Series 90-30 Selection Guide
The Series 90-30 PLCs from GE Fanuc are a collection of controllers, input/output systems, and specialty modules. This family meets the demand for extremely flexible industrial automation. Automation integration is made simple by the diversity and flexibility of input/output and specialty modules.
The Series 90-30 PLCs, with their novel architecture and modular design, provide a low-cost solution to a surprisingly wide variety of PLC applications, from simple relay replacement to complicated industrial processes and discrete automation.
This family offers 14 robust processors, 100+ distinct I/O module types, intelligent modules, high-level communications solutions, and bus interfaces.
This article will discuss the Series 90-30 series of products in detail. That will help you choose the best CPU and other modules per your system requirements.
Series 90-30 CPUs
The CPU is the main part of any PLC system. The Series 90-30 product line offers 14 CPU models with different features. It allows you to choose the best processing unit according to your system design. These CPU models are categorized into the following categories.
Embedded CPUs
These CPUs are soldered to the baseplate backplane. This family offers three embedded CPUs models: CPU311, CPU313, and CPU323.
The basic features of these CPUs include:
- They are irreplaceable as they are soldered to the baseplate's backplane board.
- These CPUs do not permit the usage of Expansion or Remote racks. This implies that if your application needs more than ten modules, you must choose a modular CPU.
- All slots on the baseplates are useable for input/output or option modules.
- In these CPUs, power supply modules also contain the memory backup battery. Unplugging the power supply will also disconnect the battery from the memory circuits on the backplane circuit board. However, the supercapacitor in the backplane circuit may retain adequate power to keep the memory circuits operational for a limited amount of time.
- They don't contain a TOD (time-of-day) clock.
Modular CPUs
The processor, storage unit, and other integrated circuit chips are soldered onto the circuit board in modular CPUs. This board is installed in a plug-in module. This family includes the CPU331 and above models. The CPU350-370 are high-performance CPUs that offer additional features, fast processing speed, and increased memory.
The basic features of these CPUs include:
- Only a CPU module or a specific optional module can be inserted in slot 1 of the baseplate in these CPUs.
- These CPUs support expansion and remote baseplates.
- This CPU can be easily swapped or upgraded to a new type.
- Only one CPU is permitted in any system.
- They offer a TOD (time-of-day) clock.
- CPU350-370 supports floating-point math. These CPUs come with flash memory, key switch, and sequential event recorder.
General Features of CPUs
Some of the general features of embedded and modular CPUs models are discussed in this section.
Microprocessor
The CPU model determines the microprocessor type as shown below.
- Microprocessor: 80188
- CPU Model: CPU311, CPU313, CPU323, CPU331
- Microprocessor: 80C188XL
- CPU Model: CPU340, CPU341
- Microprocessor: 80386EX
- CPU Model: CPU350-364
- Microprocessor: 586
- CPU Model: CPU374
Built-in Serial Ports and Communications
All Series 90-30 CPUs, except for the CPU374, have one built-in serial port that is RS-485 compatible. Series 90 slave protocols, such as SNP and SNP-X, are supported by this port. This serial port in CPUs 331-364 can also support the PCM module for RTU master and CMM module for SNP master protocol, SNPX master protocol, CCM protocol, or RTU slave protocol.
CPU351, CPU352, and CPU363 come with two additional serial ports. The top port (port 1) has a 6-pin RJ-11 female connector that supports the RS-232 protocol, and the bottom port (port 2) is RS-485 compatible.
These additional serial port connectors are located on the front of the CPU. These serial ports improve the system performance by avoiding the CPU connection with serial ports through the PLC backplane. These CPUs allow you to create custom serial output. These ports can support SNP /SNP-X master and slave protocols. These also support the RTU slave protocol and the serial feature.
Memory
All CPUs from this series support CMOS RAM as working memory. CMOS RAM is a low-power, fast memory that is easily readable and writeable. In a modular CPU, a RAM chip is installed within the CPU module. In an embedded CPU, the backplane board has the RAM chip.
These CPUs support three types of PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) devices, including EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory to store user data and CPU firmware.
