Description
Section 3. Product Introduction
The GE IC693CPU350-CF is a Series CF revision of the high-performance single-slot modular CPU module for Series 90-30 PLC systems. Powered by an 80386EX processor running at 25MHz with a fast scan rate of 0.22ms per 1K boolean logic, this revision maintains the core specifications of the base IC693CPU350 model. The CPU module features 32KB of user program memory, supports up to 8 baseplates per system (1 CPU + 7 expansion/remote), and delivers processing power suitable for medium-to-large industrial automation applications.
The CF revision represents one of the later hardware iterations in the IC693CPU350 family, designed with firmware upgrade capability. The CPU includes RAM and Flash memory storage, battery-backed clock, override functionality, periodic subroutine interrupts, and full PCM/CCM compatibility. The CF revision is upgradable to firmware release 10.60 using upgrade kit 44A747145-G06, enabling support for Ethernet interface modules and compatibility with IC693ALG220/221G analog modules. The module requires 670mA @ 5VDC and operates in 0–60°C environments—verify with OEM datasheet.
Section 4. Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Module Type | Single-slot CPU module (Revision CF) |
| Product Line | Series 90-30 |
| Processor Type | Intel 80386EX |
| Clock Speed | 25 MHz |
| User Program Memory | 32KB (non-configurable) |
| Typical Scan Rate | 0.22ms per 1K boolean contacts |
| Discrete Input Points – %I | 2,048 |
| Discrete Output Points – %Q | 2,048 |
| Discrete Global Memory – %G | 1,280 bits |
| Internal Coils – %M | 4,096 bits |
| Temporary Coils – %T | 256 bits |
| System Status References – %S | 128 bits (%S, %SA, %SB, %SC – 32 bits each) |
| Register Memory – %R | 9,999 words |
| Analog Inputs – %AI | 2,048 words |
| Analog Outputs – %AQ | 512 words |
| System Registers – %SR | 28 words (reference only) |
| Timers/Counters | >2,000 total |
| Shift Registers | Supported |
| Serial Ports | 1 (RS-485 via power supply connector, SNP/SNP-X slave) |
| Communication Modules | Supports Ethernet, FIP, Profibus, GBC, GCM, GCM+ |
| Override Function | Yes |
| Battery-Backed Clock | Yes |
| Interrupts | Periodic subroutine feature supported |
| Memory Types | RAM and Flash |
| PCM/CCM Compatibility | Yes |
| Floating Point Math | Yes (firmware 9.0 and later) |
| Total Baseplates per System | 8 (1 CPU + 7 expansion/remote) |
| Slot Requirement | Slot 1 of baseplate |
| Operating Temperature | 0–60°C (32–140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F) |
| Power Requirements | 670mA @ 5VDC |
| Weight | 1.00 lbs (0.45 kg) |
| Hardware Revision | CF |
| Firmware Upgrade | Supports firmware upgrade to 10.60 (kit 44A747145-G06) |
| Product Lifecycle Status | Discontinued/Obsolete |
GE IC693CMM321
Section 5. Quality Control Process
1. Incoming VerificationValidate part number IC693CPU350-CF and confirm CF revision through label inspection. Check for physical damage, bent pins, corrosion, or signs of overheating. Verify Flash memory integrity and circuit board identification (CF revision). Check battery voltage for clock backup functionality. Confirm firmware version—note if upgrade to 10.60 is required for Ethernet compatibility.
2. Power-On TestInstall CPU in Slot 1 of compatible baseplate with 5VDC power supply (minimum 670mA capacity). Power on and verify OK LED illuminates within 5 seconds. Confirm RUN LED activates correctly. Monitor for error LEDs or fault conditions during 30-minute burn-in period.
3. Memory and Firmware TestLoad 32KB test program to verify full memory utilization. Test Flash memory programming/erasure cycle. Validate firmware version using programming software—if firmware <10.60, note upgrade kit requirement (44A747145-G06). Test floating-point math operations with precision checks (firmware 9.0+ required).
4. I/O and Expansion TestConfigure local and remote I/O modules up to 2,048 points. Verify analog input/output accuracy with signal calibrator. Test communication with expansion baseplates (maximum 7 remote/expansion). Verify IC693ALG220/221F analog module compatibility (requires firmware 10.60 for G or later versions).
5. Communication TestVerify serial port communication at 9600 baud via RS-485 (SNP/SNP-X slave). If Ethernet module (IC693CMM321) is installed, confirm firmware version 1.10 or later for proper compatibility with CF revision. Test Ethernet TCP/IP connectivity with programming workstation.
6. Advanced Features TestVerify override function by forcing I/O points. Test battery-backed clock retention after 24-hour power-off. Validate periodic subroutine interrupt functionality. Confirm PCM/CCM module compatibility with data transfer tests. Verify shift register operations.
