GE Fanuc PLC System IC693CHS398 Multi-Rack Slave Baseplate

Product Overview

The IC693CHS398 is a 5-slot I/O Expansion Baseplate developed by GE Fanuc for the Series 90-30 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) platform. Designed explicitly as a secondary non-CPU sub-rack, this module allows control engineers to expand local physical I/O density by linking directly to a master CPU chassis. Possessing a solid open-frame enclosure with a net weight of approximately 0.62 kg, this compact baseplate provides structural rigid positioning and integrated electrical pathways for multi-rack automation architectures.

Key Advantages

• Physical Slot Form-Keying: Features 5 unique, specifically sized I/O slots that eliminate the risk of accidental incorrect module insertion, preventing damage to the backplane pins during maintenance.
• Minimal Power Consumption: Consumes an exceptionally small internal logic current of just 170 mA at +5VDC, keeping system thermal footprints low and saving the power supply module's energy for field equipment.
• Robust Multi-Rack Linking: Utilizes a standard right-hand 25-pin D-type female interface connector to smoothly daisy-chain downstream expansion layouts over an aggregate cable run of up to 50 feet (15 meters).
• Lightweight Panel Mount Frame: Weighing only 0.62 kg, the chassis is highly optimized for fast installation onto control panels via pre-molded structural mounting tabs.

Technical Specifications

Quick Installation Tips

• Power Loop Separation: This expansion rack requires its own dedicated Power Supply Module installed in the unnumbered leftmost slot to power up its local 5-slot I/O segment.
• System Common Ground: For safe operations and robust data signal transfers, you must connect this expansion rack and all other baseplates to a single, high-quality common ground point.
• Hardware Exclusions: Do not attempt to fit PCM, ADC, Bus Expansion Modules (BEM), or CMM311 cards into this rack. These advanced modules are strictly designed to operate on a master CPU baseplate.
• Panel Mounting Setup: Fasten the 0.62 kg frame securely onto a flat, vibration-free back panel inside the enclosure using the provided structural mounting tabs.

Technical FAQs

Q1: Can a master CPU module be installed directly into Slot 1 of this baseplate?

A1: No. The IC693CHS398 has zero CPU slots. It is exclusively an expansion sub-rack and must always receive its processing logic commands from a primary CPU baseplate via its 25-pin D-shell expansion connector.

Q2: How many expansion baseplates can be chained to a single master CPU node?

A2: The maximum number depends on your processing unit. Standard Series 90-30 CPUs (CPU 331, 340, and 341) support a maximum of 4 expansion baseplates. High-performance models (CPU 350 and higher) can expand to manage a maximum of 7 baseplates simultaneously.

Q3: Which pre-made communication cables are compatible with this expansion port?

A3: This unit supports several continuously shielded Series 90-30 cables depending on the distance between panels, including the IC693CBL312 (0.5 ft / 0.15 m), IC693CBL300 (3 ft / 1 m), IC693CBL301 (6 ft / 2 m), IC693CBL313 (25 ft / 8 m), and the IC693CBL302 (50 ft / 15 m) which features a built-in termination block.