GE IC693CPU360-CG Central Processing Unit (CPU) Module

Description

GE Fanuc High-Performance CPU: IC693CPU360-CG Product Page

Product Introduction & Positioning

The IC693CPU360-CG is defined as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) Module, serving as the definitive brain for the legendary GE Fanuc Series 90-30 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) platform.¹ It occupies a single slot within the system’s backplane (chassis) and is responsible for executing the user-defined control logic, managing all data flow, and communicating with every connected I/O module and network card. Positioned as a high-performance CPU, the IC693CPU360-CG is intended for applications demanding significantly more speed and user memory compared to entry-level 90-30 processors.² It fits into the control system architecture at the head of the chassis, connecting directly to the power supply module. This central placement allows the IC693CPU360-CG to command and monitor all local and remote I/O bases, supporting up to eight total racks in a single system. What makes the IC693CPU360-CG so valuable for engineers and integrators is its blend of proven Series 90-30 durability with enhanced processing power, supporting a substantial $240 \text{ Kbytes}$ of configurable user memory. This ample memory, coupled with a fast scan rate, allows programmers to implement extensive, complex control routines, advanced data manipulation, and detailed diagnostic logs without worrying about resource limitations. Furthermore, its ability to address up to 4096 discrete I/O points makes the IC693CPU360-CG a cost-effective solution for large-scale, distributed control networks, ensuring the Series 90-30 remains a relevant and highly sought-after platform in modern industrial automation.

Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

At its core, the functional performance of the IC693CPU360-CG stems from the reliable 386EX microprocessor running at ³$25 \text{ MHz}$.⁴ This provides a substantial boost in execution speed, achieving a typical scan rate of just $0.22 \text{ milliseconds}$ per $1 \text{K}$ of logic, which is crucial for meeting the tight timing requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes. Unlike simpler CPUs, the IC693CPU360-CG handles 32-bit operations and includes full support for floating-point mathematics, enabling engineers to perform precise, complex calculations required for PID loops, unit conversions, and advanced process control algorithms directly in the PLC logic.⁵

In terms of hardware design and reliability, the module is built to the tough industrial standards of the GE Fanuc Series 90-30. It features both RAM (backed by a battery) for volatile data and Flash memory for permanent program storage, ensuring program integrity even after power loss. The module is engineered for a demanding operating temperature range, commonly $0^{\circ} \text{C}$ to $60^{\circ} \text{C}$, demonstrating its inherent ruggedness for installation in typical control cabinets without special cooling requirements. Compatibility is a major advantage of the IC693CPU360-CG; it integrates seamlessly with the full suite of Series 90-30 I/O modules, including analog, discrete, and special-function modules. While the CPU itself does not contain on-board serial ports, it leverages the standard $15\text{-pin}$ port on the power supply for programming and uses a variety of optional communications modules (like Ethernet and Genius Bus) to connect to HMI systems and other PLCs. Long-term service life is supported by an established global repair ecosystem, ensuring the reliability of the IC693CPU360-CG for decades in the field.