IC660BSM120

Description

IC660BSM120 Genius I/O Bus Switching Module

The IC660BSM120 is a high-reliability communication module developed by GE Fanuc (now Emerson Automation) for the Genius I/O industrial control system. Designed to ensure uninterrupted data transmission in critical environments, it acts as a dual-bus redundancy solution, allowing seamless switching between two independent communication paths. This capability is vital for industries like manufacturing, energy, and petrochemicals, where downtime can lead to significant losses .

Key Features and Functionality

Dual-Bus Redundancy

Connects Genius I/O blocks to two serial buses simultaneously, creating a backup communication path.

Automatically switches to the secondary bus if the primary bus fails, ensuring continuous operation .

Supports up to 8 I/O blocks per module; additional modules can expand capacity to 30 blocks on the same dual bus .

Power Flexibility

Operates on 115V AC/125V DC (unlike the IC660BSM021, which uses 24/48V DC), making it suitable for AC-powered industrial setups .

Low power consumption: 60 mA at 115V AC or 12 mA at 120V DC .

Rugged Industrial Design

Operating temperature range: 0–60°C (32–140°F), withstanding harsh factory environments .

High reliability: Minimum 500,000 operations and <20 ms switching time during bus failures .

DIN rail mounting for easy integration into control panels .

Configuration and Control

Configurable via IC660HHM501 Hand-Held Monitor or directly through the CPU .

A dedicated output on a Phase B discrete block triggers bus switching based on communication status .

Technical Specifications

IC660BSM120

Application Scenarios

Automotive Manufacturing

A Southeast Asian automotive plant reduced downtime by 54 hours annually using the IC660BSM120 to eliminate communication failures between I/O modules and PLCs. The dual-bus design ensured uninterrupted operation during bus faults .

Petrochemical Processing

A U.S. refinery deployed the IC660BSM120 in hazardous areas to maintain connectivity between remote I/O racks and control systems. The module’s rugged design and redundant buses minimized signal drops in corrosive environments .

Power Generation

A power plant used the IC660BSM120 to ensure continuous monitoring of critical sensors in steam turbines. The dual-bus redundancy prevented data loss during transient electrical disturbances .

Installation and Maintenance

Installation Steps

Mount on a DIN rail within the control panel.

Connect the module to two independent buses (Bus A and Bus B) using GE-approved cables (e.g., IC660CBL100).

Configure the module via the HHM or CPU to define failover logic .

Maintenance Tips

Inspect bus connections quarterly for corrosion or loose fittings.

Replace the module if the “Bus B Active” LED fails to illuminate during a simulated bus failure test .

Perform firmware updates via the HHM to ensure compatibility with the latest Genius I/O protocols .

Related Product Ecosystem

IC660HHM501 Hand-Held Monitor: Used for on-site configuration and diagnostics of the IC660BSM120 .

IC660CBL100 Bus Extension Cable: Extends communication range between the BSM and I/O racks .

IC660BBD101 Discrete I/O Module: Interfaces with the BSM to transmit critical status signals .

IC660PSH500 Redundant Power Supply: Ensures continuous operation of the BSM during AC power outages .

IC660BSM120

Availability and Support

Status: Discontinued by the manufacturer but available through authorized resellers and surplus suppliers .

Warranty: Typically 12 months from resellers; refurbished units may offer shorter terms .

Technical Support: Emerson provides documentation and troubleshooting guides via its industrial support portal.

Conclusion

The IC660BSM120 is a cornerstone of GE’s Genius I/O redundancy strategy, delivering robust dual-bus communication in industrial environments. Its ability to switch buses in milliseconds and support up to 30 I/O blocks makes it ideal for mission-critical applications where downtime is unacceptable. While discontinued, its reliability and compatibility with legacy GE systems ensure it remains a viable solution for maintaining operational continuity.