Description

GE IC693BEM330 – Genius Bus Controller Module

Product Description

The GE IC693BEM330 is a Genius bus controller module for the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC family. This specialized module enables the Series 90-30 PLC to act as a master on a Genius local area I/O network, a high-speed, peer-to-peer serial communication system developed by GE. The GE IC693BEM330 is a critical gateway for expanding the PLC’s I/O capacity over long distances and integrating with a wide range of intelligent distributed I/O blocks, drives, and other devices that support the Genius protocol. Implementing a IC693BEM330 facilitates the creation of robust, distributed control architectures with deterministic data exchange.

Product Parameters

• Product Family: GE Series 90-30 PLC Communication Module.

• Network Type: Genius LAN (Local Area Network) Controller.

• Bus Master: Allows the Series 90-30 CPU to function as the network master.

• Communication Speed: Supports Genius bus speeds up to 153.6 kbaud.

• Network Capacity: Can support up to 31 Genius devices (e.g., I/O blocks, other controllers) on a single bus.

• Ports: Typically includes two redundant Genius bus ports for daisy-chaining devices in a bus topology.

• Configuration: Configured using GE’s Proficy Logic Developer (formerly VersaPro) software. Requires a Hardware Configuration Table (HWC) to define each device on the bus.

• CPU Compatibility: Designed for specific Series 90-30 CPUs and must be installed in an appropriate slot in the main or expansion rack.

Advantages and Features

• High-Speed, Deterministic I/O: The Genius network provides fast, predictable scan times for distributed I/O, which is crucial for real-time control applications.

• Long Distance Capability: Supports cable lengths up to 7500 feet (2286 meters) with repeaters, allowing I/O to be placed far from the central controller.

• Built-in Diagnostics: The Genius bus features comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, allowing the IC693BEM330 to report the health and status of every device on the network, simplifying troubleshooting.

• Peer-to-Peer Communication: Enables direct data exchange (Global Data) between Genius devices without CPU intervention, which is ideal for fast interlocking between machines or stations.

• Robust Network Topology: Supports a bus topology with dual-port redundancy, allowing for continued operation even if a single cable is cut (with proper configuration).

• Wide Range of Devices: Interfaces with hundreds of Genius-compatible I/O blocks, motor protectors, and drives, offering great flexibility in system design.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Automotive Assembly Lines: Used to control and monitor hundreds of I/O points distributed across a long transfer line or body shop, with I/O blocks mounted close to the actuators and sensors.

• Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants: Connects the central Series 90-30 PLC to remote Genius I/O racks located in distant pump houses, valve stations, and filter buildings.

• Food and Beverage Processing: Facilitates peer-to-peer communication between multiple filler, capper, and labeler machines on a packaging line for synchronized operation.

• Material Handling in Warehouses: Controls distributed I/O for extensive conveyor and sortation systems where devices are spread over a large area.

• Discrete Parts Manufacturing: Integrates intelligent Genius blocks for motor control centers (MCCs) to provide detailed motor diagnostics and control back to the main PLC.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Competing solutions for distributed I/O include other proprietary networks of the era like Siemens PROFIBUS DP (with a CP 342-5 module) or Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (with a 1747-SN scanner). The GE IC693BEM330 and the Genius network’s key differentiators were its simplicity, robust diagnostics, and deterministic performance, which were highly regarded. While modern Ethernet-based I/O (like EtherNet/IP or PROFINET) has largely superseded these systems, the IC693BEM330 remains vital for maintaining and supporting a massive installed base of legacy Series 90-30/Genius systems. Its primary advantage is direct, optimized support within the GE ecosystem.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

• Legacy System Support: This module is for supporting existing Series 90-30/Genius installations. It is not recommended for new greenfield designs, where modern Ethernet I/O should be considered.

• CPU and Rack Verification: Confirm compatibility with your specific Series 90-30 CPU model (e.g., 331, 341) and that you have an available slot in a compatible rack (IC693CHSxxx).

• Hardware Configuration (HWC): The Genius bus will not function without a correctly created and downloaded Hardware Configuration Table. This file maps every device’s location, type, and I/O data to PLC memory.

• Bus Termination and Cabling: Proper termination at both ends of the Genius bus trunk is absolutely critical for reliable communication. Use only approved Genius cable and connectors.

• Device Addressing: Each Genius device must have a unique hardware address set via its rotary switches (1-31). This address must correspond exactly to its address in the HWC file.

• Grounding and Noise: Follow the Genius installation manual’s guidelines for grounding the bus shield at a single point to avoid ground loops and protect against electrical noise.

• Software Requirement: Configuration requires older GE programming software such as Proficy Logic Developer for 90-30/90-70 or the original Logicmaster 90-30.

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