FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GE Fanuc Introduces New VME Discrete and

Analog I/O Modules for Series 90™-70 PLCs

High-density, high-speed modules provide significant cost, space savings

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.-April 18, 2002- GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., announces the availability of new high-density discrete and analog I/O modules that provide rapid data transfer to Series 90™-70 PLCs over a VME backplane, increasing control flexibility in a wide range of discrete and process applications.

With 64 discrete I/O points or analog channels on a single module—compared with a maximum of 32 points per traditional discrete module and a maximum of eight channels per analog module—users can reduce hardware costs by as much as 50 percent. Additionally, because they are half the width of standard Series 90-70 PLC modules, the new modules can be used either in a standard rack or in an integrator rack, providing potential panel space savings in excess of 75 percent.

 Users can choose from six different analog input and nine different analog output modules, including those with update rates up to 100kHz for time-critical process applications. Discrete modules include 24 VDC input, 24 VDC output, and 64- or 32-point relay output. The 24 VDC input module can be configured to support Sequence-of-Event (SOE). This option allows each change-of-state to be time tagged in the SOE buffer, which can store up to 3,000 events, providing users with greater insights into their processes and enabling them to diagnose problems more efficiently and effectively. The built-in test features on many of the modules also enable quick diagnostics and reduced downtime.

Compatible with all Series 90-70 CPUs and racks, the VME I/O is quickly and easily integrated using a simple configuration tool supplied with each module. Modules with cable connections can be terminated easily using a DIN Rail Transition Module, which provides a high-density screw terminal block with easy universal mounting.

About GE Fanuc Automation

GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC, Ltd. of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include CIMPLICITY® collaborative production management software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control, operator interfaces, industrial computers, lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com.

About GE Industrial Systems

GE Industrial Systems spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technological products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment, and provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications.  Headquartered in Plainville, Connecticut, USA, GE Industrial Systems is one of the major businesses of the General Electric Company.

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CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.