Description
Product Introduction
The GE Emerson PACSystems RX3i IC695ALG616 is a high-density, 16-channel analog input module designed for precision process monitoring across industrial automation networks. Plugging directly into any PCI slot on an RX3i Universal Backplane (IC695CHS012 or IC695CHS016), it processes dynamic field signals—such as 4–20 mA loop currents, 0–10 VDC control signals, or ±10V process variables—with up to 16-bit resolution.
Unlike older legacy 90-30 analog cards, the IC695ALG616 offers per-channel software configuration through PAC Machine Edition (PME). That eliminates physical hardware jumpers entirely. Engineers can individually assign each channel for voltage or current modes, set up custom alarm thresholds, and apply digital filtering right from the software environment—significantly shortening commission times on complex control loops.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Number of Channels | 16 single-ended or 8 differential channels |
| Input Ranges (Voltage) | ±10V, 0 to +10V, ±5V, 0 to +5V, 1 to 5V |
| Input Ranges (Current) | 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 20 mA, ±20 mA |
| Converter Resolution | 16-bit analog-to-digital converter |
| Update Rate | Depends on channels enabled (approx. 1 ms per enabled channel) |
| Input Impedance | > 10 MΩ (Voltage Mode) |
| Accuracy | ±0.1% of full scale at 25°C (77°F) |
| Module Isolation | 1500 VAC optical isolation between backplane and field side |
| Channel-to-Channel Isolation | Non-isolated between individual field channels |
| Backplane Bus Requirements | Draws power from +3.3 VDC and +24 VDC RX3i PCI backplane rails |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
When an analog input card dies in a continuous process plant, the system loses feedback visibility. Controllers jump to fault mode, control valves freeze in safety positions, and operators are left blind on critical pressure and temperature variables.
- Oil Refineries & Petrochem – Gathering temperature transducer readings and flowmeter 4–20 mA loops across process distillation skids.
- Municipal Water Treatment – Monitoring line pressure transmitters, chemical tank level ultrasonic sensors, and effluent turbidity monitors.
- Power Generation Facilities – Sampling turbine valve position feedback (0–10V) and steam header pressures with high precision.
Field Case Study: An automated batch processing plant suffered a severe analog drift fault on an older card, causing inaccurate recipe dosing that ruined a $45,000 production run. The shift supervisor swapped in an IC695ALG616, downloaded the hardware configuration via PME without moving a single hardware jumper, and calibrated all 16 current loops back to within 0.1% accuracy in under 30 minutes.
IC695ALG616
IC695ALG616
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We understand that field instrumentation relies on dead-accurate analog conversion. Every IC695ALG616 unit undergoes rigorous hardware validation on our bench rigs before being cleared for shipment.
- Inbound Visual & Mechanical Inspection: Check PCI edge connector gold fingers for wear or scratches, verify housing alignment, and check OEM serial tags.
- Backplane Handshake Test: Mount the module into an RX3i Universal Backplane (IC695CHS012) and confirm instant PCI bus enumeration in PAC Machine Edition.
- Precision Multi-Channel Calibration Check: Inject high-precision 4.000 mA, 12.000 mA, and 20.000 mA signals using a calibrated Fluke process calibrator across all 16 channels.
- Voltage Range & Filter Verification: Test ±10 VDC inputs and verify internal digital filtering response curves under signal noise.
- Anti-Static ESD Packaging: Clean backplane edge pins with isopropyl alcohol, wrap in anti-static shielding bags, and box with custom foam.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
⚠️ This Card Requires an RX3i PCI Backplane Slot! The IC695ALG616 uses the high-speed PCI bus connector on RX3i Universal Baseplates (IC695CHS012/016). It CANNOT be installed in expansion baseplates (IC694CHS392/398) or legacy Series 90-30 racks. Double-check your rack type before ordering.
❗ Mind the Common-Mode Voltage Limits on Non-Isolated Inputs! Remember that the channels on the ALG616 are not isolated from one another (they share a common ground). If you connect field transmitters that operate at different ground potentials, ground loops will skew your readings or fry the input multiplexer! If channel-to-channel isolation is needed, use the IC695ALG628 instead.
⚠️ Check Software Configuration Before Wiring 4-20mA Loops! Because there are no physical DIP switches or jumpers on the card, setting a channel to “Current Mode” in software activates an internal 250-ohm precision shunt resistor. If you inject a 24V loop power source into a channel mistakenly configured for Voltage Mode, you risk blowing out the high-impedance input front-end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the IC695ALG616 require internal jumper adjustments for 4-20 mA current loops?
A: No. The is completely jumperless. Input types (voltage vs. current), signal ranges, and filtering are configured entirely in PAC Machine Edition (PME) software.
Q: What is the difference between the and the IC695ALG608?
A: The is a 16-channel single-ended (or 8-channel differential) module. The IC695ALG608 provides 8 single-ended (or 4 differential) channels. The ALG616 gives you twice the density in a single RX3i slot.
Q: Is the hot-swappable in an RX3i rack?
A: Yes, provided the Universal Backplane supports Hot Swap (RIUP – Removal and Insertion Under Power) and the module is configured properly in software. However, we always recommend disconnecting field wiring terminal blocks prior to removal to prevent ground spikes.
Q: Can I mix voltage and current signals on the same module?
A: Yes. Each channel can be configured independently in PME. For example, you can set Channels 1 through 8 to 4–20 mA current loops and Channels 9 through 16 to 0–10 VDC inputs.
Q: What warranty is included with this module?
A: All new surplus and fully tested pre-owned modules shipped from our warehouse come backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty.
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