Product Overview

The GE IC693CHS398 is a 5-slot expansion baseplate engineered to increase the I/O capacity of the Series 90-30 PLC platform. This chassis allows for the remote or local extension of a PLC system by connecting to the primary CPU baseplate through a dedicated expansion bus. Now part of the Emerson Automation lifecycle, the IC693CHS398 provides the physical and electrical framework for adding specialized I/O modules, ensuring that the central processor can manage a higher density of field devices. This module is essential for scaling automation systems without the need for additional standalone controllers.

Key Technical Characteristics

• Slot Density: Provides 5 dedicated slots for I/O and option modules.

• Expansion Interface: Features a 25-pin D-type female connector for bus interconnection.

• System Limits: Scalability is CPU-dependent; supports up to 4 baseplates for CPUs 331-341, and up to 7 baseplates for high-performance CPUs (350 and above).

• Power Slot: Includes a dedicated left-side slot for a Series 90-30 power supply module (required for operation).

• Bus Distance: Supports a maximum interconnecting cable length of 50 feet (15 meters) from the CPU.

• Internal Current Draw: Consumes 170 mA from the 5VDC logic bus.

• Module Compatibility: Specifically designed for discrete and analog I/O; does not support PCM, ADC, BEM, or CMM311 modules.

• Physical Protection: Mechanical keying in slots ensures only compatible modules are inserted, preventing hardware damage.

Industrial Applications

The IC693CHS398 is a core component in distributed control architectures across various industries. In Manufacturing Plants, it is used to extend the reach of the PLC to remote conveyor sections, reducing the amount of field wiring required by placing the I/O closer to the sensors and actuators. Within Power Generation and Turbine Control Systems, the expansion baseplate allows for high-density monitoring of auxiliary equipment while maintaining high-speed communication with the central logic solver. It is also frequently utilized in Water Treatment Facilities where localized expansion racks handle geographically dispersed pump stations. By ensuring a common ground and secure physical connections, the IC693CHS398 maintains the signal integrity necessary for mission-critical automation and heavy-duty industrial processing.