With the proper selection of the various hardware components going into the system, it is possible to create a system to fit nearly any application imaginable. Although many hardware choices exist, there are just a few basic categories to consider when configuring the 90-30 PLC.
The Total GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC System: Featuring the sophisticated modular design required by many applications, the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC is available at a low-cost price point, yet is capable of addressing a wide range of PLC configurations. Whether your needs are simple relay placement or advanced discrete automation, the 90-30 is customizable to meet your requirements. Whether the system requires a simple 5 or 10 slot rack with a minimum of modules or a system requiring 100s of modules, the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC can meet the needs of various applications in a cost-effective manner that makes the system worthy of consideration.
GE Fanuc Series 90-30 CPU Racks
90-30 Rack - This is the mounting plate upon which all the system components are placed. The rack consists of three basic elements: 1. Circuit Board 2. Metal Backplate 3. Plastic Cover. Since many systems require more modules than a primary CPU rack can hold, there are also Remote and Expansion racks that interconnect with each other. Each category of rack is available in 5 or 10 slot models, depending on the system's configuration.
Each Circuit Board is mounted to the Metal Backplate. The Circuit Board's leftmost slot is dedicated for the power supply. The other slots are numbered, (1 to 5) or (1 to 10), depending on the model. In the CPU board slot number 1 is dedicated for the CPU. In the Remote and Expansion boards the # 1 slot is available for any module to use, as it is in the embedded CPU board also.
The embedded CPU board comes in three models: 311, 312, and 323. Models 311 and 323 have 5 slots while Model 312 has 10 slots. All slots are available, since the CPU is embedded. They cannot be used in conjunction with Remote or Expansion Racks, limiting their usage to the slots available. Also, the CPU cannot be changed.
If the application requires more than ten open slots, a modular system must be used, consisting of a primary CPU rack and as many remote or expansion racks as needed. The CPU is always installed in slot 1 of the CPU rack. This rack is automatically labeled “0” in the system. Having a modular CPU gives the system the versatility of being updated at any time.
In a typical system, Expansion racks are used in close proximity to the primary CPU rack, with 50 feet being the maximum. Remote racks are used from 50 to 700 feet away. Each comes in 5 and 10 slot configurations, with all slots available for modules.
Power Supply – Each rack in the system requires its own power supply. There are many power supply options to accommodate any configuration. The power supply mounts in the left, unnumbered slot of each rack. There are 2 main categories of power supplies used in the 90-30 system: the AC/DC Input Power Supplies and the DC Input Only Power Supplies. All of these have 30 watts total output. The AC/DC models come in standard and high capacity models. The DC Only models feature 24/48 VDC input, 48 VDC input, and high capacity 24 VDC input.
CPU – Three of the 90-30 PLCs have their CPUs embedded directly into the baseplate of the rack, but the majority of them use plug-in modules. The CPU is the brains of the system. Every PLC must have a CPU to function. The CPU controls the system's software, applications, operations, and monitors all aspects of the system's functions, including operations and faults. Some 90-30 PLC systems have their CPU in a personal computer which interfaces with the system.
To properly configure a system to fit your requirements it is necessary to judge a number of aspects about your intended results. The system will only perform as well as the CPU you ultimately select. Comparing the various capabilities of each CPU is necessary to determine what is best for your application. Here are the major considerations to consider:
I/O Points – this is the first step because the conclusions you reach here will determine the component choices you will ultimately select. Knowing the number of modules needed and their physical locations determines the ultimate number of remote or extension racks needed in addition to the primary CPU rack. Start by determining the number of input and output points required to create the system. Correlate with the mechanical drawings and specifications. List all inputs and outputs required, noting the various types required. List them according to Discrete Input, Discrete Output, Analog Input, and Analog Output, noting any special requirements, such as physical separation and the need for remote or expansion racks.
I/O Modules – Having determined the number of I/O points required, it is time to select the I/O Modules needed. With over 100 different I/O Modules available, you'll want to consider the following selections factors:
Voltage/Current Requirements – the Series 90-30 can meet various common voltage and current needs, such as AC/DC and 110/120V or 240V. These consideration will be used to ultimately determine the power supply selected also.
Isolation Requirements – do the racks need to be protected from harsh environments, extreme magnetic forces, temperature or humidity extremes, or the like? How far away will the system components need to be? The use of expansion and remote racks will fulfill these needs.
Standardization – Does your company use specific modules or components to simplify training and/or stocking of spare parts?
Cost – By selecting certain higher volume modules it is possible to reduce overall system design by one or more racks. As an example, 32 point I/O Modules require much less rack space than lower density modules.
Communication and Specialty Modules – System needs will need to be assessed with regard to Ethernet or other communication networks, interfacing with equipment such as CNC machinery, high speed inputs such as counters and motion control, temperature controls, and other needs the system might require.
Having determined the number of modules required for the system, it is now possible to make a CPU selection. There are two basic types of CPUs offered in the GE 90-30 Series: 1. CPUs embedded in the system circuit board, and 2. CPU Modules.
The racks with embedded CPUs in the circuit boards all use the 80188 microprocessor. These CPUs do not have a TOD (time of day) clock. The embedded CPU is a low cost alternative for simpler systems requiring fewer input/output points and less memory to perform the needed functions. Embedded CPU systems are limited to the numbers of slots available in the rack chosen. A system with no more than 10 modules is the maximum attainable with the embedded CPU, since they cannot be used in conjunction with remote or expansion racks.
