Description

The GE IC660BBD101 is a highly versatile and intelligent communication interface module from the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC system, specifically functioning as a Genius Bus Controller. This module serves as the critical communication gateway between the Series 90-70’s VME bus and the distributed Genius I/O network, a robust peer-to-peer fieldbus system renowned for its reliability and deterministic performance. The primary role of the GE IC660BBD101 is to manage all data exchange with up to 32 remotely located Genius I/O blocks, which can include a diverse mix of discrete input/output modules, analog input/output modules, and special function blocks. By offloading the complex communication processing tasks from the main CPU, this module significantly enhances the overall system performance and scan time efficiency of the Series 90-70 platform. It is responsible for continuously polling each device on the Genius bus, executing the configured data exchange, and providing comprehensive status and diagnostic information back to the central processor. The GE IC660BBD101 is engineered for maximum reliability in harsh industrial environments, enabling the creation of highly distributed control architectures that drastically reduce wiring costs, improve signal integrity by localizing I/O near field devices, and provide unparalleled system flexibility and scalability for large-scale automation applications.

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

Deterministic Distributed I/O Management: The core strength of the GE IC660BBD101 is its ability to provide a highly reliable and deterministic connection to the Genius I/O network. It manages all cyclic data exchange with a large number of remote I/O drops, ensuring that input and output data is updated predictably and on time. This capability allows the Series 90-70 PLC to extend its control over long distances, significantly reducing the amount of costly individual field wiring and enabling I/O to be placed optimally close to sensors and actuators.

Enhanced System Performance and Diagnostic Depth: By utilizing a dedicated processor to handle all Genius bus protocol responsibilities, the GE IC660BBD101 offloads this substantial burden from the main Series 90-70 CPU. This results in faster overall system scan times and improved application program performance. The module provides extensive diagnostic capabilities, reporting its own health and the status of every device on the bus. Detailed fault information allows for rapid troubleshooting of network issues, cable problems, or device failures, which is crucial for minimizing system downtime in continuous process environments.

Robust Design and High Noise Immunity: The GE IC660BBD101 is built for industrial durability. The Genius bus protocol itself is renowned for its exceptional noise immunity, and this module maintains that standard with 1500V of isolation between the bus and the PLC’s backplane. This design ensures stable and error-free data transmission even in electrically hostile environments such as those found in large motor control centers, welding facilities, or mining operations, guaranteeing data integrity for critical control decisions.

Proven Legacy System Integration and Longevity: As a fundamental component of the powerful and widely adopted Series 90-70 platform, the GE IC660BBD101 benefits from decades of proven performance in thousands of installations worldwide. Its continued support and availability are key to maintaining and extending the lifecycle of existing automation infrastructure. This allows facilities to protect their capital investment, ensure production continuity, and implement strategic upgrades without the need for a complete and costly system overhaul.

Application Field

The GE IC660BBD101 is deployed in large-scale industrial automation applications that require a robust distributed I/O architecture. It is extensively used in automotive manufacturing plants to connect a central Series 90-70 PLC to remote I/O drops controlling individual robotic cells, welding stations, and transfer lines. In water and wastewater treatment facilities, it enables control and monitoring of widely distributed assets like remote pump stations, chemical feed systems, and filter beds from a single control room. The GE IC660BBD101 is also a fundamental component in material handling systems, large packaging lines, discrete parts manufacturing, and process industries where I/O points are spread over a vast geographical area within a plant. Any application requiring the reliable, high-performance distribution of thousands of I/O points benefits from the capabilities provided by the GE IC660BBD101 and the Genius network.

IC660BBD101 GE

Related Products

GE IC697CPU781: A high-performance Series 90-70 CPU module that would be the host for the IC660BBD101.

GE IC697PWR711: A power supply module for the Series 90-70 rack.

GE Genius I/O Blocks (e.g., IC660ELB921 Discrete Input, IC660EJD920 Discrete Output): The various remote I/O blocks that connect to the Genius bus managed by the IC660BBD101.

GE IC660BBA101: A Genius Bus Auxiliary Controller module used for redundancy or additional bus capacity.

GE Series 90-30 PLC with IC693BEM331: A smaller PLC platform that also supports Genius I/O, representing a different tier in the product family.

GE VersaMax I/O: Emerson’s newer generation of distributed I/O, representing the technological evolution beyond the Genius system.