GE IC200BEM003 – Profibus DP Master Module | VersaMax Series
Engineering Background
The IC200BEM003 is GE Automation & Controls’ dedicated Profibus DP Class 1 Master module for the VersaMax Micro and Modular PLC platform. Designed for deterministic fieldbus communication in process and discrete manufacturing environments, it enables a single VersaMax CPU to orchestrate up to 125 Profibus DP slave devices across a single network segment — eliminating the need for a separate gateway or communication processor.
Product Positioning
Targeted at OEM machine builders and system integrators who standardize on GE VersaMax hardware and require native Profibus DP integration without third-party middleware. The IC200BEM003 is the preferred choice for brownfield retrofits of legacy Siemens or ABB Profibus networks where the control layer is being migrated to GE VersaMax.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | IC200BEM003 |
| Manufacturer | GE Automation & Controls (now Emerson) |
| Platform | VersaMax Micro / Modular PLC |
| Module Type | Profibus DP Class 1 Master |
| Profibus Standard | IEC 61158 / EN 50170 |
| Max Slave Devices | 125 per network segment |
| Baud Rates Supported | 9.6 kbps – 12 Mbps (auto-detect) |
| Max Cable Length | 1,200 m @ 9.6 kbps; 100 m @ 12 Mbps |
| Connector Type | DB-9 Female (RS-485) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 VDC (backplane-powered) |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 1.0 W |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5 % – 95 % non-condensing |
| Mounting | VersaMax I/O carrier / DIN rail via carrier |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | Approx. 30 mm × 120 mm × 80 mm |
| Weight | 450 g |
| Certifications | CE, UL 508, cUL |
| Firmware Configurable | Via Proficy Machine Edition (PME) |
| GSD File Required | Yes (slave GSD files loaded via PME) |
Proven Application Environments
- Automotive Assembly Lines — Master control of Profibus-connected servo drives, I/O blocks, and vision systems on body-in-white and powertrain lines.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — Supervisory control of distributed Profibus DP field instruments (flow meters, valve positioners, analyzers) in SCADA-integrated plants.
- Packaging Machinery — High-speed coordination of Profibus slaves (frequency inverters, HMI panels) on form-fill-seal and cartoning equipment.
- Oil & Gas Upstream — Remote wellhead automation with Profibus DP slaves in hazardous-area enclosures, communicating back to a VersaMax CPU in a safe-area panel.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing — GMP-compliant batch process control with Profibus-connected analytical instruments and actuators.
- Brownfield Siemens S5/S7 Migration — Drop-in Profibus master replacement when migrating legacy Siemens PLC networks to GE VersaMax without rewiring the fieldbus.
Engineering Advantages
- Native VersaMax Integration — Occupies a standard I/O slot; no external power supply or gateway required. Configuration is fully embedded in the PME project file.
- Class 1 Master Capability — Supports cyclic data exchange (DX) with all 125 slaves simultaneously, ensuring deterministic scan-cycle performance.
- Auto Baud-Rate Detection — Simplifies commissioning on existing Profibus segments where the baud rate is already established by other masters or slaves.
- GSD-Based Slave Configuration — Standard GSD file import in PME ensures compatibility with any Profibus DP-compliant slave device from any manufacturer.
- Compact Footprint — Single-slot module minimizes panel space; ideal for space-constrained machine cabinets.
- Proven Long-Term Availability — Stocked as a strategic spare by major industrial distributors globally; Konmask.com maintains verified surplus inventory.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The IC200BEM003 resides on the VersaMax backplane and communicates with the CPU via the internal I/O bus. At the fieldbus layer, the module acts as the Profibus DP Class 1 Master, polling each configured slave device cyclically. Data is mapped directly into the CPU’s %I/%Q reference tables, making slave I/O transparent to the application program. The DB-9 connector interfaces to the Profibus cable segment via a standard Profibus connector with integrated termination resistors (termination must be enabled at both physical ends of the segment).
[VersaMax CPU] ←→ [Backplane Bus] ←→ [IC200BEM003]
↕ Profibus DP (RS-485)
[Slave 1] [Slave 2] ... [Slave 125]
(Drives, I/O Blocks, Instruments, HMIs)
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Origin: Genuine GE / Emerson-manufactured module sourced from authorized industrial distributors and verified surplus channels.
- Inspection Protocol: Each unit undergoes visual inspection (label integrity, connector condition, no physical damage), functional power-on verification, and firmware version check prior to shipment.
- Packaging: Anti-static bag + foam-lined carton. Original GE packaging preserved where available.
- Warranty: 90-day Konmask.com operational warranty. Extended warranty available on request.
- Counterfeit Risk Mitigation: All units traceable to documented supply chain. Konmask.com does not source from unverified grey-market channels.
Procurement Process
- Confirm Compatibility — Verify your VersaMax CPU firmware version supports IC200BEM003 (PME 8.x or later recommended). Contact our engineers if uncertain.
- Request a Quote — Submit your required quantity and delivery timeline via support@konmask.com or +0086 19859288691.
- Order Confirmation — Purchase order accepted; lead time confirmed (typically 1–5 business days for in-stock units).
- Inspection & Dispatch — Unit inspected, serialized, and dispatched with packing list and inspection report.
- Delivery & Commissioning Support — Post-delivery technical support available for PME configuration and Profibus network commissioning.
Technical FAQ
Q: Can the IC200BEM003 operate as a Profibus DP Class 2 master?
A: No. The IC200BEM003 is a Class 1 master only. Class 2 (acyclic) functions such as DPV1 read/write are not supported natively.
Q: Is the module compatible with Profibus PA devices?
A: Not directly. Profibus PA requires a DP/PA coupler or link device between the IC200BEM003 and the PA segment.
Q: What PME version is required for configuration?
A: Proficy Machine Edition 8.0 or later. The module’s GSD file must be imported into the PME hardware configuration.
Q: Can multiple IC200BEM003 modules be used in one VersaMax rack?
A: Yes, subject to CPU slot and power budget constraints. Each module manages its own independent Profibus segment.
Q: What is the maximum I/O data size per slave?
A: Up to 244 bytes input + 244 bytes output per slave, per Profibus DP standard limits.
Q: Is a termination resistor required?
A: Yes. The Profibus segment must be terminated at both physical ends. Use a Profibus connector with built-in termination (e.g., Siemens 6ES7 972-0BA52-0XA0 or equivalent).
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691




