GEIC600CB516BSeries Six Type 2 Communications Control Module, CPU to I/O Chain Interface

Product Description

What this part is

A GE Fanuc Series Six Type 2 communications control module, IC600CB516B. It fits in a Series Six CPU rack and provides the interface between the CPU and the basic I/O chain, controlling data transfer between the processor and its peripheral devices — including the DPU (data processing unit) and PDT (programming/display terminal) devices.

Four front-panel LEDs make it one of the easier Series Six cards to troubleshoot: DPU, PARITY, CHAIN OK and ENABLED. It is a control and communications module — not the CPU itself, not a memory module, and it carries no I/O points of its own.

Decoding the order code

IC – GE Fanuc Automation industrial controls prefix.600 – the Series Six PLC family (Model 60 / 600 / 6000). The GE Fanuc groups do not interchange: IC610 is Series One, IC630 is Series Three, IC693 is Series 90-30, IC697 is Series 90-70.CB – the Series Six module class for CPU-rack control modules. Series Six memory modules carry CM, and I/O-rack functional and interface modules carry BF. The class letters place the card in the architecture before you look anything up.516 – the specific module, here the Type 2 communications control function. Siblings differ substantially: IC600CB515 is an expanded II logic control module, IC600CB524 is an arithmetic control module, and IC600CB536 is another Type 2 communications control module — related, but a different part number.B – the hardware revision letter. A revision suffix, not a different product. The K revision of the same module is documented with DB25 and DB9 connectors.

Published specifications

Function: Type 2 communications control module, CPU to basic I/O chain interfaceControls data transfer between the CPU and peripheral devices including DPU and PDTDiagnostic LEDs: DPU, PARITY, CHAIN OK, ENABLEDPlatform: GE Fanuc Series Six CPU racksConnectors: DB25 and DB9 on the K revisionOccupies one slot in a Series Six CPU rack

What these specs mean in practice

The four LEDs tell you where a fault sits, and that is worth knowing before you order. CHAIN OK reports the health of the I/O chain rather than of the module, so a dark CHAIN OK far more often means a chain cable, a terminator or a downstream rack than a failed control module. PARITY points at a memory or data-integrity problem. ENABLED confirms the module is actually in circuit. Read the LEDs on the card you have before assuming you need a replacement.

“Type 2” is a real distinction, not a marketing label. Series Six communications control modules exist in more than one type, and they are not freely interchangeable within a CPU rack. Match the number and type on the card you are replacing.

Note also that the connector complement can differ by revision — the K revision is documented with DB25 and DB9 ports. If your peripheral cabling terminates in a specific connector, confirm the revision matches your harness before ordering.

What is not included

Module only. This listing does not include the Series Six CPU rack or I/O racks, the rack power supply, the CPU or logic control module, the memory modules or backup battery, the I/O chain cable, chain terminators or connector kits, DB25 or DB9 cables, a DPU or PDT terminal, a programmer, Logicmaster software or programming cable, any I/O modules or terminal blocks, or any documentation or ladder program.

Quantity and configuration

Sold as 1 piece — one communications control module.

Installation and setup notes

Power down the CPU rack before inserting or removing the module; Series Six racks are not hot-swappable. Handle the card by its edges with a wrist strap. Note the slot position and every cable landing before removal. On power-up, work through the LEDs in order — ENABLED first, then CHAIN OK, then PARITY — before concluding anything about the rest of the system, and inspect the I/O chain cabling and terminators while you are in there, because chain faults masquerade as module faults on this platform.

Interchange guidance

Searchable equivalents of the same part: IC600CB516B, IC600CB516, IC600-CB-516-B, IC600 CB 516 B, CB-516B, CB516B, IC600CB516K. Other revision letters of IC600CB516 are the same module at a different revision level, though the connector complement can differ between them. Related but not interchangeable: IC600CB536 (another Type 2 communications control module), IC600CB515 (expanded II logic control) and IC600CB524 (arithmetic control) — same class prefix, different function or different build.

Correcting the source data

Earlier copy gave the brand as GE and described the part as an “I/O module” and a circuit board. It is a GE Fanuc Automation Series Six control and communications module with no I/O points of its own; the IC prefix belongs to GE Fanuc Automation specifically.