Modular CPUs come in many different configurations to allow greater versatility. The microprocessor in the Series 90-30 handles all operational control and uses RAM working memory. If the modules required for the system is over ten, the modular CPU system is the only option. If the system is no more than 5 racks CPU331 to CPU341 can be used. For systems up to 8 total racks CPU350 to CPU364 can be used. If a total of 49 or more Communication Modules and I/O Modules are to be used, the system requires CPU350 to CPU374.
When comparing the various CPUs available in the chart below you will note some of the differences which need to be considered in addition to the above. Determining the speed of the processor the system requires will aid in the selection. Also, note the memory capabilities of each CPU. Finally, does your application require the use of floating point math? Although all of the Series 90-30 CPUs are capable of working with whole integers, the floating point math feature of CPU350 and above enables the CPU to deal with decimal numbers as well. These CPUs also enable the use of trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and radian conversion factors. CPU352 and CPU374 have built in math co-processor chips, affording the fastest speed for math calculations of all the CPUs. The other CPUs in the CPU350 and above group use firmware enabled floating point math. If ultra-fast performance is not a priority, they are a reasonable, cost effective option.
Other considerations include TOD (time of day) clock requirements. None of the embedded CPUs have a TOD clock, while all of the modular CPUs have one. Also, if keylock capability is required, you will need to choose CPU360 to CPU374, which come equipped with keylocks to prevent all unauthorized access. Although all the CPUs have password protection built-in, only these model have physical locks on the system CPU.
The performance values for the various models of the 90-30 PLC are as follows:
GE Fanuc Series 90-30 Digital Input/Output Modules
Digital Input/Output Modules – These modules allow the 90-30 PLC to interface with all varieties of input devices bringing data into the system or output devices transporting data to various actuators. The devices interfaced with include: sensors, solenoids, switches, stepper motors, relays, and virtually all types of electronic functional devices. There are several basic types of Input/Output Modules
Discrete Input – converts AC/DC input from user devices to logic levels required by the PLC. Modules are available with options of 8, 16, or 32 points
Discrete Output – converts logic levels from the PLC to AC/DC power level required by system devices. Available in 2 models: the Semiconductor Switched Output module has options of 5, 8, 12, 16, or 32 output points; the Relay Output module has options of either 8 or 16 normally open relay points
Discrete Input/Output – these combination modules feature AC/DC inputs and relay outputs in one module. They feature 8 inputs and 8 outputs in one module
Analog Input, Analog Output, and Analog Combination Modules are also available
Series 90-30 Discrete I/O
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
IC693MDL230
120 VAC ISOLATED INPUT – 8 POINTS
IC693MDL231
240 VAC ISOLATED INPUT – 8 POINTS
IC693MDL240
120 VAC INPUT – 16 POINTS
IC693MDL241
24 VAC/VDC INPUT – 16 POINTS
IC693MDL632
125 VDC INPUT – 8 POINTS
IC693MDL634
24 VDC INPUT, NEGATIVE/POSITIVE LOGIC – 8 POINTS
IC693MDL645
24 VDC INPUT, NEGATIVE/POSITIVE LOGIC – 16 POINTS
IC693MDL646
24 VDC INPUT, NEGATIVE/POSITIVE LOGIC, 1 MS – 16 POINTS
GE Fanuc Series 90-30 Communications and Specialty Modules
Communication and Specialty Modules – These type modules give versatility to the 90-30 PLC system, allowing it to go beyond generic functionality. Communication Modules allow the system to control advanced functions, such as networking, temperature control, high speed counting, motion control, and even interfacing with machine operators. Other Specialty Modules include Programmable Coprocessor, allowing interfacing with bar code readers, RTUs and other ASCII devices through MegaBasic or “C” programming; Servo Motion Control Modules come in the DSM Module that is 2 axis high performance digital including servos and amplifiers, and the APM Module available in one or two axis analog. Still others Modules available include Multi-Axis Stepper; Absolute Resolvers/Encoders; Thermocouple; RTD; Millivolt/Strain Gauge; Sequence of Event Recorder; and Modem Modules. The following table represents a sampling of the 100s of Communication and Specialty Modules available.
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
IC693CMM301
GENIUS COMMUNICATIONS MODULE, GCM – 256 BITS
IC693CMM302
GENIUS COMMUNICATIONS MODULE, GCM+ - 1 KILOBYTE
IC693CMM311
COMMUNICATIONS MODULE, CCM, RTU, SNP, SNPX
IC693CMM321
ETHERNET INTERFACE MODULE
HE693RTUXXX
VARIOUS RTU/MODBUS MODULES (HORNER ELECTRIC)
IC693ACC300
INPUT SIMULATOR MODULE
IC693APU300
HIGH SPEED COUNTER
IC693APU301
AXIS POSITIONING MODULE, 1 AXIS, ANALOG
IC693APU302
AXIS POSITIONING MODULE, 2 AXIS, ANALOG
IC693DSM302
DIGITAL SERVO MODULE, 2 AXIS
HE693STPXXX
VARIOUS STEPPED POSITIONING MODULES (HORNER ELECTRIC)
Configuring a GE Fanuc 90-70 PLC The GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLCs offer a wide variety of solutions for even the most complicated manufacturing applications requiring 1000s of input/output points and...
Configuring a Allen-Bradley SLC 500 PLC The Allen-Bradley SLC 500 System is a modular, small chassis-based class of programmable controllers integrating discrete, analog, and specialty I/O and peripheral devices...
Configuring a Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC The Allen-Bradley ControlLogix system differs from other logic control systems in that the ControlLogix system is capable of integrating an entire manufacturing...
