GE IC660CBB902 & IC660CBB902K Modules - IC660CBB902 IC660CBB902K

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE IC660 Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of IC660 Architecture

The Genius I/O platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation in the mid-1980s as a response to the limitations of centralized rack I/O in large-scale DCS and PLC installations. The IC660 series operates on a single-wire serial bus (Genius Bus) using a token-passing protocol, allowing up to 32 devices per bus segment with a maximum cable run of 7,500 feet at standard baud rates.

Early-generation Bus Controllers such as the IC660CBB901 established the single-bus architecture. The IC660CBB902 introduced dual-bus redundancy capability, enabling hot-standby configurations critical for nuclear and refinery applications. The IC660CBB902K is a keyed variant with identical electrical specifications but a mechanical keying feature to prevent incorrect module insertion in safety-critical installations.

With GE's transition to the RX3i and PACSystems platform (post-2003), the IC660 series entered its maintenance and end-of-life phase. However, installed base volumes across legacy DCS systems — particularly those integrated with GE Series 90-70 PLCs — ensure continued demand for spare parts and lifecycle extension services through at least 2035.

IC660 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Bus Controllers & Communications

• IC660CBB901: Single Genius Bus Controller, 153.6 kbps, 32-device capacity
• IC660CBB902: Dual Genius Bus Controller, redundant bus architecture, Series 90-70 compatible
• IC660CBB902K: Keyed variant of IC660CBB902, mechanical anti-misplacement feature
• IC660CBB903: Bus Controller with enhanced diagnostics and fault isolation reporting
• IC660CBB100: Genius Bus Controller for Series 90-30 host integration

Discrete Input Modules

• IC660BBD020: 24 VDC discrete input block, 16-point, field-side powered
• IC660BBD021: 24 VDC discrete input block, 32-point, high-density
• IC660BBD024: 115 VAC discrete input block, 16-point, isolated
• IC660BBD025: 230 VAC discrete input block, 8-point, surge-protected
• IC660BBD100: 24 VDC discrete input/output combo block, 8-in/8-out

Discrete Output Modules

• IC660BBD110: 24 VDC discrete output block, 16-point, sourcing
• IC660BBD111: 24 VDC discrete output block, 32-point, sinking
• IC660BBD114: 115 VAC discrete output block, 16-point, triac
• IC660BBD115: Relay output block, 8-point, 2A per contact, Form C

Analog I/O Modules

• IC660BBA020: Analog input block, 4–20 mA, 8-channel, 12-bit resolution
• IC660BBA021: Analog input block, ±10 VDC, 8-channel, 12-bit resolution
• IC660BBA100: Analog output block, 4–20 mA, 4-channel, 12-bit resolution
• IC660BBA101: Analog output block, 0–10 VDC, 4-channel, isolated outputs

Power Supply & Accessories

• IC660CBB900: Genius Bus Interface Unit, rack-mount, for Series 90-70 backplane
• IC660TBK001: Terminal block assembly for IC660 field wiring, 36-point

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC660 Parts

The IC660 series was formally discontinued by GE Fanuc (later GE Intelligent Platforms, now Emerson) with end-of-sale notices issued between 2008 and 2015 depending on the specific module family. Despite this, the installed base in legacy DCS environments — particularly those running Series 90-70 host controllers — remains substantial. Replacement with PACSystems RX3i requires full bus architecture redesign, making like-for-like spare part sourcing the preferred strategy for most maintenance teams operating under capital expenditure constraints.

Quality Control for the IC660 Range

IC660 Bus Controllers and I/O blocks present specific test challenges due to their token-passing bus protocol and backplane-independent field wiring architecture. DriveKNMS applies the following verification procedures to all IC660 units:

• Bus Controller units (IC660CBB902, IC660CBB902K) are bench-tested using a live Genius Bus segment with a minimum of four active I/O blocks to verify token acquisition, bus arbitration, and fault reporting functions.
• Discrete I/O blocks are tested under rated voltage and load conditions across all points, with point-level fault injection to verify diagnostic response.
• Analog I/O blocks are calibrated against NIST-traceable references; linearity and offset errors are documented per channel.
• All modules are inspected for capacitor aging, corroded bus connectors, and EPROM integrity prior to shipment.
• Keyed modules (K-suffix variants) are verified for correct keying alignment to prevent field installation errors.