Description
Product Introduction
The GE Fanuc IC693CHS397E is a 5-slot primary CPU baseplate with an integrated, embedded CPU311 processor built directly onto the backplane board. Designed for small-to-medium industrial automation applications, this compact unit eliminates the need for a separate, slot-mounted modular CPU board, saving space in tight control enclosures.
The “E” suffix designates a specific hardware and firmware revision featuring improved bus timing and updated internal componentry while remaining completely backward-compatible with earlier IC693CHS397 revisions. Equipped with 5 option slots for digital, analog, or communication cards and a 25-pin D-sub expansion connector on the right side, the IC693CHS397E delivers reliable standalone or expanded PLC control.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Baseplate Type | 5-Slot Main Baseplate with Embedded CPU |
| Processor Type | Embedded CPU311 (80186 processor architecture) |
| User Memory | 6 Kbytes of user program / logic memory |
| Option Slots | 5 slots available for I/O and option modules (Slots 1 through 5) |
| Power Supply Slot | Left-hand dedicated slot (accepts IC693PWR321, PWR330, PWR322) |
| Expansion Connector | 25-pin D-sub female port (Right side) |
| Expansion Capacity | Supports up to 4 local expansion racks (40 additional slots max) |
| Boolean Execution Speed | 18 ms per 1K of boolean logic |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 10.4 in x 5.12 in x 5.5 in (264 mm x 130 mm x 140 mm) |
| Grounding | Chassis frame ground terminal stud on lower left base |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
At 4:10 AM, a small municipal booster station went silent. A utility line surge arc-faulted the backplane logic on an aging embedded CPU baseplate, destroying the internal CPU311 processor chip onboard. Water tower levels were dropping fast, threatening low-pressure alarms across the distribution grid. Because the CPU is permanently built onto the baseplate board on this model, replacing a separate CPU module wasn’t an option—the whole IC693CHS397 rack had to be replaced to get the station back online.
Application Scenarios
- Compact OEM Skid Machinery: Powers standalone hydraulic power units (HPUs), small filtration skids, and automated lube oil systems.
- Pumping Stations & Valve Vaults: Manages localized level, pressure, and pump sequencing logic in remote utility enclosures.
- Small Material Handling Conveyors: Controls localized diverters, photo-eyes, and stop-gates on dedicated package routing lines.
- HVAC & Building Automation: Manages localized air handler units (AHUs), chillers, and damper actuators in industrial facilities.
Field Case Study
An industrial bakery in Pennsylvania experienced an unrecoverable rack fault on their secondary dough mixer controller. The installed IC693CHS397 chassis suffered internal processor memory corruption from a lightning surge, locking up the mixer and risking $45,000 in spoiled dough batches. We pulled a verified surplus IC693CHS397E baseplate from inventory and arranged immediate door-to-door courier dispatch. The duty electrician swapped the rack chassis, transferred the power supply, loaded the ladder logic program from backup via serial cable, and had the mixer running in under three hours.
IC693CHS397E
IC693CHS397E
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
Every IC693CHS397E baseplate undergoes physical and live logic execution testing on actual GE test rigs before earned placement in our ready-to-ship stock.
- Inbound Visual Verification: Physical inspection for cracks in the plastic molding, bent backplane card-edge pins across all 5 option slots, and firm ground stud threading.
- Onboard Processor Self-Test: Powered up with a standard IC693PWR330 power supply to verify embedded CPU startup, OK LED status illumination, and memory diagnostic passes.
- Program Loading & Execution Test: Connected via serial adapter to Proficy Machine Edition; loaded with a test logic program to verify instruction execution, register clearing, and run/stop toggle modes.
- I/O & Expansion Bus Stress Sweep: Fully populated with 5 active I/O cards and connected to a downstream expansion rack (IC693CHS391) via expansion cable to confirm 100% bus handshake stability.
- ESD Sealing & Heavy-Duty Packaging: Cleared of test program logic, wrapped in anti-static shielding, and packaged in custom foam inserts for safe delivery.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
- ⚠️ Do Not Try to Install a Modular CPU in Slot 1: The IC693CHS397E already has an embedded CPU311 processor built into its backplane. Slot 1 is an open option slot for standard I/O or option modules (like an ALG223 or BEM331). Attempting to plug a modular CPU card (like a CPU364 or CPU374) into Slot 1 will not work and may cause hardware conflicts.
- ❗ Never Connect Expansion Cables Under Power: The Series 90-30 expansion bus is not hot-swappable. Plugging or unplugging the 25-pin expansion cable while power is applied to the rack will trip the embedded CPU and risks frying the onboard communication chips.
- ⚠️ Mind the Revision Letter (“E”): While rev “E” is fully backward-compatible with older revs (A, B, C, D), always ensure your firmware programming environment (Proficy Machine Edition or Logicmaster 90) matches or accommodates the CPU311 firmware baseline to prevent hardware configuration mismatch errors during upload/download.
- ❗ Check Backplane Battery Backup: The embedded CPU relies on the memory retention battery attached to the power supply module (IC693PWR321/PWR330). If you swap this baseplate without backing up the program or retaining power via a good battery, user memory will wipe to blank upon power-down!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: What is the primary difference between the IC693CHS397 and the IC693CHS392?
A: The IC693CHS397 has a built-in embedded CPU311 processor on the backplane (5 option slots total). The IC693CHS392 is a 10-slot baseplate that requires a separate modular CPU inserted into Slot 1.
Q: Can I replace an older IC693CHS397 (Rev A or B) with an IC693CHS397E?
A: Yes. The “E” suffix indicates a later hardware/firmware revision. It is a direct drop-in physical and functional replacement for any earlier revision.
Q: Is the GE Fanuc hot-swappable?
A: No. You must shut off main incoming power to the baseplate supply before removing or installing the baseplate or any attached option modules.
Q: What software is used to program the embedded CPU on this baseplate?
A: The embedded on the is programmed using Emerson/GE Proficy Machine Edition, VersaPro, or legacy Logicmaster 90-30 software via a serial port connection on the power supply module.
Q: What warranty coverage comes with this surplus baseplate?
A: We back every baseplate with a full 12-month replacement warranty. All units are authentic GE Fanuc equipment sourced from plant spares and fully bench-tested under real program execution before shipping.
Start Chat
