GE Series Six Modules IC660HHM501S

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE Series Six Technical Notes

The Evolution of Series Six Architecture

The GE Series Six platform was introduced in the early 1980s as a successor to the Series One and Series Three controllers, targeting mid-to-large process applications requiring expanded I/O counts and networked communications. The architecture is built around a parallel backplane bus supporting up to 12 modules per rack, with a dedicated CPU slot and distributed I/O expansion via the Genius Bus (GBC) protocol — a deterministic token-passing fieldbus that predates modern PROFIBUS and EtherNet/IP standards by over a decade.

Early Series Six CPUs (IC660CPU500, IC660CPU501) operated at clock speeds and memory capacities that were state-of-the-art for their era but are now fixed-function legacy devices. The introduction of the IC660CPU502 and IC660CPU505 variants extended addressable memory and added floating-point capability. Communications evolved from proprietary GE LAN adapters (IC660CBB900, IC660CBB902) to Genius Bus Controllers that allowed integration with CIMPLICITY SCADA and later with GE's own Proficy historian ecosystem.

Series Six Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked components within the GE Series Six platform. Each entry reflects a distinct functional role within the rack architecture.

CPU & Controller Modules

• IC660CPU500: Series Six base CPU, 6K word user memory, fixed-scan ladder logic execution.
• IC660CPU501: Enhanced CPU, 12K word memory, expanded register table, improved diagnostics.
• IC660CPU502: High-capacity CPU, 28K word memory, floating-point math, extended I/O addressing.
• IC660CPU505: Top-tier Series Six CPU, 64K word memory, multi-tasking support, Genius Bus master.

Discrete Input Modules (DI)

• IC660BBD100: 115VAC discrete input module, 8-point, isolated, standard rack mount.
• IC660BBD101: 115VAC discrete input, 16-point, high-density configuration.
• IC660BBD110: 24VDC discrete input module, 16-point, sinking/sourcing compatible.
• IC660BBD020: 24VDC discrete input, 32-point, high-density I/O block for field wiring.

Discrete Output Modules (DO)

• IC660BBD300: 115VAC discrete output, 8-point, relay contact type, 2A per point.
• IC660BBD301: 115VAC discrete output, 16-point, triac solid-state, 0.5A per point.
• IC660BBD310: 24VDC discrete output, 16-point, transistor sourcing, 0.5A per point.

Analog Input/Output Modules (AI/AO)

• IC660BBA020: Analog input module, 4-channel, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable, 12-bit resolution.
• IC660BBA100: Analog output module, 4-channel, 4–20mA, 12-bit DAC, loop-powered field devices.
• IC660BBA104: Analog output, 8-channel, 4–20mA, high-density process control applications.

Communications & Bus Adapters

• IC660CBB900: Genius Bus Controller, single-channel, rack-mount, token-passing bus master.
• IC660CBB902: Genius Bus Controller, dual-channel, redundant bus topology support.

HMI & Programming Interface

• IC660HHM501S: Hand-Held Monitor interface module, local rack-level programming, register display, fault diagnostics, and ladder rung monitoring. Connects directly to the CPU module port. Used for commissioning, maintenance, and emergency fault isolation without requiring a connected programming workstation.

Power Supply Modules

• IC660PWR001: Series Six rack power supply, 115/230VAC input, regulated DC bus output, supports full 12-slot rack loading.
• IC660PWR002: Enhanced power supply, higher current capacity, suitable for high-density analog and communications racks.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Series Six Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory pool for Series Six components, including CPU modules, I/O blocks, Genius Bus Controllers, power supplies, and HMI interface units such as the IC660HHM501S. All units sourced by DriveKNMS are subject to functional verification prior to dispatch. For facilities operating under extended asset life programs (EALP) or regulatory freeze orders that prevent platform migration, DriveKNMS provides multi-year supply agreements to ensure continuity of spare parts availability.

Customers requiring cross-reference support — identifying equivalent modules across Series Six sub-variants, or locating compatible replacements where original part numbers are discontinued — can submit part lists directly to the DriveKNMS technical team for evaluation.

Quality Control for the Series Six Range

Series Six modules present specific test challenges due to their age, backplane bus architecture, and the prevalence of electrolytic capacitor degradation in units manufactured in the 1980s and early 1990s. DriveKNMS applies the following verification protocol to all Series Six inventory:

• Visual inspection: PCB examination for corrosion, burnt components, cracked traces, and connector pin integrity.
• Capacitor assessment: ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) measurement on all electrolytic capacitors. Units with out-of-specification capacitors are reconditioned or rejected.
• Backplane bus communication test: Each module is seated in a live Series Six rack and verified for correct bus arbitration, module ID response, and data exchange with a reference CPU.
• Functional I/O verification: For I/O modules, all input channels are stimulated and output channels are loaded to rated current. For HMI modules (IC660HHM501S), keypad matrix, display driver, and CPU communication handshake are verified.
• Burn-in cycle: Modules are operated under load for a minimum of 24 hours at elevated ambient temperature to screen for early-life failures in aged components.
• Firmware version logging: CPU and communications modules are logged by firmware revision to ensure compatibility documentation is provided with each unit.