GE Series 90-30 IC693 Modules: IC693ALG223 Analog Voltage Input & Full Catalog Specs

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

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

The GE Series 90-30, identified by the IC693 part number prefix, is one of the most widely deployed programmable logic controller (PLC) platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power facilities, chemical processing plants, pulp and paper mills, and water treatment infrastructure, the Series 90-30 established a benchmark for modular, rack-based control architecture throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Its distributed I/O capability, deterministic scan cycle, and broad module selection made it the preferred platform for process engineers requiring reliable discrete and analog control in harsh environments. Despite GE's transition of its automation portfolio to Emerson (under the Movicon and PACSystems brands), the IC693 installed base remains extensive, and demand for spare parts, replacement modules, and lifecycle support continues across maintenance-driven industries worldwide.

The Evolution of IC693 Architecture

The Series 90-30 platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation in the early 1990s as a mid-range PLC targeting applications requiring more I/O density and processing power than the Series 90 Micro, but with lower cost than the Series 90-70. The IC693 backplane architecture supports 5-slot and 10-slot rack configurations, with a dedicated CPU slot and mixed I/O population. Early CPU modules such as the IC693CPU311 and IC693CPU313 offered limited memory and no Ethernet connectivity. Subsequent generations introduced the IC693CPU364 and IC693CPU374 with embedded Ethernet ports and expanded program memory up to 240KB. Communication evolved from proprietary Genius Bus (IC693BEM331) to Profibus DP (IC693PBS301) and DeviceNet (IC693DNM200) adapters, enabling integration with third-party field devices. The analog I/O subsystem, including the IC693ALG223, IC693ALG222, and IC693ALG390, provided 12-bit and 15-bit resolution for voltage and current signal conditioning. GE Fanuc rebranded to GE Intelligent Platforms circa 2011, and the portfolio was subsequently acquired by Emerson in 2018. The IC693 series is now in a mature/end-of-life phase; GE/Emerson no longer manufactures new IC693 hardware, making third-party spare parts suppliers the primary source for ongoing maintenance and emergency replacement.

IC693 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC693CPU311: Entry-level CPU, 6KB program memory, no Ethernet, Series 90-30 base controller.
• IC693CPU313: Mid-range CPU, 12KB memory, supports floating point math, rack-mount.
• IC693CPU321: Enhanced CPU, 32KB memory, supports motion and PID function blocks.
• IC693CPU340: High-performance CPU, 240KB memory, embedded serial port, no Ethernet.
• IC693CPU360: CPU with embedded 10BaseT Ethernet, 240KB memory, SRTP protocol support.
• IC693CPU364: Dual Ethernet CPU, 240KB memory, supports SRTP and Modbus TCP simultaneously.
• IC693CPU374: Top-tier IC693 CPU, 512KB memory, dual Ethernet, high-speed counter support.

Analog Input Modules

• IC693ALG222: 4-channel analog voltage/current input, 12-bit resolution, ±10V / 0–20mA range.
• IC693ALG223: 16-channel analog voltage input, 12-bit resolution, ±10V / 0–5V selectable per channel.
• IC693ALG390: 4-channel analog input, 15-bit resolution, high-accuracy process signal conditioning.
• IC693ALG391: 8-channel analog current input, 15-bit resolution, 4–20mA, isolated channels.

Analog Output Modules

• IC693ALG390: Combined analog I/O, 2 inputs / 1 output, 15-bit, voltage and current configurable.
• IC693ALG442: 2-channel analog voltage/current output, 12-bit, ±10V / 4–20mA selectable.
• IC693ALG444: 4-channel analog output, 12-bit resolution, voltage or current mode per channel.

Discrete Input Modules

• IC693MDL230: 8-point 120VAC discrete input module, isolated, standard rack mount.
• IC693MDL240: 16-point 120VAC discrete input, grouped commons, high-density I/O.
• IC693MDL632: 16-point 24VDC positive logic discrete input, fast response, 1ms filter.
• IC693MDL634: 32-point 24VDC discrete input, high-density, dual-row terminal block.

Discrete Output Modules

• IC693MDL330: 8-point 120VAC relay output, isolated contacts, 2A per point.
• IC693MDL740: 16-point 12/24VDC transistor output, positive logic, 0.5A per point.
• IC693MDL742: 32-point 24VDC transistor output, high-density, sourcing type.

Communication & Network Modules

• IC693CMM311: Serial communications module, RS-232/RS-485, supports SNP and Modbus RTU.
• IC693BEM331: Genius Bus Controller, connects Series 90-30 to GE Genius I/O field bus network.
• IC693PBS301: Profibus DP slave adapter, 12Mbps, connects IC693 rack to Profibus master network.
• IC693DNM200: DeviceNet master/slave module, 500kbps, supports explicit and I/O messaging.

Power Supply Modules

• IC693PWR321: Standard 120/240VAC power supply, 30W output, supports 5-slot and 10-slot racks.
• IC693PWR330: High-capacity power supply, 120/240VAC input, 40W, for fully populated 10-slot racks.
• IC693PWR331: 24VDC input power supply, 40W, for DC-powered panel installations.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC693 Parts

The IC693 series reached end-of-active-production under GE Intelligent Platforms and has not been manufactured as new stock since the mid-2010s. Emerson, as the current IP holder, does not offer new production of IC693 modules. For facilities operating Series 90-30 systems — particularly those with long asset lifecycles such as nuclear, refining, and municipal water infrastructure — sourcing replacement modules requires access to verified surplus inventory, refurbished units, and tested pull-out stock.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of IC693 modules including CPUs, analog I/O, discrete I/O, communication adapters, and power supplies. All units are sourced from decommissioned systems, tested against OEM specifications, and documented with full traceability records. For obsolete models such as the IC693CPU311, IC693ALG222, and IC693BEM331, DriveKNMS provides cross-reference analysis to identify compatible replacement modules where direct substitution is not available. Emergency same-day dispatch is available for critical plant maintenance scenarios.

Quality Control for the IC693 Range

IC693 modules present specific testing challenges due to their backplane bus architecture and mixed analog/digital signal paths. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol for each IC693 unit processed:

• Backplane Communication Verification: Each module is seated in a live IC693 rack and scanned by a reference CPU to confirm bus registration and I/O table mapping.
• Analog Signal Calibration: For analog modules including the IC693ALG223, all 16 input channels are exercised across the full ±10V and 0–5V input range using a calibrated signal source. Output linearity and offset error are measured against GE's published ±0.1% full-scale specification.
• Discrete I/O Functional Test: All discrete input and output points are individually toggled and verified against the CPU I/O image table. Relay output modules are tested under rated load conditions.
• Communication Module Protocol Test: CMM311 and BEM331 units are tested for Modbus RTU, SNP, and Genius Bus frame integrity using protocol analyzers.
• Power Supply Load Test: PWR321 and PWR330 units are tested at 100% rated load for thermal stability and output voltage regulation within ±2% tolerance.
• Visual and Component Inspection: All boards are inspected for capacitor condition, solder joint integrity, and corrosion on edge connectors prior to dispatch.