GE IC693CPU351-EK Modular CPU Controller

The GE Fanuc IC693CPU351-EK, also cataloged as the IC693CPU351 CPU Module, operates as a dedicated hardware component for central logic processing and multi-rack communication control within GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC platforms.

Suffix Breakdown & Model Matrix

The catalog number structure for the GE Fanuc IC693CPU351-EK breaks down into functional hardware and revision indicators:

• IC693: Identifies the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC hardware family.
• CPU: Identifies the central processing unit module type.
• 351: Designates the 351 CPU performance tier featuring an 80386EX processor operating at 25 MHz with expandable memory support.
• E: Denotes the specific hardware manufacturing engineering revision level.
• K: Denotes the loaded firmware release version installed at time of production.

Hardware Specifications

Backplane Bus Communication and Network Capabilities

The IC693CPU351-EK backplane bus communication system ensures high-velocity deterministic execution between the central processor and local or remote I/O points. Operating on a 25 MHz 80386EX architecture, the CPU module manages high I/O density scaling across up to 14 total expansion and remote baseplates without degrading backplane throughput. Firmware flash compatibility governs available RAM allocations, expanding user memory capacity from legacy 80 KB configurations up to 240 KB when operating firmware release version 9.0 or higher. Serial communication interfaces integrate native SNP/SNPX and Modbus RTU protocols to ensure continuous register updates across multi-drop topologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the backplane power supply current requirements for the IC693CPU351-EK?

A: The IC693CPU351-EK draws 890 mA of current directly from the +5 VDC bus supplied by the baseplate power supply module.

Q: Does the CPU module support hot-swapping while the baseplate is powered?

A: No, the Series 90-30 architecture requires power to be removed from the baseplate before inserting or removing the CPU module to prevent hardware damage and backplane data corruption.

Field Installation Guidelines

1. Slot Allocation and Mounting: Install the single-slot CPU module into the dedicated CPU slot (Slot 1 adjacent to the power supply) of a 5-slot or 10-slot Series 90-30 baseplate. Ensure top and bottom retaining hooks snap securely into the baseplate frame.
2. Backplane Power Verification: Confirm that the total 5 VDC system load, including the CPU's 890 mA draw and all expansion I/O modules, does not exceed the maximum rating of the baseplate power supply module.
3. Cable Shielding and Grounding: Connect all serial communication cables using shielded twisted-pair wire. Ground serial shields at one end only to the designated frame ground terminal to prevent ground loops.
4. Baseplate Expansion Limitations: When connecting expansion baseplates, limit the expansion cable run to the maximum specified length for Series 90-30 bus expansion. Ensure bus terminators are installed on the final physical baseplate in the chain.