GE IC693CPU374GP brain of the Series 90-30 system

Description

Real-World Use & Application Scenarios

The GE IC693CPU374GP is the brain of the Series 90-30 system, designed to handle medium-to-large scale control applications where processing speed and robust network connectivity are crucial. It is used extensively in industrial automation systems that demand rapid data exchange and high-fidelity control loop execution.

This processor is found at the heart of complex material handling systems, coordinating thousands of Digital and Analog I/O points to ensure smooth, high-throughput operations in large distribution centers and automated warehouses. In discrete manufacturing, the GE IC693CPU374GP governs assembly lines, executing complex sequential logic with a rapid scan rate that minimizes cycle time and maximizes production efficiency. Its architecture is particularly well-suited for process control applications like batch mixing in pharmaceuticals or fine control of temperature and pressure in HVAC systems for large facilities, where its built-in floating-point math capability allows for the precise, real-time calculation of Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control algorithms.

Crucially, the module’s dual, high-speed Ethernet ports allow it to communicate seamlessly across an entire facility.³ This network capability is essential in applications like factory-wide data collection (SCADA), enabling the CPU to participate in Ethernet Global Data (EGD), providing fast, efficient peer-to-peer data sharing between multiple PLCs. This feature makes the GE IC693CPU374GP ideal for coordinating distributed control systems, ensuring that distant I/O racks and remote controllers act as a unified, cohesive system.

Product Introduction & Positioning

The GE IC693CPU374GP is a single-slot, high-performance Central Processing Unit (CPU) module for the modular and highly reliable GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC platform.As a processor module, it manages the entire operation of the PLC system: it runs the user application program, executes the control logic (Ladder Diagram, C, or SFC), manages all data transactions, and handles communication with external networks and programming devices.⁵ It fits into the CPU slot of any Series 90-30 baseplate, drawing its operational power from the backplane.

Positioned near the top tier of the 90-30 CPU family, the GE IC693CPU374GP represents a significant leap in processing power and connectivity compared to earlier models. It features a modern embedded processor with a high clock speed, affording a much quicker scan time than previous generations.This speed is what makes it valuable for engineers and integrators who are migrating existing 90-30 systems to handle increased I/O demands or implement more sophisticated control strategies. The inherent dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface is its most critical feature, enabling high-bandwidth communication without the need for an additional, separate communications card, saving both slot space and cost.⁷ The GE IC693CPU374GP is therefore the key component for modernizing and networking existing 90-30 installations.

Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The functional performance of the GE IC693CPU374GP is anchored by its powerful 133 MHz processor, which provides a typical Boolean scan rate of approximately 0.15 milliseconds per 1K of logic.This swift execution speed allows the controller to react to changes in the physical process with minimal latency, resulting in tighter, more stable control loops and faster machine cycle times. Furthermore, the module includes dedicated hardware support for floating-point mathematics, which accelerates complex calculations (such as temperature linearization or flow totalization) that are essential in continuous process applications.

From a hardware design standpoint, the GE IC693CPU374GP is a compact, single-slot module that maximizes space efficiency within the control cabinet. It is engineered with robust industrial components and typically features a wide operating temperature range, enhancing its suitability for installation in non-climate-controlled factory environments. Its key connectivity features are the two embedded Ethernet ports (RJ-45), which are auto-negotiating and support 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps speeds, allowing for highly flexible network configuration, including the use of one port for programming and the other for peer-to-peer data exchange or SCADA communication.The system provides up to 240 KB of configurable user memory (RAM and Flash), which is ample space for complex application programs, diagnostics, and data logging.¹³ This robust memory and speed combination guarantees long-term reliability and the capability to handle future system expansion without requiring immediate CPU replacement.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

IC693PWR330 – A high-capacity power supply module (e.g., 30 Watt) required to provide the necessary power to the GE IC693CPU374GP and the I/O modules in the rack.

IC693ALG442-EC – A highly used Analog Combination I/O module whose data is processed and controlled by the GE IC693CPU374GP.

IC693MDL655 – A high-density 32-point DC Input module often deployed in large numbers, all managed by the GE IC693CPU374GP’s extensive I/O capacity.

IC693ACC300 – A standard Series 90-30 baseplate/rack unit (e.g., 5-slot or 10-slot) into which the GE IC693CPU374GP must be installed.

IC693CBL314 – A rack-to-rack expansion cable (e.g., 15 meters) used to connect expansion racks and extend the I/O capacity managed by the single GE IC693CPU374GP.

IC693CPU364 – A slower predecessor CPU that also offered embedded Ethernet capabilities but is typically replaced by the faster GE IC693CPU374GP for performance upgrades.

Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

The single-slot GE IC693CPU374GP must be installed in the CPU slot (Slot 1) of the Main Baseplate. Before installation, confirm the baseplate is paired with a power supply capable of meeting the total system current draw, as the CPU alone requires significant power. The dual Ethernet ports are crucial; best practice dictates dedicating one port for supervisory communications (SCADA, HMI) and the other for Controller-to-Controller (EGD) or programming access, which effectively segments network traffic and improves performance. Always use high-quality, shielded twisted-pair Ethernet cables to preserve data integrity and noise immunity.

For long-term maintenance, ensure that the PLC programming software (e.g., GE’s Proficy Machine Edition) is of a compatible or newer version than the firmware running on the GE IC693CPU374GP to prevent compatibility issues during firmware updates or online edits. Periodically back up the user program and configuration data to a permanent storage medium, as the RAM requires battery backup (provided by the power supply) to retain data during power outages. Check the status LEDs (OK, I/O Enable, Run) regularly; abnormal status or excessive heat generation should trigger immediate diagnostics to protect the core control function.