GE IC693 Series Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

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

The GE Fanuc IC693 product family, commercially designated as the Series 90-30 PLC, is one of the most widely deployed programmable logic controller platforms in global heavy industry. Installed base spans petrochemical refineries, nuclear power auxiliary systems, chemical processing plants, pulp and paper mills, and automotive body-in-white assembly lines. The platform's 5-slot and 10-slot baseplate architecture, combined with a deterministic backplane bus operating at 8 MHz, made it the default mid-range controller for process automation projects executed between 1988 and 2010. Installed units remain operational in facilities where replacement capital expenditure is deferred, creating sustained demand for spare modules, repair services, and lifecycle extension support.

The Evolution of IC693 Architecture

The IC693 platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation in 1988 as a successor to the Series Six and Series Five PLC families. The original CPU module, the IC693CPU311, offered 6 KB of user memory and supported ladder diagram programming via the Logicmaster 90-30 software package running on DOS. By 1993, GE Fanuc released the IC693CPU341 with expanded floating-point math capability and peer-to-peer communications, targeting continuous process applications.

The mid-cycle refresh in 1997 introduced the IC693CPU351 and IC693CPU360, which added Ethernet TCP/IP capability natively and supported the Windows-based Proficy Machine Edition (PME) programming environment. These models also introduced the Genius Bus Controller integration, enabling the IC693 to serve as a head-end controller for distributed I/O networks across large plant footprints.

By 2005, GE Fanuc had positioned the IC693CPU374 as the high-end variant, supporting up to 10 MB of user program memory, motion coordination via the DSM314/DSM324 motion controllers, and redundant CPU configurations. The platform entered its mature phase circa 2012 when GE introduced the RX3i (IC695 series) as the designated successor. The IC693 series was formally placed on a sustaining engineering model, meaning no new feature development occurs, but repair and replacement parts remain commercially available through authorized distributors and independent suppliers such as DriveKNMS.

Compatibility note: IC693 modules are not electrically or mechanically interchangeable with IC695 (RX3i) modules. Baseplates, power supplies, and CPU modules are series-specific. Mixed-series configurations require the IC693CMM321 or IC695CMM004 communication bridge modules.

IC693 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC693CPU311: 6 KB user memory, Series 90-30 base CPU, Logicmaster 90 compatible
• IC693CPU313: 12 KB user memory, enhanced scan performance, ladder/IL programming
• IC693CPU321: 32 KB user memory, floating-point math, expanded I/O addressing
• IC693CPU331: 80 KB user memory, high-speed interrupt inputs, PME compatible
• IC693CPU341: 240 KB user memory, peer-to-peer comms, process control blocks
• IC693CPU351: 512 KB user memory, built-in Ethernet port, PME/Logicmaster dual support
• IC693CPU360: 240 KB user memory, embedded Ethernet, cost-optimized mid-range CPU
• IC693CPU374: 10 MB user memory, motion coordination support, redundancy-ready

Motion Control Modules

• IC693DSM314: 4-axis digital servo motion controller, position/velocity/torque modes, SERCOS interface
• IC693DSM324: 4-axis analog servo motion controller, ±10 V command output, encoder feedback

Discrete Input Modules

• IC693MDL230: 8-point 120 VAC discrete input, isolated, DIN rail mount compatible
• IC693MDL240: 16-point 120 VAC discrete input, standard density, screw terminal
• IC693MDL260: 32-point 24 VDC discrete input, high-density, grouped commons

Discrete Output Modules

• IC693MDL310: 8-point relay output, 2 A per point, Form C contacts, 250 VAC rated
• IC693MDL340: 16-point 120 VAC triac output, 0.5 A per point, isolated outputs
• IC693MDL390: 32-point 24 VDC transistor output, sourcing, 0.5 A per point

Analog I/O Modules

• IC693ALG220: 4-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V selectable, 12-bit resolution
• IC693ALG390: 4-channel analog output, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 12-bit DAC
• IC693ALG442: 8-channel analog input, 16-bit resolution, thermocouple/RTD compatible

Communications Modules

• IC693CMM311: Serial communications module, RS-232/RS-485, SNP/SNPX protocol
• IC693CMM321: Genius Bus Controller, interfaces IC693 backplane to Genius I/O network
• IC693PBS301: PROFIBUS-DP slave adapter, 12 Mbit/s, GSD file configurable

Power Supply Modules

• IC693PWR321: 120/240 VAC input power supply, 30 W output, standard baseplate
• IC693PWR330: 24 VDC input power supply, 30 W, battery-backed RAM support

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC693 Parts

The IC693 series entered sustaining status after 2012. GE (now Emerson Automation Solutions following the 2023 acquisition of GE's automation portfolio) no longer manufactures new IC693 modules. Lead times from OEM channels for repair or replacement units can extend to 16–26 weeks where stock exists at all. For facilities operating IC693-based control systems, the practical sourcing options are: (1) certified refurbished modules from independent suppliers, (2) new-old-stock (NOS) units from distributor inventory liquidations, and (3) factory-repaired modules with warranty.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated IC693 inventory pool sourced from decommissioned plant equipment, authorized distributor overstock, and direct manufacturer surplus. All IC693 modules in our inventory are catalogued by firmware revision, hardware revision letter, and date code to ensure compatibility with existing installed baseplates. We provide cross-reference support for customers migrating from IC693 to IC695 (RX3i) where a full platform replacement is being evaluated.

Quality Control for the IC693 Range

IC693 modules present specific test challenges due to their parallel backplane bus architecture and the age-related degradation patterns common in CMOS-based logic from the 1990s. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all IC693 modules prior to shipment:

• Backplane bus integrity test: Each module is seated in a live IC693 baseplate and scanned for bus contention errors, address conflicts, and communication timeouts using a reference CPU at known firmware revision.
• Power rail verification: +5 VDC, +24 VDC, and −15 VDC rails are measured under load using a calibrated bench supply to confirm power supply modules meet GE specification tolerances (±2%).
• I/O point functional test: All discrete and analog I/O points are exercised through their full operating range. Analog modules are calibrated against a NIST-traceable reference standard.
• Motion controller validation (DSM314/DSM324): Axis configuration, encoder feedback loop, and servo command output are verified using a hardware-in-the-loop test fixture simulating a 4-axis servo drive network.
• Burn-in cycle: Modules are powered continuously for 48 hours at 40°C ambient to screen for early-life failures in electrolytic capacitors and SRAM components.
• Firmware revision documentation: CPU and communications modules are shipped with a documented firmware version label to prevent revision mismatch issues during installation.