Description
Hard-Numbers: Technical Specifications
- Slot Count: 10 slots when paired with IC693CHS397R (5+5 configuration)
- Baseplate Components: IC693CHS397L (left 5-slot baseplate) + interconnection kit
- 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. 420 mm × 132 mm × 98 mm (combined 10-slot assembly)
- Weight: Approximately 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs) combined assembly with right unit
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
- Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
- Connector Type: Edge connector for all Series 90-30 module types
- Interconnection: Includes bracketing system and backplane interconnect cable
- Power Supply Compatibility: IC693PWRxxx series power supplies (single supply powers entire 10-slot assembly)
- Paired Component: Requires IC693CHS397R (right unit) for complete 10-slot rack
- Grounding: Integral grounding studs on baseplate section
- Product Lifecycle Status: Active
GE IC693CHS391
The Real-World Problem It Solves
Standard 5-slot baseplates fill up fast when you’re running high-density I/O applications or mixing multiple analog cards with digital modules. Once you hit five slots, your next move typically involves adding another entire rack and running expansion cables—which adds failure points and complexity. The IC693CHS397L lets you create a unified 10-slot backplane by bolting a right unit onto this left baseplate, giving you double the I/O capacity in a single assembly without adding expansion cables or separate power supplies.
Where you’ll typically find it:
- High-density I/O concentration: Central control rooms or MCC enclosures where you need 8-10 modules worth of discrete and analog I/O feeding from a single location
- Analog-heavy applications: Process control racks where analog modules, thermocouple cards, and RTD inputs consume multiple slots and you need more room than a standard 5-slot provides
- Retrofit expansion projects: Expanding existing 5-slot IC693CHS397 installations that have run out of space without requiring a complete system replacement or cabinet redesign
Bottom line: The IC693CHS397L serves as the left half of a 10-slot backplate expansion—combine it with IC693CHS397R to create a unified 10-slot I/O rack without new cabinet, new power supply, or massive rewiring.
Hardware Architecture & Under-the-Hood Logic
The IC693CHS397L is essentially a 5-slot baseplate designed to function as the left component of a 10-slot assembly when paired with IC693CHS397R. The kit includes the left baseplate section, interconnection brackets that bolt to the right unit, a backplane interconnect cable that ties the two sections electrically, and grounding straps to ensure both chassis sections share an identical ground reference.
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Dual Baseplate ArchitectureThe IC693CHS397L (left unit) and IC693CHS397R (right unit) are separate 5-slot baseplates engineered to work together:
- Left unit: IC693CHS397L (this component)
- Right unit: IC693CHS397R (separate purchase)They bolt together side-by-side using supplied brackets, creating a mechanically rigid 10-slot assembly. Alignment pins ensure the backplane edges line up perfectly for module insertion.
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Backplane Interconnection SystemA flat cable assembly included in the kit connects the two baseplates electrically:
- Carries 5 VDC logic power from the unit hosting the power supply to the other section
- Transmits data bus signals ensuring both backplanes communicate as one unified system
- Distributes address and identification signals across the entire 10-slot assemblyThe interconnect cable is polarity-keyed and only fits one way—reversing it would cause bus conflicts or damage.
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Power Distribution LogicA single power supply powers the entire 10-slot assembly. Whether it’s a 5-amp (IC693PWR024) or 10-amp (IC690PWR124) unit, it connects to whichever baseplate section you designate as the primary. Power flows through the backplane interconnect cable to the other baseplate section, distributing 5 VDC logic power and 24 VDC field power to all 10 slots. The backplane handles the current division—you just need to ensure your power supply can handle the combined load.
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Grounding and Bonding SystemBoth baseplate sections have their own grounding studs, but the kit includes bonding straps to tie them together. This ensures both chassis sections share an identical ground reference, which is critical for noise immunity and preventing ground loops that can cause erratic I/O behavior. Without the bonding strap, you risk ground potential differences between the two baseplate sections.
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Slot UniversalityAny Series 90-30 module fits any slot in either baseplate section. No CPU-only slots, no special expansion slots—the CPU can be installed in either the left or right unit, and all 10 slots function as a contiguous block. The backplane treats all 10 slots identically, regardless of which physical baseplate section they occupy.
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Module Addressing ImplicationsThe CPU sees a unified 10-slot backplane, not two separate 5-slot racks. Slot addressing is continuous 1-10 across the entire assembly. This matters for configuration software and program addressing—slots 1-5 may be in the left unit and slots 6-10 in the right unit, but the CPU doesn’t distinguish. It simply manages 10 slots worth of I/O as a single entity.
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Physical Construction and MountingWhen assembled, the unit functions as a single 10-slot rack. It mounts to DIN rail or panel via the mounting provisions on both baseplate sections. The bonding brackets create a rigid mechanical structure that resists vibration. Both baseplate sections feature metal chassis for heat dissipation and EMI shielding. The combined dimensions make it a substantial assembly—ensure your cabinet depth and mounting structure can accommodate the weight and footprint.
