Description
Product Introduction
The GE Emerson PACSystems RX3i IC694MDL350 is a high-density, 120/240 VAC discrete output module engineered for demanding industrial processing systems. It features 16 solid-state output points arranged in two isolated groups of eight, allowing engineers to switch heavy AC loads—such as solenoids, motor starters, indicator lights, and contactors—directly from the PLC rack backplane.
Designed specifically for the PACSystems RX3i platform, the IC694MDL350 delivers fast output switching with built-in optical isolation to protect sensitive rack electronics from line transients. It handles continuous current up to 2.0 Amps per point (subject to thermal derating), making it significantly beefier than standard relay or low-power triac cards.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Operating Voltage Range | 85 to 264 VAC (47–63 Hz) |
| Output Type | Triac (Solid-State AC) |
| Number of Points | 16 points (2 isolated groups of 8) |
| Output Current Rating | 2.0 Amps per point max (0.2A min per point) |
| Group Current Limit | 4.0 Amps total per group at maximum temperature |
| Inrush Current | 25 Amps peak for 10 ms max |
| Off-State Leakage Current | 3.0 mA max at 220 VAC |
| On-State Voltage Drop | 1.5 VAC max at full rated current |
| Isolation | 1500 VAC optical isolation between field and backplane |
| Backplane Power Consumption | 315 mA max at +5 VDC backplane supply |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
When an output module suffers a shorted triac on a main valve bank, the valve gets stuck in the energized position. In automated chemical processing or material conveyance, a stuck output card means ruined batches, overfilled tanks, or tripped breaker panels that halt the entire line.
- Water/Wastewater Treatment – Actuating large 120 VAC solenoid valves and chemical dosing pump contactors across multiple treatment basins.
- Automotive Assembly – Controlling heavy pneumatic indexers and safety strobe banks on high-duty cycle welding lines.
- Pulp & Paper Mills – Driving 240 VAC motor starters for high-torque agitators where electrical noise levels are extremely elevated.
Field Case Study: A packaging plant lost an entire line when a failed solenoid coil shorted out an older output card, blowing out the internal traces and taking down the group commons. Swapping in an IC694MDL350 restored full control in under 15 minutes. The dual-group isolation ensured the remaining eight points stayed completely protected from the inductive spike that killed the original card.
IC694MDL350
IC694MDL350
IC694MDL350
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We understand that placing a refurbished or surplus I/O card into a live RX3i rack requires absolute reliability. Our bench technicians test every IC694MDL350 under realistic electrical loads before it leaves the warehouse.
- Inbound Visual & Mechanical Check: Inspect housing latches, backplane bus pins, terminal block alignment, and verify OEM serial label authenticity.
- Backplane Interface Verification: Plug the module into an RX3i universal backplane (IC695CHS012/016) and confirm instant hardware handshaking with PAC Machine Edition (PME).
- Full Channel Load Testing: Connect all 16 channels to a dedicated AC test bench and apply full rated current (2.0A) across both groups.
- Triac & Leakage Check: Test each individual triac for proper switching speed, voltage drop under load, and verify off-state leakage current is within spec.
- ESD Protection & Packaging: Clean terminals, seal the module in an ESD-shielded bag with fresh desiccant, and box it with custom high-density foam casing.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
⚠️ Watch Out for Minimum Load Current Requirements! Triacs require a minimum holding current to stay turned ON. The IC694MDL350 requires at least 0.2 Amps (200 mA) per point. If you connect this module to ultra-low-power devices like high-impedance digital meters or small LED indicators, the point won’t turn off properly! Use a parallel bleeder resistor if you have to drive light loads.
❗ Mind the Total Group Amperage Derating! Even though each point is rated for 2.0 Amps, you CANNOT run all 8 points in a group at 2.0A simultaneously. That would pull 16A through a group rated for a maximum of 4.0 Amps continuous at elevated ambient temperatures. Stagger high-current loads across different groups or use interposing relays.
⚠️ Replace the Fuses with Fast-Acting Ones Only! Each group has an internal/accessible fuse. If a shorted field device pops a fuse, replace it ONLY with the exact fuse type specified in the manual. Putting a slow-blow fuse in there will cause the triac to explode before the fuse even thinks about opening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use the IC694MDL350 in a legacy Series 90-30 baseplate?
A: No. The IC694 series modules are designed specifically for the PACSystems RX3i backplane (IC695 chassis). While RX3i uses a similar form factor to the old 90-30, the plugs into RX3i universal or expansion backplanes, not 90-30 IC693 bases.
Q: Is the hot-swappable in an RX3i rack?
A: Yes, provided it is mounted in an RX3i expansion chassis that supports Hot Swap (Hot Insertion and Removal). However, to prevent accidental arcing or tripping field breakers, we strongly recommend removing field power from the terminal block before pulling the module.
Q: Does this module require an external AC power supply for operation?
A: Yes. The module receives its logic power from the RX3i backplane (+5 VDC), but it requires an external 120/240 VAC user power source connected to the group commons to switch power out to your field loads.
Q: What is the difference between and IC694MDL340?
A: The IC694MDL340 is a 16-point AC output module rated for lighter loads (up to 0.5A per point). The is the heavy-duty version rated for up to 2.0A per point with higher inrush handling capacity.
Q: What warranty comes with this module?
A: All new surplus and tested pre-owned modules come with a full 12-month replacement warranty from the invoice date.
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