GE Fanuc IC693CBK001 PLC Backplane Extender Module

The IC693CBK001 is a backplane extender module used within the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 programmable logic controller platform. It allows the connection of multiple racks (baseplates) to expand I/O capacity beyond a single 10-slot rack. The module attaches to the left side of the CPU rack and to a remote rack via a shielded ribbon cable, extending the backplane bus over distances up to 3 meters.

Technical Specifications

• Maximum Racks Supported: Up to 4 racks (one CPU rack + three expansion racks)

• Maximum Distance Between Racks: 3 meters (9.8 feet) using standard cable

• Bus Protocol: Proprietary Series 90-30 backplane (parallel bus)

• Current Consumption: 50 mA from 5 VDC backplane power

• Mounting: Snaps onto DIN rail or screws into baseplate slots

• LED Indicators: Single green OK LED for power and communication status

System Expansion Capabilities

By installing the IC693CBK001 in the CPU rack (slot 0 or 1) and another unit in the expansion rack, the user can add up to 8 additional I/O modules per rack. Total system I/O with four racks reaches 256 digital points or 64 analog channels, depending on the CPU model. The extender supports all Series 90-30 modules: discrete, analog, specialty (motion, high-speed counter), and communication coprocessors.

Compatibility

Works with all Series 90-30 CPUs: IC693CPU311, 313, 323, 331, 341, 350, 351, 352, 360, 363, 364. Also compatible with the IC693PWR321 power supply. The extender requires a dedicated backplane slot; it does not consume I/O addresses. For longer distances, the IC693ACC308 cable (1m, 2m, or 3m lengths) is available separately.

Installation Guidelines

The IC693CBK001 occupies one slot width and must be installed in the leftmost slot of the main rack (adjacent to the CPU) and in the leftmost slot of each expansion rack. The connecting ribbon cable should be routed away from high-voltage wires. Termination resistors are built-in, no external termination needed. The module does not require configuration software; it auto-detects the presence of expansion racks at power-up.

Environmental and Reliability

Operating temperature: 0 to 60°C; storage: -40 to 85°C; humidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing. Vibration: 1g at 10-150Hz; shock: 15g for 11ms. MTBF exceeds 500,000 hours per Telcordia SR-332. The module is RoHS compliant and has UL/cUL and CE certifications.