GE Fanuc Emerson | Series Three

About GE Series Three
General Electric’s (GE) Series Programmable Controllers are Microprocessor based, rugged and compact controller that features the ability of accommodating up to 400 I/O points, via the embedded 4K user memory in 4096 16-bit words. This controller is designed to implement automated control of small to medium sized applications

The Series Three Programmable Controllers are capable contributes to increased system reliability, flexibility, maintainability and reduced installation and operation costs. This controller family is capable of implementing remote I/O architecture as it supports installation of up to Three (3) base units, with One (1)  base unit being the CPU base unit while the remaining Two (2) acting as the I/O base unit where Input and Output modules are remotely installed.

A Series Three controller features 4096 16-Bit words user memory, contained in a CMOS Random Access Memory (RAM) or optional EPROM module. The CMOS RAM uses a Lithium Battery to retain the memory’s contents during power down conditions. This Lithium battery may operate up to Two (2) years under load and 8-10 years with no load conditions or natural deterioration. Up to a maximum of 400 Input and Output points are supported by a Series Three system with the addition of 368 internal relays with 64 retentive relays, 128 units of Timers and counters, Shift Registers up to 128 Words and Data Registers up to 128 Words as well. The controller program scan rate is 28.5 ms.

Series Three base units are available in 4-slot, 6-slot, and 8-Slot I/O module base units. This selection range provides flexibility that may greatly impact reduction of installation due to smaller panel space required. Up to 8 modules may be installed to a single I/O base unit, for a maximum number of 24 I/O modules. The Series Three Programmable Controller family offers a variety of input and output modules with I/O densities available in 8, 16 and High-density 32 channels.

Series Three system is powered by an external 115VAC or 230VAC source, with acceptable range of +/- 15% of the nominal value. Voltage category selection is done via an internal jumper setting. Input frequency range is 48-63 Hz with a maximum load of 60VA maximum on each base unit. 

This controller supports Ladder Programming language. A programmer device is needed to prepare, configure and download programs to the Series Three controller. The programmer also provides a way to show previously entered program elements and branches, display accumulated timer and counter values, and monitor states of binary devices particularly I/O registers and internal relays.

Series Three I/O expansion is limited up to 19 inches or 50 cm distance, from the controller base unit to the last I/O base unit. I/O expander cable is used to establish connection to the remote controller.

The Series Three Programmable Controllers support standard Boolean operators, as well as instructions such as Timer, Counter blocks, Shift Register, Data handling and manipulation, Arithmetic, Logic, Convert and other special functions.

Peripherals used with the Series Three Programmable Controllers include Cassette Tape Unit, PROM writer and printer.

PROS:

• Compact Design
• Scalable and modular at the same time
• Supports Standard modules, typically used in the industry
• Supports Remote I/O implementation via I/O base units
• Supports basic data handling and manipulation
• Up to 24 I/O modules may be installed in one Series Three system
• Supports Ladder Programming Language
• Optional memory cartridges for storage of user program
• Relatively fast execution of user program
• Large number of internal relays for a small PLC

CONS:

• DOS based Programming
• Limited Remote I/O base units; Up to Two (2) base units only
• Relatively short Remote I/O distance; Up to 50 cm distance from the CPU to the last I/O base unit
• Redundancy is not supported
• Obsolete