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The GE IC660BSM120 is a Genius I/O Bus Switching Module engineered to provide dual-bus redundancy in distributed automation networks based on the GE Fanuc Genius I/O platform. Designed for applications where communication continuity is essential, this module enables seamless switching between two serial bus paths to maintain data flow even if the primary bus fails. Its AC/DC power capability makes it suitable for systems with mixed power environments and enhances overall network robustness.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	GE IC660BSM120
Module Type	Bus Switching Module
Primary Function	Serial bus redundancy and switching
Supported Bus Architecture	Genius I/O dual serial bus
Operating Voltage	Bus B: 90–130 VAC / 95–150 VDC Bus A: <65 VAC/DC
Max Current Draw	~60 mA @ 115 VAC ~12 mA @ 120 VDC
I/O Capacity	Connects up to 8 I/O blocks per bus (expandable)
Switching Response Time	<20 ms activation time
Reliability Rating	≥500,000 operations (min.)
Operating Temperature	0 – 60 °C
Mounting	Panel or rack mount
Dimensions (approx.)	3.5 × 2.3 × 2.5 in (89 × 58 × 64 mm)
Weight (approx.)	~0.10 kg

Recommended Related Models

To build a robust and fault-tolerant Genius I/O system, pair the IC660BSM120 with:

GE IC660BCM501 – Bus controller module for coordinated I/O communication
GE IC660BBS100 / BBS101 / BBS102 / BBS103 – System power supply modules
GE IC660BBR101 – Communication interface module
GE IC660CHS002 – I/O carrier and system base module

This combination supports stable power, dual-bus communication, and scalable distributed I/O.

Popular Allen-Bradley Models

When evaluating cross-platform redundancy approaches, engineers often consider Allen-Bradley alternatives such as:

Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T – Ethernet/IP communication module
Allen-Bradley 1756-CNB – ControlNet communication controller
Allen-Bradley 1734-AENT – POINT I/O Ethernet adapter
Allen-Bradley 1788-ENBT – Industrial network interface module

These products fulfill similar roles in networked I/O architectures.

Applications

The GE IC660BSM120 is particularly valuable in:

Distributed I/O systems requiring high availability
Process control networks with redundant communication paths
Manufacturing automation lines operating with minimal downtime
Large industrial systems with extended bus segments
Critical automation installations where communications must remain uninterrupted

Its ability to switch between buses maintains network integrity during faults or maintenance.

Advantages

Dual-bus redundancy: Maintains communication if one serial bus fails.
AC/DC power compatibility: Operates with both AC (90–130 V) and DC (95–150 V), allowing flexible system power design.
Fast switching response: <20 ms switching time limits communication disruption.
Expandable I/O support: Connects up to eight I/O blocks per bus; additional modules allow up to 30.
Clear visual feedback: LED indicators show active bus status, simplifying diagnostics.
Compact and durable: Small footprint with industrial-grade reliability.

These benefits make IC660BSM120 a reliable choice for mission-critical distributed automation.

Technical FAQs

What is the primary function of the IC660BSM120?
It provides bus redundancy by switching I/O blocks between two serial buses in a Genius I/O network.
How is it powered?
It supports 90–130 VAC or 95–150 VDC, offering flexibility for AC or DC systems.
How many I/O blocks can it support?
It can connect up to 8 I/O blocks per bus, and expansion with additional BSMs can reach ~30 blocks.
What happens during bus failure?
The module switches to the alternate bus to maintain communication continuity.
How is bus switching controlled?
Switching commands can be issued via the CPU or handheld monitor.
What indicates which bus is active?
LED indicators illuminate when Bus B is active, providing visual status.
What is the typical activation time?
Switching between buses occurs in less than 20 milliseconds.
Is configuration required?
Yes — configuration is done using a Genius handheld monitor (HHM) or via CPU programming.
Can this module be added to existing systems?
Yes, it integrates into existing Genius I/O networks to add redundancy.
Why choose IC660BSM120 over non-redundant switching modules?
Its dual-bus support, AC/DC power flexibility, and fast switching response improve uptime and reliability in demanding automation environments.