GE IC693350-EK Series 90‑30 central processing unit (CPU) module

Description

GE IC693350-EK is used wherever a Series 90‑30 rack needs a reliable “brain” to run coordinated machine or process control. It typically appears in legacy and brownfield systems in manufacturing, utilities, water treatment, and material handling where plants still depend on GE Fanuc 90‑30 hardware but expect 24/7 uptime. As a CPU‑class module, GE IC693350-EK executes the PLC logic that sequences conveyors, batching systems, packaging lines, compressors, and pump stations, while managing communication with operator interfaces and higher‑level SCADA or DCS systems. In these environments, engineers value deterministic scan behavior, predictable I/O updates, and proven robustness under electrical noise and temperature variations.​

The GE IC693350-EK is also applicable in control systems that must coordinate discrete I/O, analog control, and communication to drives and smart instruments in a single rack. It supervises Series 90‑30 I/O modules for digital sensing, analog measurement, and analog output, and often connects via fieldbus or Ethernet to remote I/O or third‑party devices. This makes it suitable for applications such as distributed pumping stations, small process skids, and machine cells where local autonomy is required but integration with a plant‑wide control network is equally important. For operators, the module helps preserve existing application code and wiring while still allowing incremental upgrades to HMIs, communications, or remote I/O, which is a common requirement in phased modernization projects.​

Product introduction and positioning

The GE IC693350-EK is a CPU module for the GE Fanuc (now Emerson) Series 90‑30 programmable logic controller family. It installs as a single‑slot processor in a 90‑30 baseplate, where it manages the execution of user programs, handles communication, and oversees the operation of local and remote I/O modules. As the central controller, it processes ladder logic, function block, or structured programming elements, then updates outputs and reads inputs every scan. This places the GE IC693350-EK at the core of any 90‑30‑based control system, from single‑machine panels to small plant subsystems.​

Within the architecture of a control system, the GE IC693350-EK sits between field devices and plant‑wide supervisory networks. Downwards, it interfaces with discrete and analog I/O modules that connect to sensors, switches, transmitters, and final control elements. Upwards, it often links to HMIs, SCADA workstations, or DCS gateways using communication modules or integrated ports. Engineers appreciate that it fits naturally into established 90‑30 racks, meaning existing baseplates, power supplies, and many I/O cards can be reused. This makes the GE IC693350-EK a solid choice for life‑extension of installed equipment, as well as for OEM machines that standardize on Series 90‑30 for longevity and global serviceability​

Key technical features and functional benefits

The GE IC693350-EK offers a balance of processing performance and memory suitable for a broad range of small to mid‑size control tasks. As a CPU‑class module in the Series 90‑30 family, it supports user program storage, data memory, and system diagnostics adequate for typical machine automation, packaging, and light process applications. This allows developers to implement interlocking, sequencing, analog control, and simple closed‑loop functions without exhausting resources. Deterministic scan execution ensures that input sampling and output updates are predictable, which is vital for systems that rely on consistent timing​

In terms of hardware design, GE IC693350-EK is built as a single‑slot controller that plugs directly into the 90‑30 baseplate backplane, minimizing rack space. This compact form factor leaves additional slots free for I/O and communication modules, which is particularly advantageous in crowded panels or retrofit racks. Status indicators on the front panel provide at‑a‑glance insight into CPU health, run/stop state, and fault conditions, so technicians can quickly isolate controller‑level issues without opening the entire panel. The module’s construction is intended for the industrial environment, where vibration, electrical noise, and temperature swings are common.

Compatibility is a core benefit of GE IC693350-EK. It works with standard Series 90‑30 power supplies, I/O modules, and communication cards, allowing designers to mix legacy and newer devices as needed. This interoperability is especially useful when a plant must replace an aging CPU while retaining most of its existing modules and wiring. The controller is configured and programmed through established GE/Emerson software tools, meaning engineering teams do not need to retrain or adopt new environments. For remote connectivity and integration, it can be combined with communications modules that support common industrial networks, making it easier to tie older equipment into modern supervisory systems.​

From a long‑term reliability viewpoint, GE IC693350-EK benefits from the proven design heritage of the Series 90‑30 platform. These controllers are known for long service life in demanding duty, provided they are operated within their environmental specifications and housed in properly ventilated enclosures. Built‑in diagnostics help detect program errors, I/O faults, and communication issues early, supporting preventive maintenance practices. This stable and predictable behavior over years of operation is one of the reasons many plants continue to support and rely on Series 90‑30 hardware in critical applications.

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Detailed technical specifications

Values are representative of the IC693350 family; exact memory sizes and performance parameters should be verified against the specific GE IC693350-EK datasheet before final design.​

Related modules or compatible units

IC693CPU350 – CPU variant in the same performance class as GE IC693350-EK, often referenced for detailed specifications and migration planning.​

IC693PWR321 – Power supply module that provides the backplane power required for GE IC693350-EK and associated I/O modules.

IC693ALG221 – Analog input module commonly used with GE IC693350-EK to acquire process signals for the controller’s logic.

IC693ALG222 – Analog output module that allows GE IC693350-EK to generate control setpoints for drives, valves, and instruments.

IC693MDL645 – Discrete output module providing on/off control in systems where GE IC693350-EK is the main processor.

IC693CMM321 – Communication module that extends networking capabilities of a 90‑30 rack controlled by GE IC693350-EK, enabling integration with SCADA or DCS.

IC695CPU3x0 series – Newer PACSystems RX3i CPUs considered in modernization projects as successors to systems originally built around GE IC693350-EK.

Installation notes and maintenance best practices

When installing GE IC693350-EK, engineers should first verify the baseplate slot assignment and ensure that the rack power supply can support the total CPU and I/O load. Adequate ventilation and cabinet space around the Series 90‑30 rack are important to keep the controller within its specified temperature range, particularly in crowded panels or warm equipment rooms. Proper grounding and bonding of the control panel help minimize electrical noise that could affect communications and I/O operation. After mounting the module in its slot, addressing and configuration should be checked in the programming software so that the CPU, I/O modules, and communication interfaces are recognized correctly. Backups of the application program and configuration should be stored securely before and after commissioning.

For maintenance, GE IC693350-EK should be included in regular control‑panel inspections. Technicians should confirm that the module is firmly seated, that no signs of overheating or contamination are present, and that adjacent wiring is strain‑relieved and free from mechanical stress. Periodic checks of CPU diagnostics and fault logs help reveal intermittent issues related to I/O modules, communication cards, or power quality. It is also good practice to maintain clear documentation of the CPU firmware revision, configuration, and loaded application, so that any replacement GE IC693350-EK can be commissioned rapidly if a failure occurs. Keeping spare units in controlled storage and periodically testing them in a non‑production rack further improves readiness and minimizes downtime during critical repairs.