GE IC220 Modules: IC220STR001 Motor Starter Direct & Full Series

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE IC220 Series Technical Notes

The GE IC220 series — commercially designated as the VersaMax Micro PLC family — represents GE Automation & Controls' (now part of Emerson / Intelligent Platforms) entry-level to mid-range programmable logic controller platform. Deployed extensively across global heavy industry verticals including petrochemical refineries, nuclear auxiliary systems, offshore platforms, pulp & paper mills, and water treatment infrastructure, the IC220 platform is characterized by its compact DIN-rail form factor, integrated I/O architecture, and compatibility with GE's broader Series 90 communication ecosystem.

The Evolution of IC220 Architecture

The IC220 platform was introduced as GE Fanuc Automation's response to demand for a self-contained, fixed I/O controller suitable for machine-level and small process applications. Early revisions (circa 1995–2000) featured onboard relay and transistor outputs with RS-232/RS-485 serial ports as the primary communication interface. These units operated on the SNP (Serial Network Protocol) and SNP-X protocols native to GE's Series 90 architecture.

Mid-generation revisions introduced Ethernet TCP/IP modules and expanded the analog I/O capability, enabling integration into SCADA and DCS environments via Modbus TCP and SRTP (Service Request Transfer Protocol). The IC220 CPU modules support ladder logic, function block diagram, and structured text programming via GE's Proficy Machine Edition (PME) software environment.

By the late 2010s, GE Intelligent Platforms transitioned the IC220 line into a maintenance-only lifecycle phase following the Emerson acquisition. No new hardware revisions have been released since approximately 2018. Current production status for most IC220 SKUs is discontinued or allocation-only, making third-party spare parts distributors the primary sourcing channel for ongoing maintenance.

Compatibility note: IC220 CPUs are not backward-compatible with IC200 (VersaMax Nano) expansion modules. IC220 units with Ethernet ports support SRTP and Modbus TCP but do not natively support EtherNet/IP without a dedicated adapter module.

IC220 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked models within the GE IC220 / VersaMax Micro series. Units are classified by functional category.

Motor Starter & Output Control Modules

• IC220STR001: Motor Starter Direct — 3-phase direct-on-line motor starter output module, 24 VDC control, integrated overload relay interface, DIN-rail mount.
• IC220STR002: Motor Starter Reversing — reversing contactor output module for bidirectional motor control, interlocked forward/reverse outputs, 24 VDC.
• IC220STR003: Motor Starter Star-Delta — star-delta (Y-Δ) reduced-voltage starting module, timed transition output sequencing, 24 VDC control voltage.

CPU / Controller Modules

• IC220CPU001: VersaMax Micro CPU — 14-point base unit, 8 DI / 6 DO (relay), RS-232 port, 16 KB user memory, SNP/SNP-X protocol.
• IC220CPU002: VersaMax Micro CPU — 28-point base unit, 16 DI / 12 DO (relay), dual RS-232/RS-485, expanded analog option.
• IC220CPU005: VersaMax Micro Plus CPU — 64-point expandable base, Ethernet TCP/IP onboard, SRTP/Modbus TCP, 64 KB user memory.

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• IC220MDL240: 120 VAC Digital Input Module — 8-point, 120 VAC, isolated, screw terminal, DIN-rail.
• IC220MDL241: 240 VAC Digital Input Module — 8-point, 240 VAC, isolated inputs, high-voltage field wiring.
• IC220MDL730: 24 VDC Digital Input Module — 16-point, 24 VDC positive logic, fast response, group isolated.

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• IC220MDL330: Relay Output Module — 8-point, Form C relay contacts, 2A per point, 250 VAC / 30 VDC rated.
• IC220MDL740: 24 VDC Transistor Output Module — 16-point, sourcing, 0.5A per point, short-circuit protected.
• IC220MDL741: 24 VDC Transistor Output Module — 16-point, sinking configuration, 0.5A per point.

Analog I/O Modules

• IC220ALG260: Analog Input Module — 4-channel, 4–20 mA / 0–10 VDC selectable, 12-bit resolution, screw terminal.
• IC220ALG320: Analog Output Module — 2-channel, 4–20 mA / 0–10 VDC, 12-bit DAC, loop-powered compatible.
• IC220ALG630: Combination Analog I/O Module — 4 AI + 2 AO, mixed signal, compact footprint for space-constrained panels.

Communication & Specialty Modules

• IC220ETM001: Ethernet TCP/IP Communication Module — 10/100 Mbps, RJ-45, SRTP server/client, Modbus TCP slave, add-on for non-Ethernet CPUs.
• IC220PNS001: PROFINET IO Device Adapter — connects IC220 I/O to PROFINET controller networks, 100 Mbps, DIN-rail.

Quality Control for the IC220 Range

IC220 modules present specific test challenges due to their integrated backplane bus architecture and mixed analog/digital signal paths. DriveKNMS applies the following verification protocol to all IC220 units prior to dispatch:

• Power-on functional test: Each CPU module is powered via regulated 24 VDC bench supply and booted to confirm firmware integrity and LED status sequence (PWR, RUN, FLT indicators).
• I/O point verification: All digital input and output points are individually exercised using a dedicated I/O test fixture. Relay output modules are tested under resistive load at rated current.
• Analog calibration check: Analog modules are verified against a calibrated signal source (4–20 mA loop calibrator, 0–10 VDC reference) at zero, mid-scale, and full-scale. Modules outside ±0.5% of rated accuracy are rejected.
• Communication port test: RS-232/RS-485 ports are loopback-tested. Ethernet modules are connected to a test network and queried via SRTP to confirm response.
• Visual and mechanical inspection: Connector pins, DIN-rail clips, and terminal blocks are inspected for corrosion, deformation, or mechanical damage. Capacitor condition is assessed on power supply sections.