The IC697CPU781 module is a 16-megahertz, 32-bit CPU with expandable memory support. Modules which can be ordered with the IC697CPU781 CPU module include 128-KB 32-bit CMOS expansion memory (the IC697MEM31 module), 256-KB with 256 KB of non-volatile flash 32-bit CMOS memory (the IC697MEM32 module), 256-KB 32-bit CMOS memory (the IC697MEM33 module), 512-KB 32-bit CMOS memory (the IC697MEM35 module), and a lithium battery (IC697ACC701). The battery shelf life is 10 years at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. The battery can provide memory retention for up to 6 months without applied power. The current drawn by the IC697CPU781 module at 5 Volts DC input voltage is 1.6 Amps. The internal time-of-day clock has an accuracy of ±3.5 seconds per day. An RS-422/RS-485 compatible serial port on the IC697CPU781 module can be used to connect with a serial programmer or programming computer.

A programmer can also be connected to the IC697CPU781 module in parallel mode through the top port on the bus transmitter interface module. A programmer can also be connected via Ethernet, and this requires the installation of an optional communication module with Ethernet support. The features of the IC697CPU781 module include support for the IC660, IC661, and IC697 I/O modules, configurable date and program memory, software configuration, an 80386DX microprocessor clocked at 16 megahertz, keyswitch memory protection, 12,000 I/O and 8000 analog I/O, a 3-position operation mode switch, and password-protected access. Applications for the IC697CPU781 module include control of industrial machines and processes. The IC697CPU781 module communicates with associated I/O over VME compatible system bus. Many optional modules are available for the IC697CPU781 module including LAN modules, coprocessor modules, bus controller modules, and several analog and discrete I/O modules.