SPECIFICATIONS
Part No.: IC693ALG392
Manufacturer: General Electric
Product Type: Expandable CPU Module
Availability: In Stock
No. of channels: 8
Voltage Output Range: 0 to +10V (unipolar) or -10 to +10V (bipolar)
Current Output Range: 0 to 20 mA or 4 to 20 mA
Update Rate: 8 msec
Max Output Load: 5 mA
Series: VersaMax
Functional Description
IC693ALG392 is an expandable CPU module developed by GE Fanuc. It is a highly versatile Analog Current/Voltage Output Module designed to meet the needs of the PACSystems RX3i and Series 90-30 platforms. With its eight configurable channels and advanced features, this module is a key component in industrial automation systems, delivering precise output control for various applications.
Features and Capabilities
- Configurable Output Channels: Equipped with eight single-ended output channels, each of which can be configured by the user to output either voltage or current, depending on the application's specific requirements. This flexibility in configuration allows for customization that aligns with diverse industrial needs, enhancing operational efficiency.
- High Resolution: Each channel provides a resolution of 15 to 16 bits, varying based on the selected output range. This high level of resolution is essential for applications requiring precise control and accurate signal generation, facilitating fine-tuned adjustments that can significantly impact overall system performance.
- Rapid Refresh Rate: The module refreshes all eight output channels every 8 milliseconds. This rapid update rate ensures quick responsiveness to system demands, which is vital for maintaining stability and accuracy in real-time applications where immediate feedback is necessary.
- Seamless Integration: Designed for easy integration, can be installed in any available I/O slot of an RX3i or Series 90-30 system. This flexibility enables it to be seamlessly added to both new installations and legacy systems, thereby enhancing the overall capabilities of the automation infrastructure.
Configurable Output Ranges
Each output channel can be configured via the system's software to operate within different voltage or current ranges, including:
- 0 to +10 volts (unipolar)
- -10 to +10 volts (bipolar)
- 0 to 20 milliamps
- 4 to 20 milliamps
This configurability ensures that the module can be tailored to match the precise demands of different applications.
Fault Detection and Handling
- Open Wire Fault Reporting: In current mode, features an Open Wire fault detection capability. This function continuously monitors each output channel for open circuit conditions and promptly reports any detected faults back to the CPU. This proactive approach significantly enhances system reliability by facilitating timely detection and correction of potential issues.
- Power Loss Handling: The module is engineered to maintain a known last state during power disturbances. If external power remains applied to the module, each output can be configured to either retain its last value or reset to zero. This feature is critical in preventing unexpected system behavior during power fluctuations, thereby ensuring smooth operations.
Power Requirements and Installation
- The module requires a 24 VDC power supply that must be sourced externally and connected directly to the terminal block. This ensures that the module receives stable power, which is essential for its accurate operation.
- Each output channel is factory-calibrated with an accuracy of 0.625 microA. However, users should be aware that this accuracy may vary slightly depending on voltage conditions.
Current Operation
- The Analog Output Module operates in two different current ranges: 4–20 mA and 0–20 mA. The way user data is scaled depends on the selected range, ensuring precise control and accurate output measurement.
- In 4–20 mA Range, the minimum output of 4 mA is represented by a count of 0 in the user data. The maximum output of 20 mA corresponds to a count of 32,000. This means that as the user input value increases from 0 to 32,000, the output current will scale proportionally from 4 mA to 20 mA. This range is commonly used in industrial automation and control systems because it ensures that signal loss or wiring faults (which could cause a reading below 4 mA) can be easily detected.
- In this 0–20 mA range, the minimum output of 0 mA is mapped to a count of 0 in the user data. The maximum output of 20 mA corresponds to a count of 32,000. Additionally, the system allows an extended input value up to 32,767, which results in a maximum output of approximately 20.5 mA. This slight over-range capability can be beneficial for certain applications that require fine-tuned adjustments beyond the nominal 20 mA limit.
- Proper scaling ensures smooth and predictable behavior of analog signals when controlling external devices such as actuators, control valves, and sensors. The 4–20 mA standard is widely used in process control applications because it allows for fault detection (e.g., a broken wire results in an output below 4 mA, triggering an alert). The 0–20 mA range, while offering full zero-point capability, may not be as fault-tolerant as the 4–20 mA range.
Voltage Operation
- In the default 0 to +10V range, the minimum output of 0V corresponds to a count of 0 in the user data. The maximum output of +10V is represented by a count of 32,000. If needed, users can enter values up to 32,767, which results in a slight overrange, producing a maximum output of approximately 10.24V. This overrange capability allows for slight adjustments and compensations in control systems where precision tuning is required.
- In Bipolar Mode (–10V to +10V), the minimum output of –10V is mapped to a count of –32,000 in the user data. The maximum output of +10V corresponds to a count of +32,000. Users can input values from –32,767 to +32,767, enabling an extended range of approximately –10.24V to +10.24V. This mode is useful for applications requiring both positive and negative voltage signals, such as motor control or bidirectional signal processing.
- Proper scaling ensures predictable analog output, which is essential in automation systems for driving actuators, control circuits, and other industrial equipment. The unipolar 0–10V range is commonly used for simple control signals where negative voltages are not required. The bipolar –10V to +10V range is ideal for applications that require both positive and negative voltage swings, offering greater flexibility. The overrange feature helps maintain accuracy in control applications by allowing minor adjustments beyond the nominal voltage limits.
Environmental Considerations
- The module's performance can be adversely affected by harsh radio frequency (RF) interference, which may reduce accuracy to 1 percent FS for current outputs and ±3% FS for voltage outputs. Therefore, careful consideration must be given when deploying the module in environments characterized by high levels of electromagnetic interference.
- To ensure proper functioning, must be installed within a metal enclosure. This protective housing shields the module from environmental factors that could impair its performance, thereby ensuring reliable operation even under challenging conditions.
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 IC693ALG392?
It is an expandable CPU module developed by GE under VersaMax series.
What happens to the module's outputs during a power loss?
In the event of a power disturbance, the module can either maintain its last output value or reset to zero, depending on the user’s configuration. This behavior is contingent on external power still being applied to the module.
What are the power requirements for the module?
The module requires a 24 VDC external power supply connected directly to the terminal block. This ensures that the module operates with a stable and reliable power source.
Is the module sensitive to environmental factors?
Yes, the module’s accuracy can be affected by RF interference. Additionally, to ensure proper operation, it is recommended that the module be installed in a metal enclosure to protect it from environmental factors and electromagnetic interference.
What is the main power supply for the Module?
The Analog Output module from the GE 90-30 Series requires a user-supplied +24 VDC power source, with a maximum current of 315 mA.
Does this module have jumpers or switches for configuration?
No, it does not have any jumpers or switches for configuration.
What does the top LED (OK) indicate?
The OK LED provides status information about the module.
What does the bottom LED (USOK) indicate?
The USOK LED shows whether the user-supplied power is present and above the required minimum level.
How can you test the Analog Output Voltage/Current module?
A multimeter can be used to test the voltage and current levels in the module. Since it is an analog module, you can check different levels to verify its response.
How to troubleshoot a faulty module?
Your module may need repair if you observe any of the issues. The output always reads a full value, regardless of input. The OK LED is off. The USOK LED is off. The module appears to function normally, but no output is detected on a multi-meter.
