GE Fanuc IC693CBL305 Wye Communication Cable

Overview

The IC693CBL305 is a purpose-built serial communication expansion cable developed for GE Fanuc Series 90-30 systems. It is used to separate a shared 25-pin communication connector on supported coprocessor modules into two independent serial interfaces, enabling cleaner wiring and flexible device connectivity.

This cable functions strictly as a hardware interface accessory and does not perform protocol conversion or signal processing. Its role is to ensure correct physical separation and signal routing for serial communications.

Functional Description

The IC693CBL305 employs a Y-style cable architecture that divides a single combined serial port into two distinct channels:

One dedicated RS-232 interface
One configurable RS-232 or RS-485 interface

This configuration allows simultaneous connection of different serial devices to a single communication coprocessor without additional adapters, reducing cabinet complexity and minimizing wiring errors.

Technical Specifications

• Model: IC693CBL305

• Product Category: Wye Serial Communication Cable

• Compatible Modules: IC693CMM311, PCM301, PCM311

• Connector Type: 25-Pin D-Sub (RS-232 / RS-485)

• Supported Protocols: SNP, CCM, Modbus RTU

• Cable Length: Approx. 1 ft (≈30 cm)

• Conductor Size: 28 AWG

• Shielding: Fully shielded to reduce EMI

• Cable Housing: Industrial molded jacket

• Weight: 0.22 lbs

System Compatibility

This cable is engineered specifically for GE Fanuc Series 90-30 communication coprocessor modules. Pin assignments and shielding design are matched to module hardware requirements, ensuring reliable signal separation and preventing communication faults associated with generic serial cables.

Typical Applications

The IC693CBL305 is commonly used in PLC systems that require concurrent serial connections, such as:

Engineering workstations connected via RS-232
Remote I/O devices or field instruments using RS-485
Multi-protocol serial communication architectures

It enables port expansion without adding extra communication hardware, making it a practical solution for compact control systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the IC693CBL305 connect directly to a PLC CPU?
A: No. This cable is designed exclusively for communication coprocessor modules such as the IC693CMM311 and cannot be connected directly to a CPU serial port.

Q: Does the cable automatically enable RS-485 communication?
A: No. Protocol selection and port configuration are handled by the module. The cable only provides physical port separation.

Q: Is a standard 25-pin serial cable a suitable replacement?
A: Not recommended. This cable uses specific pin mapping and shielding required for correct operation. Generic cables may cause signal errors or communication failures.