7. Final QC & PackagingDocument hardware revision (CF), firmware version, memory test results, and battery status. Apply QC Passed sticker with revision notation. If firmware upgrade is required, include upgrade kit information (44A747145-G06). Package with anti-static materials.
Section 6. Replacement Pitfall Guide
❗ Firmware Upgrade RequirementIC693CPU350-CF supports firmware upgrades to version 10.60 using kit 44A747145-G06. Some Ethernet and analog modules require specific firmware versions—IC693ALG220/221G requires firmware 10.60+ for stable operation. Verify current firmware version and upgrade requirements before replacement.
❗ Analog Module Compatibility IssueIC693ALG220/221F (version F and earlier) may exhibit erratic %AI values when used with CPU35x/36x modules, including CF revision. Use IC693ALG220/221G (version G or later) or upgrade CPU firmware to 10.60 to resolve timing issues with optocouplers.
❗ Ethernet Module Firmware UpdateIf using IC693CMM321 Ethernet Interface Module with IC693CPU350-CF, the module must be updated to firmware release 1.10 or later. Earlier firmware versions may cause data corruption across the backplane due to 11KB initialization file incompatibility with new software versions.
❗ Serial Port Location ConfusionIC693CPU350-CF does not have a built-in communication port on the CPU module. The RS-485 serial port is accessed through the power supply connector. Do not attempt to connect programming devices directly to the CPU—use the power supply communication port.
❗ Slot 1 Installation RequirementCF revision, like all IC693CPU350 variants, must be installed in Slot 1 of the baseplate. Installation in any other slot causes system failure. Verify baseplate type and slot availability before installation.
❗ Power Supply CapacityRequires 670mA @ 5VDC—same as base IC693CPU350 model. Ensure power supply has adequate capacity for CPU plus all I/O modules when replacing older CPUs with lower current draw.
❗ Floating Point Math Firmware DependencyFloating-point math operations require firmware release 9.0 or later. Verify firmware version before replacement if your application requires floating-point calculations. Older firmware versions lack this feature—upgrade to firmware 10.60 if needed.
❗ No Hot Swap SupportCF revision does not support hot swapping. Module removal during operation causes system shutdown. Plan maintenance during scheduled downtime and ensure proper power-off procedure before removing CPU.
❗ Battery Replacement ConsiderationsBattery-backed clock uses internal battery with 2-3 year lifespan. Replace battery during scheduled maintenance to prevent time-based logic errors. Battery replacement requires module removal—plan for system downtime.
❗ Expansion Baseplate AddressingCF revision supports up to 7 expansion/remote baseplates, but I/O addressing must not exceed 2,048 discrete points. Use configuration software to validate system topology and prevent address conflicts when replacing older CPUs with different expansion capabilities.
Keep these in mind and you’ll cut 90% of rework time.
GE IC693CMM321
Section 7. Compatibility Matrix & Benchmarks
Compatibility Matrix
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC693CPU350 (base model) : Same specifications — hardware revision CF added
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC693CPU340/341 : Compatible baseplate — upgrade path available
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC693CPU363 : Compatible baseplate — different feature set
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC695CPU310 (RX3i) : Migration target — modern replacement
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC693CMM321 (Ethernet) : Compatible — requires CMM321 firmware 1.10+
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC693ALG220/221G : Compatible — requires CPU firmware 10.60+
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC693ALG220/221F (version F) : Not recommended — erratic behavior, requires upgrade
- IC693CPU350-CF → Expansion baseplates : Compatible — up to 7 expansion/remote baseplates
- IC693CPU350-CF → IC693PWR321 : Compatible — ensure 670mA+ capacity
- IC693CPU350-CF → Firmware upgrade kit 44A747145-G06 : Supported — upgrade to 10.60
Benchmarks
- Logic scan speed: 0.22ms per 1K boolean contacts (typical)
- User program memory: 32KB maximum (Flash)
- Discrete I/O capacity: 2,048 input + 2,048 output points
- Analog I/O capacity: 2,048 input words + 512 output words
- Register memory: 9,999 words
- Timers/Counters: >2,000 total
- Battery backup life (clock): 2-3 years typical
- Memory retention: Flash (non-volatile), RAM (battery-backed)
- Serial port baud rates: 300–19.2Kbps (RS-485 via power supply)
- Ethernet port: N/A (requires IC693CMM321 module)
- Power-up time: <5 seconds to program execution
- Mean time between failures (MTBF): >200,000 hours at 40°C
- Baseplate support: 8 total baseplates (1 CPU + 7 expansion/remote)
- Floating-point math: Supported (firmware 9.0 and later)
- Firmware upgrade capability: Yes — upgrade to 10.60 (kit 44A747145-G06)
