The GE Fanuc IC693APU301 Axis Positioning Module or APM is a single-axis motion control module that is made for the Series 90-30 PLCs or programmable logic controllers. It is easy to use and it is a fully programmable module that allows the users to integrate high-performance control into their PLC systems. The IC693APU301 Axis Positioning Module can be set to operate in the follower mode or in the standard mode. The follower mode offers electronic gearing for continuous applications. When this module is used with the Series 90-30 PLCs, it operates as a combined motion control package. This APM controls the motion of the axis while the PLC it is connected to transfers data automatically between the PLC tables and the APM.

The IC693APU301 Axis Positioning Module can be installed in any Series 90-30 CPU or expansion baseplate. A modular CPU which is a 331 model or higher can have up to 8 APM modules in 1 system, with a maximum of 3 APM modules per baseplate. A maximum of 10 motion programs can be generated and stored in the APM motion programmer software package. It has a high-density connector that contains a connection for Axis 1 and another connector for general-purpose connections. These high-density connectors are connected to the drive using short cables that have 24-pin I/O connectors. This APM contains logic that compares the actual position of the axis with the programmed or commanded position. The IC693APU301 Axis Positioning Module offers a real-time interface between the PLC and a servo-controlled axis. Some of the benefits of using this module include extended application capabilities, simplified troubleshooting, and efficient general-purpose input capabilities.