GE Fanuc / GE Intelligent Platforms IC693CHS393

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE IC693 Series Technical Notes

The GE Fanuc IC693 series — commercially designated as the Series 90-30 Programmable Logic Controller — represents one of the most widely deployed modular PLC platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power auxiliary systems, offshore platforms, pulp and paper mills, and continuous-process chemical plants, the IC693 architecture has maintained an active installed base since its introduction in the late 1980s. Its rack-based, backplane-bus design supports mixed I/O configurations, distributed I/O expansion, and multi-drop serial communications, making it a reference platform for brownfield automation environments where replacement is cost-prohibitive and long-term parts availability is operationally critical.

The Evolution of IC693 Architecture

The IC693 platform was introduced by GE Fanuc Automation as the Series 90-30 in 1988, succeeding the Series Six and Series One product lines. The original architecture used a 5-slot and 10-slot baseplate with a proprietary parallel backplane bus operating at 5 VDC logic levels. Early CPU modules (IC693CPU311, IC693CPU313) offered limited memory and no Ethernet capability; communications were confined to RS-232 and RS-485 serial interfaces via dedicated CMM modules.

Through the 1990s, GE Fanuc expanded the platform with higher-density analog I/O, high-speed counter modules, and the introduction of the IC693CMM321 Ethernet Interface Module, enabling TCP/IP connectivity without replacing the base hardware. The CPU line evolved through the IC693CPU350, IC693CPU360, IC693CPU364, and IC693CPU374, each adding program memory, scan speed improvements, and embedded Ethernet ports on later revisions.

Following GE Fanuc's rebranding to GE Intelligent Platforms (circa 2011) and subsequent acquisition by Emerson (2018, rebranded as Emerson Automation Solutions), the IC693 series entered a managed end-of-life phase. New installations are directed toward the RX3i (IC695) platform, but the IC693 remains in active service globally. Compatibility between IC693 and IC695 is limited to software migration tools; hardware modules are not interchangeable across generations. This lifecycle position makes third-party spare parts sourcing and refurbishment services essential for operators maintaining IC693-based systems.

IC693 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• IC693CPU364: Series 90-30 CPU, 240KB user memory, embedded Ethernet 10/100 Mbps, RS-232 port.
• IC693CPU374: High-performance CPU, 512KB user memory, dual Ethernet ports, motion control support.
• IC693CPU350: Mid-range CPU, 32KB program memory, RS-232 serial port, no embedded Ethernet.
• IC693CPU360: Enhanced CPU, 80KB memory, supports floating-point math, RS-232 interface.
• IC693APU300: Arithmetic Processing Unit, offloads floating-point computation from main CPU.

Discrete Input Modules

• IC693MDL241: 8-point 120 VAC discrete input module, isolated inputs, DIN rail compatible.
• IC693MDL645: 16-point 24 VDC positive logic discrete input, high-density rack mount.
• IC693MDL646: 16-point 24 VDC negative logic discrete input module.
• IC693MDL655: 32-point 24 VDC discrete input, high-density, two-connector field wiring.

Discrete Output Modules

• IC693MDL730: 8-point 120/240 VAC relay output module, 2A per point.
• IC693MDL740: 16-point 12/24 VDC transistor output, positive logic, 0.5A per point.
• IC693MDL752: 32-point 24 VDC transistor output, high-density, sourcing type.

Analog I/O Modules

• IC693ALG220: 4-channel analog voltage/current input, 12-bit resolution, 0–10V / 4–20mA.
• IC693ALG390: 4-channel analog output, 12-bit, voltage and current selectable per channel.
• IC693ALG442: 8-channel analog input, 16-bit resolution, high-accuracy process measurement.

Communications Modules

• IC693CMM321: Ethernet Interface Module, 10 Mbps, SRTP and Modbus TCP protocol support.
• IC693PCM301: Programmable Co-processor Module, RS-232/RS-485, custom protocol support.
• IC693BEM331: Genius Bus Interface Module, connects IC693 rack to Genius I/O field bus network.

Power Supply Modules

• IC693PWR330: 120/240 VAC input power supply, 30W output, standard rack power for IC693 baseplates.
• IC693PWR321: 24 VDC input power supply, 30W, for DC-powered panel installations.

Baseplate / Chassis

• IC693CHS391: 5-slot expansion baseplate, remote I/O rack, Series 90-30 bus compatible.
• IC693CHS393: 10-slot remote expansion baseplate, supports full I/O module complement, BEM or RBC interface required.
• IC693ACC300: Baseplate cover/filler module, occupies unused slots to maintain EMC integrity.

Quality Control for the IC693 Range

The IC693 backplane uses a parallel bus architecture with edge-connector card slots. Backplane bus integrity is a common failure mode in aged installations, particularly in high-vibration or high-humidity environments. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all IC693 modules prior to sale:

Each module is powered in a known-good IC693 test rack. CPU modules are loaded with a diagnostic ladder program that exercises all memory regions, serial ports, and Ethernet interfaces (where present). I/O modules are tested point-by-point using calibrated signal sources and loads. Analog modules are verified against published accuracy specifications using traceable reference instruments. Communications modules are tested for protocol handshake and data throughput on live network segments. All modules are inspected for capacitor condition, connector pin integrity, and conformal coating status. Modules that fail any test stage are quarantined and not offered for sale.