GE IC660EBR101
Product Overview
The GE IC660EBR101 is a high-performance communication expansion module that belongs to the well-proven Series 90-70 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) family under General Electric (GE). It is specifically designed for GE’s Genius® Distributed I/O System. In automated systems, this product serves as a critical “network gateway” and acts as the core communication interface connecting the Series 90-70 PLC master station to remote Genius® I/O blocks. The GE IC660EBR101 module is inserted into the slot adjacent to the CPU slot in the 90-70 rack. It enables high-speed data exchange with the PLC CPU via the backplane, while accessing the Genius® bus network through the front connector to manage data communication for up to 31 remote Genius® I/O blocks. Its core value lies in realizing the centralized deployment of controllers and distributed arrangement of I/O devices, which significantly reduces on-site wiring costs, enhances system modularity and flexibility. Moreover, leveraging the inherent high diagnostic capability and reliability of the Genius® bus, it ensures efficient, stable, and real-time control and monitoring of a large number of I/O points in large-scale, distributed applications.
Product Specifications
- Product Model: IC660EBR101
- Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)
- Product Type: Genius® Bus Controller Module (for Series 90-70 PLC)
- Compatible Host: GE Series 90-70 PLC
- Supported Network: Genius® Bus (dedicated twisted-pair network)
- Maximum Number of Slaves: Capable of managing up to 31 Genius® I/O blocks
- Communication Rate: 153.6 kbaud
- Communication Distance: Up to 7500 feet (approximately 2286 meters) (when using Belden 9182 or equivalent cable)
- Backplane Interface: Communicates with the CPU via the 90-70 rack backplane
- Bus Interface: 9-pin D-sub connector (front-side cable exit)
- Isolation: 1500 VAC isolation between the bus and the backplane
- Power Consumption: 5V @ 1.0A (powered by the backplane)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C
- Installation Method: Modular, inserted into the dedicated slot of the Series 90-70 PLC rack
Structure and Composition
The GE IC660EBR101 adopts the standard modular structure of the 90-70 series. Its robust housing front is equipped with a set of status indicator lights, including module power (PWR), operating status (OK), bus activity (COM), and multiple LEDs for indicating communication with the CPU and bus faults. These indicator lights serve as the primary tool for quick diagnosis. At the core of the module is a dedicated communication processor responsible for handling the Genius® bus protocol. It connects to the backplane of the 90-70 rack through the gold finger connector at the rear to obtain power and exchange data with other modules (especially the CPU). The front of the module features a 9-pin D-sub connector for accessing the Genius® bus network. The module also contains isolation circuits, which provide up to 1500 VAC electrical isolation between the backplane logic and the field bus, effectively protecting the PLC host from electrical noise and surges on the field side.
Key Features and Advantages
Outstanding System Scalability and Flexibility
The core advantage of the GE IC660EBR101 is that it greatly extends the I/O processing capability of the 90-70 PLC from the local rack to the entire factory workshop. Through a simple twisted-pair bus, it can connect up to 31 Genius® I/O blocks distributed in various locations. Each block can provide multiple types of I/O such as digital, analog, and special functions, enabling the construction of large-scale, distributed control systems with minimal wiring costs.
High Reliability and Powerful Diagnostic Functions
The Genius® bus protocol is renowned for its robustness and determinism. This module offers unparalleled diagnostic capabilities, capable of detecting short circuits, open circuits, power loss on the bus, as well as communication faults and specific I/O point status of each remote I/O block. It provides clear indications through LEDs and CPU registers, which greatly simplifies the troubleshooting process and reduces system downtime.
Seamless Integration and Easy Configuration
As a native component of the 90-70 and Genius® systems, the IC660EBR101 achieves seamless integration. Its configuration is entirely completed through the 90-70 series programming software (such as LM90 or Proficy Machine Edition), without the need for complex DIP switch settings. I/O mapping is handled automatically, and for programmers, the access method for remote I/O is completely consistent with that of local I/O, making programming extremely simple.
Application Fields
The GE IC660EBR101 is widely used in large-scale industrial automation projects that require distributed control. In automobile manufacturing plants, it is used to connect hundreds of sensors and actuators distributed across welding production lines, conveyor lines, and assembly lines. In large material handling systems (such as airport baggage handling), it manages photoelectric switches, motor starters, and position sensors that are widely distributed. In water treatment plants and chemical plants, it centralizes the I/O points distributed in pump stations, valves, and tank areas to a central PLC for control. Any application that requires distributed arrangement of I/O devices in a large area and connection to the GE 90-70 PLC is an ideal scenario for the IC660EBR101.
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before installing the GE IC660EBR101, ensure that the power supply of the 90-70 system is completely turned off. Confirm that the module is installed in the designated bus controller slot (usually adjacent to the CPU) in the rack. Plan the topology (daisy-chain) of the Genius® bus network, and prepare dedicated shielded twisted-pair cables and terminal resistors.
Maintenance Recommendations
Daily maintenance mainly involves observing the status indicator lights on the front of the module and quickly judging the system health (power supply, communication, faults) based on the LED status. Regularly check whether the connections of the bus cables are secure and whether the shielding layer is grounded at a single point on the controller side. In case of a bus fault, the module’s powerful diagnostic functions can be used to troubleshoot short circuits, open circuits, or faulty I/O blocks step by step. The Genius® bus supports “hot swapping” (under the premise of known safety), allowing the replacement of faulty remote I/O blocks without shutting down the entire system.

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Xiamen Xingruijia Import and Export Co., Ltd.
Xiamen Xingruijia Import and Export Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise with years of professional experience in the sales of spare parts for large-scale imported systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Redundant Fault-Tolerant Control Systems, and Robot Systems.
We mainly engage in the sales of spare parts for imported automation systems and system integration, covering well-known brands such as Foxboro, Tricon, Ovation, Motorola, Xycom, ABB, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, GE Fanuc, Yaskawa, and Woodward. With the efforts of all employees and the support of customers and industry peers, the company has achieved rapid business expansion, with its business scope covering East China, South China, North China, Southwest China and other regions across the country. It has quickly emerged as a rising star in the automation industry.
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