GE IC693 Series Modules: IC693CBL328,

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

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

The GE Fanuc Series 90-30 (IC693) programmable logic controller platform has been deployed across heavy industrial sectors worldwide since the early 1990s. Installations span petrochemical refineries, pulp and paper mills, automotive assembly lines, water treatment facilities, and power generation plants. The platform's modular rack architecture, deterministic scan cycle, and broad I/O capacity made it a standard selection for mid-range process control through the 2000s. As of 2026, the Series 90-30 is in its end-of-life phase; GE Vernova (formerly GE Automation & Controls) has ceased active development, and many sub-components are no longer manufactured. Facilities running IC693-based systems face a binary decision: fund a full migration to a modern platform at capital costs that routinely exceed seven figures, or maintain the existing infrastructure through disciplined spare parts management. This page indexes the complete IC693 module catalog to support procurement engineers, maintenance planners, and asset managers responsible for keeping these systems operational.

The Evolution of IC693 Architecture

The Series 90-30 was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation in 1990 as a successor to the Series Six and Series Five PLC families. The original architecture centered on a 5-slot and 10-slot rack (IC693CHS391, IC693CHS392) with a parallel backplane bus operating at TTL logic levels. Early CPU modules (IC693CPU311, IC693CPU313) offered limited memory and no Ethernet capability; communication was confined to serial RS-232/RS-485 and the proprietary Genius Bus.

The second architectural generation, introduced mid-decade, added the IC693CPU331 and IC693CPU340 with expanded program memory and support for the Communications Coprocessor (IC693CMM301, IC693CMM311) for multi-drop serial networks. The third generation brought Ethernet TCP/IP integration via the IC693CMM321 Ethernet Interface Module, enabling integration with SCADA systems without a dedicated gateway.

GE Fanuc's merger with Emerson's industrial automation assets and subsequent rebranding to GE Intelligent Platforms (later GE Automation & Controls, now GE Vernova) did not alter the IC693 hardware architecture. The platform remained backward-compatible across all generations, meaning a rack populated with first-generation I/O modules can accept a third-generation CPU without modification. This compatibility characteristic is the primary reason facilities continue to operate mixed-generation IC693 systems decades after initial installation. The recommended migration path is to the PACSystems RX3i (IC695 series), which offers a compatibility shim for some IC693 I/O modules but requires full program re-validation.

IC693 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC693CPU311: Series 90-30 CPU, 6K word program memory, no Ethernet, RS-232 port
• IC693CPU313: Series 90-30 CPU, 12K word program memory, expanded I/O capacity
• IC693CPU321: Series 90-30 CPU, 32K word memory, floating-point math support
• IC693CPU331: Series 90-30 CPU, 32K word memory, enhanced instruction set
• IC693CPU340: Series 90-30 CPU, 240K word memory, high-speed interrupt inputs
• IC693CPU341: Series 90-30 CPU, 240K word memory, built-in Ethernet port
• IC693CPU360: Series 90-30 CPU, 240K word memory, dual Ethernet, redundancy-ready
• IC693CPU374: Series 90-30 CPU, 512K word memory, advanced motion control support

Discrete Input Modules (DI)

• IC693MDL230: 8-point 120VAC discrete input module, isolated
• IC693MDL240: 16-point 120VAC discrete input module
• IC693MDL241: 16-point 24VDC positive logic discrete input module
• IC693MDL260: 32-point 24VDC discrete input module, high-density

Discrete Output Modules (DO)

• IC693MDL310: 8-point relay output module, 2A per point
• IC693MDL330: 8-point 120VAC triac output module
• IC693MDL340: 16-point 120VAC output module
• IC693MDL741: 16-point 24VDC positive logic output module

Analog Modules (AI/AO)

• IC693ALG220: 4-channel analog input, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable
• IC693ALG221: 8-channel analog input, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable
• IC693ALG390: 2-channel analog output, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable
• IC693ALG391: 4-channel analog output, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable

Communication Modules

• IC693CMM301: Communications Coprocessor, RS-232/RS-485, multi-protocol
• IC693CMM311: Communications Coprocessor, enhanced serial, Modbus RTU support
• IC693CMM321: Ethernet Interface Module, 10BaseT, TCP/IP, SRTP protocol

Power Supply Modules

• IC693PWR321: 120/240VAC input power supply, 30W output
• IC693PWR322: 24VDC input power supply, 30W output
• IC693PWR330: 120/240VAC input power supply, 40W high-capacity

Cables & Accessories

• IC693CBL328: I/O expansion cable, connects main rack to remote I/O expansion rack, 8-foot length
• IC693CHS391: 5-slot baseplate/rack for Series 90-30 modules
• IC693CHS392: 10-slot baseplate/rack for Series 90-30 modules

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IC693 Parts

GE Vernova's end-of-life designation for the Series 90-30 means that authorized distribution channels no longer carry the majority of IC693 modules as new stock. Lead times through legacy channels, where stock exists at all, routinely extend to 26–52 weeks. For facilities operating continuous processes — refineries, chemical plants, power stations — a single failed module with no replacement on hand translates directly to unplanned downtime measured in hours or days, with associated costs that dwarf the price of maintaining a spare parts buffer.

DriveKNMS maintains sourced inventory of IC693 modules across the full catalog, including CPU modules, I/O modules, communication adapters, power supplies, and interconnect cables including the IC693CBL328. Stock is sourced through verified industrial surplus channels and tested prior to shipment. For facilities requiring long-term supply agreements to cover planned maintenance cycles, DriveKNMS can structure multi-year procurement contracts against specific IC693 bill-of-materials lists.

Procurement engineers managing IC693 installed bases are advised to conduct a full spare parts audit against the current installed module list, identify single points of failure (particularly CPU and power supply modules), and establish minimum stock levels for each. The cost of carrying 2–3 spare units of critical modules is a fraction of the cost of a single unplanned production stoppage.

Quality Control for the IC693 Range

IC693 modules sourced from the secondary market require structured verification before deployment in a production environment. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all IC693 inventory:

• Visual inspection: Board-level examination for physical damage, corrosion on edge connectors, and component-level anomalies. IC693 backplane connectors are a known wear point on high-cycle installations.
• Power-on functional test: Each module is installed in a Series 90-30 test rack and powered. CPU modules are loaded with a diagnostic ladder program. I/O modules are exercised through all points using a calibrated signal source.
• Communication verification: For CMM and Ethernet modules, protocol handshake and data throughput are verified against GE Fanuc specification documents.
• Firmware version check: CPU and communication module firmware versions are recorded and disclosed. Firmware downgrade or upgrade is available on request where tooling supports it.
• Cable continuity test: Expansion cables including IC693CBL328 are tested for continuity across all conductors and for shield integrity. Connector housing condition is inspected for cracking or pin deformation.

Test records are retained and available upon request for quality-critical procurement processes.