Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
When legacy PLCs need to exchange production data with supervisory systems, adding separate communication hardware isn’t always the best approach. An integrated Ethernet controller simplifies network architecture while preserving the existing Series 90-30 control platform.
The GE IC693CPU363 combines a high-performance 25 MHz 80386EX processor with an embedded 10Base-T Ethernet interface, making it one of the most capable CPUs in the Series 90-30 family. It supports larger control applications, distributed I/O, and direct Ethernet communications for programming, HMI connectivity, and industrial data exchange without requiring a separate Ethernet module.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc (Emerson) |
| Model | IC693CPU363 |
| PLC Family | Series 90-30 |
| CPU Type | Single-slot CPU with Integrated Ethernet |
| Processor | Intel 80386EX |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| User Program Memory | 240 KB |
| Configurable Register Memory | Up to 32,640 words |
| Floating-Point Processor | Integrated |
| Ethernet Interface | Built-in 10Base-T (RJ-45) |
| Ethernet Protocols | SRTP, TCP/IP, SNP over Ethernet |
| Serial Communications | RS-232 and RS-485 programming ports |
| Maximum I/O Capacity | 2,048 Inputs / 2,048 Outputs |
| Maximum Baseplates | One CPU rack plus seven expansion and/or remote racks |
| Typical Logic Execution | Approximately 0.22 ms per 1K Boolean instructions |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Backplane Power Consumption | Approximately 890 mA @ +5 VDC |
Field Application & The “Trench” Experience
A municipal water treatment facility planned to connect an aging Series 90-30 PLC to a modern SCADA network. The original controller required an external communication module, leaving no available rack space for future expansion. During a scheduled outage, engineers replaced the processor with an IC693CPU363, transferring the existing application and configuring the integrated Ethernet interface.
The upgrade eliminated the need for a separate Ethernet module while allowing direct communication with the SCADA server and engineering workstation. Existing field wiring remained unchanged, significantly reducing commissioning time.
Representative applications include:
- Municipal water and wastewater SCADA systems
- Food processing production monitoring
- Distributed pumping station automation
IC693CPU363
IC693CPU363
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
Every IC693CPU363 undergoes a documented inspection and functional verification process before shipment.
- Inspect PCB assemblies, Ethernet connector, serial ports, and backplane contacts.
- Verify catalog number, firmware revision, and hardware identification.
- Install the CPU in a Series 90-30 test rack with compatible power supplies and I/O modules.
- Load a functional PLC application to verify processor execution and memory integrity.
- Confirm Ethernet communication using TCP/IP diagnostics and programming software.
- Verify serial communication, power cycling, battery-backed memory retention, and LED diagnostics.
- Package the module in ESD-safe protective materials suitable for industrial transportation.
New Surplus units are inspected to confirm unused condition. Refurbished units receive additional operational and communication testing before shipment.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ Record the Ethernet Configuration Before Replacement
IP address, subnet mask, and network parameters are stored within the controller configuration. Replacing the CPU without documenting these settings can delay system startup and SCADA communications.
⚠️ Don’t Assume Every Switch Supports 10 Mbps Half-Duplex
The integrated Ethernet port operates at 10Base-T. Modern managed switches configured only for higher speeds may require manual negotiation settings to establish reliable communication.
PRO TIP: Archive both the PLC project and the Ethernet configuration before replacing the controller. Restoring ladder logic alone will not recover the network configuration.
⚠️ Verify Firmware Compatibility
Certain Ethernet features and communication enhancements depend on firmware revision. Matching the replacement CPU firmware to the original installation minimizes unexpected compatibility issues with existing HMI or SCADA software.
Dynamic FAQ
Q1. What makes the IC693CPU363 different from the IC693CPU352?
The IC693CPU363 integrates a 10Base-T Ethernet interface directly into the CPU, eliminating the need for a separate Ethernet communication module in many applications while maintaining similar processing performance and memory capacity.
Q2. How much application memory does the provide?
The controller supports 240 KB of user program memory with configurable memory allocation for registers and data tables, making it suitable for large automation projects.
Q3. Which Ethernet protocols are supported?
The integrated interface supports SRTP, TCP/IP, and SNP over Ethernet, enabling communication with programming software, HMIs, and supervisory control systems.
Q4. Can the support expansion racks?
Yes. It supports one local CPU baseplate plus up to seven expansion and/or remote baseplates, allowing large distributed I/O architectures within the Series 90-30 platform.
Q5. Is the Ethernet port suitable for modern industrial networks?
Yes, provided the network infrastructure supports 10Base-T Ethernet. When integrating with modern managed switches, verify speed and duplex settings during commissioning to avoid communication issues.
Q6. Are New Surplus modules fully tested?
Yes. New Surplus units are inspected for physical condition, connector integrity, and part number verification. Refurbished units undergo additional processor, Ethernet, communication, memory, and diagnostic testing before shipment.
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