IC697CPU771 is an expandable Programmable Logic Controller CPU manufactured by GE Automation and Controls. The CPU can control industrial machinery in real-time. It uses a rack-mounted backplane to communicate with smart option modules and I/O. IC697CPU771 has an 80C186 processor of 12 MegaHertz which can process a Boolean function in 0.4 microseconds. It supports up to 8k analog I/O and a mixture of 2K I/O. It can also support several smart option modules such as the IC697 LAN interface module, communication modules, coprocessor modules, IC660 and IC661 bus controller modules, analog and discrete IC697 I/O modules. The CPU is configured by software programs running from Windows 95 and Windows NT OS or MS-DOS. Jumpers and DIP switches are not used for programming the devices. Simply, connect the CPU to a computer running these software using a parallel, serial, or Ethernet port. The configuration is password protected for security purposes.
To store program and user data, IC697CPU771 needs a memory expansion board. This expansion board can hold up to 512 kilobytes of data. The CMOS battery on the board maintains the memory. When a memory expansion board is to be installed, the programmer computer is required to initialize the CPU. The device can be operated by using a three-position control switch or by running the program software on the computer. Before installing, make sure to disconnect the rack power, and the three-position switch should be in the stop position. Connect the memory expansion board to the device. Insert the CMOS battery into either of the two battery slots. Now, insert the device in the rack’s first slot and then reconnect the power for reprogramming the device.