GE IC693CHS391 | Universal Backplane – 5-Slot Expansion – Technical Brief

Description

Hard-Numbers: Technical Specifications

• Slot Count: 5 slots (expandable to 10 slots with IC693CHS391 expansion kit)
• Baseplate Type: Universal Backplane (supports all Series 90-30 modules)
• Voltage Rating: 115/230 VAC (50/60 Hz) or 24 VDC power supply input
• Current Capacity: 10 Amps (with IC690PWR124) or 5 Amps (with IC690PWR024)
• Isolation: 1500 VAC isolation between logic and field circuits
• Backplane Power Bus: 5 VDC logic power, 24 VDC field power distribution
• Mounting: DIN rail or panel mount (grounded metal construction)
• Dimensions: Approx. 210 mm × 132 mm × 98 mm (varies by mounting configuration)
• Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
• Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
• Connector Type: Edge connector for all module types
• Power Supply Compatibility: IC693PWRxxx series power supplies
• Expansion Capability: Supports baseplate expansion via IC693CBL300 series cables
• Grounding: Integral grounding studs for proper chassis grounding
• Product Lifecycle Status: Active
  

  GE IC693CHS391

The Real-World Problem It Solves

• Remote I/O skids: Small process units, pump stations, or valve islands that need 5-10 I/O cards locally but communicate back to main PLC via baseplate expansion cables
• Machine control panels: Compact equipment packages where a full 10-slot rack is overkill but you need more than a couple of I/O modules close to the action
• I/O concentration points: Terminal equipment buildings, MCC rooms, or field enclosures where consolidating I/O in one compact rack beats running individual field wires back to control room

Hardware Architecture & Under-the-Hood Logic

1. Backplane Signal ArchitectureEach of the 5 slots contains an edge connector that mates with any Series 90-30 module—CPU, I/O, communications, whatever. The backplane carries:
   • 5 VDC logic power for module electronics
   • 24 VDC field power for I/O circuits
   • Data bus for CPU-module communication
   • Module identification and addressing signalsNo switching, no routing logic, just copper traces distributing power and data to whoever plugs in.
2. Power Supply InterfaceThe baseplate accepts standard Series 90-30 power supplies (IC693PWR321, PWR322, PWR330, etc.). Power supply connects to the backplane, which then distributes 5 VDC logic power and 24 VDC field power to all slots. This means every module gets clean, regulated power without individual power wiring—modules just plug in and run.
3. Common Grounding SystemThe metal chassis is your ground reference. Integral grounding studs provide connection points for safety ground, and the backplane distributes I/O commons to modules. When you install an output module with groups A, B, C, D, each group’s common connects through the backplane to chassis ground if you’ve configured it that way. This prevents floating commons and ground loops that cause erratic I/O behavior.
4. Isolation and Noise ImmunityThe backplane provides 1500 VAC isolation between logic circuits (CPU, internal module electronics) and field circuits (the I/O points themselves). This means a 24VDC short on your field wiring doesn’t fry your CPU or crash your logic—critical when you’re dealing with inductive loads, welding equipment, or anything that can spike voltage on the field side.
5. Baseplate Expansion CapabilityThe IC693CHS391 is a 5-slot standalone, but it’s designed to work as an expansion baseplate. You can chain it to a CPU baseplate using IC693CBL300 series expansion cables. This turns it into a remote I/O rack that communicates over the I/O bus back to the main CPU. The backplane handles all the signaling—you just mount it where you need I/O and run the expansion cable.
6. Slot UniversalityAny Series 90-30 module fits any slot. No reserved CPU slot, no special I/O slots, no compatibility matrix to memorize. You can mount a CPU in slot 1 and I/O in slots 2-5, or fill all five slots with I/O if this is a remote rack controlled via expansion cable. The backplane doesn’t care—it just supplies power and carries data.
7. Physical ConstructionMetal chassis absorbs vibration, dissipates heat, and provides EMI shielding. The baseplate mounts to DIN rail or directly to panel. Ground studs on the chassis connect to your plant ground system—critical for noise immunity and personnel safety. The whole assembly is designed to survive 60°C ambient temperature and industrial shock and vibration per IEC standards.

   

   GE IC693CHS391

Field Service Pitfalls: What Rookies Get Wrong

• Field Rule: IC693CHS391 is Series 90-30 only. No VersaMax, no RX3i, no PACSystems modules except 90-30 series. Verify module series before mounting. If you need mixed systems, use separate baseplates or communicate via network, not by jamming incompatible hardware into the wrong backplane.

• Field Rule: The metal chassis must connect to plant ground. Scrape paint to bare metal at mounting points, use star washers if needed, and connect to your ground bus. No ground paint isolation, no floating racks. The ground stud exists for a reason—use it.

• Field Rule: Calculate total module current draw against your power supply capacity. Most 32-point output modules draw significant 24VDC field power. Add up all modules in the rack, add 20% margin, and size your supply accordingly. If you’re pushing limits, upgrade to IC690PWR124 (10 amp) or split the load across multiple racks.

• Field Rule: The backplane provides isolation between logic and field circuits, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore voltage ratings. Match field voltage to module voltage. 24VDC modules for 24VDC devices, 120VAC modules for 120VAC devices. Never mix. The 1500VAC isolation rating is there to protect your logic if something goes wrong—not to enable voltage mismatches.

• Field Rule: Kill all power before touching modules. Remove the power supply or switch off the mains. Verify zero voltage on the backplane with a multimeter. Never hot-swap Series 90-30 modules—these aren’t designed for it, and you’ll eventually pay for a new board.

• Field Rule: Use IC693CBL300 series cables for baseplate expansion. Respect length limits—1m, 2m, 8m, 15m options exist for a reason. Never exceed 15m total for local expansion or 700ft for remote I/O. Terminate the last rack with IC693ACC307. Verify cable orientation—male to CPU, male to first expansion, daisy-chain correctly.

• Field Rule: IC693CHS391 is rated to 60°C ambient. If your enclosure runs hotter, add ventilation, move the rack, or use forced cooling. Don’t ignore temperature ratings—heat kills electronics faster than anything else in industrial environments.

• Field Rule: Each I/O group is isolated at the module level. The backplane doesn’t tie commons together unless you wire them that way at the terminal block. Keep groups separate if your application requires isolation. Verify common wiring against the module schematic—don’t assume the backplane handles it for you.

• Field Rule: Always terminate the I/O bus at the last expansion baseplate. Use IC693ACC307 Terminator Plug or IC693CBL302/314 (15m cable with built-in termination). Never leave the bus unterminated—reflections cause data errors that mimic hardware faults.

Commercial Availability & Pricing Note