GE IC693DNM200

Product Description

The GE IC693DNM200 is a Dual Port Network Interface Module for the legacy GE Series 90-30 PLC system. This module served as a crucial communications gateway, providing the Series 90-30 CPU with connectivity to both a proprietary Genius bus network and a standard Ethernet (TCP/IP) network. The primary function of the GE IC693DNM200 was to act as a protocol translator and physical interface, enabling the PLC to communicate with distributed Genius I/O blocks for deterministic control while simultaneously connecting to supervisory systems (HMIs, SCADA, programming workstations) over an Ethernet LAN. Its dual-port design offered a bridge between the real-time device-level network and the plant-wide information network, making it a key component for integrating 90-30 systems into modern networked architectures during its era. The reliability of the IC693DNM200 was essential for maintaining data flow in hybrid control systems.

Product Parameters

• Manufacturer/Brand: GE (General Electric), now part of Emerson
• Product Series: Series 90-30 PLC
• Module Type: Dual Port Network Interface Module (Genius & Ethernet)
• Port 1 – Genius Interface:
  • Protocol: GE Genius Bus (Deterministic, peer-to-peer)
  • Function: Bus Controller for communicating with up to 32 Genius I/O blocks.
  • Connector: Dedicated Genius bus connector (typically a 10-pin).
• Port 2 – Ethernet Interface:
  • Protocol: 10BASE-T Ethernet (10 Mbps), supporting TCP/IP and UDP.
  • Protocols Supported: SRTP (Serial Real-Time Protocol for programming/HMI), Modbus TCP (optional/configurable).
  • Connector: RJ-45 connector.
• Configuration: Configured via the PLC programming software (Proficy Machine Edition, Logicmaster) for both Genius bus parameters (I/O configuration) and Ethernet settings (IP address).
• Status Indicators: Separate LEDs for Genius bus status (OK, Fault) and Ethernet link/activity.
• Mounting: Plugs into a slot in the Series 90-30 PLC rack.

Advantages and Features

• Dual-Network Integration: The main advantage of the GE IC693DNM200 was its ability to consolidate two critical network functions into a single module slot. This simplified hardware design, reduced cost, and provided a clear path for integrating Genius I/O with Ethernet-based supervision.
• Deterministic I/O Control via Genius: Provided reliable, high-speed control of distributed Genius I/O blocks, which was a strength of the 90-30 platform for machine and process control.
• Open Ethernet Connectivity: Enabled the PLC to communicate with standard IT equipment for programming, data collection, and HMI interfaces using common Ethernet protocols.
• Simplified Architecture: Eliminated the need for a separate Genius bus controller module and an Ethernet module, saving rack space and reducing inter-module communication overhead.
• Proven Reliability: As part of the widely adopted Series 90-30 family, this module has a long history of dependable operation in industrial environments.

Application Cases in Key Fields

• Manufacturing Cell Control: Used in an automotive welding cell where the IC693DNM200 communicated with distributed Genius I/O blocks controlling weld guns and clamps, while its Ethernet port fed production data to a plant-wide MES system.
• Water Treatment Plant: In a pump control building, the module managed Genius I/O for local motor starters and sensors, while the Ethernet port allowed a central SCADA workstation in a control room to monitor and control the entire site.
• Material Handling Systems: Controlled a network of Genius I/O on conveyor sections and sorters, with the Ethernet port used for receiving orders from a warehouse management system and reporting status.
• Legacy System Modernization: Served as an upgrade path for older 90-30 systems, adding Ethernet capability without replacing existing Genius I/O infrastructure.

Comparisons with Competing Products

• Vs. Separate Modules (IC693BEM331 + IC693CMM321): Before the DNM200, users would need a Genius bus controller and a separate serial-to-Ethernet module. The IC693DNM200 combined these, offering a more integrated and space-efficient solution.
• Vs. Siemens CP 343-1 Lean for S7-300: The Siemens module provides Ethernet connectivity for the S7-300, but not a direct equivalent to the integrated Genius bus. For Siemens systems, PROFIBUS DP would be the comparable distributed I/O network, requiring a different CPU or communication processor.
• Vs. Allen-Bradley 1747-SN Series 90-30 Interface: This A-B module allowed a SLC 500 to act as a Genius bus controller. The IC693DNM200 was the native GE solution, offering tighter integration and dual networking within the 90-30 rack itself.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

• Selection Suggestions:
  1. Legacy System Support: This module should only be selected for maintaining, repairing, or sparing an existing GE Series 90-30 system that utilizes Genius I/O and requires Ethernet connectivity.
  2. Network Planning: Ensure your application fits the architecture: local control via Genius I/O, with Ethernet for supervision/programming. It is not for high-speed peer-to-peer PLC messaging over Ethernet.
  3. Verify CPU Compatibility: Confirm compatibility with your specific Series 90-30 CPU model (e.g., IC693CPU350, IC693CPU374).
• Precautions:
  1. Obsolete Technology: The Series 90-30 and Genius bus are legacy technologies. For new projects, modern platforms (like Emerson’s PACSystems or other vendors) should be used.
  2. IP Address Configuration: The Ethernet port requires a static IP address to be configured via the PLC software. Ensure this address is unique on your network to avoid conflicts.
  3. Genius Bus Termination: The Genius bus network must be properly terminated at both ends with terminating resistors. Incorrect termination is a common source of communication faults.
  4. Firmware and Software Compatibility: Ensure the IC693DNM200 module’s firmware is compatible with the version of Proficy Machine Edition or Logicmaster 90 being used. An incompatible firmware may require an update before use.