Introduction
Downtime on a legacy GE Series 90-30 line can cost thousands per hour. The IC693CPU313 from GE Fanuc solves that problem as a 5-slot baseplate with an embedded Turbo CPU. It combines the backplane and controller in one unit, so you replace a single part instead of two. That design cuts spare-parts inventory costs and simplifies field swaps.
This unit carries a discontinued/obsolete lifecycle status. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with SpareTechPLC before ordering.
Technical Specifications Breakdown
Every spec on this baseplate affects your cost per scan and cost per spare.
Power Draw and Backplane Load
The module draws 410 mA at +5VDC. That low current load lets you keep the existing power supply in most Series 90-30 racks. You avoid the cost of a higher-rated supply and the labor to install it.
Processor and Scan Rate
The 80188 processor runs at 10 MHz. Typical scan rate is 0.6 ms per 1K of Boolean logic. Fast scans mean tighter control on high-speed discrete lines, which reduces scrap and rework costs.
Memory and I/O Capacity
User memory is 12 Kbytes. The baseplate supports up to 160 discrete input points and 320 discrete output points combined, plus 64 words of analog input and 32 words of analog output. That capacity covers many mid-size legacy applications without adding expansion hardware.
Slots and Ports
Five I/O slots and one power supply slot come standard. One built-in serial port supports SNP slave and SNP-X slave protocols. No expansion baseplate slot exists, so plan your I/O count before you buy.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Why Repair Beats Replace
Replacing an entire Series 90-30 PLC platform often costs five figures. Swapping in a IC693CPU313 costs a fraction of that figure. The embedded CPU removes one failure point and one spare part from your storeroom. At 410 mA and +5VDC, it also keeps energy and power-supply costs flat.
If your line runs 24/7, a single hour of downtime can exceed the price of this baseplate. Keeping one on the shelf is cheap insurance.
Industry Applications
Discrete Manufacturing
High-speed assembly and packaging lines rely on fast scan rates. The 0.6 ms scan rate keeps solenoids and actuators in sync, which lowers reject rates and material waste.
Process Skids
Water treatment and chemical skids use analog loops. With 64 words of analog input and 32 words of analog output, this baseplate handles flow, pressure, and level signals without extra modules.
Legacy Line Support
Plants running older Series 90-30 systems use this baseplate to extend line life. That avoids a full migration budget for another year or two.
Installation and Setup
Mount the baseplate in a standard Series 90-30 rack. Insert the power supply into the leftmost unnumbered slot. Place I/O modules in the five numbered slots. Connect the serial port using the connector on the PLC power supply. Confirm the +5VDC bus voltage and 410 mA current load match your supply before power-up. Follow the manufacturer’s safety manual for all work.
Maintenance and Reliability
Inspect the unit periodically for loose connections and dust buildup. The RAM relies on a battery in the power supply, plus a super capacitor inside the baseplate. Replace the battery on a schedule to protect program memory. EPROM and EEPROM options give you non-volatile storage that needs no energy to keep data. These steps protect your investment and avoid surprise downtime costs.
Compatibility and Integration
This baseplate works with GE Series 90-30 option modules, expansion baseplates, and remote baseplates. It is not compatible with CCM and PCM devices. The serial port supports SNP slave and SNP-X slave protocols. It also supports shift register, timer, and counter instructions. Check your existing network before you commit.
Selection Guide
Before buying, confirm your I/O count fits five slots. Verify your power supply meets the +5VDC and 410 mA load. Check that your application does not need CCM or PCM support. Confirm whether you need 6 Kbytes or 12 Kbytes of user memory based on your release level. SpareTechPLC supplies tested legacy GE Fanuc parts and can help you match the right unit.
FAQs
Is the IC693CPU313 still in production?
No. GE lists this model as discontinued/obsolete. Contact SpareTechPLC to check current stock and replacement options.
How much memory does this baseplate offer?
It provides 12 Kbytes of user memory. Units built before Release 7 offer 6 Kbytes.
Can I expand this baseplate with more I/O?
No. It has no expansion baseplate slot. Plan your I/O needs around the five available slots.
What protocols does the serial port support?
The single serial port supports SNP slave and SNP-X slave protocols.
What is the typical scan rate?
The typical scan rate is 0.6 ms per 1K of Boolean logic.
