GE IC693BEM340 FIP Controller for Series 90-30 PLC
The GE Fanuc IC693BEM340 is a FIP (Factory Instrumentation Protocol) controller module designed for the Series 90-30 programmable logic controller platform. This fieldbus interface module enables high-speed, deterministic communication between the PLC master and distributed I/O stations, intelligent devices, or other controllers on a FIP network. The module acts as a bus controller and supports both periodic and aperiodic data exchanges, complying with the FIP (EN 50170) standard for industrial real-time communication.
Network Architecture and Performance
The IC693BEM340 operates as a FIP bus controller within a Series 90-30 backplane, occupying a single slot. It manages communication with up to 31 remote stations on a FIP fieldbus segment at a maximum baud rate of 1 Mbps over twisted-pair or fiber optic media. The module uses a token-passing mechanism and a producer-consumer model, guaranteeing deterministic data transfer with cycle times as low as 10 milliseconds, depending on network load. Each station can exchange up to 32 bytes of input and 32 bytes of output data per periodic exchange.
Diagnostics and Configuration
Front-panel LEDs indicate module status: OK (green for normal operation), COMM (yellow for active communication), and FAULT (red for configuration or bus error). Configuration is performed through GE’s LM90 or VersaPro software, specifying station address (1–31), baud rate, watchdog timeout, and I/O map assignment. The module supports "auto-configuration" from the FIP bus, reducing setup time when replacing units. Diagnostic counters for network errors, retries, and station health are accessible via PLC logic or software tools.
Data Exchange and Peer-to-Peer Messaging
In addition to remote I/O polling, the IC693BEM340 can perform peer-to-peer (messaging) services, allowing one controller to read or write data from another controller’s variable table without intermediate logic. This is particularly useful for coordinating multiple machines or cells. The module buffers 8K bytes of user data for incoming and outgoing messages. Maximum message length is 256 bytes, and the module automatically handles CRC checking, retransmission, and timeouts according to FIP class 1 and class 2 services.
Physical and Environmental Specifications
The module is housed in a rugged plastic case with a height of 5.5 inches (140 mm), depth of 4.5 inches (114 mm), and width of 0.8 inches (20 mm). It draws 320 mA from the 5 VDC backplane supply and 100 mA from the 24 VDC logic supply (if isolated). Operating temperature range: 0 to 60°C, relative humidity 5% to 95% non-condensing. The IC693BEM340 meets CE and UL standards, and it is RoHS compliant. A removable Phoenix-style connector is provided for the FIP bus wiring (shielded twisted pair).
Compatibility and System Integration
The IC693BEM340 is fully compatible with all Series 90-30 CPUs: IC693CPU311, IC693CPU331, IC693CPU350, IC693CPU360, IC693CPU363, IC693CPU364, and IC693CPU374. It can coexist with other communication modules (Ethernet, Profibus, Genius) on the same backplane. The module’s configuration is stored in the CPU’s non-volatile memory, allowing automatic reconfiguration after power loss. Up to two FIP controller modules can be installed per rack, provided the total backplane current does not exceed 4A at 5V.
Advantages for Distributed Control
FIP technology excels in applications requiring synchronization between many intelligent devices, such as printing presses, textile machinery, assembly lines, and test stands. The IC693BEM340 provides a deterministic alternative to conventional serial links and reduces wiring by using a single two-wire bus. It supports hot insertion of remote I/O blocks (GE’s IC670 series) without shutting down the controller. Time-stamping of events and distributed control loops are possible thanks to the shared clock mechanism inherent to FIP.
Installation and Cabling Guidelines
Maximum cable length for the FIP segment is 5000 meters (16,400 feet) using repeaters, or 500 meters per segment without repeaters. The shield must be grounded at one end only to avoid ground loops. Terminating resistors (150 ohms) are required at both physical ends of the bus. The module includes overvoltage protection on the bus driver circuit to withstand ±60 VDC transients. For fiber optic versions, an external media converter can be used (IC693BEM340 supports only copper, but optical repeaters are available separately).
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Common issues include mismatched baud rates, duplicate station addresses, broken cable, or missing terminating resistors. The module stores the last ten network events (bus off, station dropout, checksum error) in its internal memory, readable via software. No routine maintenance is needed besides periodic cleaning of ventilation slots. The module’s firmware is updateable through the CPU using a special utility (FIP Loader). Expected MTBF exceeds 100,000 hours at 40°C ambient.
Order Information and Compliance
Ordering code: IC693BEM340. The module is supplied without connector cable; the FIP bus connector is part number IC693CBL316. Documentation: GE Fanuc GFK-0867 (FIP Controller User's Manual) and GFK-0824 (Series 90-30 PLC Installation Manual). The module carries a CE declaration of conformity for EMC directive 2014/30/EU and low voltage directive 2014/35/EU.
