GE IC670GBI102 Replacement/Upgrade for Series 90 Micro

Product Overview

GE IC670GBI102 Replacement/Upgrade Solution for Series 90 Micro: Smooth Migration from Legacy Genius Bus Systems

The GE IC670GBI102 is a Genius Bus Interface Unit (BIU) designed for the GE Series 90 Micro PLC platform. As industrial facilities continue to operate aging Genius Bus networks, the IC670GBI102 serves as a critical bridge between the Series 90 Micro CPU and field-level Genius I/O blocks distributed across the plant floor. When the original module reaches end-of-life or fails unexpectedly, sourcing a verified replacement with full compatibility is essential to minimizing unplanned downtime and protecting the integrity of your control architecture.

At TOPNLMS, we maintain ready stock of the IC670GBI102 to support urgent replacement and planned upgrade projects. Each unit is tested, inspected, and shipped with a 12-month warranty, giving procurement engineers and maintenance teams the confidence to proceed without extended lead times or costly system redesigns.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful IC670GBI102 replacement or system migration rarely involves a single module in isolation. In practice, maintenance engineers working on Series 90 Micro systems encounter a cluster of interdependent components that must be evaluated together to ensure a smooth transition back to full operation.

The IC670GBI102 BIU communicates with distributed Genius I/O blocks such as the IC660BBD100 (16-point discrete block) and IC660BBD101 (32-point discrete block) via the Genius Bus daisy-chain cable. When replacing the BIU, it is advisable to inspect the condition of these field blocks simultaneously, as aging connectors and bus terminators are common failure points in long-running Genius networks. The IC660BBS100 Bus Switching Module is another component frequently reviewed during BIU replacement projects, particularly in systems where redundant bus paths were originally configured.

On the CPU side, the IC670CPU101 or IC670CPU105 Series 90 Micro CPU module must be confirmed operational before commissioning the replacement BIU. If the CPU itself is approaching end-of-life, a concurrent CPU replacement using a compatible IC670CPU module eliminates the risk of a second unplanned outage shortly after the BIU is restored. The IC670PWR101 power supply module should also be verified, as an unstable rack power supply can cause intermittent BIU faults that are easily misdiagnosed as module failures.

For facilities migrating from a purely Genius Bus architecture toward a hybrid or modern Ethernet-based control system, the IC670GBI102 can continue to serve as the Genius Bus master while a higher-level controller handles supervisory functions. In such retrofit scenarios, engineers often introduce an IC693CMM302 or similar communications module at the supervisory layer to bridge legacy Genius data into a PROFIBUS or Ethernet network without replacing the entire field wiring infrastructure.

Programming cable access is another practical consideration during commissioning. The IC690USB901 USB-to-serial programming cable (or equivalent IC690ACC901 serial cable) is required to connect a laptop running GE Proficy Machine Edition or the legacy Logicmaster 90 Micro software to the IC670 CPU for program verification and I/O forcing during startup. Having this cable on-site before the replacement window begins prevents avoidable delays during the maintenance outage.

Finally, for control cabinets where DIN rail space is constrained, signal isolators and terminal blocks compatible with the IC670 rack wiring scheme should be pre-staged. Verifying that existing terminal block assignments match the replacement BIU’s I/O mapping before the outage window significantly reduces commissioning time and the risk of wiring errors during a time-pressured replacement.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I replace the IC670GBI102 without modifying my existing Genius Bus wiring?
A: Yes. The IC670GBI102 uses the same Genius Bus connector and daisy-chain topology as the original unit. Existing field cables, bus terminators, and I/O block addresses do not need to be changed for a direct module swap.

Q: Do I need to reload the PLC program after replacing the BIU?
A: In most cases, no. The Genius Bus configuration and I/O block assignments are stored in the CPU, not the BIU. After installing the replacement IC670GBI102, the CPU will re-establish communication with the Genius I/O blocks automatically on power-up. However, it is best practice to have a verified program backup available before any hardware replacement.

Q: Is the IC670GBI102 compatible with all Genius I/O block types?
A: The IC670GBI102 supports standard Genius Bus I/O blocks operating at the standard Genius Bus baud rate. Compatibility with specific block types (discrete, analog, specialty) should be confirmed against the GE Series 90 Micro hardware reference manual for your specific system configuration.

Q: What communications protocol does the Genius Bus use, and is it compatible with modern networks?
A: The Genius Bus uses GE’s proprietary serial protocol over a shielded twisted-pair cable. It is not natively compatible with Ethernet, PROFIBUS, or EtherNet/IP without an intermediate gateway or communications module. For modernization projects, a protocol converter can bridge Genius Bus data to a contemporary network while preserving existing field wiring.

Q: How much physical space does the IC670GBI102 require in the control cabinet?
A: The IC670GBI102 occupies a single slot in the IC670 rack. No additional panel space or DIN rail mounting is required beyond the existing rack footprint, making it a true drop-in replacement with no cabinet modification.

Q: What software is required to configure and commission the replacement BIU?
A: GE Proficy Machine Edition (Logic Developer – PLC) or the legacy Logicmaster 90 Micro software is used to configure the Series 90 Micro CPU and verify Genius Bus I/O assignments. A compatible programming cable connected to the CPU’s serial port is required for online configuration and diagnostics.

Warranty Assurance

Every IC670GBI102 unit shipped by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of delivery. Before dispatch, each module undergoes a pre-shipment functional inspection to verify power-up behavior, bus communication readiness, and physical integrity of connectors and housing.

If a unit develops a fault within the warranty period under normal operating conditions, TOPNLMS will provide a replacement module or issue a full refund, subject to inspection of the returned unit. Our after-sales response target is within 24 hours of a warranty claim submission, and replacement units are dispatched from our Xiamen warehouse with priority shipping to minimize your system downtime.

For procurement teams requiring documentation, we can provide a test report, packing list, and commercial invoice with each shipment. We support T/T bank transfer, PayPal, and trade assurance payment methods, and we ship globally via DHL, FedEx, and UPS with full tracking.

For urgent replacement inquiries, volume pricing, or technical compatibility questions, contact our team directly before placing your order.