- CPU Model: CPU311, CPU313, CPU323, CPU331
- Memory Storage: RAM and optional EEPROM or EEPROM
- CPU Model: CPU340
- Memory Storage: RAM and optional Flash
- CPU Model: CPU 341
- Memory Storage: RAM and optional EEPROM or EEPROM; RAM and optional Flash
- CPU Model: CPU350, CPU351, CPU352, CPU360, CPU363, CPU364, CPU374
- Memory Storage: RAM and Flash
Some general features of Series 90-30 CPUs include the speed (MHz), the number of input/output (I/O) points, the option of a battery-backed clock, the maximum user Logic memory, and much more.
Electrical Specifications
The electrical specifications of all CPU models include:
- CPU Model CPU311 has an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 410 milliamperes.
- CPU Models CPU313 and CPU323 have an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 430 milliamperes.
- CPU Model CPU331 has an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 350 milliamperes.
- CPU Models CPU340 and CPU341 have an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 490 milliamperes.
- CPU Models CPU311 and CPU360 have an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 670 milliamperes.
- CPU Models CPU351, CPU352, and CPU363 have an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 890 milliamperes.
- CPU Model CPU364 has an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 1.51 amperes.
- CPU Model CPU374 has an operating voltage rated at +5 volts DC and an operating current rated at 7.4 Watts.
Communication Options
The Series 90-30 product line supports several communication protocols, including Ethernet, Series 90 Protocol (SNP), CCM, Genius, and RTU.
Baseplates
The baseplate holds most of the components. The PLC system is built around these baseplates. Every PLC system includes at least one baseplate, which commonly houses the CPU. Depending on the number of modules they can carry, these baseplates are categorized as either 5-slot baseplates or 10-slot baseplates.
- CPU Model: CPU311 and CPU313
- Baseplate Description: 5-slotbaseplate with an embedded CPU
- CPU Model: CPU323
- Baseplate Description: 10-slot baseplate with an embedded CPU
- CPU Model: CPU331, CPU340, and CPU341
- Baseplate Description: 5 baseplates per system -> 1 CPU baseplate and 4 expansion plus remote baseplates
- CPU Model: CPU350, CPU351, CPU352, CPU360, CPU363, CPU364, and CPU374
- Baseplate Description: 8 baseplates per system -> 1 CPU baseplate and 7 expansion plus remote baseplates
Power Supplies
Each base plate requires its power source. The power supply is always installed in the left-most slot on a baseplate. A range of power supply types is available to fulfill the power needs of the series 90-30 PLC system. Power supplies that are compatible with Series 90-30 products include an AC/DC input power supply and a DC input-only power supply. These power supplies are equipped with LED (light-emitting diode) indicators. The purpose of these LED indicators is listed below.
- LED Label: PWR
- Description: Top green LED
- Purpose: Indicates the operating state of the power supply. When ON, there is a correct source of power to the power supply. When OFF, power is not being applied and there could be a power supply fault.
- LED Label: OK
- Description: Green LED
- Purpose: Indicates whether the PLC is operating properly or not. When ON, the PLC is working properly. When OFF, there has been a problem detected by the PLC.
- LED Label: RUN
- Description: Green LED
- Purpose: When ON, the PLC is in run mode
- LED Label: BATT
- Description: Bottom Red LED
- Purpose: When ONm the memory backup battery voltage is insufficient to keep the memory alive in the event of a power outage.
Input/Output Modules
The Series 90-30 product line offers the following input/output modules and specialty modules.
Discrete Input Modules
The Series 90-30 line of products offer discrete input modules that translate the user devices' AC/DC power levels to PLC logic levels. An optical coupler isolates the incoming power from the logic circuit. These input modules come with 8, 16, or 32 points (circuits), such as the IC693MDL230, which is a 120 volts AC discrete input module with 8 points.
Discrete Output Modules
The Series 90-30 series of products offer discrete output modules that transform the PLC logic levels into the AC/DC power levels needed to operate the user devices. Each output point is switched using a power semiconductor or an electromagnetic relay.
