GE Fanuc IC670GBI002 Replacement for Series 90-70

Product Overview

GE Fanuc IC670GBI002 Replacement for Series 90-70: Seamless Transition & Legacy System Upgrade

The GE Fanuc IC670GBI002 is a Genius Bus Interface Unit (BIU) designed for the GE Series 90-70 programmable logic controller platform. As aging distributed I/O networks face end-of-life support challenges, facilities running legacy Genius Bus architectures increasingly require reliable, tested replacement modules to maintain uptime without committing to a full system overhaul. TOPNLMS supplies the IC670GBI002 from verified Xiamen stock, fully tested and backed by a 12-month warranty, enabling engineers to execute a controlled, low-risk migration or direct replacement with minimal disruption to production.

The IC670GBI002 serves as the communication bridge between the Genius Bus serial network and the Series 90-70 CPU backplane. In distributed control architectures, this module manages the token-passing protocol on the Genius Bus, coordinating data exchange between remote I/O blocks — such as the IC670MDL640 discrete input module and IC670MDL741 discrete output module — and the central controller. When the original BIU fails or becomes unavailable through standard channels, the entire distributed I/O segment can go offline, making a verified replacement critical to restoring system integrity.

For facilities upgrading from earlier Genius Bus configurations, the IC670GBI002 is fully compatible with the standard Series 90-70 VME-style rack, including the IC693CHS391 and IC693CHS397 expansion chassis. No rack modification is required. The module occupies a single slot and draws power from the rack’s backplane supply, typically sourced from a IC693PWR321 or IC693PWR330 power supply module. Engineers replacing a failed BIU in the field can swap the IC670GBI002 without altering the rack layout or power distribution, significantly reducing installation time and the risk of adjacent module disturbance.

Wiring compatibility is a primary concern during any Genius Bus replacement. The IC670GBI002 connects to the Genius Bus via a shielded twisted-pair cable terminated at the module’s bus connector. The bus topology — whether daisy-chained or star-configured — does not need to be altered when replacing a like-for-like BIU. Bus address configuration is handled via DIP switches on the module face, matching the original address assignment of the failed unit. This means the replacement can be installed and addressed without modifying the PLC program or the Logicmaster 90 / Proficy Machine Edition project file, provided the bus address and I/O map remain unchanged.

From a communications protocol standpoint, the IC670GBI002 operates on the proprietary Genius Bus serial protocol at 153.6 Kbaud. This protocol is distinct from Profibus, DeviceNet, or Modbus, and is native to GE’s distributed I/O ecosystem. When migrating from an older BIU variant or integrating the IC670GBI002 into a partially upgraded system that also includes a IC693CMM321 communications coprocessor or an IC693CMM311 Ethernet module, the Genius Bus segment operates independently of the upper-level Ethernet or serial communications, ensuring that the replacement does not interfere with SCADA connectivity or HMI data exchange.

For sites planning a phased migration — retaining the Genius Bus I/O infrastructure while upgrading the CPU to a newer Series 90-30 or PACSystems RX3i platform — the IC670GBI002 can be paired with a IC695PBM300 Profibus master or a bus conversion gateway to bridge legacy Genius I/O blocks into the new control architecture. This approach preserves the existing field wiring investment while allowing the control layer to be modernized incrementally, reducing capital expenditure and engineering risk compared to a full I/O replacement.

Physical installation follows standard Series 90-70 module insertion procedures. The module is keyed to prevent incorrect slot insertion, and the backplane connector is rated for repeated insertion cycles, making it suitable for maintenance environments where modules are periodically removed for testing. Before installation, TOPNLMS performs a functional bench test on each IC670GBI002 unit, verifying bus communication, backplane interface integrity, and LED status indicator operation. Units that do not pass testing are not shipped.

