GE IC693PCM301 Programmable Coprocessor Module

Description

In control rooms overseeing bottling lines or HVAC systems in high-rise complexes, where operators juggle data streams from barcode scanners, scales, and custom instruments, the GE IC693PCM301 unlocks custom intelligence without bloating the main PLC. Technicians in wastewater facilities link it to RTU masters for polling remote meters amid fluctuating loads, offloading complex ASCII handshakes that would otherwise tie up the CPU. Imagine a warehouse sorter: printers spit labels while handheld readers feed inventory tallies directly into custom routines, all processed independently to keep the core ladder logic snappy. Or in textile dyeing, where scales weigh dyes precisely and CRTs display trends— this module crunches those interactions locally, shielding the system from serial bottlenecks or protocol mismatches. Tailored for industrial automation’s data-hungry edges, the GE IC693PCM301 tackles integration headaches in control systems, from legacy device bridging to standalone math on sensor feeds. It frees engineers from rigid I/O constraints, enabling bespoke tasks like file transfers or terminal emulation in SCADA-heavy plants. Deployed widely in manufacturing, utilities, and logistics, it bolsters reliability by isolating non-critical comms, ensuring one chatty printer doesn’t freeze a whole sequence. Far beyond basic modules, the GE IC693PCM301 empowers upgrades where standard ports fall short, delivering the flexibility integrators demand for evolving floor demands.​

Product Role

The GE IC693PCM301 functions as a programmable coprocessor module for GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLCs, acting as an embedded microcomputer that runs independent tasks alongside the main CPU. It slips into any main rack slot except the CPU’s slot 1, sharing the backplane while drawing 425mA at 5VDC to handle serial-heavy workloads. Programmers load MegaBasic, C, or protocol scripts via serial ports supporting Modbus RTU and GE CCM, configuring it for one or dual CCM operations, pure MegaBasic apps, or hybrid modes. This architecture lets it interface with printers, barcode readers, or RTUs without taxing PLC scan times, integrating smoothly with CPUs like the 350 series in modular setups. Integrators prize its dual-port flexibility—split via IC693CBL305 wye cables—for peer-to-peer talks or HMI links, all while RUN/PROGRAM modes toggle via front pushbutton. Positioned as a powerhouse extender, the GE IC693PCM301 scales 90-30 systems for custom logic, from data logging to device orchestration, without needing separate PCs or gateways.​

Core Strengths

Developers lean on the GE IC693PCM301 for its 192KB battery-backed RAM—47KB dedicated to MegaBasic—ensuring programs survive power dips via included lithium cell, with EPROM fallback for critical apps. Dual serial ports churn through RS-232 at configurable baud rates, managing ASCII streams or Modbus queries with minimal latency, while three LEDs blink statuses: one for module health, two for port traffic user-set to match app needs.​

Rugged for panel life, it endures 0-60°C swings in vibration-prone racks, with compact dimensions packing processing punch into tight footprints alongside I/O cards. Runtime multitasking handles locked tasks via dumps, and SNP protocol peers with handhelds for tweaks, boosting uptime in remote setups.​

Reliability shines in diagnostics: CPU polls PCM faults over backplane, and restart button clears glitches fast. In full systems, the GE IC693PCM301 offloads comms from high-speed counters or analogs, fortifying against serial storms in noisy plants while enabling VME logging in paired configs.​

Specifications

Compatible Modules

IC693MAR590 – Mixed I/O for field signals feeding PCM-processed data.
IC693MDL660 – High-density inputs pairing with coprocessor for sensor polling.
IC693CPU350 – Host CPU in Series 90-30 racks running alongside GE IC693PCM301.
IC693ALG220 – Analog handler complementing serial custom tasks.
IC693ACC300 – Power supply ensuring stable 5V for GE IC693PCM301 draw.
IC693MDL240 – AC inputs for hybrid digital/serial control loops.
IC695ETM001 – Ethernet upgrade bridging legacy PCM functions.​

Installation Essentials

Seat the GE IC693PCM301 away from slot 1 in dust-free racks with 5-inch wiring space, connecting the lithium battery first to preserve RAM—leave it installed unless storing long-term. Split the front connector with IC690CBL701/705 RS-232 cables for programmers, grounding shields single-end to curb noise, and verify baud parity matches peripherals before going live. Avoid expansion/remote racks, as backplane access limits apply; torque levers evenly to prevent cold joints​

Keep it sharp with bi-annual battery checks via voltage test—under 2.9V triggers swap with IC693ACC301 pack—and monitor LEDs for port stalls during peak loads. Use TERM software rev 1.00+ for PC file transfers, logging task dumps if apps hang, and cycle PROGRAM mode for firmware aligns with CPU. Field techs confirm serial loops post-powerup to nix cabling gremlins.