GE Series 90-30 IC693 Modules — IC693MDL940H Relay Output Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE Series 90-30 IC693 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The GE Series 90-30 (IC693) programmable logic controller platform is one of the most widely deployed mid-range DCS/PLC architectures in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power auxiliary systems, pulp and paper mills, water treatment facilities, and continuous process manufacturing plants, the IC693 rack-based architecture has maintained an active installed base since its commercial introduction in the late 1980s. Its modular backplane design — supporting 5-slot, 10-slot, and expansion rack configurations — allows engineers to construct highly customized I/O subsystems without replacing the entire control chassis. The IC693MDL940H is a 16-point relay output module within this platform, rated for discrete load switching in mixed AC/DC environments, and remains a critical spare in facilities where Series 90-30 systems are maintained under long-term service agreements.

The Evolution of IC693 Architecture

The Series 90-30 platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation (later GE Intelligent Platforms, now part of Emerson under the Movicon/PACSystems brand umbrella) as a successor to the Series Six and Series Five PLC families. The IC693 designation covers the full range of CPUs, I/O modules, communications adapters, and power supplies designed for the 90-30 rack system.

Generation 1 (Late 1980s – Mid 1990s): Initial CPU modules (IC693CPU311, IC693CPU313) with limited memory and no embedded Ethernet. I/O modules used parallel backplane communication. Programming via Logicmaster 90-30 software on DOS-based workstations.

Generation 2 (Mid 1990s – Early 2000s): Introduction of higher-capacity CPUs (IC693CPU364, IC693CPU374) with expanded memory, floating-point math, and support for the SNP/SNPX communication protocol. Ethernet Interface Module (IC693CMM321) added network connectivity. VersaPro and Proficy Machine Edition replaced Logicmaster as the programming environment.

Generation 3 / Transition Era (2000s – Present): GE introduced the PACSystems RX3i (IC695 series) as the strategic successor to the 90-30. The IC693 platform entered maintenance mode — no new module types are being developed, but GE/Emerson continued to supply replacement parts. Many end-users operate mixed IC693/IC695 environments, using the IC695PBM300 PROFIBUS master or IC695ETM001 Ethernet module to bridge legacy 90-30 racks into modern SCADA architectures.

Compatibility note: IC693 modules are not physically or electrically interchangeable with IC695 (RX3i) modules. Rack, backplane voltage, and bus protocol differ between the two families.

IC693 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC693CPU311: Entry-level CPU, 6K word program memory, no floating point, SNP port.
• IC693CPU313: Mid-range CPU, 12K word memory, expanded I/O capacity, SNP/SNPX.
• IC693CPU321: Standard CPU with 32K word memory, supports floating-point math.
• IC693CPU331: Enhanced CPU, 32K words, faster scan, expanded register table.
• IC693CPU340: High-performance CPU, 240K word memory, Ethernet-ready via CMM module.
• IC693CPU360: Advanced CPU with 240K words, high-speed interrupt inputs, motion coordination.
• IC693CPU364: Embedded Ethernet CPU, 240K words, 10BaseT port, no external CMM required.
• IC693CPU374: Top-tier 90-30 CPU, 512K word memory, dual Ethernet, fastest scan rate in series.

Discrete Output Modules

• IC693MDL940: 16-point relay output module, 2A per point, mixed AC/DC, standard version.
• IC693MDL940H: 16-point relay output module, high-density variant, 2A per point, conformal-coated PCB for harsh environments.
• IC693MDL930: 8-point relay output, 2A per point, isolated commons, suited for high-inrush loads.
• IC693MDL916: 16-point 120VAC output module, triac-based, 0.5A per point.
• IC693MDL753: 32-point 24VDC positive logic output, 0.5A per point, high-density discrete output.

Discrete Input Modules

• IC693MDL632: 16-point 24VDC positive logic input module, standard field wiring.
• IC693MDL634: 16-point 24VDC input, isolated, for noise-sensitive environments.
• IC693MDL645: 16-point 120VAC input module, zero-crossing detection.
• IC693MDL655: 32-point 24VDC input, high-density, dual-row terminal block.

Analog Modules

• IC693ALG220: 4-channel analog input, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable, 12-bit resolution.
• IC693ALG390: 4-channel analog output, 4–20mA, 12-bit, isolated outputs.
• IC693ALG442: 8-channel analog input, high-resolution 15-bit, thermocouple/RTD compatible.

Communications & Specialty Modules

• IC693CMM321: Ethernet Interface Module, 10BaseT, supports SRTP and Modbus TCP.
• IC693CMM311: Serial communications module, RS-232/RS-485, supports SNP, RTU, ASCII protocols.
• IC693PBS301: PROFIBUS DP slave adapter, connects 90-30 rack to PROFIBUS master network.

Power Supply Modules

• IC693PWR321: 120/240VAC input power supply, 30W output, standard rack PSU.
• IC693PWR330: 24VDC input power supply, 30W, for DC-powered panel installations.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC693 Parts

The IC693 platform is classified as a mature/end-of-active-development product line. GE/Emerson has progressively reduced new-build availability for lower-volume IC693 modules. For facilities operating Series 90-30 systems under multi-year maintenance contracts — particularly in nuclear auxiliary, refinery DCS, and municipal water infrastructure — sourcing replacement modules through the open market is the primary strategy for lifecycle extension.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of IC693 modules sourced from decommissioned systems, factory overstock, and authorized distributor channels. Each unit is catalogued by part number, hardware revision, and firmware version where applicable. For CPU modules, firmware version compatibility with existing Proficy Machine Edition projects is verified prior to shipment. For output modules such as the IC693MDL940H, relay contact condition and coil drive integrity are assessed as part of the standard intake process.

Customers requiring long-lead or discontinued IC693 modules are encouraged to submit a full BOM (Bill of Materials) list for batch sourcing. DriveKNMS can consolidate multi-line IC693 orders into a single shipment, reducing procurement lead time for planned maintenance outages.

Quality Control for the IC693 Range

The IC693 backplane uses a parallel bus architecture operating at 5VDC logic levels. Module edge connectors and backplane bus pins are inspected for oxidation, mechanical deformation, and contact resistance using a four-wire Kelvin measurement method. Modules with gold-plated edge connectors are cleaned with IPA-based contact cleaner prior to testing.

For relay output modules (IC693MDL940, IC693MDL940H, IC693MDL930): each relay channel is cycled a minimum of 50 times under rated resistive load. Contact resistance is measured at rated current. Coil drive current draw is verified against GE factory specification. Modules exhibiting contact bounce outside specification or coil current deviation greater than ±10% are rejected.

For CPU modules: functional testing is performed using a dedicated Series 90-30 test rack running a structured diagnostic ladder program. Memory read/write integrity, SNP communication port function, and I/O bus arbitration are all verified. CPU modules are tested with both IC693MDL and IC693ALG module types installed to confirm full backplane compatibility.

All tested modules are shipped with a DriveKNMS test report documenting pass criteria, test date, and technician ID. A 12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship is provided on all outgoing IC693 units.