Description
Product Description
The IC693CBL300 from GE Fanuc (now Emerson Automation) is a factory-assembled I/O bus expansion cable engineered for Series 90-30 PLC systems. Designed with a Y-configuration, it enables seamless communication between a primary CPU baseplate and additional expansion or remote racks.
With its fully shielded twisted-pair construction, this cable ensures consistent signal transmission and resistance to electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for electrically noisy industrial environments. The 1-meter length is optimized for cabinet-level interconnections, reducing installation complexity while maintaining signal integrity.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Model |
IC693CBL300 |
| Manufacturer |
GE Fanuc / Emerson |
| Product Series |
Series 90-30 |
| Cable Type |
I/O Bus Expansion Cable (Wye / Y-type) |
| Length |
1 m (3.3 ft) |
| Conductor |
24 AWG tinned copper (twisted pair) |
| Cable Type Reference |
Belden 8107 equivalent |
| Shielding |
Dual-layer (foil + braid, full coverage) |
| Connector A |
25-pin D-Sub male |
| Connector B |
Dual 25-pin D-Sub (1 male + 1 female) |
| Voltage Rating |
30 V AC/DC |
| Current Rating |
2 A per contact |
| Impedance |
100 Ω nominal |
| Insulation Resistance |
≥10 MΩ |
| Dielectric Strength |
2000 V |
| Propagation Velocity |
~70% |
| Operating Temperature |
-25°C to +85°C |
| Weight |
0.24 lbs |
| System Compatibility |
Series 90-30 PLC, RX3i (via SBT module) |
| Lifecycle Status |
Obsolete / Legacy (available via surplus channels) |
Functional Overview
The IC693CBL300 serves as a communication bridge within the PLC I/O architecture:
-
Extends the I/O bus from the CPU rack to additional baseplates
-
Supports multi-rack configurations using a daisy-chain topology
-
Transfers both control data and bus power across connected racks
-
Maintains signal stability in high-noise environments due to full shielding
System expansion limits depend on the CPU type, typically supporting multiple racks within defined cable distance constraints.
Installation & System Considerations
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Maximum distance for local expansion racks: up to 15 meters total
-
Remote rack configurations can reach up to approximately 213 meters
-
Requires external bus termination (e.g., IC693ACC307) when not integrated
-
Recommended for use with factory cables to avoid signal mismatch or wiring errors
Typical Applications
-
Expansion of PLC I/O capacity in manufacturing lines
-
Distributed control systems requiring multiple baseplates
-
Retrofit or maintenance of legacy GE Series 90-30 installations
-
Control cabinets where short, reliable interconnects are needed
FAQ
Q: Can this cable be used with newer Emerson RX3i systems?
A: Yes, but only when used with a Serial Bus Transmitter (SBT) module to interface with the RX3i platform.
Q: Is this cable suitable for long-distance communication?
A: For short cabinet-level connections, it is ideal. For longer distances, ensure total bus length complies with system limits.
Q: Does the cable include termination?
A: No, an external terminator is required unless termination is integrated elsewhere in the system.