These discrete output semiconductor-switched modules come with 5, 8, 12, 16, or 32 output circuits (points). This series offers relay output modules that have 8 or 16 normally open (NO) relay contact outputs.
Discrete Input/Output Combination Modules
Combination discrete I/O modules combine inputs and outputs in a single module. It can be an input/output combination of AC/relay or DC/relay. The IC693MAR590 and IC693MDR390 modules have 8 input points (AC or DC) and 8 output points (relay).
Analog Input Modules
Analog input modules perform the analog-to-digital conversion. These modules are available in four combinations:
- 4-channel current module (IC693ALG221)
- 4-channel voltage module (IC693ALG220)
- High-density current input module with 16 channels (IC693ALG223)
- High-density voltage input module with 16 channels (IC693ALG222)
Analog Output Modules
Analog input modules perform the digital-to-analog conversion. These modules are available in three combinations:
- 2-channel current module (IC693ALG391)
- 2-channel voltage module (IC693ALG390)
- 8-channel high-density current/voltage input module (IC693ALG392)
Analog Combination Modules
These series combine the features of the analog input module and analog output module into a single module, known as an analog combination module. The IC693ALG442 module offers two D/A output channels and four A/D input channels.
Optional Modules
This series is compatible with a wide range of specialty modules. That equips you with the freedom to choose the optional modules following your system requirements.
Optional modules with their functions are summarized below.
- Genius Communications Module - IC693CMM301 - Allows communication between Series 90-30 PLCs and other GE Fanuc PLCs
- Enhanced Genius Communications Module - IC693CMM302 - Enables autonomous global data communications among a Series 90-30 PLCs and a maximum of 31 additional devices connected to a Genius bus
- Genius Bus Controller - IC693BEM331 - Supports the interface between a genius I/O bus and Series 90-30 PLCs
- FIP Bus Controller - IC693BEM340 - Supports the Series 90-30 PLCs interface with FIP I/O serial bus
- FIP Remote I/O Scanner - IC693BEM330 - Supports the Series 90-30 PLCs interface with FIP I/O serial bus
- Motion Mate Axis Positioning Module - IC693APU301/302 - Combine PLC logic solving functions with one-axis control
- Motion Mate Digital Servo Module - IC693DSM302; IC693DSM314 - Combine PLC logic solving functions with two-axis control
- High-Speed Counter Module - IC693APU300 - High-speed processing of signals of 80KHz maximum
- I/O Link Interface Module - IC693BEM320 - Supports connection between Series 90-30 PLCs and Series 90-70 PLCs, as well as Series 90-30 PLCs (slaves) and Fanuc I/O LINK
- I/O Link Master Module - IC693BEM321 - Supports connection between series 90-30 PLC (master) and a maximum of 16 slaves on Fanuc I/O LINK
- I/O Processor Module - IC693APU305 - Direct Processing of rapid pulse signals
- Ethernet Interface Module - IC693CMM321 - Support attachment of Ethernet LAN
- Programmable Coprocessor Module - IC693PCM300/301/311 - Allows communication with programming terminals, RTU master devices, printers, etc.
- Communications Control Module - IC693CMM311 - High-performance coprocessor for modular CPUs
- Temperature Control Module - IC693TCM302 - Supports temperature control of a maximum of 8 channels
- Power Transducer Module (PTM) - IC693PTM100 - Monitor voltages or measure power consumption
State Logic CPUs
The Series 90-30 product line offers five state logic CPUs that use Natural Language Processing technology. It helps to manage large applications by breaking them into smaller and manageable tasks and steps.
- State Logic CPU: IC693CSE311 and IC693CSE313
- Description: 5-slot baseplate with an embedded CPU
- State Logic CPU: IC693CSE323
- Description: 10-slot baseplate with an embedded CPU
- State Logic CPU: IC693CSE331 and IC693CSE340
- Description: single slot CPU module
Remarks
Follow these steps while designing your Series 90-30 PLC system:
- Make a detailed plan of your system.
- Determine the number and type of inputs and outputs.
- Select optional modules to meet your system requirements.
- Select a suitable CPU and baseplate that can accommodate the module selected above.
- Choose a power supply.
