SPECIFICATIONS
Part No.: IC693ALG221
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
Temperature: -30 to 65oC
No. of channels: 4 Inputs
Input Current Range: 4 to 20 mA and 0 to 20 mA
Update Rate: 2 msec
Input Filter Response: 325 Hz
Product Type: Analog Current Input Module
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark I and II
Functional Description
IC693ALG221 is an Analog Current Input Module developed by GE. It is part of the Fanuc system. As a part of the Series 90-30 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), this module is essential for converting analog current signals into digital data, which is then processed by the PLC system. Ensures precise and reliable conversion, making it ideal for industrial automation applications that require high accuracy in monitoring and control.
Features
- The module is equipped with four input channels, each capable of handling analog current signals, commonly in the 4-20mA range. These channels allow for the simultaneous conversion of multiple analog signals, making the module highly efficient in applications requiring real-time analog-to-digital conversion. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios where monitoring of various process variables, such as temperature, pressure, or flow, is essential for proper system control.
- Designed specifically for the Series 90-30 PLC, integral in applications that demand precise control and monitoring of analog signals. It ensures that analog data, typically provided by sensors or field devices, is accurately converted into digital signals that can be processed by the PLC. This allows the system to make decisions based on real-time input, optimizing performance and ensuring reliability in complex industrial environments.
- Offers great versatility, as it can handle multiple input channels simultaneously. It is particularly valuable in applications that require precise data conversion, such as process control, environmental monitoring, and machine diagnostics. Its ability to efficiently convert 4-20mA analog current signals into actionable digital data ensures that the system can respond quickly and effectively to changes in process parameters, making it a crucial component in automation systems.
Input Ranges and Scaling
- The module provides two distinct input ranges, offering flexibility for different application needs. The default input range of 4 to 20 mA is the most commonly used configuration in industrial applications for process control. In this default setup, the module scales the input signal such that:
- 4 mA corresponds to a count of 0
- 20 mA corresponds to a count of 32,000
- This scaling ensures that the analog input signal is accurately represented in digital form. For every 0.5 mA change in the input signal, the output will adjust by 1,000 counts. This fine granularity ensures that even small changes in the analog signal are captured with high accuracy, making the system more responsive and precise in its data processing.
- In addition to the default 4 to 20 mA input range, the module offers the ability to modify the input range for greater flexibility. By adding a jumper to the I/O terminal board, the range can be switched to 0 to 20 mA, which allows users to handle applications that require a zero-based input signal. In this new configuration:
- 0 mA corresponds to a count of 0
- 20 mA corresponds to a count of 32,000
- However, in this setup, every 0.5 mA change in the input signal will result in an 800-count change in the output. This change in scaling offers a different sensitivity to the input signal, which may be necessary for applications that need more precise handling of low-level signals.
- To further enhance its versatility, the module provides two range jumpers, one for channels 1 and 2 and another for channels 3 and 4. This enables the module to be configured to handle different input signals across the channels, making it suitable for a variety of applications that require monitoring of multiple process variables simultaneously. With this jumper configuration, users can independently modify the scaling and range settings for different channels based on the specific needs of each input, providing customized flexibility for various industrial processes.
Conversion Speed and Resolution
- Each channel of the module has a conversion speed of 0.5 milliseconds, resulting in an update rate of 2 milliseconds for any individual channel. This fast conversion speed ensures that the module can process input signals quickly and accurately, even for high-speed applications.
- The resolution of the converted signal is 12 bits, which corresponds to a binary count range of 1 part in 4,096 over either of the two input ranges. This high resolution ensures that small variations in the input current are captured and represented accurately.
- The user data is stored in the PLC’s %AI (Analog Input) registers in 16-bit 2’s complement format, making it easy for the PLC to process and interpret the data.
Handling of Out-of-Range Inputs
- The module has built-in safeguards for handling out-of-range inputs. If the current source is reversed (i.e., the current flows in the opposite direction) or if the input falls below the minimum of the current range, the module outputs a data word corresponding to the low end of the current range (0000H in %AI).
- Similarly, if an input exceeds the maximum value of 20 mA, the A/D (Analog-to-Digital) converter will output the maximum data value, representing full scale.
Input Protection and Electrical Isolation
- The module is designed with robust input protection to ensure reliable operation in the presence of electrical noise and common-mode disturbances. It can tolerate up to 200V of common-mode voltage, guaranteeing stable operation even in electrically noisy environments.
- The module utilizes optical isolation for electrical isolation between the field wiring and the PLC backplane. This isolation helps to minimize the effect of externally generated noise on the PLC’s operations, ensuring that the analog signal is accurately converted.
- For best performance, it is recommended to use twisted, shielded instrumentation cables for field wiring to minimize capacitive loading and reduce noise interference. The shielding of these cables can be connected either to the COM terminal or the GND terminal. The COM terminal provides access to the common of the analog circuitry, while the GND terminal connects to the baseplate, which serves as the frame ground.
Power Supply and Installation
- The module is powered by the PLC’s isolated +24 VDC power supply, which is routed through an inverter/regulator to provide the necessary operating voltage for the module. Additionally, the module consumes power from the +5 VDC output of the PLC power supply to operate its isolation circuitry.
- An LED on the module’s faceplate indicates the status of the power supply. When the module is receiving power and operating correctly, the LED is ON. This visual indicator helps ensure that the module is functioning properly during operation.
- The 4-Channel Analog Current Input module can be installed in any I/O slot of a Series 90-30 PLC system, whether in a 5-slot or 10-slot baseplate. For more detailed information about the number of Analog Current Input modules that can be installed in a baseplate, refer to the installation manual.
The WOC team is always available to help you with your Mark I and II requirements. For more information, please contact WOC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IC693ALG221?
It is an Analog Current Input Module developed by GE under the Mark I and II series.
How many input channels does the module have?
It has four input channels for analog current signals.
What are the default and alternate input ranges for this module?
4 to 20 mA, where 4 mA corresponds to a digital count of 0 and 20 mA corresponds to a count of 32,000. Each count increment represents 0.5 mA 0 to 20 mA, where 0 mA corresponds to a count of 0 and 20 mA corresponds to a count of 32,000. Each count increment represents 0.5 mA. This range is selected by adding a jumper to the I/O terminal board.
What is the conversion speed and resolution of the module?
The module has a conversion speed of 0.5 milliseconds per channel and an update rate of 2 milliseconds. The resolution of the converted signal is 12 bits.
How is the data from the module formatted?
The data is formatted in a 16-bit 2's complement format. If the current source is reversed, the module outputs a data word that corresponds to the low end of the range.
What kind of input protection does it offer?
The module provides protection that allows it to handle up to 200 V in common mode settings, though performance may be reduced under these conditions. It also features electrical isolation to minimize the effects of external noise.
