Description
Section 3. Product Introduction
The GE IC693CPU360-EL is a Series EL 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 IC693CPU360 model. The CPU module features 240KB of configurable user memory (maximum with firmware 9.0+), supports up to 4K I/O points across 8 baseplates per system (1 CPU + 7 expansion/remote), and delivers exceptional processing power for complex industrial automation applications.
The EL revision represents one of the later hardware iterations in the IC693CPU360 family. Like the base IC693CPU360, this module offers configurable memory allocation—register memory (%R) ranges from 128 to 32,640 words in 128-word increments with firmware 9.0+ (using Windows programmer), while analog inputs (%AI) and outputs (%AQ) are configurable up to 16,384 words combined with DOS programmer. The module includes RAM and Flash memory storage, battery-backed clock, override functionality, periodic subroutine interrupts, and full PCM/CCM compatibility. Communication is via RS-485 port on power supply module (SNP/SNP-X slave), with optional Ethernet (IC693CMM321), Profibus, FIP, GBC, GCM, and GCM+ modules available—verify with OEM datasheet.
Section 4. Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Module Type | Single-slot CPU module (Revision EL) |
| Product Line | Series 90-30 |
| Processor Type | Intel 80386EX |
| Clock Speed | 25 MHz |
| User Program Memory | 240KB configurable maximum (firmware 9.0+) / 80KB fixed (pre-firmware 9.0) |
| 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 | 128 to 32,640 words configurable (Windows programmer) / 9,999 words fixed (pre-firmware 9.0) |
| Analog Inputs – %AI | Configurable up to 16,384 words (with firmware 9.0+ and DOS programmer) |
| Analog Outputs – %AQ | Configurable up to 16,384 words (with firmware 9.0+ and DOS programmer) |
| 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 | EL |
| Firmware Upgrade | Supports firmware upgrade to 10.60+ (kit 44A747148-G04) |
| Product Lifecycle Status | Discontinued/Obsolete |
IC693CPU360
Section 5. Quality Control Process
1. Incoming VerificationValidate part number IC693CPU360-EL and confirm EL revision through label inspection. Check for physical damage, bent pins, corrosion, or signs of overheating. Verify Flash memory integrity and circuit board identification (EL revision). Check battery voltage for clock backup functionality. Confirm firmware version—note if upgrade to 10.60+ is required for optimal performance.
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 Configuration TestVerify maximum configurable memory (240KB with firmware 9.0+). Test register memory (%R) configuration from 128 to 32,640 words in 128-word increments with Windows programmer. Configure analog I/O memory (%AI, %AQ) allocation and verify capacity up to 16,384 words combined with DOS programmer. Test Flash memory programming/erasure cycle. Validate 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 4K points total across 8 baseplates. Verify analog input/output accuracy with signal calibrator. Test communication with expansion baseplates (maximum 7 remote/expansion). Verify IC693ALG220/221G analog module compatibility (requires appropriate firmware).
5. Communication TestVerify serial port communication at 9600 baud via RS-485 through power supply connector (SNP/SNP-X slave). If Ethernet module (IC693CMM321) is installed, confirm firmware version 1.10+ compatibility. Test Ethernet TCP/IP connectivity with programming workstation. Verify LAN multidrop functionality.
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 with large data patterns.
7. Final QC & PackagingDocument hardware revision (EL), firmware version, memory configuration settings, and battery status. Apply QC Passed sticker with revision notation. Include firmware upgrade requirements (if applicable) and memory configuration documentation. Package with anti-static materials.
Section 6. Replacement Pitfall Guide
❗ Firmware Upgrade RequirementIC693CPU360-EL supports firmware upgrades to version 10.60+ using kit 44A747148-G04. Some Ethernet and analog modules require specific firmware versions—IC693ALG220/221G requires appropriate firmware 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 CPU360 modules, including EL revision. Use IC693ALG220/221G (version G or later) or upgrade CPU firmware to resolve timing issues with optocouplers.
❗ Ethernet Module Firmware UpdateIf using IC693CMM321 Ethernet Interface Module with IC693CPU360-EL, the module must be updated to firmware release 1.10 or later. Earlier firmware versions may cause data corruption across the backplane due to initialization file incompatibility with new software versions.
❗ Serial Port Location ConfusionIC693CPU360-EL does NOT have an embedded 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 RequirementEL revision, like all IC693CPU360 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 IC693CPU360 model. Ensure power supply has adequate capacity for CPU plus all I/O modules when replacing older CPUs with lower current draw. Insufficient power causes system instability.
❗ Memory Configuration DependencyFirmware 9.0+ enables configurable memory (240KB maximum). Pre-firmware 9.0 versions have fixed 80KB user program memory and 9,999-word register memory. Verify firmware version before replacement if your application requires 240KB memory or expanded register memory (up to 32,640 words).
❗ Programmer Software VersionMemory configuration capabilities vary by programmer software:
- DOS programmer (Logicmaster): %R up to 16,384 words, %AI up to 8,192 words, %AQ up to 8,192 words
- Windows programmer (Control v2.2+ or VersaPro): %R up to 32,640 words, %AI up to 32,640 words, %AQ up to 32,640 wordsEnsure compatible software version for your memory configuration requirements.
❗ No Hot Swap SupportEL 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 AddressingSupports up to 7 expansion/remote baseplates, but total I/O cannot exceed 4K points. Verify address mapping when replacing CPUs with different I/O capacities (IC693CPU350 supports 2K I/O). Use configuration software to validate system topology.
Keep these in mind and you’ll cut 90% of rework time.
IC693CPU360
Section 7. Compatibility Matrix & Benchmarks
Compatibility Matrix
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693CPU360 (base model) : Same specifications — hardware revision EL added
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693CPU350 : Upgrade path — expanded memory (240KB vs 32KB), increased I/O (4K vs 2K), configurable memory
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693CPU363 : Compatible baseplate — different performance characteristics
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC695CPU310 (RX3i) : Migration target — modern replacement
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693CMM321 (Ethernet) : Compatible — requires CMM321 firmware 1.10+
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693PCM300 (RTU master) : Compatible — adds RTU master functionality
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693ALG220/221G : Compatible — requires firmware compatibility for stable operation
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693ALG220/221F (version F) : Not recommended — erratic behavior possible
- IC693CPU360-EL → Expansion baseplates : Compatible — up to 7 expansion/remote baseplates
- IC693CPU360-EL → IC693PWR321 : Compatible — ensure 670mA+ capacity
- IC693CPU360-EL → Firmware upgrade kit 44A747148-G04 : Supported — upgrade to 10.60+
Benchmarks
- Logic scan speed: 0.22ms per 1K boolean contacts (typical)
- User program memory: 240KB configurable maximum (firmware 9.0+) / 80KB fixed (pre-firmware 9.0)
- Discrete I/O capacity: 4,096 input + 4,096 output points total
- Analog I/O capacity: Configurable %AI and %AQ up to 16,384 words combined (DOS programmer) / 32,640 words combined (Windows programmer)
- Register memory: 128 to 32,640 words configurable (Windows programmer) / 9,999 words fixed (pre-firmware 9.0)
- 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)
- Configurable memory: Yes — 240KB maximum (firmware 9.0+)
