Description
IC693CMM311 Product Overview
The IC693CMM311 is a plug-in communications coprocessor that snaps into any I/O slot of a GE Series 90-30 PLC rack. It houses its own 80C186-based processor, freeing the main CPU from handling slow serial protocols while providing two independent serial ports—Port 1 fixed RS-232 and Port 2 software-selectable RS-232/RS-485.
The IC693CMM311 is a plug-in communications coprocessor that snaps into any I/O slot of a GE Series 90-30 PLC rack. It houses its own 80C186-based processor, freeing the main CPU from handling slow serial protocols while providing two independent serial ports—Port 1 fixed RS-232 and Port 2 software-selectable RS-232/RS-485.
In the control hierarchy the module sits at the “field-gateway” layer: it performs CCM host, SNP master/slave, or Modbus RTU slave transactions, buffering up to 512 bytes per port and updating the CPU only when data changes. This architecture keeps scan-time deterministic even when multiple slaves are polled continuously.
Because the card is passive (no battery) and draws power solely from the 5 V backplane, it is widely used in turbine, compressor, and water-treatment skids where a simple, deterministic serial gateway is preferred over a full Ethernet card.
GE IC693CMM311
Technical Specifications
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Model Number: IC693CMM311
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Manufacturer: GE / Emerson
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Product Type: Communications Coprocessor Module
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Microprocessor: 80C186-based coprocessor
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Serial Ports: 2 (Port 1 = RS-232, Port 2 = RS-232 or RS-485 software-selectable)
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Baud Rates: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 bps
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Protocols: GE Fanuc CCM, SNP (master/slave), Modbus RTU slave
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Buffer Size: 512 bytes per port
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Power Consumption: 5 VDC @ 400 mA max
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Connector: 25-pin female D-shell (both ports on one shell—supplied with wye-cable IC693CBL305)
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Max per Rack: 4 modules when CPU is 331 or higher
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Temperature: 0–60 °C operational; –40–+85 °C storage
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Weight: ≈0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
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Agency Approvals: UL, CE
Core Features & Customer Value
Dual-port serial gateway – One card adds both RS-232 and RS-485, eliminating external converters and their associated wiring, power supplies, and failure points.
Dual-port serial gateway – One card adds both RS-232 and RS-485, eliminating external converters and their associated wiring, power supplies, and failure points.
On-board 80C186 coprocessor – Off-loads serial protocol handling from the main CPU, so scan time stays deterministic even when polling multiple slaves continuously.
Jumper-less baud & protocol selection – All settings are made through the configuration software or ladder logic, so field changes do not require opening the panel.
Supplied wye-cable – The 25-pin D-shell carries both ports; the included IC693CBL305 cable splits them into two separate 9-pin connectors, making panel wiring straightforward.
Drop-in spare – Shares the Series 90-30 form factor with earlier CMM revisions; no mounting changes, no calibration, and no battery required during swap-out.
GE IC693CMM311
Typical Applications
In combined-cycle power plants the IC693CMM311 is routinely installed in Series 90-30 racks that govern gas-turbine auxiliary systems. Port 1 talks RS-232 to the local operator panel, while Port 2 runs RS-485 Modbus RTU to a plant DCS, publishing turbine temperatures and valve positions without loading the CPU.
In combined-cycle power plants the IC693CMM311 is routinely installed in Series 90-30 racks that govern gas-turbine auxiliary systems. Port 1 talks RS-232 to the local operator panel, while Port 2 runs RS-485 Modbus RTU to a plant DCS, publishing turbine temperatures and valve positions without loading the CPU.
In water-treatment plants the same module acts as a Modbus RTU slave, allowing a SCADA master to read flow, pressure, and chemical dosing values from multiple 90-30 PLCs over a single two-wire RS-485 bus.
Because the card is certified for marine environments, it is also used on off-shore platforms for engine governors and well-head control panels where a simple, deterministic serial gateway is preferred over Ethernet.
