Product Core Brief

• Model:
• Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
• Series: Series 90-30 PLC
• Core Function: Genius Bus Slave communication module for Series 90-30 main rack. Allows the Series90-30 PLC system to operate as a slave node on a Genius bus network, exchanging discrete/analog data with a Genius master controller.
• Product Type: Single-width Series90-30 Local Communication Module
• Key Specs: Genius Bus Slave (RS485 differential) | Configurable baud rates | Max 128 bytes combined I/O data exchange | 9-pin D-Sub Genius bus port Note: Discontinued legacy communication module; new original stock scarce, surplus & refurbished widely available. Install only on IC693CHS391 / IC693CHS392 Series90-30 main backplanes. No hot swap support. Cannot plug into IC694 expansion racks or IC695 RX3i main racks. Important distinction: BEM320 = Slave; BEM331 = Genius Master.

 

Key Technical Specifications

• Protocol: Genius Serial Bus Slave
• Physical Layer: Differential RS485
• Supported Baud Rates: 38.4 kbps, 76.8 kbps, 153.6 kbps
• Maximum Data Exchange: 128 bytes input + 128 bytes output per station
• Interface: 9-pin female D-Sub Genius bus connector
• Bus Termination: External 120Ω termination resistor required at bus endpoints
• Isolation Rating: 1500 VAC isolation between Genius field bus and backplane logic
• Backplane Power Consumption 5 VDC: 280 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 a Genius bus slave module for Series 90-30 PLC. Instead of controlling Genius I/O stations as master, this module turns the entire Series90-30 rack into one Genius slave station, to be read/written by a remote Genius master (such as another CPU equipped with BEM331).

Critical Module Family Distinction

1. : Genius Bus Slave Module (Series90-30 main rack)
2. IC693BEM331 / 331G: Genius Bus Master Module (Series90-30 main rack)
3. IC694BEM331: Genius Master for IC694 serial expansion racks
4. IC695BEM331: Genius Master for RX3i main rack BEM320 cannot act as master; it cannot replace BEM331 and vice versa.

Typical application: Interconnect multiple GE legacy PLC systems via Genius bus, where one PLC is master and other Series90-30 racks equipped with BEM320 function as slave nodes.

Wiring Rule: Genius bus requires 120Ω termination resistors at the two farthest nodes. Improper termination leads to communication jitter and intermittent data loss.

 

QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)

1. Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking. Inspect backplane gold pins for oxidation/bending; check 9-pin D-Sub connector and housing integrity.
2. Live Testing: Mount onto validated IC693CHS backplane. Connect Genius master station, configure station address and baud rate, run continuous 24-hour cyclic data exchange test.
3. Electrical Testing: Monitor backplane 5V rail stability. Insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between Genius bus circuit and chassis protective ground.
4. Documentation: Photograph front panel connector layout before clearing configuration data; record hardware revision.
5. Final QC & Packaging: Place unit inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming backplane bus and Genius slave communication validation prior to shipment.

 

Installation Pitfalls & Guide

❗ No Hot Swap Support: Series90-30 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: Install 120Ω termination resistors at both physical ends of Genius bus cable. ❗ Unique Station Address: All nodes on Genius bus must have unique addresses; duplicate addresses crash bus communication. ❗ Baud Rate Consistency: All stations on the same Genius bus must use identical baud rate. ❗ EMC Guidance: Use shielded twisted-pair Genius cable; single-point shield grounding to avoid ground loops. ❗ Functional Limitation: BEM320 only works as slave. It cannot scan IC670 Genius remote I/O stations. ❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages RS485 transceivers leading to intermittent Genius bus communication faults.

Replacement Guide

1. Pre-install: Lockout-tagout rack power; back up PLC Genius bus configuration. Photograph slot layout and Genius bus wiring. Record slave station address and baud rate.
2. Removal: Disconnect Genius D-Sub cable, unlatch module and slide straight out without twisting backplane pins.
3. Install: Seat new into original slot on IC693CHS backplane, reconnect Genius bus wiring.
4. Power-on Test: Restore rack power; confirm MODULE OK / BUS ACTIVE LED, verify cyclic data exchange between Genius master and this Series90-30 slave rack.

 

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 and IC693BEM331? A:

• : Genius Slave module, PLC acts as Genius field station
• IC693BEM331: Genius Master module, controls IC670 Genius remote I/O They cannot substitute each other.

Q: Can directly communicate with IC670 Genius I/O stations? A: No. It only responds to Genius master commands; it cannot initiate polling to remote I/O.

Q: Can I install into RX3i IC695CHS007 main rack? A: No. Mechanical and backplane bus incompatible. It only works on native Series90-30 backplanes.

Q: How much data can be exchanged via BEM320? A: Max 128 bytes input and 128 bytes output between master and this slave rack.

Q: Will Genius bus configuration automatically take effect after module replacement? A: Configuration parameters reside in the PLC project. After replacement, verify station address, baud rate and data mapping.