Description
Product Introduction
The GE Fanuc IC693CMM321 is an Ethernet Communications Interface module engineered for Series 90-30 PLC systems. It offloads network communications from the main processor, enabling seamless TCP/IP network integration, remote programming access, HMI/SCADA data exchange, and peer-to-peer PLC communication across plant networks.
Supporting GE’s proprietary Service Request Transport Protocol (SRTP) along with Modbus TCP communications, the IC693CMM321 bridges legacy control hardware with modern factory Ethernet backbones. It mounts directly into any option slot of a primary or expansion Series 90-30 baseplate without taking up CPU resources.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Module Type | Ethernet Communications Module (Option Slot) |
| Physical Interfaces | 1x AUI Port (10Base5/10Base2 via transceiver), 1x Station Manager Port (RS-232) |
| Network Speed | 10 Mbps (Half-Duplex) |
| Supported Protocols | SRTP (Service Request Transport Protocol), Modbus TCP Client/Server, SNP over Ethernet |
| Concurrent Connections | Up to 16 SRTP server connections, 32 SRTP client connections |
| Backplane Current Draw | 850 mA at 5 VDC (from Series 90-30 power supply) |
| LED Status Indicators | MODULE OK, LAN ONLINE, SERIAL ACTIVE, DIAGNOSTIC |
| Configuration | Configured via Proficy Machine Edition, VersaPro, or Logicmaster 90 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Isolation | 1500V RMS network port to PLC backplane |
IC693CMM321
IC693CMM321
IC693CMM321
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
At 11:45 PM on a Friday night, the central SCADA system at a regional food processing plant lost all real-time telemetry from three retort cooker PLCs. The HMI screens went completely blank with red network fault banners. A power fluctuation in the main control panel had spiked the Ethernet interface card on the primary PLC rack, destroying its internal transceiver stage. Without continuous temperature logging for FDA compliance, the entire batch cycle was forced into emergency hold.
Application Scenarios
- SCADA & HMI Integration: Connects Series 90-30 PLCs to factory SCADA software (iFIX, Ignition, Wonderware) over plant-wide Ethernet loops.
- Inter-PLC Peer-to-Peer Messaging: Coordinates high-speed data exchanges between multiple Series 90-30 control racks across long conveyor runs.
- Remote Programming & Diagnostics: Allows control engineers to program, upload, and troubleshoot PLC logic remotely over secure VPN/Ethernet links.
- Legacy Network Upgrades: Converts older serial-only (SNP) PLC installations into modern Ethernet-ready architectures without replacing the main CPU.
Field Case Study
A automotive metal stamping plant in Michigan suffered a sudden communications drop on their primary transfer press PLC. The installed IC693CMM321 module suffered an internal LAN controller hardware failure, severing the link to the cell’s safety monitoring HMI and halting production at 11,000 per hour. We pulled a fully tested, pre-configured surplus IC693CMM321 from our warehouse and dispatched it via overnight courier. The shift electrician dropped the new module into slot 4, reloaded the IP address configuration via Proficy, and re-established full SCADA handshakes in under 20 minutes—saving the facility over 80,000 in extended downtime.
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship surplus inventory; every IC693CMM321 Ethernet card undergoes strict live bench testing before entering our ready-to-ship stock.
- Inbound Visual Verification: Inspection for cracked plastic housing, bent backplane card-edge connectors, damaged AUI/RS-232 port pins, and serial/revision tag authenticity.
- Backplane & Power-On Test: Slotted into an active GE Series 90-30 rack (IC693CHS397 with IC693CPU374) to confirm power-up self-test and MODULE OK LED pass routines.
- Live Ethernet Ping & Communications Sweep: Connected via an AUI-to-RJ45 transceiver to a local Ethernet switch; performed continuous 1,000-packet ping tests to verify zero packet loss.
- SRTP & Modbus TCP Protocol Stress Test: Loaded with continuous data read/write commands from a test SCADA server for 4 hours to verify full buffer throughput and zero thermal drift.
- ESD Packaging & Final QC: Diagnostic buffers cleared, serial numbers logged, and the card sealed inside a heavy-duty ESD shielding bag with custom foam inserts.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
- ⚠️ Watch Out for the AUI Port Connector: The IC693CMM321 native network port is a 15-pin AUI interface, not a standard RJ45 jack! To plug this card into a standard CAT5/CAT6 Ethernet patch cable, you must use an external AUI-to-10Base-T transceiver (such as an IC690PWR024 or standard 3Com/Marconi transceiver).
- ❗ Never Hot-Swap on the Series 90-30 Backplane: The GE Series 90-30 backplane is not hot-swappable. Removing or plugging in an while the rack is powered can arc the backplane pins, damage the internal Ethernet MAC chip, or trigger an immediate CPU crash. Always shut down power to the rack first.
- ⚠️ High 5V DC Current Draw: This module draws up to 850 mA from the backplane 5V DC bus—significantly more than standard digital I/O cards. If you populate multiple high-draw cards on the same baseplate, double-check your total rack power calculation against your power supply capacity (IC693PWR321 vs IC693PWR330) to avoid brownout trips.
- ❗ Set IP Addresses Correctly via Software: The IP address on this module is stored in software configuration, not physical DIP switches. When replacing a failed card, you must assign the original IP address, subnet mask, and gateway via Proficy Machine Edition or the serial Station Manager port before the SCADA network will recognize it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Is the GE Fanuc hot-swappable?
A: No. You must shut down power to the Series 90-30 baseplate before installing or removing the module. Attempting to swap it live can damage the module and backplane circuitry.
Q: Can I connect a standard Ethernet RJ45 cable directly to this card?
A: No. The uses a 15-pin D-sub AUI port. You will need a compact AUI-to-10Base-T (RJ45) transceiver adapter to connect standard Ethernet patch cables.
Q: Does this card support Modbus TCP communications?
A: Yes. Depending on your firmware revision, the supports Modbus TCP client and server messaging in addition to GE’s native SRTP protocol.
Q: What is the difference between and IC693CMM311?
A: The is an Ethernet TCP/IP interface module, while the IC693CMM311 is a Serial Communications module (supporting CMM/SNP serial protocols).
Q: What warranty comes with this surplus module?
A: Every module comes with a full 12-month replacement warranty. All units are authentic GE Fanuc surplus equipment, fully cleaned, inspected, and bench-tested under active Ethernet network traffic before shipping.
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