Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
When an existing PLC cabinet has reached its slot limit, replacing the entire controller is rarely the most economical option. In many cases, adding an expansion rack provides the required I/O capacity while preserving the existing control program and wiring.
The GE IC693CHS398G is a 5-slot Expansion Baseplate for the Series 90-30 PLC family. It extends the local backplane, allowing additional digital, analog, communication, and specialty modules to be integrated into the system while maintaining communication with the primary CPU rack.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc (Emerson) |
| Model | IC693CHS398G |
| PLC Family | Series 90-30 |
| Product Type | Expansion Baseplate |
| I/O Capacity | 5 module slots |
| Power Supply Position | Dedicated left-side power supply slot |
| CPU Support | No CPU installation (expansion rack only) |
| Expansion Connector | 25-pin female D-sub connector |
| Maximum Expansion Distance | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Backplane Current Requirement | Approximately 170 mA @ +5 VDC |
| Rack Addressing | DIP switch selectable |
| Mounting | Panel-mounted industrial enclosure |
| Compatible Modules | Most Series 90-30 I/O and supported option modules |
Field Application & The “Trench” Experience
An automotive parts manufacturer needed to add vision inspection stations to an existing assembly line. The original Series 90-30 PLC still had sufficient processing capacity, but every slot in the CPU rack was occupied. Rather than migrating to a new PLC platform, engineers installed an IC693CHS398G expansion baseplate beside the existing rack.
After configuring the expansion rack address and connecting the expansion cable, the additional digital inputs and analog outputs became available without modifying the overall control architecture. The upgrade was completed during a scheduled maintenance window, avoiding extended production downtime.
Typical applications include:
- High-speed packaging systems requiring additional discrete I/O
- Water treatment plants expanding instrumentation loops
- Material handling systems with added conveyor zones and photoelectric sensors
IC693CHS398G
IC693CHS398G
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
Each baseplate follows a documented inspection and verification process before shipment.
- Confirm part number, hardware revision, and product labeling.
- Inspect every slot connector for wear, bent contacts, oxidation, or mechanical damage.
- Verify expansion connector integrity and pin alignment.
- Install a compatible Series 90-30 power supply and multiple I/O modules to confirm backplane communication.
- Check rack address DIP switch operation.
- Package the unit in ESD-safe materials with impact-resistant protection.
For New Surplus inventory, unused condition and physical integrity are verified. Refurbished units undergo additional functional testing before release.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ This Baseplate Cannot Host the CPU
The IC693CHS398G is strictly an expansion baseplate. The PLC CPU must remain installed in the primary CPU baseplate.
⚠️ Verify Rack Address Settings
A mismatched rack address is one of the most common reasons newly installed expansion I/O fails to appear during startup. Always confirm the DIP switch configuration before applying power.
PRO TIP: If every module in the expansion rack reports communication faults, inspect the expansion cable and 25-pin connector first. Connector damage is far more common than simultaneous failure of multiple I/O modules.
⚠️ Check Expansion Cable Length
Series 90-30 expansion cables have maximum supported lengths. Exceeding the specified distance can introduce intermittent communication errors that are difficult to diagnose.
Dynamic FAQ
Q1. What is the purpose of the IC693CHS398G?
It expands the available I/O capacity of a Series 90-30 PLC by providing five additional module slots connected through the local expansion bus.
Q2. Can a CPU be installed in this baseplate?
No. The IC693CHS398G is an expansion rack only. The CPU must remain in a compatible CPU baseplate such as the IC693CHS391 series.
Q3. How many I/O modules can it accommodate?
The baseplate supports five Series 90-30 I/O or supported option modules, along with a dedicated power supply position.
Q4. How far can the expansion rack be installed from the CPU rack?
With the appropriate GE Series 90-30 expansion cable, the maximum supported distance is 50 feet (15 meters).
Q5. What does the “G” revision indicate?
The “G” suffix identifies a later hardware revision within the IC693CHS398 family. It maintains compatibility with supported Series 90-30 systems while incorporating manufacturing and certification updates documented by GE.
Q6. Are New Surplus units tested before shipment?
Yes. New Surplus units are inspected for unused condition, connector quality, and correct part identification. Refurbished units additionally undergo backplane communication and module seating tests before shipment.
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