Description
Section 3. Product Introduction
The GE IC693CPU363 is a high-performance single-slot CPU module for Series 90-30 PLC systems, featuring the 80386EX processor running at 25MHz with a fast scan rate of 0.22ms per 1K boolean logic. This CPU module distinguishes itself from the IC693CPU360 family with its three built-in serial communication ports, including one RS-232 port (Port 1) and one RS-485 port (Port 2) on the CPU itself, plus an additional RS-485 port accessed through the power supply connector. With 240KB of configurable user memory, support for up to 4K I/O points across 8 baseplates (1 CPU + 7 expansion/remote), and register memory ranging from 128 to 32,640 words with Control v2.2 software, the IC693CPU363 delivers robust processing power for demanding automation applications.
The three built-in serial ports provide flexible communication options: Port 1 (RS-232) and Port 2 (RS-485) support SNP/SNPX master/slave and RTU slave protocols, while the power supply port supports SNP/SNPX slave. For RTU master functionality, a PCM module is required. The CPU supports optional communication modules including Ethernet (IC693CMM321), Profibus, FIP, Genius (GBC, GCM, GCM+), and DeviceNet. Key features include RAM and Flash memory storage, battery-backed clock, override functionality, periodic subroutine interrupts, and floating-point math support (firmware 9.0+). The 890mA @ 5VDC power requirement is significantly higher than the IC693CPU360’s 670mA, necessitating careful power supply planning during replacement or system expansion—verify with OEM datasheet.
Section 4. Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Module Type | Single-slot CPU module with 3 built-in serial ports |
| 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 Control v2.2+) / 128 to 16,384 words (DOS Logicmaster) |
| Analog Inputs – %AI | 128 to 32,640 words configurable (Windows programmer) / 128 to 16,384 words (DOS Logicmaster) |
| Analog Outputs – %AQ | 128 to 32,640 words configurable (Windows programmer) / 128 to 16,384 words (DOS Logicmaster) |
| System Registers – %SR | 28 words (reference only) |
| Timers/Counters | >2,000 total |
| Shift Registers | Supported |
| Serial Port 1 | RS-232 (15-pin D-sub on CPU) – SNP/SNPX master/slave, RTU slave |
| Serial Port 2 | RS-485 (15-pin D-sub on CPU) – SNP/SNPX master/slave, RTU slave |
| Serial Port 3 | RS-485 (via power supply connector) – SNP/SNPX slave |
| Communication Modules | Supports Ethernet, FIP, Profibus, GBC, GCM, GCM+, DeviceNet |
| Override Function | Yes |
| Battery-Backed Clock | Yes |
| Interrupts | Periodic subroutine feature supported |
| Memory Types | RAM and Flash |
| PCM/CCM Compatibility | Yes (PCM module required for RTU master) |
| 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 | 890mA @ 5VDC |
| Weight | Approximately 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg) |
| Product Lifecycle Status | Discontinued/Obsolete |
GE IC693CPU363
Section 5. Quality Control Process
1. Incoming VerificationValidate part number IC693CPU363 through label inspection. Verify processor type (80386EX @ 25MHz) and confirm three built-in serial ports are present (Port 1 RS-232, Port 2 RS-485, power supply RS-485). Check for physical damage, bent pins, corrosion, or signs of overheating. Verify Flash memory integrity and check battery voltage for clock backup functionality. Confirm firmware version—note if upgrade to 9.0+ is required for full feature access.
2. Power-On TestInstall CPU in Slot 1 of compatible baseplate with 5VDC power supply (minimum 890mA capacity—verify power supply rating before installation). 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. Note the higher current draw compared to IC693CPU360.
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 (Control v2.2+). Verify DOS Logicmaster limitation to 16,384 words. Configure analog I/O memory (%AI, %AQ) allocation and verify capacity up to 32,640 words with Windows programmer. Test Flash memory programming/erasure cycle. Validate floating-point math operations with precision checks.
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.
5. Serial Port Communication TestTest Port 1 (RS-232) communication at 9600/19200 baud using SNP/SNPX master/slave protocols. Test Port 2 (RS-485) communication with multidrop configuration. Test power supply RS-485 port for SNP/SNPX slave functionality. Verify all three ports can operate simultaneously. If Ethernet module (IC693CMM321) is installed, confirm firmware version 1.10+ compatibility.
6. Advanced Features TestVerify override function by forcing I/O points through serial port. Test battery-backed clock retention after 24-hour power-off. Validate periodic subroutine interrupt functionality. Confirm PCM module compatibility with RTU master communication tests. Verify shift register operations with large data patterns.
7. Final QC & PackagingDocument firmware version, memory configuration settings, and battery status. Test all three serial ports for functionality. Apply QC Passed sticker with serial port verification notation. Include firmware upgrade requirements (if applicable) and memory configuration documentation. Package with anti-static materials.
