Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
- Series: PACSystems RX3i Serial Expansion I/O (IC694 platform)
- Core Function: 16-point isolated relay discrete output module. Provides Form A Normally Open relay contacts to drive AC/DC field loads on RX3i serial expansion racks hosting legacy Series 90-30 compatible I/O.
- Product Type: Single-width Serial Expansion Relay Output Module
- Key Specs: 16 isolated NO relay outputs | 2A per channel pilot duty | 4 groups × 4 channels | Supports 5–250VAC / 5–30VDC field loads Note: Discontinued legacy expansion I/O module; new original stock limited, surplus & refurbished widely available. Designed exclusively for IC694CHS392 / IC694CHS398 serial expansion backplanes. CANNOT plug directly into IC695CHSxxx RX3i main backplanes. Hot swap is not supported on serial expansion racks. Functional equivalent to IC693MDL940 for Series 90-30 native racks.
Key Technical Specifications
- Channel Layout: 16 Form A (Normally Open) relay outputs Grouping: 4 independent common groups, 4 channels per group
- Field Load Operating Range AC: 5 ~ 250 VAC (47–63 Hz) DC: 5 ~ 30 VDC
- Contact Ratings Per channel maximum: 2 A pilot duty Per common group maximum: 4 A Module total maximum: 16 A Minimum load current: 10 mA Max inrush current: 5 A
- Response Time: Max 15 ms turn-on / 15 ms turn-off
- Isolation Rating Field-to-backplane: 250 VAC continuous, 1500 VAC 1-minute withstand Channel-to-channel: 250 VAC continuous, 1500 VAC 1-minute withstand
- Backplane Power Consumption (all outputs ON) 5 VDC: 7 mA 24 V relay bus: 135 mA
- Front Panel Indicators: 16 independent channel status LEDs
- Internal Protection: No built-in channel fuses; external field fusing recommended
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
- Form Factor: Single-width module for IC694 serial expansion baseplate
- Compatible Expansion Baseplates: IC694CHS392 (10-slot), IC694CHS398 (5-slot)
- System Compatibility: RX3i CPU via IC695LRE001 serial expansion transceiver
- Supported Software: Proficy Machine Edition
- Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE, ATEX, DNV/ABS Marine
Product Introduction
is a relay output module for RX3i serial expansion racks, used for migration from Series 90-30 systems. It offers galvanically isolated dry contact outputs to control solenoid valves, contactors, motor starters, indicator lamps and auxiliary relays.
Critical Platform Distinction
- : For IC694 serial expansion backplanes (remote Series 90-30 compatible racks connected via IC695LRE001).
- IC693MDL940: Native Series 90-30 main rack module (IC693 backplane). Mechanically different; cannot directly swap without changing baseplate.
- IC695 discrete output modules: Native RX3i main rack I/O for IC695CHS baseplates.
Dry relay contacts accept mixed AC and DC field voltages on different groups, offering maximum wiring flexibility. Isolation prevents field-side noise and ground loops from propagating into the serial expansion bus.
Important Limitation: Relay contacts have limited mechanical lifetime; avoid high-frequency rapid switching applications.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking. Inspect backplane gold pins for oxidation/bending; check module housing integrity.
- Live Testing: Mount onto validated IC694CHS expansion baseplate. Apply rack power, toggle each channel, verify relay pull-in and LED status, test contact continuity under resistive load, run continuous 24-hour switching stability test.
- Electrical Testing: Insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between field contact terminals and chassis protective ground.
- Documentation: Photograph slot layout and field wiring before disassembly; record hardware revision.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place unit inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming relay channel switching validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ No Hot Swap Support: Serial expansion rack modules cannot be hot swapped. Full expansion rack power shutdown mandatory before removal. ❗ Strict Baseplate Compatibility: Only install on IC694CHS392 / IC694CHS398; cannot be inserted into IC695CHS RX3i main rack. ❗ Load Current Budget: Respect 2A per channel / 4A per common group rating; overloading accelerates relay contact degradation. ❗ External Fusing Recommendation: No internal channel fuses. Add branch fuses on field wiring to protect against short-circuit damage. ❗ Mixed Voltage Group Rule: Do not route different voltage potentials into the same common group to avoid cross-voltage hazards. ❗ Relay Lifetime Consideration: Not suitable for high-speed rapid pulse control; use solid-state output modules for frequent switching. ❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages backplane interface circuits leading to intermittent output failure.
Replacement Guide
- Pre-install: Lockout-tagout expansion rack power; back up PLC I/O configuration. Photograph slot arrangement and field wiring terminal mapping.
- Removal: Disconnect all field output wiring, unlatch module and slide straight out without twisting backplane pins.
- Install: Seat new into original slot on IC694 expansion baseplate, replicate field wiring connections.
- Power-on Test: Restore rack power; confirm channel LED operation, verify main RX3i CPU can toggle all %Q discrete output points without communication faults.
FAQ
Q: Does support hot swapping? A: No. Serial expansion I/O modules do not support hot swap. Full rack power shutdown required.
Q: What is the difference between and IC693MDL940? A:
- : IC694 serial expansion baseplate (RX3i remote expansion rack)
- IC693MDL940: Direct plug-in for Series 90-30 CPU main backplane Electrical specifications identical, physical form factor incompatible.
Q: Can I install into IC695CHS007 main RX3i rack? A: No. Mechanical and backplane bus incompatible. It only works on IC694 serial expansion racks.
Q: Can each group use different AC/DC voltages? A: Yes, as long as each common group maintains consistent potential; avoid cross-group voltage short risks.
Q: Are these solid-state outputs? A: No, electromechanical Form A relay dry contacts.
Q: Will the output configuration automatically work on a replacement module? A: I/O configuration resides in the RX3i master CPU. After replacement, verify all discrete output points can be commanded normally.