GE IC693CHS391
Field Service Pitfalls: What Rookies Get Wrong
Installing without the right unit
You purchase and mount only the IC693CHS397L (left unit) without the IC693CHS397R (right unit). You end up with a standalone 5-slot baseplate, not a 10-slot expansion, and you’re missing half the capacity you expected.
- Field Rule: The IC693CHS397L is only the left component. You must purchase and install the IC693CHS397R (right unit) to create a complete 10-slot assembly. Don’t assume one baseplate provides the full 10 slots—this is an expansion kit requiring two components.
Improper backplane interconnection
You bolt the two baseplates together but forget to install the backplane interconnect cable. The right unit powers up (if it has its own supply) or stays dead (if powered via interconnect), but no communication occurs between the two halves. The CPU sees slots in the primary unit, and the expansion unit’s slots are invisible.
- Field Rule: The backplane interconnect cable is mandatory for unified operation. Install it before powering up. The cable is keyed—align the polarity markers. Don’t attempt to power both baseplates independently without the interconnect cable, or you’ll face addressing conflicts and communication failures.
Missing bonding strap installation
You install both baseplates and power everything up, but you don’t install the grounding bonding strap between the two chassis sections. You get ground loops, noise-induced I/O faults, or safety hazards with potential differences between chassis.
- Field Rule: Install the bonding strap that comes with the kit. It connects the two chassis grounds together, ensuring an identical reference. Without it, you’re inviting trouble. Ground both baseplates individually to plant ground AND bond them together.
Overloading a single power supply
You fill all 10 slots with high-current output modules but power the rack with a 5-amp supply (IC693PWR024). The supply sags under load, modules brown out or fault, and you’re chasing what looks like module failures when it’s actually capacity starvation.
- Field Rule: Calculate the total module current draw across all 10 slots. 32-point output modules, analog cards, and specialty modules all pull significant power. Size your supply for the combined load plus a 20% margin. For high-density racks, upgrade to IC690PWR124 (10 amp) or consider splitting the load across multiple supplies.
Improper mechanical alignment
You bolt the two baseplates together but don’t use the alignment pins. The backplanes end up slightly misaligned, modules won’t seat fully, and you’re forcing connectors into edge connectors that don’t line up.
- Field Rule: Use the alignment pins provided in the kit. They ensure the backplane edges line up perfectly. Don’t rely solely on the brackets—alignment pins are there for a reason. Verify modules seat flush across both baseplate sections before tightening everything down.
Incorrect power supply placement
You mount the power supply on the expansion (right) unit instead of the primary (left) unit. The backplane interconnect cable isn’t designed to power the primary from the expansion, or you create current flow paths that exceed the cable’s rating.
- Field Rule: Power supply connects to the primary baseplate (IC693CHS397L or IC693CHS397R—whichever you designate). The interconnect cable distributes power to the other baseplate section. Don’t reverse this relationship. The cable and backplane architecture are designed for one-way power flow from the primary to the expansion.
Incorrect software configuration
You expand from a 5-slot to a 10-slot assembly but don’t update your hardware configuration in the PLC software. The CPU only recognizes the slots in the primary unit, and the expansion unit’s slots remain dead in the program even though they’re physically present and powered.
- Field Rule: Update your hardware configuration after physical expansion. Add the new slots to the I/O table, configure modules in the software, and download the updated configuration to the CPU. Physical changes require software updates—don’t assume the CPU auto-detects the new slots.
Mixing incompatible modules
You install a VersaMax or RX3i module into this Series 90-30 baseplate because “it fits.” The pinout doesn’t match, the connector doesn’t seat, and you either force it (damaging hardware) or waste time troubleshooting why the module won’t power up.
- Field Rule: IC693CHS397L is Series 90-30 only. No VersaMax, no RX3i, no mixed systems. Verify the module series before installation. If you need to integrate multiple PLC families, use separate baseplates or communicate via networking modules rather than jamming incompatible hardware into the wrong backplane.
Hot-swapping baseplates or interconnect cable
You try to add the expansion baseplate to a running system without killing power. Backplane transients crash the CPU, brown out existing modules, or damage the interconnect cable or backplane traces.
- Field Rule: Kill all power before assembling or modifying the baseplate system. Remove the power supply or switch off the mains. Verify zero voltage before touching any backplane connections. These aren’t hot-swappable components—you’ll eventually pay for smoked boards.
Ignoring cabinet space requirements
You install a 10-slot assembly into a cabinet designed for a 5-slot rack. The unit doesn’t fit depth-wise, the door won’t close, or you’re forcing components into spaces they weren’t designed for.
- Field Rule: A 10-slot assembly is roughly twice the footprint of a 5-slot. Measure your cabinet depth, door clearance, and mounting structure before ordering. Don’t assume a 5-slot cabinet can handle a 10-slot upgrade without modification.
Commercial Availability & Pricing Note
Please note: The listed price is for reference only and is not binding. Final pricing and terms are subject to negotiation based on current market conditions and availability.
