GE IC693BEM331 – Series 90-30 Genius Bus Controller (GBC) Module

In stock

Product Introduction:

The IC693BEM331, designed by GE Fanuc (Emerson Automation), is a high-performance communication module in the Series 90-30 PLC family. It acts as a dedicated bridge connecting the Series 90-30 PLC to the proprietary Genius I/O serial bus. This module manages all data exchange between the PLC and a network of up to 31 distributed Genius I/O devices, including discrete, analog, and special-purpose field blocks. It enables high-speed, reliable, and deterministic communication for large-scale industrial automation systems, supporting both real-time control data and diagnostic information exchange.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: GE Fanuc (Emerson Automation)
Model: IC693BEM331
Series: Series 90-30 PLC System
Module Type: Genius Bus Controller (GBC) – Single-Slot Communication Module
Compatible PLCs: Series 90-30 (CPU311/321/331/340/350/360 and higher), Series 5, Series 6
Bus Compatibility: GE Genius I/O Serial Bus (proprietary)
Max Nodes on Bus: 31 Genius I/O devices (remote drops/blocks)
Data Size per Scan: Up to 128 bytes input / 128 bytes output (bidirectional)
Bus Speed: Supports standard Genius bus data rates (configurable)
Power Supply: 5VDC from PLC backplane
Current Consumption: <300mA @ 5VDC
LED Indicators: 2 status LEDs
- OK: Module power and self-test status
- COMM OK: Bus communication activity status
Isolation: Channel-to-logic isolation for noise immunity
Dimensions (W×H×D): 110mm × 66.8mm × 50mm
Weight: 0.40kg (0.88 lbs)
Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C
Storage Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
Relative Humidity: 5%–95% (non-condensing)
Certifications: CE, UL, CSA
Protection Class: IP20
Mounting: DIN rail or Series 90-30 backplane

Key Features

Genius Bus Master Control: Manages the entire Genius I/O bus network, coordinating communication between the PLC and up to 31 distributed field devices.
High-Density Data Transfer: Supports up to 128 bytes of bidirectional data per scan, enabling efficient exchange of discrete, analog, and diagnostic data.
Multi-Device Compatibility: Interfaces with diverse Genius devices: discrete I/O blocks, analog input/output modules, remote drops, field control stations (FCS), and Genius Hand-Held Monitors (HHM).
Advanced Diagnostics: Receives detailed fault reports from individual Genius I/O blocks, enabling rapid troubleshooting and reducing downtime.
Hot-Swappable: Allows replacement of Genius I/O blocks on the network without interrupting PLC or GBC operation.
Status LED Monitoring: Clear OK and COMM OK indicators provide real-time visibility into module health and bus communication status.
Robust Industrial Design: Withstands harsh electrical and environmental conditions, ensuring reliable operation in noise-prone industrial sites.
Software Configurable: Configured via GE programming software (e.g., Logic Developer) or Genius HHM for flexible network setup.