Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
- Series: Series 90-30 PLC
- Core Function: Genius Bus Master communication module for Series 90-30 main rack. Acts as master controller on Genius RS485 field bus, enables CPU to communicate with remote IC670 Genius field I/O stations.
- Product Type: Single-width Series90-30 Local Communication Module
- Key Specs: Genius Bus Master (RS485 differential physical layer) | Max 31 Genius slave stations | Configurable baud rate | 128 bytes I/O data per station | -G = PCB hardware revision suffix Note: Discontinued legacy migration communication module; new original stock scarce, surplus & refurbished widely available. Install directly on IC693CHS391 / CHS392 Series90-30 main backplanes. No hot swap support. Cannot plug into IC694 expansion racks or IC695 RX3i main racks. Base model IC693BEM331 and -G revision fully plug-compatible.
Key Technical Specifications
- Protocol: Genius Serial Bus Master
- Physical Layer: Differential RS485
- Supported Baud Rates: 38.4 kbps, 76.8 kbps, 153.6 kbps
- Maximum Genius Field Stations: 31 per bus segment
- Per Station I/O Capacity: Max 128 bytes combined input + output data
- Interface: 9-pin D-Sub female Genius bus connector
- Bus Termination: Requires external 120Ω termination resistor at both physical cable endpoints
- Isolation Rating: 1500 VAC isolation between Genius field bus and backplane logic
- Backplane Power Consumption 5 VDC: 300 mA
- Front Panel LED Indicators: MODULE OK, BUS ACTIVE, FAULT
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
- Form Factor: Single-width module for Series90-30 backplane
- Compatible Baseplates: IC693CHS391 (5-slot), IC693CHS392 (10-slot)
- Supported Software: Logicmaster 90, Proficy Machine Edition
- Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE
Product Introduction
is the Genius bus master module for native Series 90-30 main racks, widely used for systems with distributed IC670 Genius remote I/O stations.
Suffix Explanation -G denotes updated PCB hardware revision. IC693BEM331 and share identical pinout, electrical specifications and functionality, mechanically fully interchangeable.
Critical Module Family Distinction
- : Genius Master for Series90-30 main rack
- IC694BEM331: Genius Master for IC694 serial expansion racks (RX3i remote expansion rack)
- IC695BEM331: Genius Master directly installed inside RX3i IC695CHS main rack These three modules have similar function but different form factors and backplane interfaces, not interchangeable.
Important Wiring Rule Genius bus requires 120Ω termination resistors installed at the two farthest field stations. Missing or improper termination causes unstable communication, random station dropouts and bus errors.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking and -G revision suffix. Inspect backplane gold pins for oxidation/bending; check 9-pin D-Sub connector and housing integrity.
- Live Testing: Mount onto validated IC693CHS backplane. Apply rack power, connect Genius slave station, configure bus parameters, run continuous 24-hour cyclic data exchange test.
- Electrical Testing: Monitor backplane 5V rail stability. Insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between Genius bus circuit and chassis protective ground.
- Documentation: Photograph front panel connector layout before clearing configuration; record hardware revision.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place unit inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming backplane bus and Genius communication validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ No Hot Swap Support: Series90-30 I/O/communication modules cannot be hot swapped. Full rack power shutdown mandatory before removal. ❗ Strict Baseplate Restriction: Only install on IC693CHS391 / CHS392 main backplanes. Not compatible with IC694 or IC695 racks. ❗ Bus Termination Mandate: 120Ω termination resistors required at both cable ends of Genius bus. ❗ Unique Station Address: All Genius field stations must have distinct node addresses; duplicate addresses crash bus communication. ❗ Baud Rate Consistency: All stations on the same Genius bus must use identical baud rate setting. ❗ EMC Guidance: Use shielded twisted-pair Genius cable; single-point shield grounding to avoid ground loops. ❗ Revision Interchange: Base IC693BEM331 and plug-and-play interchangeable. After replacement, verify all Genius station scanning status. ❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages RS485 transceivers leading to intermittent Genius bus failures.
Replacement Guide
- Pre-install: Lockout-tagout rack power; back up PME Genius bus configuration. Photograph slot layout and Genius bus wiring. Record all field station node addresses and baud rate.
- Removal: Disconnect Genius D-Sub cable, unlatch module and slide straight out without twisting backplane pins.
- Install: Seat new into original slot on IC693CHS backplane, reconnect Genius bus wiring.
- Power-on Test: Restore rack power; confirm MODULE OK / BUS ACTIVE LED, verify Series90-30 CPU detects all Genius remote I/O stations and cyclic data exchange works normally.
FAQ
Q: Does support hot swapping? A: No. Series90-30 modules do not support hot swap. Full rack power shutdown required.
Q: What is the difference between IC693BEM331 and ? A: Identical function and specifications. -G represents updated PCB hardware revision, fully plug-compatible.
Q: Can work as Genius Slave? A: No, it operates exclusively as Genius Bus Master.
Q: How many Genius field stations can one support? A: Maximum 31 Genius stations per bus segment.
Q: Can I install directly into RX3i IC695CHS007 main rack? A: No. Mechanical and backplane bus incompatible. Use IC695BEM331 for RX3i main rack.
Q: Will Genius bus configuration automatically take effect after module replacement? A: Bus parameters reside in the PLC project. After replacement, verify baud rate and confirm all remote Genius stations are scanned without faults.







