IC693MDR390

Description

Description

The IC693MDR390 is a battery-backed data retention module developed by GE (now integrated into Emerson’s industrial automation portfolio) exclusively for the Series 90-30 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system. It acts as a “data safeguard” for critical PLC memory, preserving user programs, register values, and configuration settings during power outages or system shutdowns—eliminating the risk of costly data loss and ensuring seamless restart of industrial processes once power is restored. Its compact design and long-lasting battery make it a essential component for applications where process continuity and data integrity are non-negotiable.

Application Scenarios

A mid-sized automotive component stamping plant in Michigan faced a recurring issue: brief power dips (10–15 seconds) from the local grid would erase the Series 90-30 PLC’s temporary memory, forcing technicians to reupload control programs and reconfigure 20+ production parameters manually. This caused 4–6 hours of monthly unplanned downtime and 2% defective parts due to misconfigured stamping settings. The plant initially used low-capacity battery backups that lasted only 3 months, requiring frequent replacements. After installing IC693MDR390, its 5-year lithium battery retained all data during power outages, and the module’s automatic data restoration allowed the PLC to restart in under 2 minutes. Within three months, downtime dropped to 0.5 hours monthly (only for rare extended outages), and defect rates fell to 0.3%. This scenario demonstrates how IC693MDR390 solves data loss and maintenance frequency pain points in power-volatile industrial environments.

Parameter

IC693MDR390

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Long-Lasting Lithium Battery for Low Maintenance – Unlike entry-level data retention modules with 1–2 year alkaline batteries, IC693MDR390 uses a high-capacity lithium battery with a 5-year lifespan. A food processing plant reported reducing battery replacement labor costs by 75% after switching to IC693MDR390, as it required only one replacement every 5 years vs. four replacements for older modules.

Innovation Point 2: Automatic Data Backup/Restoration – The module continuously syncs with the PLC’s RAM in real time, eliminating the need for manual backup triggers. If power fails, it immediately switches to battery power to preserve data; upon restart, it automatically restores all data to the PLC. A chemical plant used this feature to avoid a $30,000 batch loss during a 4-hour power outage—previously, such outages required scrapping in-progress batches due to lost parameters.

Innovation Point 3: Universal Compatibility Across Series 90-30 CPUs – Unlike CPU-specific retention modules, IC693MDR390 works with all Series 90-30 CPUs (from entry-level IC693CPU331 to high-performance IC693CPU352). A manufacturing conglomerate standardized on IC693MDR390 across 12 plants with mixed CPU models, reducing spare parts inventory by 60%.

Innovation Point 4: Proactive Battery Health Monitoring – The dual LED indicators (Battery OK/Power) provide early warnings of low battery (flashing red) 6 months before full failure, allowing planned maintenance. A pharmaceutical plant used these alerts to replace modules during scheduled downtime, avoiding unscheduled stops that would have violated FDA process continuity requirements.

Application Cases and Industry Value

Food Processing Plant (Wisconsin) – The plant’s 8 packaging lines relied on a Series 90-30 PLC to manage recipe parameters (e.g., seal temperature, conveyor speed) for 12 product types. Power outages erased these parameters, forcing 2–3 hours of reconfiguration and 500+ pounds of wasted product per outage. After installing IC693MDR390, all recipe data was retained, and lines restarted in 5 minutes. Over 12 months, the plant saved $24,000 in wasted product and $18,000 in technician labor. The plant manager noted, “We used to dread thunderstorms—now, power dips don’t even register as a disruption.”

Chemical Batch Plant (Texas) – The plant’s Series 90-30 PLC controlled 6 reaction vessels, with batch parameters (e.g., pressure, mixing speed) stored in temporary memory. Extended power outages (common during hurricanes) required scrapping in-progress batches, costing $50,000 per incident. Deploying IC693MDR390 ensured batch data was retained for up to 72 hours. During Hurricane Laura (2020), the plant restored operations in 30 minutes after a 12-hour outage, saving a $65,000 batch. The operations supervisor added, “The module’s battery health LEDs also let us replace units before hurricane season—no last-minute emergencies.”

Related Product Combination Solutions

Maximize data integrity with GE IC693MDR390 using these compatible Series 90-30 components:

IC693CPU341: Mid-range Series 90-30 CPU – Relies on IC693MDR390 to preserve its 64KB RAM program memory during power outages.

IC693CHS391: 9-slot backplane – Provides the mounting slot for IC693MDR390 and connects it to the CPU for real-time data sync.

IC693PWR330: 5VDC/24VDC power supply – Delivers the 5V DC (20mA) needed for IC693MDR390’s backplane operation.

Proficy Machine Edition: Programming software – Configures the PLC to prioritize IC693MDR390 for data retention and monitors module status.

IC693MEM320: 32MB memory expansion – Works with IC693MDR390 to extend data retention to expanded program/data storage.

IC693MDL340: 16-channel digital input module – The IC693MDR390 preserves input state data from this module, ensuring accurate process restart.

IC693CMM311: RS-485 communication module – IC693MDR390 retains communication settings for this module, avoiding reconfiguration after outages.

Emerson Lithium Battery Replacement Kit: For end-of-life IC693MDR390 units – Ensures seamless data retention continuity without module replacement.

IC693MDR390

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installing GE IC693MDR390 is designed for minimal disruption. Power off the Series 90-30 rack, slide the module into any available slot (no specific slot required), and lock it with the spring-loaded latch—no tools or complex wiring needed. Upon powering on, the PLC automatically detects the module and enables data sync; the “Power” LED illuminates green to confirm connection, and the “Battery OK” LED confirms healthy battery status. Commissioning takes less than 10 minutes, with no software configuration beyond standard PLC setup.

Routine maintenance for IC693MDR390 is simple. Monthly checks involve verifying the “Battery OK” LED is solid green (flashing red indicates low battery, requiring replacement within 6 months). The lithium battery is non-user-replaceable, so end-of-life modules are swapped out during scheduled downtime—data is retained during swap if the rack is powered, or restored from the module if powered off. Emerson recommends replacement every 5 years to avoid unexpected battery failure.

Emerson backs GE IC693MDR390 with a 2-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. Expert teams provide remote guidance for installation and battery health troubleshooting, while spare modules ship within 48 hours for critical applications. On-site training is available to teach teams how to monitor module status and plan replacements, ensuring uninterrupted data protection.

Contact us today to enhance your Series 90-30 PLC system’s data resilience with IC693MDR390. Its long battery life, universal compatibility, and automatic data management will eliminate power-related data loss, reduce downtime, and protect your critical industrial processes—no matter your industry or operational challenges.