GE IC693DNM200NET DeviceNet Master module

Description

The GE IC693DNM200NET is indispensable in manufacturing and process automation environments where integrating diverse devices and distributed field systems over DeviceNet is a necessity. Automotive assembly, electronic board fabrication, food and beverage bottling, and large conveyor installations all leverage this module to simplify connectivity between their GE Series 90-30 PLC and a wide range of third-party sensors, actuators, drives, and barcode devices. The module supports high-density I/O designs in factories, enabling robust, real-time machine-to-machine communication and centralized process control via an open, industry-standard network.​

Real-world use spans advanced motion control (linking smart drives from multiple brands), integrating safety and diagnostics for robotics work cells, blending upstream and downstream equipment in breweries or bottling plants, and connecting distributed valve islands, remote I/O blocks, and HMI terminals. In these applications, the GE IC693DNM200NET offers engineers and plant electricians a unified interface for programming, monitoring, and maintaining all DeviceNet-attached equipment, significantly reducing cabling complexity and improving maintainability.

The GE IC693DNM200NET is a DeviceNet Master module for the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 platform. Designed as a high-performance gateway, it allows a Series 90-30 PLC CPU to act as a master/controller on a DeviceNet fieldbus. It provides point-to-multipoint access to up to 63 DeviceNet slave nodes, handling data acquisition, command delivery, and explicit messaging in both real-time I/O and system configuration scenarios. The module fits any main rack slot (except 0 and 1) in a Series 90-30 chassis and can also be used in GE PACSystems RX3i as a plug-in compatibility bridge. Its role in the architecture is to abstract network protocol details from the application logic, so engineers can design scalable, responsive control solutions without custom serial code or external protocol converters.​

For integrators, the GE IC693DNM200NET is a go-to DeviceNet solution because it supports all standard baud rates—125, 250, and 500 kbps—granting flexibility for both legacy networks and high-speed data exchange. Its programmable scan and update rates, explicit messaging (using COMMREQs), and ability to operate as a master and optionally as a slave grant it unmatched deployment versatility for projects modernizing brownfield sites or expanding smart factories. With large input/output capabilities per slave and full support for cyclic, poll, strobe, and change-of-state communication, engineers are free to architect DeviceNet networks to suit detailed process requirements.​

Key strengths of the GE IC693DNM200NET are evident in both functional and reliability domains. Its hardware handles up to 3,972 bytes of aggregated I/O transfer per master, more than enough for extensive device clusters on a single network. Powerful status and diagnostic features—reporting communication loss, channel activity, and explicit CAN-level diagnostics—simplify network management and troubleshooting, even in large factories where downtime costs are steep. The module’s firmware is field-upgradable via its front port, supporting rapid response to evolving device standards and enhanced support needs without hardware swap-outs.​

On the design front, the module’s in-rack mounting demands no auxiliary network boxes or DIN-rail adaptors, and its ruggedness (IP20/NEMA Type 1) matches industrial control standards. Optical isolation between fieldbus and control side reduces risks from ground loops or electrical surges. High noise immunity ensures reliable operation amid the electromagnetic interference typical of large plant floors. For long-term reliability, the device is equipped with configurable fault response options—engineers can dictate fail-safe behaviors on network loss, and the PLC maintains a detailed fault table for proactive maintenance.​

Compatibility extends beyond just Series 90-30 PLCs: it can be used in RX3i (main rack), interacting with any standard DeviceNet I/O blocks, networked VFDs, sensors, or distributed control units—so system upgrades or phased expansions need not replace existing field assets. Power and environmental specs ensure stable, persistent communication in demanding plant climates.​

IC693CPU331 – System CPU, orchestrates PLC control logic and issues DeviceNet data requests.
IC693CHS393 – Main rack, platform for DNM200 and I/O modules.
IC693ALG221C – Analog input, often employed as DeviceNet slave for data acquisition.
IC693MDL730 – Digital output, can be mapped as DeviceNet target or driver.
IC693ACC300 – Shielded cabling kit for DeviceNet reliability.
IC660BBA020 – Remote block, DeviceNet field I/O for expansion.
IC694DNM200 – Next-generation DeviceNet master for PACSystems RX3i, enabling direct upgrades.
HE693DNT250 – Legacy DeviceNet master, replaced by DNM200 with expanded features.​

During installation, verify that the GE IC693DNM200NET is placed in a supported rack slot (not slot 0 or 1; not remote racks) and that adequate power is available for all primary and secondary DeviceNet devices. Use only manufacturer-recommended shielded cabling and confirm solid connections at trunk and drop wiring. Set up ground paths to maximize isolation between network and control sides, and use optical isolation as intended. Programming configuration is done via software—set network addresses, select scan rates, and assign network device status bits. For best performance, map fault and event notifications to PLC memory for HMI and alarm integration.​

Maintenance is primarily software-driven: periodically review network performance stats in the PLC, check CAN bus diagnostics, and run firmware updates before planned outages. Hardware checks should focus on connector tightness and visual cable inspection, especially in high-motion or vibration zones. Annual review of scan rates and data traffic levels will help preempt bottleneck issues as plant I/O density grows.