Procurement lead times for the IC670GBI002 through OEM channels have extended significantly as GE Fanuc has transitioned support to the PACSystems product line. TOPNLMS maintains dedicated stock of the IC670GBI002 in Xiamen, enabling same-day dispatch for in-stock orders. Standard international shipping reaches most destinations within 5–10 business days via DHL or FedEx, with expedited options available for critical downtime situations. Each shipment includes anti-static packaging, a test report, and a warranty certificate.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful IC670GBI002 replacement or system migration rarely involves a single module in isolation. In most Series 90-70 Genius Bus installations, the BIU works in concert with a broader set of components that may also require attention during a retrofit or upgrade project. The IC670MDL640 16-point 120VAC discrete input module and IC670MDL741 16-point relay output module are the most common I/O blocks found on the same Genius Bus segment; if the bus has been offline for an extended period, these modules should be inspected and tested alongside the BIU replacement. The rack power supply — typically an IC693PWR321 120/240VAC input supply — should also be verified for output voltage stability before commissioning the new BIU, as power anomalies are a frequent root cause of BIU failure.

For sites where the CPU itself is being upgraded as part of the same project, the IC693CPU374 or IC693CPU364 processors are common candidates for replacement or upgrade within the Series 90-70 family. If the migration path leads toward the PACSystems RX3i platform, the IC695CPE305 or IC695CPE330 controllers offer backward compatibility options through bus conversion hardware. Communications infrastructure — including the IC693CMM321 coprocessor for serial Modbus or SNP connectivity and the IC693CMM311 Ethernet TCP/IP module — should be inventoried and tested as part of any planned outage, since these modules share the backplane with the BIU and are subject to the same aging failure modes. TOPNLMS maintains stock of all these related components and can supply them as part of a consolidated procurement to reduce shipping costs and simplify incoming inspection.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Do I need to modify my PLC program after replacing the IC670GBI002?
A: No, provided the replacement module is configured to the same Genius Bus address as the original using the DIP switches on the module face. The Series 90-70 CPU and Logicmaster 90 / Proficy Machine Edition project reference the bus address, not the physical module serial number. A like-for-like replacement at the same address is transparent to the program.

Q: Is the IC670GBI002 compatible with both IC693CHS391 and IC693CHS397 racks?
A: Yes. The IC670GBI002 uses the standard Series 90-70 VME-style backplane connector and is compatible with all standard Series 90-70 expansion chassis. No rack modification or adapter is required.

Q: Can I replace the IC670GBI002 while the rest of the system is running?
A: Hot-swap is not supported on the Series 90-70 backplane. The affected rack must be powered down before removing or inserting the BIU. Plan for a controlled shutdown window. The replacement procedure typically takes under 30 minutes for a trained technician.

Q: What happens to the Genius Bus I/O blocks during the replacement?
A: The I/O blocks on the Genius Bus segment will lose communication with the CPU during the BIU replacement. Depending on your CPU fault configuration, the CPU may fault or hold last state. Review your CPU fault response settings in the hardware configuration before proceeding.

Q: Will the IC670GBI002 work if I am migrating to a PACSystems RX3i CPU?
A: The IC670GBI002 is a Series 90-70 backplane module and is not directly compatible with the PACSystems RX3i VME rack. For PACSystems migrations that need to retain Genius Bus I/O, a Genius Bus Controller (GBC) or a third-party gateway device is required to bridge the Genius Bus segment to the RX3i backplane or Ethernet network.

Q: How do I verify the module is functioning correctly after installation?
A: After powering up the rack, the IC670GBI002 LED indicators should show normal bus activity. Use the Logicmaster 90 or Proficy Machine Edition I/O configuration tool to verify that all Genius Bus devices are recognized and communicating. Any bus fault or device offline condition will be reported in the CPU fault table.

Warranty Assurance

Every IC670GBI002 unit shipped by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of delivery. Prior to dispatch, each module undergoes a functional bench test that verifies backplane interface operation, Genius Bus communication capability, and LED indicator status. A test report is included with each shipment. In the event of a warranty claim, TOPNLMS provides a replacement unit or full refund, with return shipping coordinated by our after-sales team. Our standard response time for warranty inquiries is within 1 business day. We understand that unplanned downtime in industrial environments carries significant operational cost, and our procurement and logistics processes are structured to minimize the time between order placement and module installation on your production floor.

For volume orders, blanket purchase agreements, or expedited critical-downtime requests, contact our sales team directly. We can provide consolidated shipments of multiple related components — BIU, I/O modules, power supplies, and CPU modules — under a single order to simplify your procurement and incoming inspection process.