Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / GE
- Series: Series 90-30 PLC
- Core Function: Executes control logic, manages local and remote I/O racks, and handles network communications via embedded Ethernet interface.
- Product Type: Mid-Range CPU Processor Module
- Key Specs: 25 MHz 80386EX processor | 240KB configurable user memory | 10BASE-T / AAUI Ethernet Note: Discontinued legacy hardware; factory new stock scarce, surplus and refurbished units widely traded. Hot swapping is not supported on Series 90-30 backplanes. Single-width rack slot form factor.
Key Technical Specifications
- Processor: 25 MHz Intel 80386EX
- Boolean Scan Speed: 0.22 ms per 1K boolean contacts
- User Memory: 240KB configurable memory partitioned for program, registers and analog data
- Onboard Network: 10BASE-T RJ45 plus AAUI port; IEEE 802.3 compliant
- Supported Ethernet Protocols: SRTP, Ethernet Global Data (EGD)
- Serial Access: RS-485 SNP/SNPX via compatible rack power supply connector
- Maximum System Scale: 8 baseplates (1 main rack + up to 7 expansion/remote racks)
- Discrete I/O Capacity: 2048 discrete inputs, 2048 discrete outputs
- Analog Memory: Configurable %AI / %AQ register space
- Backplane Power Draw: 1.51 A @5 VDC
- Replaceable Internal Ethernet Fuse: 1A slow-blow, 125V
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
- Compatible Software: Proficy Machine Edition, Logicmaster 90
- Form Factor: Single-width Series 90-30 rack slot
Product Introduction
This unit delivers embedded Ethernet connectivity for Series 90-30 systems, removing the requirement for separate CMM321 communication modules. It executes ladder logic, structured text and handles peer-to-peer EGD data exchange between controllers and HMIs.
Memory partitioning lets engineers allocate space for user program, analog registers and discrete data according to project needs. It is commonly deployed for moderate complexity machine control and plant retrofit projects that require Ethernet networking.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking and hardware revision. Inspect backplane edge pins for bending or corrosion; check Ethernet port integrity and housing for cracks.
- Live Testing: Mount into validated Series 90-30 rack, apply nominal power. Load sample control program, establish Ethernet communications, run continuous 24-hour logic cycle testing.
- Electrical Testing: Use Fluke 115 to monitor backplane 5VDC rail stability. Insulation resistance testing must exceed 10MΩ between circuit traces and chassis protective ground.
- Firmware/Config Backup: Record installed firmware version. Photograph front panel labels and port configuration before clearing resident data.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place unit inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming program execution and Ethernet handshake validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide (Engineer to Engineer)
❗ No Hot Swap Support: Series 90-30 backplanes lack hot-swap bus logic. Live removal crashes all rack I/O and risks permanent backplane trace damage. Full rack power shutdown mandatory. ❗ Port Selection Confusion: Choose either 10BASE-T or AAUI; simultaneous dual-port operation is not supported. Unused AAUI transceivers left connected cause network errors. ❗ Internal Ethernet Fuse Risk: Repeated cable short-circuits blow the onboard Ethernet fuse. A blown fuse disables all network communications; replacement requires module disassembly. ❗ Firmware / Software Compatibility: Older Logicmaster builds cannot connect to newer CPU firmware. Validate software version before attempting program uploads. ❗ ESD Dangers: Un-grounded handling can damage Ethernet transceivers and memory circuits. Static faults frequently manifest as intermittent network dropouts after commissioning. ❗ Power Budget Oversight: Calculate total rack load including this module’s 1.51A 5VDC draw to avoid PSU overload and random CPU faults.
Replacement Guide:
- Pre-install: Activate lockout-tagout on rack power; back up full user program and hardware configuration. Photograph Ethernet wiring.
- Removal: Unplug network cables, unlatch module and slide straight out without twisting backplane connectors.
- Install: Seat new unit fully into designated CPU slot, lock latches, reconnect Ethernet cabling.
- Power-on Test: Restore rack power, monitor CPU status LEDs, download saved program, assign matching IP address and verify I/O and network communications.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Does this module support hot swapping? A: No. Series 90-30 architecture does not implement hot-swap functionality. Complete rack power shutdown is required before removing or installing the unit.
Q: What is the difference between and IC693CPU374? A: runs at 25 MHz with single Ethernet port. IC693CPU374 uses a 133 MHz processor, dual Ethernet ports with integrated internal switch and faster logic scan times. They are not direct drop-in replacements without program and network rework.
Q: Can both 10BASE-T and AAUI ports be used at the same time? A: No. Only one interface can operate at a given time. Select the physical medium during network configuration.
Q: Can this CPU be installed inside PACSystem RX3i racks? A: No. Form factor, backplane signaling and firmware are exclusive to Series 90-30 chassis. It cannot operate within RX3i systems.
Q: What happens if the internal Ethernet fuse blows? A: All Ethernet communications cease. The fuse is field-replaceable but requires module disassembly. Inspect field cabling for shorts before fitting a new fuse.
Q: Does this CPU support hot standby redundancy? A: Native redundant operation is not supported. Fault-tolerant control layouts require separate racks and additional synchronization hardware.
Q: Will saved program files load directly onto a replacement unit? A: Program logic imports without modification. IP addressing and network parameters do not persist automatically; reconfigure Ethernet settings and complete full I/O validation after replacement.