GE IC693CPU363
Section 6. Replacement Pitfall Guide
❗ Higher Power Supply CapacityIC693CPU363 requires 890mA @ 5VDC—significantly higher than IC693CPU360 (670mA) and IC693CPU350 (480mA). Replacing an older CPU with IC693CPU363 often requires upgrading the power supply module. Verify existing power supply capacity (IC693PWR321 provides 1.5A, IC693PWR330 provides 3.0A). Insufficient power causes system instability, boot failures, or erratic behavior.
❗ Serial Port Pinout DifferencesThe three built-in serial ports have different pinouts and protocol support:
- Port 1 (RS-232, 15-pin D-sub on CPU): SNP/SNPX master/slave, RTU slave
- Port 2 (RS-485, 15-pin D-sub on CPU): SNP/SNPX master/slave, RTU slave
- Power supply port (RS-485): SNP/SNPX slave onlyDo not confuse port functions when connecting programming devices or communication cables. Refer to OEM pinout diagrams for correct wiring.
❗ RTU Master Requires PCM ModulePort 1 and Port 2 support RTU slave out of the box. For RTU master functionality, an IC693PCM300 (or compatible) module must be installed. Do not attempt to configure RTU master without the PCM module—protocol functionality will be unavailable.
❗ Power Supply RS-485 Port AccessThe third serial port is accessed through the power supply connector, not the CPU module. Open the hinged door on the right front of the power supply module to access the 15-pin D-type female connector. This port only supports SNP/SNPX slave protocols—master functionality is not available.
❗ Analog Module CompatibilityIC693ALG220/221F (version F and earlier) may exhibit erratic %AI values when used with IC693CPU363. Use IC693ALG220/221G (version G or later) or upgrade CPU firmware to resolve timing issues with optocouplers—same issue as IC693CPU360 family.
❗ Ethernet Module Firmware UpdateIf using IC693CMM321 Ethernet Interface Module with IC693CPU363, 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 newer software versions.
❗ Memory Configuration Software DependencyRegister memory (%R) and analog I/O (%AI, %AQ) capacity varies by programmer software:
- DOS Logicmaster: Up to 16,384 words for %R, %AI, %AQ
- Windows Control v2.2+: Up to 32,640 words for %R, %AI, %AQVerify which software version you’re using before planning memory allocation. Upgrading from DOS to Windows programmer doubles memory capacity.
❗ No Hot Swap SupportLike all Series 90-30 CPUs, IC693CPU363 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.
❗ Slot 1 Installation RequirementIC693CPU363 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.
❗ 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. Battery location may differ from IC693CPU360 due to additional serial port circuitry.
❗ Concurrent Serial Port OperationAll three serial ports can operate simultaneously but may affect CPU scan rate under heavy communication load. Test worst-case communication scenarios during commissioning to ensure real-time control requirements are met.
Keep these in mind and you’ll cut 90% of rework time.
Section 7. Compatibility Matrix & Benchmarks
Compatibility Matrix
- IC693CPU363 → IC693CPU360-EL : Downgrade path — lose 2 built-in serial ports, lower power (670mA)
- IC693CPU363 → IC693CPU350 : Downgrade path — lose 2 serial ports, half memory (32KB), half I/O (2K)
- IC693CPU363 → IC693CPU364 : Different model — verify application compatibility
- IC693CPU363 → IC695CPU310 (RX3i) : Migration target — modern replacement with enhanced features
- IC693CPU363 → IC693CMM321 (Ethernet) : Compatible — requires CMM321 firmware 1.10+
- IC693CPU363 → IC693PCM300 (RTU master) : Compatible — adds RTU master functionality to Ports 1/2
- IC693CPU363 → IC693ALG220/221G : Compatible — requires firmware compatibility for stable operation
- IC693CPU363 → IC693ALG220/221F (version F) : Not recommended — erratic behavior possible
- IC693CPU363 → Expansion baseplates : Compatible — up to 7 expansion/remote baseplates
- IC693CPU363 → IC693PWR321 : Not recommended — borderline capacity at 1.5A
- IC693CPU363 → IC693PWR330 : Recommended — 3.0A capacity provides headroom
- IC693CPU363 → Genius modules (GBC, GCM, GCM+) : Compatible — supports multidrop
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 (2,048 each)
- Analog I/O capacity: Configurable %AI and %AQ up to 32,640 words combined (Windows programmer) / 16,384 words (DOS Logicmaster)
- Register memory: 128 to 32,640 words configurable (Windows programmer) / 16,384 words (DOS Logicmaster)
- 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 (all three ports)
- Serial protocols: SNP/SNPX master/slave (Ports 1/2), SNP/SNPX slave (all ports), RTU slave (Ports 1/2), RTU master (Ports 1/2 + PCM module)
- 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+)
- Serial ports: 3 built-in (1× RS-232, 2× RS-485)
