Description
Product Introduction
The GE Fanuc IC693CPU352-EK is a specialized, single-slot modular CPU module for GE Series 90-30 PLC systems. Positioned at the higher performance end of the 350-series processor lineup, the CPU352 includes dedicated built-in front serial communication ports (RS-232 RJ11 and RS-485 15-pin D-sub) right on the module face, eliminating the need to rely solely on the power supply serial port for local programming and HMI connections.
Powered by a 32 MHz Intel 80386EX processor, the IC693CPU352-EK handles 32 Kbytes of user-configurable memory and supports up to 2,048 discrete I/O points. Revision “-EK” incorporates the hardware and firmware updates required for enhanced motion control module handshakes (such as DSM314/APM cards) and high-speed multi-rack expansion configurations.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Full Part Number | IC693CPU352-EK (Firmware/Hardware Rev -EK) |
| Module Type | Single-Slot Modular CPU (Slot 1 Installation) |
| Processor Type | 32 MHz Intel 80386EX |
| User Memory | 32 Kbytes (Configurable logic, registers, configuration) |
| Boolean Execution Speed | 0.22 µs per boolean function |
| Built-in Front Ports | Port 1: RS-232 (RJ11 Connector), Port 2: RS-485 (15-pin D-sub) |
| Supported Protocols | SNP, SNP-X, Serial I/O (Modbus RTU Slave/Master via CMM) |
| Discrete I/O Capacity | 2,048 Inputs, 2,048 Outputs |
| Analog I/O Capacity | 2,048 Words Input, 512 Words Output |
| Baseplate Compatibility | Modular CPU baseplates (IC693CHS392, CHS393, CHS382, CHS383) |
| Key Switch Settings | RUN/STOP, Memory Protect (Front Panel Key Switch) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
At 4:15 AM on a Sunday, the multi-axis synchronized positioning system on a high-speed metal slitting line threw an intermittent sync loss alarm. The line operator attempted a warm restart, but the primary CPU watchdog dropped out completely. The front RS-232 port on the installed IC693CPU352 module had shorted internally after years of ungrounded serial programming cable connections, freezing all downstream motion command transfers to the APM axis cards.
Application Scenarios
- High-Speed Axis Motion Control: Coordinates multi-axis servo positioning loops when paired with DSM314 or APM motion modules.
- Direct HMI/SCADA Linking: Connects local touch panels directly to Port 1 (RS-232) while leaving Port 2 open for remote programming access.
- Metal Stamping & Slitting: Executes high-speed, sub-millisecond interruption routines for shear blades and indexing feeds.
- Automated Assembly Cells: Controls complex pick-and-place robotics with integrated vision inspection feedback over serial strings.
Field Case Study
A automotive plastics plant in Ohio suffered a complete shutdown on their main bumper molding cell when an electrical surge burned out the CPU card. Because their cell relied on the front serial port for direct operator HMI communication, an ordinary CPU350 or CPU351 could not be dropped in without redesigning the panel wiring. We pulled a fully bench-tested surplus IC693CPU352-EK module from inventory and shipped it via same-day air freight. The electrician plugged the module into Slot 1, turned the front key switch to RUN, reloaded the project file via Proficy Machine Edition, and restored full production within 30 minutes of arrival.
IC693CPU352-EK
IC693CPU352-EK
IC693CPU352-EK
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We test every IC693CPU352-EK unit on live physical hardware to ensure complete operational integrity before shipment.
- Inbound Visual Verification: Inspection for cracked faceplates, broken front key switch locks, bent backplane pins, and damaged RJ11/D-sub serial connector pins.
- Modular Baseplate Power-On Test: Slotted into Slot 1 of an active GE IC693CHS392 rack with an IC693PWR330 power supply to verify key switch operation and OK, RUN, P1, and P2 LED passes.
- Dual Serial Port Communication Test: Connected test leads to both Port 1 (RS-232) and Port 2 (RS-485) simultaneously; verified 100% baud rate auto-negotiation and zero packet errors during continuous 115.2 kbps transfers.
- Motion Bus & Multi-Rack Stress Test: Loaded with a 32 KB test routine, connected to a local expansion rack (IC693CHS391) and a DSM motion card, running continuous loop cycles for 4 hours inside a thermal chamber.
- ESD Sealing & Final QC: Key switch set to OFF, diagnostic memory wiped, and the card sealed inside a heavy-duty ESD shielding bag with protective foam casing.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
- ⚠️ Utilize the Front Panel Key Switch Correctly: The features a physical 3-position front key switch (RUN/ON, OFF/STOP, and Memory Protect). If the key is set to OFF/STOP, the CPU will ignore remote software run commands from Proficy! Make sure the key is in the RUN position after downloading your program.
- ❗ Never Hot-Swap the Processor Module: The GE Series 90-30 backplane is not hot-swappable! Inserting or pulling the -EK while the baseplate power supply is energized can arc the backplane connector edge, burn out internal 5V logic buffers, or crash the entire PLC rack. Always turn off main power first.
- ⚠️ Check Cable Pinouts for Port 1 (RJ11): The front RS-232 Port 1 uses a 6-pin RJ11 phone-style jack, not a standard Ethernet RJ45 modular jack. Connecting a standard RJ45 cable or improper pin adapter can bend the internal RJ11 pins or short the 5V power pin built into the connector.
- ❗ Revision Match for Motion Cards: The “-EK” revision suffix indicates a specific hardware/firmware baseline. If you are replacing an older “-AA” through “-EE” revision card in a system with APM or DSM motion cards, verify that your software project in Proficy Machine Edition has its CPU revision updated to avoid hardware configuration mismatch errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: What is the main difference between the and the IC693CPU350/351?
A: Unlike the CPU350 and CPU351, the features built-in front serial ports (RS-232 and RS-485 D-sub) directly on the CPU module housing, along with a physical 3-position RUN/STOP key switch.
Q: What does the “-EK” son ?
A: The “-EK” suffix represents the hardware and firmware revision level. Revision -EK includes updated onboard flash components and firmware enhancements for improved motion control module stability and proficy software compatibility.
Q: Isuc hot-swappable?
A: No. You must turn off power to the Series 90-30 baseplate before removing or ihe module to prevent backplane or chip damage.
Q: Can I program the CPU through the front port?
A: Yes. Port 1 (RS-232 ) supports SNP and SNP-X programming protocols, allowing you to connect a PC running Proficy Machine Edition using a standard GE RS-232 programming cable (IC690ACC901 or equivalent).
Q: What warranty coverage comes with this surplus CPU module?
ry module comes backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty. Units are authentic OEM surplus, thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and bench-tested on live GE hardware prior to delivery.
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