Description
Hard-Numbers: Technical Specifications
- Output Voltage: 3 V DC .
- Battery Capacity: 15 Ampere-hours (Ah) (typical for this series) .
- Battery Type: Lithium (Li), multi-cell design .
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C .
- Connector: 4-pin JAE style connector (male) .
- Cable: 2 ft (0.6 m) pre-attached wiring harness .
- Weight: 224 grams .
- Dimensions: Approximately 5.7″ L x 2.56″ W x 1.57″ H .
- Compatibility: PACSystems RX3i CPUs (e.g., IC695CPU310, IC695CPU315, IC695CPU320) .
- Shelf Life: Up to 7 years from date of manufacture when stored properly .
GE IC694TBB032
The Real-World Problem It Solves
The CPU’s internal capacitor can only hold data for a few days after a power loss. This external battery extends that retention to months, preventing a total memory wipe that forces a complete program reload and system re-initialization after an extended outage.
Where you’ll typically find it:
- Process Industries: In chemical plants or refineries where losing the active batch recipe and control parameters means scrapping an entire production run.
- Critical Infrastructure: On water treatment or power distribution systems where the control logic state must be preserved to ensure a safe, orderly restart.
- Complex Machinery: On automated assembly lines with intricate sequential operations that cannot afford to lose their step counter or position data.
It’s the difference between a 5-minute reboot and a 5-hour recovery nightmare.
Hardware Architecture & Under-the-Hood Logic
This is a managed power source, not a simple battery pack. It contains the battery cells plus a small circuit board that handles power regulation and communication with the host CPU.
- Power Regulation: The internal circuitry ensures a clean, stable 3V output to the CPU’s memory bank, regardless of the battery’s discharge state.
- Status Monitoring: The smart circuit continuously monitors voltage and capacity. It communicates this status back to the CPU via dedicated pins in the connector.
- CPU Interface: When connected, the module tells the CPU “battery present” and “battery good.” When voltage drops below a threshold, it signals “battery low,” triggering a maintenance alarm in the controller’s diagnostic system .
- Isolation: Diodes or switching FETs prevent the main 5V or 3.3V system rail from attempting to charge the lithium battery, which is a critical safety and longevity feature.
GE IC694TBB032
Field Service Pitfalls: What Rookies Get Wrong
Navigating the Information Chaos
Suppliers and parts databases often mislabel this module. You’ll see it wrongly listed as a 24V power supply, a communication card, or even a CPU module . This leads to ordering the wrong part.
- Field Rule: Cross-reference with the GE Publication Number from the official hardware manual for your specific CPU. Never trust a supplier’s website description alone. The correct manual will list the exact accessory part number.
Ignoring the “Power-On” Installation Mandate
The most common critical error is plugging this battery in while the CPU is dead. This immediately loads the battery, starting its service life at a disadvantage and potentially causing a deep discharge before the system ever powers up .
- Quick Fix: Always connect the IC695ACC302-AB with the CPU powered ON and in RUN mode. The backplane power provides the correct bias to the interface circuit, preventing an instant drain on the new battery.
Mistaking it for a Rechargeable Battery
Techs sometimes think this is a rechargeable backup like a UPS. It is not. It’s a primary (non-rechargeable) lithium battery designed for very low, steady discharge over years. Attempting to charge it will damage it.
- Field Rule: Treat it as a long-life, maintenance-free battery. Its job is to sit idle 99.9% of the time and provide power only during a main power failure. Plan for replacement based on the manufacture date, not runtime hours.
Please note: The listed price is for reference only and is not binding. Final pricing and terms are subject to negotiation based on current market conditions and availability.
