GE IC693CHS393 10-Slot Remote Expansion Baseplate

Description

In large-scale industrial automation and process control systems, distributing I/O across expansive plant floors or multi-zone facilities often strains standard expansion limits, leading to higher cabling costs, signal degradation over distance, or forced centralization that complicates maintenance and scalability. Local expansion baseplates cap at short runs, while true distributed architectures demand longer reaches without sacrificing deterministic performance or module compatibility. The GE IC693CHS393 solves this as a robust 10-slot remote expansion baseplate, enabling Series 90-30 PLCs to extend I/O up to 700 feet from the CPU rack while maintaining high reliability for signals in demanding environments.

Engineers select the GE IC693CHS393 when building distributed control setups, such as placing I/O near field devices to minimize wiring runs or isolating zones for fault containment in process control applications. It supports the same broad range of I/O and most option modules as local racks, but with isolation to handle ground potential differences common in remote drops. Typical needs arise in upgrades of legacy 90-30 systems, modular expansions requiring system stability, or harsh industrial automation scenarios where cable length directly impacts installation flexibility and long-term uptime. By allowing daisy-chained or branched configurations with shielded cables, the GE IC693CHS393 ensures consistent data exchange, reducing engineering overhead for protocol converters or additional networks while prioritizing modular integration and signal integrity.

The GE IC693CHS393 integrates into Series 90-30 systems as a non-CPU remote baseplate, connecting via a 25-pin D-type expansion port to the main CPU rack or intermediate drops using custom or pre-terminated cables. It requires a dedicated power supply in its leftmost slot and assigns a unique rack number via onboard DIP switches for addressing in the controller logic.

In the automation stack, the GE IC693CHS393 positions at the distributed I/O layer, extending the parallel backplane bus over serial expansion cables for protocol-based remote access. This allows placement far from the CPU—up to 700 feet total across all drops—while supporting most standard modules in its 10 slots. It includes built-in isolation between logic and interface circuits to mitigate noise or ground loops over long runs.

Configuration occurs through Proficy Machine Edition, mapping remote I/O references seamlessly into the main program. Diagnostics rely on module LEDs and CPU fault tables, with no support for certain intelligent options like PCM or CMM that must reside in the CPU rack. When chaining multiple remotes, proper termination and Wye cables maintain signal quality. This setup fits legacy migrations or scaled process control architectures, complementing local racks for hybrid distributed systems.

Selecting the GE IC693CHS393 provides a baseplate engineered for reliable distributed operation, where extended cable runs preserve signal fidelity and system responsiveness over years in industrial settings. Its isolation design ensures long-term performance despite varying ground potentials, minimizing intermittent faults that plague non-isolated expansions.

In use, the generous slot count and module compatibility support dense remote I/O without compromising scan times, delivering performance consistency that aids compliance with uptime requirements. Maintenance efficiency rises through straightforward rack numbering and visible connection points, cutting engineering overhead during additions or troubleshooting compared to centralized alternatives.

The GE IC693CHS393 ultimately reduces total installation costs in spread-out facilities, offering modular flexibility that extends the life of 90-30 investments while ensuring high reliability for distributed signals.

The GE IC693CHS393 is commonly used in water/wastewater plants distributing I/O across treatment stages, handling long runs in damp, corrosive conditions for critical system uptime and easy zone isolation.

In manufacturing facilities like food processing or assembly lines, it places I/O near machinery clusters, supporting continuous operation amid vibration and EMI for fast diagnostics. Power generation or oil/gas sites deploy it for remote monitoring drops in process control environments requiring extended reach without additional networks.

These applications leverage the GE IC693CHS393‘s capabilities in harsh conditions typical of power plants or large-scale industrial setups.

IC693CHS399 – 5-slot remote baseplate for smaller distributed drops

IC693CHS392 – 10-slot local expansion baseplate for short-run additions (50 ft max)

IC693CHS398 – 5-slot local expansion baseplate alternative

IC693CHS391 – 10-slot CPU/main baseplate for central racks

IC693CHS397 – 5-slot CPU/main baseplate for compact systems

IC693CHS391 – Standard modular CPU baseplate often paired as primary

IC694CHS392 – RX3i-series 10-slot expansion for migration paths

Before mounting the GE IC693CHS393, confirm total cable length across all remote drops stays under 700 feet and select a compatible power supply based on module load calculations. Set the unique rack number via DIP switches to avoid addressing conflicts, and plan shielded custom or Wye cables with proper pinning for daisy-chaining.

Install in a protective enclosure, secure to panel, insert power supply first, then modules, ensuring firm seating. For maintenance, visually check expansion connectors for cleanliness and security in dusty areas, verify DIP settings if racks are reconfigured, and monitor CPU tables for any bus errors.

Periodic cable continuity tests during outages help catch wear early, especially in vibrating installations. Hot-swapping modules is supported with rack powered, but de-energize for cable changes to prevent signal issues.