Description
GE Fanuc IC693CPU372-AE Series 90-30 Ethernet CPU
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | IC693CPU372-AE |
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc |
| Product Family | Series 90-30 |
| Product Type | PLC CPU with Ethernet |
| CPU Designation | CPU372 |
| Processor | AMD SC520 |
| Processor Speed | Approx. 133 MHz |
| User Program Memory | 240 KB class |
| Installation | Single Series 90-30 CPU slot |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100 Mbps |
| Ethernet Function | Integrated Ethernet interface |
| Communications | TCP/IP, SRTP, Industrial Ethernet, Modbus TCP/IP |
| Discrete I/O Capacity | Up to 2,048 inputs + 2,048 outputs |
| Analog Capacity | Up to 32,640 input words / 32,640 output words according to secondary records |
| Backplane | Series 90-30 baseplate |
| Serial Communications | Serial functions available through the Series 90-30 architecture; exact interface configuration should be verified |
| Programming Environment | GE Fanuc Series 90-30 programming environment; software/firmware version dependent |
| Operating Temperature | Verify exact revision and installation specification |
Multiple technical records identify the IC693CPU372-AE as a single-slot Series 90-30 CPU with approximately 240 KB of user memory, a 133 MHz processor, and dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports. The Ethernet interface supports communications with Series 90, PACSystems, and VersaMax equipment as well as host applications.
Product Introduction
The GE Fanuc IC693CPU372-AE is a Series 90-30 PLC CPU designed to combine centralized control execution with integrated Ethernet communications. It occupies a single CPU slot in the 90-30 baseplate and executes the machine or process application while providing network connectivity for supervisory systems, other controllers, programming stations, and industrial devices.
The GE Fanuc IC693CPU372-AE is particularly useful when maintaining an installed Series 90-30 system that already depends on the CPU372 architecture and its Ethernet functions. The dual Ethernet ports support 10/100 Mbps operation, while SRTP and TCP/IP-based communications allow the controller to exchange data with compatible GE control equipment and host systems.
IC693CPU372-AE
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — Engineer’s Perspective
The IC693CPU372-AE is suited to legacy machine automation, factory control, material handling, packaging systems, process skids, data acquisition, and distributed PLC networks built around the Series 90-30 platform. Its integrated Ethernet interface is particularly useful in older installations where the original controller handled both PLC logic and network communications.
The main field issue is distinguishing the CPU372 from a standalone Ethernet module. The CPU372 is a controller, so replacing it affects the application program, register memory, configuration, communications, and I/O execution—not just network connectivity.
Before replacement, verify:
- CPU revision: Confirm the complete suffix and board revision.
- Application backup: Obtain a current PLC program and hardware configuration before removing the existing CPU.
- Firmware: Check firmware compatibility with the installed Series 90-30 configuration and programming software.
- Memory: Verify the actual user-memory configuration; public listings contain inconsistent memory descriptions.
- Ethernet configuration: Record IP addressing, SRTP connections, Modbus TCP settings, and any host-device communication parameters.
- I/O configuration: Confirm the existing baseplate, expansion racks, and installed I/O modules remain supported by the replacement CPU.
- Battery-backed data: Preserve required retentive data and verify the CPU battery condition.
- Commissioning: After replacement, test PLC execution, Ethernet communications, remote I/O, alarms, interlocks, and machine sequences before returning the system to automatic operation.
Important Specification Warning
Some commercial databases describe the IC693CPU372 as an “Ethernet communication module,” while others identify it correctly as a Series 90-30 CPU with integrated Ethernet. The latter is the technically important distinction. The available documentation describes the CPU372 as a single-slot PLC processor with Ethernet functionality, so it should not be treated as an IC693 Ethernet interface-only module.
There are also conflicting claims concerning CPU speed and memory in reseller databases. For procurement, the exact -AE revision and existing system firmware should take precedence over generic CPU372 family specifications.
Related Products
- GE Fanuc IC693CPU374 — Higher-end Series 90-30 CPU family member with different processing and communications capabilities.
- GE Fanuc IC693CPU350 — Series 90-30 CPU for applications requiring a different memory and performance configuration.
- GE Fanuc IC693CPU360 — Related Series 90-30 CPU with a different hardware configuration.
- GE Fanuc IC693CPU363 — Series 90-30 CPU option for larger control applications.
- GE Fanuc IC693CMM321 — Series 90-30 Ethernet communications module; unlike the , it is an Ethernet communications module rather than the primary PLC CPU.
- GE Fanuc IC693PCM301 — Series 90-30 communications module used for application-specific communication functions.
- GE Fanuc IC693PWR321 — Series 90-30 power supply module supporting the PLC rack.
- GE Fanuc IC693CHS397 — Series 90-30 baseplate hardware used to house CPU and I/O modules.
Procurement note: For a live replacement, specify + firmware revision + existing Series 90-30 baseplate configuration + Ethernet configuration. Do not substitute another Series 90-30 CPU solely because it fits the same rack slot; application memory, firmware, communications, and I/O capacity must all be checked.
