Description
4. Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 8 single-ended, individually configurable |
| Output Current Ranges | 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA |
| Output Voltage Ranges | 0-10 V, -10 to +10 V |
| Resolution | 0.5 µA/bit (4-20 mA), 0.625 µA/bit (0-20 mA), 0.3125 mV/bit (voltage) |
| Absolute Accuracy | ±0.1% FS typical (current), ±0.25% FS typical (voltage) @ 25°C |
| Update Rate | 8 ms (all eight channels) |
| Compliance Voltage | VUSER –3 V to VUSER |
| User Load (Current Mode) | 0-850 Ω (VUSER = 20 V), 0-1350 Ω (VUSER = 30 V) |
| Output Load (Voltage Mode) | 5 mA max, 2kΩ min resistance |
| Isolation | 250 VAC continuous; 1500 VDC for 1 minute |
| Power Consumption | 110 mA from +5 V bus, 315 mA from +24 V user supply |
IC693ALG392
5. Revision B vs Other Versions
IC693ALG392B Distinguishing Features:
| Feature | IC693ALG392B (Rev B) | IC693ALG392-C (Rev C) | IC693ALG392-BD (Rev BD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE Certification | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ATEX Approval | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hand-Held Programmer | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ❌ Not supported |
| Firmware Version | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 (updated processor) |
| Agency Approval | CE only | CE + ATEX | CE + ATEX |
| Release Date | Oct 1995 | Feb 2005 | Jan 2009 |
6. Product Introduction
The IC693ALG392B is the Revision B version of GE’s 8-channel analog current/voltage output module for Series 90-30 PLC systems. This revision introduced CE certification to comply with European safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards, making it suitable for export to European markets.
Like other IC693ALG392 versions, the Rev B provides eight independently configurable output channels supporting current (4-20mA/0-20mA) and voltage (0-10V/±10V) ranges via software configuration. Each channel offers 15-16 bit resolution depending on the selected range, with an update rate of 8 milliseconds for all channels.
Key characteristics of Revision B:
- CE Certified – Approved for European Union markets
- Hand-Held Programmer Compatible – Unlike later BD/BE revisions, Rev B can still be configured using the Series 90-30 Hand-Held Programmer
- Factory calibrated – 0.625 µA for 0-20 mA; 0.5 µA for 4-20 mA; 0.3125 mV for voltage per count
- Open wire detection – Reports faults to CPU in current mode
- RF interference considerations – Accuracy may degrade to ±1% FS (current) and ±3% FS (voltage) in harsh RF environments; metal enclosure required
The module requires an external 20-30 VDC power source connected directly to the terminal block, drawing 315 mA at +24 VDC. It can be installed in any I/O slot of a Series 90-30 or RX3i system.
IC693ALG392
7. QA & Testing SOP
1. Revision Verification: Check the module label for “IC693ALG392B” or “Rev B” designation. Verify the absence of BD, BE, or CF suffixes to confirm it’s Revision B, not a later version. Document circuit board revision if visible.
2. CE Compliance Check: Verify CE marking is present on the module label or documentation. For Rev B, CE certification is the primary agency approval; ATEX approval should not be expected on this revision.
3. Configuration Test: Test Hand-Held Programmer compatibility (unique to Rev B vs later BD/BE versions). Configure 4 channels as 4-20mA current and 4 channels as 0-10V voltage. Verify channel independence and range settings are correctly applied.
4. Functional Testing:
- Current Mode: Program %AQ registers to 0 (4mA), 16000 (12mA), 32000 (20mA) for 4-20mA range; measure with calibrated Fluke 773 clamp meter. Verify accuracy within ±0.25% FS.
- Voltage Mode: Program 0 (0V), 16000 (5V), 32000 (10V) for 0-10V range; measure with Fluke 87V. Confirm ±0.5% FS accuracy.
- Fault Detection: Disconnect field wiring in current mode; verify open-wire fault is reported to CPU.
5. Power Supply Testing: Verify module switches from backplane power to external +24 VDC when external supply exceeds 21.5V. Measure isolation resistance >10MΩ between field terminals and backplane (500VDC).
6. RF Immunity Check: If the module will be used in high-RF environments, test accuracy under interference conditions. Verify that metal enclosure mounting maintains specified accuracy (±1% FS current, ±3% FS voltage).
8. Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ Confusing Rev B with BD/BE Versions
IC693ALG392B supports the Series 90-30 Hand-Held Programmer, while later revisions (BD, BE, CF) do NOT. If you need Hand-Held Programmer support, ensure you have Rev B or earlier (Rev A, Rev C).
