Product Core Brief

• Model:
• Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
• Series: Series 90-30 PLC
• Core Function: Dual-axis intelligent positioning coprocessor module (APM Axis Position Module) for Series 90-30 main rack. Executes closed-loop motion control independently on the module to offload CPU scan burden, supports independent axis positioning and master-slave electronic gearing follower mode for packaging, winding, cutting machinery.
• Product Type: Single-width Series90-30 Motion Control Coprocessor Module
• Key Specs: 2 servo axes | Standard independent motion / Follower electronic gear mode | 2ms servo loop update | Stores up to 10 motion sequences onboard | Differential encoder feedback ±10V analog velocity command output | -P = PCB hardware revision suffix Note: Discontinued legacy motion module; new original stock scarce, surplus & refurbished widely available. Base model IC693APU302 and are fully plug-compatible. No hot swap support. Install only on IC693CHS391 / CHS392 Series90-30 backplanes. Cannot be fitted directly into RX3i racks. Matched servo cables: IC693CBL311 / IC693CBL317 / IC693CBL320.

 

Key Technical Specifications

• Axis Quantity: 2 independent servo axes
• Control Modes Standard Mode: Independent positioning, jog, homing, velocity profiling Follower Mode: Electronic gearing master/slave synchronization (gear ratio adjustable)
• Servo Loop Update Rate: 2 ms
• Encoder Interface: RS422 differential quadrature encoder, max 200 kHz counting frequency
• Command Output: ±10 VDC analog velocity command for analog servo drives
• Onboard Discrete I/O 8 user digital inputs (home, positive/negative overtravel limits, trigger signals) 4 user digital outputs
• Motion Program Storage: Nonvolatile memory holds maximum 10 motion programs
• Position Range: ±8,388,607 engineering units
• Isolation Rating: 1500 VAC field-to-backplane isolation
• Backplane Power Consumption 5 VDC: 800 mA
• Front Panel LED Indicators: OK, CFG, STAT, EN1, EN2
• Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
• Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
• Form Factor: Single-width module for IC693 Series90-30 backplane
• Compatible Baseplates: IC693CHS391 (5-slot), IC693CHS392 (10-slot)
• Maximum Module Quantity: Up to 3 APU modules per single rack
• Supported Software: Logicmaster 90, Proficy Machine Edition (VersaPro)
• Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE

 

Product Introduction

is a high-performance two-axis motion coprocessor for Series 90-30 PLC. Motion algorithms run locally on the module instead of the main CPU, avoiding heavy scan cycle impact when complex positioning tasks are running.

Suffix Explanation -P represents updated PCB hardware revision. IC693APU302 and share identical pinout, electrical characteristics and functions, mechanically fully interchangeable.

Important Module Family Comparison

1. IC693APU302 / APU302P: Dual-axis analog servo positioning module (±10V command)
2. IC693APU301: Single-axis positioning module
3. Pulse-type positioning modules: Separate product line, not interchangeable

Platform Restriction This module works only on native Series90-30 racks. To deploy on RX3i systems, install on IC694 serial expansion racks via IC695LRE001 transceiver. Cannot plug directly into IC695CHS RX3i main backplanes.

Typical applications: Rotary cutters, winding machines, packaging conveyor synchronization, multi-axis positioning automation.

 

QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)

1. Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking and -P revision suffix. Inspect backplane gold pins for oxidation/bending; check front panel 24-pin axis connectors and housing integrity.
2. Live Testing: Mount onto validated IC693CHS backplane. Configure axis parameters, test homing, jog motion and follower electronic gearing function, verify encoder feedback capture, run continuous 24-hour motion stability test.
3. Electrical Testing: Monitor backplane 5V rail stability; insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between field motion circuits and chassis protective ground.
4. Documentation: Photograph axis connector wiring layout before clearing motion programs; record hardware revision.
5. Final QC & Packaging: Place unit inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming positioning control and encoder feedback validation prior to shipment.

 

Installation Pitfalls & Guide

❗ No Hot Swap Support: Series90-30 I/O & special function modules cannot be hot swapped. Full rack power shutdown mandatory before removal. ❗ Servo Cable Matching: Use dedicated GE prefabricated cables (IC693CBL series). Custom cables must follow official pin assignment to avoid encoder signal loss. ❗ Differential Encoder Wiring: Use shielded twisted-pair cable; single-point shield grounding to eliminate ground loops. ❗ Overtravel Limit Configuration: Mandatory hardware/software limit setup to prevent mechanical collision. ❗ Revision Interchange: APU302 and APU302P plug compatible. After replacement, re-download all axis motion parameters and gear ratio settings. ❗ Analog Servo Tip: Inductive servo loads require proper noise suppression; separate analog signal wiring from high-power AC cables. ❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages encoder receiving circuits and analog output drivers, leading to positioning drift or axis runaway faults.

Replacement Guide

1. Pre-install: Lockout-tagout rack power; back up PLC hardware configuration and all APU motion program parameters. Photograph slot position and servo wiring mapping.
2. Removal: Disconnect all axis servo cables, unlatch module and slide straight out without damaging backplane pins.
3. Install: Seat new into original slot on IC693CHS backplane, reconnect all servo and feedback wiring.
4. Power-on Test: Restore rack power; confirm OK LED status, download axis configuration, verify homing, independent positioning and follower synchronization function.

 

FAQ

Q: Does support hot swapping? A: No. Series90-30 special function modules do not support hot swap. Full rack power shutdown required.

Q: What is the difference between IC693APU302 and ? A: Same function and specifications; -P is updated PCB hardware revision, fully plug-and-play interchangeable. Always verify motion parameters after replacement.

Q: Can this module control pulse-type stepper drives? A: Native interface is ±10V analog velocity command for analog servo drives. Pulse/direction drives require external signal conversion.

Q: Can I install directly into RX3i IC695CHS007 rack? A: No. Mechanical and backplane bus incompatible. It is native Series90-30 module.

Q: How many APU positioning modules can one rack accommodate? A: Maximum 3 pcs per Series90-30 rack.

Q: Will motion programs stay stored on the module after replacement? A: Motion parameters and programs must be downloaded from Proficy Machine Edition to the new module. Always back up configuration before replacement.