports redundant power supply​ configurations to maximize system availability and offers optional cooling fans to manage thermal buildup in high-density installations .

🏭 Applications and Usage

This chassis forms the core of large-scale, mission-critical control systems across various industries .

Power Generation: Used in turbine control and safety systems for precise management and protection .

Oil & Gas: Acts as the central controller in pipeline SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) master stations and offshore platform control systems, handling thousands of I/O points with high reliability .

Water Treatment: Serves as the master controller in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, coordinating processes across multiple sites .

Manufacturing: Provides the robust control backbone for automotive production lines and other large-scale manufacturing automation .

⚠️ Installation and Maintenance Notes

Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. The chassis must be mounted within a protective enclosure (recommended IP54) and properly grounded using AWG #12 wire to mitigate electromagnetic interference . When planning your system, remember that one slot is reserved for the power supply module (Slot 0) and another for the CPU (Slot 1) . It is essential to calculate the total power budget and select a compatible RX7i power supply module (e.g., IC698PSA350) with adequate capacity for all installed modules .

💎 Conclusion

The GE IC698CHS009A chassis is a robust and scalable foundation for building high-availability automation systems with the PACSystems RX7i platform. Its durable design, high-speed communication backbone, and advanced features like software configuration make it a reliable choice for demanding industrial applications where system uptime is critical