❗ Missing CE Marking Verification
Revision B was specifically designed for CE compliance. Verify the CE marking is present on the module label if this certification is required for your application (European Union markets). Later revisions (C, BD) may have additional ATEX markings but Rev B typically shows only CE.
❗ CPU Firmware Compatibility
For CPU firmware versions 3.3 to 4.6, the module must be configured for 16 %I inputs or a Loss of Module Fault will occur. CPU firmware must be version 5.0 or later to configure the module for 8% I inputs. This applies to all ALG392 revisions including Rev B.
❗ External Power Supply Requirements
Like all ALG392 revisions, Rev B requires an external 20-30 VDC power source connected directly to the terminal block. Backplane +24 VDC is insufficient. Failure to connect external power causes USOK LED OFF and module misconfiguration.
❗ RF Interference in High-RF Environments
In environments with severe RF interference, accuracy may degrade to ±1% FS for current outputs and ±3% FS for voltage outputs. The module must be mounted in a metal enclosure to meet RF susceptibility requirements. This requirement applies to all ALG392 revisions.
4-Step Installation Guide:
-
Pre-Wiring: Verify the module is Revision B (check for “B” suffix on label). Connect external 24VDC to terminals 1 (24VIN) and 19 (I COM). Ground shield to terminal 20. Confirm CE marking is present if required.
-
Configuration: Use Logicmaster 90-30 v5.0+, CIMPLICITY Control v2.0+, or Hand-Held Programmer (Rev B exclusive) to configure channel ranges. Set %I size based on CPU firmware (16%I for v3.3-4.6, 8/16%I for v5.0+).
-
Wiring: Connect field devices to V CHx (voltage) or I CHx (current) terminals. Use terminal 18 (V COM) for voltage common and terminal 19 (I COM) for current common. Use twisted-shielded cable with shield grounded at terminal 20.
-
Verification: Power on, check OK/USOK LEDs (both ON = normal). Inject test values (0%, 50%, 100% of range) and verify %AQ register values match output measurements. Test open wire detection in current mode.
9. FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between IC693ALG392B and IC693ALG392BD?
A: The primary difference is Hand-Held Programmer support. IC693ALG392B (Rev B) supports the Series 90-30 Hand-Held Programmer for configuration, while IC693ALG392BD (Rev BD) and later do not. Rev BD also features an updated processor and D/A converter, but requires software-based configuration only.
Q: Does IC693ALG392B have ATEX approval for hazardous locations?
A: No. IC693ALG392B only has CE certification. ATEX approval for hazardous locations (Group 2, category 3) was introduced with Revision C (IC693ALG392-C) in February 2005. If ATEX compliance is required, use Revision C or later.
Q: What is the firmware version for IC693ALG392B?
A: IC693ALG392B uses Firmware version 1.00, released in October 1995. This firmware provides basic functionality but does not include fixes found in later versions such as firmware 1.60 (which resolves over-sweep faults). Firmware upgrades are not field-serviceable; module must be returned to factory for upgrade.
Q: Can IC693ALG392B be used in RX3i systems?
A: Yes. IC693ALG392B is fully compatible with both Series 90-30 and RX3i systems. However, for new RX3i installations, IC694ALG392 (RX3i native version) is recommended. When using Rev B in RX3i, ensure proper CPU firmware compatibility and external power supply configuration.
Q: What does the “B” suffix in IC693ALG392B indicate?
A: The “B” suffix indicates Revision B of the module, released in October 1995. This revision added CE certification for European markets while maintaining compatibility with the Hand-Held Programmer. Subsequent letters indicate different hardware/firmware revisions with varying features and certifications.
Q: How many IC693ALG392B modules can be installed in a single rack?
A: There is no hard limit on the number of IC693ALG392B modules per rack. The actual number is limited by the power supply capacity (each requires 315 mA at +24 VDC) and the CPU’s analog data handling capability (max 512 analog outputs for most Series 90-30 CPUs). Calculate total power requirements when installing multiple modules.
Q: Is IC693ALG392B still available new?
A: IC693ALG392B is classified as discontinued/obsolete by the manufacturer. However, it can still be obtained from industrial automation suppliers as surplus or refurbished units. For new applications, consider using later revisions (CF, CG, FG) or the RX3i native version IC694ALG392.
Q: What happens if I attempt to use a Hand-Held Programmer with IC693ALG392BD?
A: It will not work. IC693ALG392BD and later revisions (BD, BE, CF, CG, FG) are not compatible with the Series 90-30 Hand-Held Programmer. These revisions require software configuration using Logicmaster 90-30 v5.0+ or CIMPLICITY Control v2.0+ (or later versions).
