The IC693PCM301 is a Programmable Coprocessor Module manufactured by GE Fanuc Automation. It is an industrial automation computer used as a memory and processing power expansion device compatible with Series 90-30 PLCs. The total memory of this microcomputer is 192 Kilobytes and it also has a dedicated MegaBasic memory with a capacity of 47 kilobytes. The IC693PCM301 Programmable Coprocessor Module can be easily installed by inserting it in any available slot in the Series 90-30 backplane (except the first slot in the backplane). This slot is specifically designated for the Central Processing Unit or main computer board of the system. The module is designed to work only with the main PLC backplane and not with the expansion racks. Communication with devices and serial networks is only possible by using built-in serial ports for the GE Fanuc CCM and Modbus RTU communication protocols.

The IC693PCM301 Programmable Coprocessor Module (PCM) can keep the Random Access Memory contents safe when the power is interrupted through a backup lithium battery. Communication with configurable handheld devices is possible but it requires IC690CBL701/702/705 serial communication cables, which are sold separately. The IC693PCM301 Programmable Coprocessor Module has a current consumption of 425 milliamperes when the power supply of 5 Volts DC is connected. The most important feature of this module is that it can be connected to a serial device like a bar code reader, serial printer, ASCII devices, industrial scales, or RTU master devices to integrate them into the user control platform. The module has two (2) different modes: “RUN” mode for normal operation and “PROGRAM” mode when it requires changes to the control logic.