When a Legacy Line Still Has to Run
Plant floors rarely retire on schedule. A Series 90-30 rack commissioned decades ago may still sit at the heart of a water treatment skid, a packaging cell, or a pipeline valve station. When one of its communication modules drops out, the whole line stops. That is exactly where the IC693BEM320E earns its keep.
This is a Fanuc I/O Link interface slave module for the GE Series 90-30 system, revision E. The original manufacturer was GE Fanuc / GE Intelligent Platforms, and Emerson is the current owner of the line. It links the 90-30 backplane to a Fanuc I/O Link network as a slave device, so remote I/O blocks can exchange data with the host controller over a long cable run.
What the Module Actually Does
The IC693BEM320E carries two RS-485/422 ports. Each port supports a maximum cable length of 1200 m, which means remote I/O can sit far from the main rack without a repeater. Baud rate is selectable from 9600 to 115200 bps, so you can match the speed to cable length and noise conditions on site.
I/O capacity is set by jumper: 32 or 64 points. That flexibility lets one spare module serve several different machine configurations, which matters when you are stocking parts for a mixed legacy fleet.
Key Parameters
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | IC693BEM320E |
| Series | Series 90-30 |
| Protocol | Fanuc I/O Link (slave only) |
| Ports | 2 x RS-485/422 |
| I/O Points | 32 or 64, jumper selectable |
| Baud Rate | 9600 to 115200 bps selectable |
| Max Cable Length | 1200 m per port |
| Backplane Current | 150 mA @ 5 VDC |
| Slot Width | Single slot |
| Weight | ~0.31 kg (supplier-reported) |
Where It Fits on the Plant Floor
Remote I/O expansion. A Series 90-30 CPU in a main panel can reach I/O blocks up to 1200 m away through this slave module. That is practical for long conveyor lines, tank farms, and utility corridors where pulling home-run wiring back to the cabinet is not economical.
Legacy line support. When a machine builder no longer stocks 90-30 spares, the IC693BEM320E becomes the part that keeps an otherwise healthy line in production. Fast dispatch of ready-to-ship spares shortens the window between fault and restart.
Mixed-vendor cells. Because the protocol is Fanuc I/O Link, the module speaks to Fanuc drives and I/O hardware. It is a bridge between a GE control platform and Fanuc field devices, which is common in older automotive and metalworking cells.
Integration Notes
Fanuc I/O Link is a dedicated fieldbus, not Ethernet. Wiring into it may require an external gateway or connection module, and cable type, termination, and shielding must match the network. Confirm cables and gateways with your supplier before installation.
Keep the module in a single slot with adequate panel ventilation. Backplane draw is 150 mA at 5 VDC, so power budget is rarely a concern, but always verify the rack supply against the full module list.
Lifecycle and Sourcing
This module is discontinued (End of Sale), last verified 2026-09. Availability now depends on remaining stock and the secondary market. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with Oil AutoTech before ordering. If you need hands-on technical selection help, the team can confirm jumper settings, port configuration, and cable requirements for your application.
FAQ
Is the IC693BEM320E still in production?
No. It is discontinued (End of Sale), last verified 2026-09. Contact Oil AutoTech for current stock and replacement options.
Can it be used as a master on a Fanuc I/O Link network?
No. It operates as a slave only.
How many I/O points does it support?
32 or 64 points, selected by jumper.
What is the maximum cable length?
1200 m per port, on either of the two RS-485/422 ports.
What baud rates are available?
Selectable from 9600 to 115200 bps.
