Product Overview
The IC693BEM331 is a Genius Bus Controller Module developed by GE Fanuc to serve as an essential communication module in the Series 90-30 PLC system. The module connects the Series 90-30 PLC to the Genius I/O serial bus in order to offer fast data communication and control of remote I/O devices.
Product Parameters
|
Manufacture |
GE |
|
Model |
IC693BEM331 |
|
Description |
Genius Bus Controller
|
| Product series | Series 90-30 |
| Communication protocol | Genius I/O Bus |
| Installation method | Installation of PLC rack slots |
|
Origin |
USA |
|
Dimension |
30*25*5cm |
|
Weight |
0.55kg |
Product Details
The Series 90-30 Genius Bus Controller (Number IC693BEM331) provides the interface between a Series 90-30 PLC and a Genius I/O serial bus. The GBC receives and transmits control data of up to 128 bytes for up to 31 devices on the Genius I/O bus. A Genius BusController can serve:
Genius blocks provide an interface to a wide range of discrete, analogue, and special-purpose field devices. Note that the GCM and GCM+ modules are described earlier. Cannot control Genius blocks.
Remote Drops, which consist of Series 90-70 1/0 racks interfaced to the bus through RemoteI/0 Scanner modules. Each of these drops can have any mix of Series 90-70 discrete and analogue 1/0 modules, providing up to 128 bytes of input data and 128 bytes of output data.
Field Control I/O Station, which consists of a Bus Interface Unit (BlU) and up to eight additional Field Control modules. The module provides intelligent processing, 1/0 scanning, and feature configuration for the I/O station.
Genius Hand-Held Monitor (HHM), which is a portable device that can also be permanently mounted. The HHM provides a convenient operator interface for block setup, data monitoring, and diagnostics.
Multiple hosts, for communications using datagrams and Global Data.

Genius Bus Controller Module
Typical application scenarios
The common system architecture of IC693BEM331 is as follows:
PLC CPU
↓
IC693BEM331
↓
Genius Bus
↓
Remote I/O Module
Under this framework:
The PLC is responsible for controlling the logic.
Genius Network is responsible for on-site communication.
The I/O device is responsible for signal acquisition.
Industrial automation control:
Connecting discrete I/O devices: solenoid valves, motor starters, limit switches, etc.
Connecting analog I/O devices: pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, flow meters, etc.
Connecting special-purpose field devices
Distributed I/O system:
Communicating with the Remote I/O branch (connected through the Remote I/O scanner module to the Series 90-70 I/O rack)
Field Control I/O station (connected through the bus interface unit, supporting up to 8 additional field control modules)
Genius handheld monitor (Hand-Held Monitor)
System integration:
Exchanging data with the host (Host) system
Building large-scale distributed control systems
Installation and Maintenance Notes
Environmental Requirements:
It is recommended to install inside a protective enclosure to avoid direct contact with water, excessive humidity, and extreme temperature conditions.
Protection Grade: IP20. Suitable for installation in industrial control cabinets.
Configuration Method:
Module configuration can be performed using the GE Fanuc Hand-Held Monitor.
System programming can be carried out using the Logicmaster 90 software.
Maintenance Requirements:
Circuit maintenance should be conducted by qualified professionals.
Incorrect wiring or operation may cause equipment failure, property damage, or personal injury.
When installing IC693BEM331, the following steps are generally required to be followed:
Turn off the power supply of the PLC system
Insert the module into the vertical slot of the Series 90-30 rack.
Connect the Genius bus cable
Configure device address
Perform system configuration using Logicmaster 90 or Proficy software
After the configuration is completed, the PLC can communicate with remote devices via the Genius network.
Common faults
--Communication failure
Reason:
The Genius bus cable is damaged.
Node address conflict
The terminal resistance is not correctly configured.
Solution:
Check the wiring.
Check the device address.
Reconfigure the network
--Abnormal indicator light
OK, light not being on may indicate:
The module is not receiving a proper power supply.
Module damaged
The COMM OK light being abnormal may indicate:
Network communication has been interrupted. The Genius device is offline.












