Product Overview

The GE HE693SNP306AX is a cable connector adapter primarily associated with GE Fanuc Series 90-30 Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This specific component acts as an interface cable, facilitating communication between a GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC’s SNP (Serial Network Protocol) port and an RS-232 device, typically a computer or programming terminal. The “AX” in the part number often indicates a specific revision or a factory-supplied variant.

As a communication cable, the HE693SNP306AX is crucial for programming, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting GE Fanuc 90-30 PLCs. It enables the exchange of data between the PLC and engineering software (like Proficy Machine Edition or the older VersaPro), allowing users to download ladder logic, upload programs, view PLC status, and modify parameters. Its role is purely connectivity, providing the physical and protocol-level translation necessary for reliable serial communication in industrial automation environments. While the GE Fanuc 90-30 series itself is considered legacy, the GE HE693SNP306AX remains a vital accessory for existing installations and maintenance operations.

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

The GE HE693SNP306AX cable connector adapter, though a seemingly simple accessory, provides essential functionality for working with GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLCs. Its key features and advantages revolve around reliable communication and ease of use in industrial settings.

Reliable Communication Bridge: The primary feature of the GE HE693SNP306AX is its ability to reliably translate between the GE Fanuc proprietary SNP protocol used by the Series 90-30 PLCs and the widely used RS-232 standard. This ensures stable data exchange, which is critical for accurate program downloads, uploads, and real-time monitoring, minimizing communication errors in industrial environments.

Direct Connectivity: The cable provides direct connectivity between the PLC’s SNP port (often a DB-15) and a standard RS-232 serial port (DB-9) on a programming computer or other communication device. This eliminates the need for complex, external protocol converters for basic serial communication tasks, simplifying the setup for engineers and technicians.

Durable Industrial Design: As an industrial accessory, the HE693SNP306AX is built to withstand the rigors of factory and plant environments. Its robust construction protects against typical industrial hazards like vibrations, dust, and minor impacts, contributing to its longevity and reliability in the field.

“Plug-and-Play” Simplicity: For its intended purpose, the GE HE693SNP306AX offers a relatively “plug-and-play” experience. Once connected to the PLC and the computer with the appropriate software drivers and configuration, it allows for straightforward communication, reducing setup time and complexity for maintenance and programming tasks.

Essential for Legacy Systems: Given that the GE Fanuc 90-30 series is a legacy platform, the HE693SNP306AX remains an essential tool for companies still operating these systems. It provides the necessary interface to maintain, troubleshoot, and update existing PLC programs, extending the operational life of installed equipment.

Application Field

The GE HE693SNP306AX cable connector adapter is exclusively used in applications involving GE Fanuc Series 90-30 Programmable Logic Controllers. Its primary function is to establish serial communication for various operational and maintenance tasks. Its main application fields include:

PLC Programming and Configuration: This is the most common use. Engineers and technicians use the GE HE693SNP306AX to connect a computer running GE’s programming software (such as Proficy Machine Edition or VersaPro) to a GE Fanuc 90-30 PLC. This connection allows for:

• Downloading new or modified ladder logic programs to the PLC.
• Uploading existing programs from the PLC for backup or analysis.
• Configuring PLC hardware settings and communication parameters.

System Monitoring and Diagnostics: The cable enables real-time monitoring of PLC status, I/O states, and internal registers from the programming software. This is crucial for:

• Troubleshooting operational issues on automated machinery.
• Diagnosing faults within the PLC or connected field devices.
• Observing process variables and control logic execution.

HMI/SCADA Communication (Direct Connection): In some smaller or older setups, the HE693SNP306AX might be used to establish a direct serial link between a GE Fanuc 90-30 PLC and a Human Machine Interface (HMI) panel or a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for data exchange. This is less common now with Ethernet becoming prevalent but was a typical application for serial ports.

Firmware Updates: While less frequent, the cable may also be used for updating the firmware of the GE Fanuc 90-30 PLC, although this typically requires specific procedures and software tools.

Essentially, any task that requires serial communication with a GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC for programming, diagnostics, or data acquisition will likely utilize a cable like the GE HE693SNP306AX.

Related Products

The GE HE693SNP306AX cable is primarily an accessory for GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLCs. Therefore, related products are typically the PLC modules themselves and the software used for communication and programming.

GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLCs:

• CPU Modules: (e.g., IC693CPU311, IC693CPU363, IC693CPU374) – The core processors that the cable connects to.
• I/O Modules: (e.g., IC693MDL640, IC693MDL740, IC693ALG220) – Various digital and analog input/output modules that reside in the 90-30 rack and are controlled by the CPU.
• Power Supplies: (e.g., IC693PWR321) – Modules providing power to the 90-30 rack.
• Racks/Bases: (e.g., IC693CHS391) – The physical chassis that holds the CPU, I/O, and power supply modules.

Programming Software:

• Proficy Machine Edition Logic Developer PLC (for GE Fanuc): The current programming software suite from GE (now Emerson) for programming and configuring 90-30 PLCs.
• VersaPro: An older, now superseded, programming software that was used for GE Fanuc PLCs, including the 90-30 series.

Other Communication Cables/Adapters:

• Other variations of SNP cables (e.g., different lengths, or perhaps SNP to RS-485 adapters if a different communication standard was required for a specific network).
• USB to RS-232 Converters: Often used in conjunction with the HE693SNP306AX when modern computers lack a native RS-232 serial port.

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-installation preparation: The GE HE693SNP306AX is a passive cable; therefore, its installation is straightforward. Ensure that the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC is powered on. Identify the SNP port on the PLC’s CPU module (typically a 15-pin D-sub connector). On your programming computer, identify an available RS-232 serial port (typically a 9-pin D-sub connector). If your computer does not have a native RS-232 port, you will need a reliable USB to RS-232 converter and its appropriate drivers installed on your computer.

Maintenance recommendations: The GE HE693SNP306AX requires minimal maintenance.

• Physical Inspection: Periodically inspect the cable for any signs of physical damage, such as frayed wires, bent pins on the connectors, or cracks in the connector housings. Damaged cables can lead to intermittent communication problems.
• Cleanliness: Keep the connectors clean and free of dust, dirt, or debris. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the connector pins if necessary. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Proper Storage: When not in use, store the cable in a clean, dry environment, preferably coiled neatly to prevent kinks or excessive bending, which can damage the internal wiring.
• Handle with Care: Always grasp the connectors when plugging or unplugging the cable, rather than pulling on the cable itself, to prevent strain on the wiring and connections.
• Troubleshooting: If communication issues arise, first check the cable connections, then verify the PLC’s communication settings and the programming software’s COM port configuration. A faulty cable can often be the source of unexplained communication problems.

Product Guarantee

Information directly detailing the “Product Guarantee” for the HE693SNP306AX specifically from GE (now Emerson Automation Solutions) is not readily available, especially given that the GE Fanuc 90-30 series and its accessories are considered legacy or discontinued. However, general industrial product practices and common warranty practices for such components suggest the following:

Typically, when the GE HE693SNP306AX was new, it would have been covered by a standard manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one to two years from the date of purchase. This warranty would cover functional failures due to manufacturing defects but not damage from misuse, improper installation, or normal wear and tear.

For older or “discontinued by manufacturer” parts like the HE693SNP306AX, direct factory warranty support is unlikely to be available. However, many industrial automation distributors and third-party suppliers who sell new old stock (NOS) or refurbished units often provide their own warranty, typically ranging from a few months to a couple of years. It is crucial to verify the warranty policy of the specific vendor when purchasing such a component.