Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
Not every output application is suited for transistor modules. When field devices operate at mixed AC and DC voltages or require dry-contact switching, relay outputs remain the practical choice. The GE IC697MDL940 was designed specifically for those applications within the Series 90-70 PLC platform.
Its combination of Form C and Form A relay contacts gives engineers flexibility when controlling contactors, annunciators, motor starters, and pilot devices. Individual output fusing, integrated RC snubber protection, and removable field wiring simplify both installation and long-term maintenance.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc / Emerson |
| Model | IC697MDL940 |
| Product Family | Series 90-70 |
| Module Type | 16-Point Relay Output |
| Output Configuration | 8 Isolated Form C + 8 Form A (2 Groups of 4) |
| Rated Output Current | 2 A per Output (120/240 VAC or 24 VDC) |
| 125 VDC Rating | 0.2 A per Output |
| Switching Voltage | 24–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 5–125 VDC |
| Maximum Load | 480 VA AC / 60 W DC |
| Protection | Individual Fuse and RC Snubber per Output |
| Field Wiring | Removable Terminal Board |
| User Power Required | None |
| Status Indicators | Individual LED per Output Point |
| Configuration | Software Configurable (No Jumpers or DIP Switches) |
Field Application & The “Trench” Experience
During an overhaul at a pharmaceutical packaging facility, several aging relay outputs began exhibiting intermittent contact wear after years of switching conveyor interlocks and pneumatic valve manifolds. Because the PLC logic had been validated years earlier, rewriting the control program was not an option.
Maintenance engineers replaced the existing module with an IC697MDL940 during a scheduled shutdown. Since the removable terminal block allowed field wiring to remain intact, the replacement required minimal downtime. After commissioning, production resumed without changes to the PLC application or HMI configuration.
Typical application scenarios include:
- Conveyor motor starter and interlock control
- Packaging machine pneumatic valve actuation
- Boiler auxiliary relay and alarm annunciator control
- Water treatment pump and chemical dosing relay control
IC697MDL940
IC697MDL940
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
Before shipment, every New Surplus or refurbished IC697MDL940 completes a documented inspection process.
- ✓ Visual inspection of enclosure, PCB, relay assemblies, and connectors
- ✓ Power-up verification in a Series 90-70 PLC rack
- ✓ Functional testing of all 16 relay outputs
- ✓ Contact resistance and switching verification under AC and DC loads
- ✓ Individual fuse continuity inspection
- ✓ LED status indicator verification
- ✓ Extended switching-cycle burn-in
- ✓ ESD-safe packaging with serialized inspection record
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ Know Which Contacts You’re Using
Eight outputs provide Form C (NO/NC) contacts, while the remaining eight are arranged as Form A contacts. Misidentifying the contact type during wiring is a common commissioning mistake.
⚠️ Relay Modules Have Mechanical Limits
Although rated for industrial service, relay contacts are mechanical devices. High-frequency switching applications are generally better suited for transistor output modules to maximize service life.
PRO TIP:
If only one output fails while the remaining channels continue operating normally, inspect the individual output fuse before replacing the entire module. Many field replacements are avoided by checking fuse continuity first.
⚠️ Respect DC Ratings
The module supports 2 A at 24 VDC, but the rating decreases to 0.2 A when switching 125 VDC loads. Verify the load characteristics before connecting higher-voltage DC circuits.
Dynamic FAQ
Q1. What types of loads can the IC697MDL940 control?
The module is intended for switching relays, motor contactors, pilot lamps, annunciators, solenoid valves, and similar low- to medium-power industrial loads using electromechanical relay contacts.
Q2. How are the relay outputs configured?
The IC697MDL940 provides 16 outputs, consisting of 8 isolated Form C contacts and 8 Form A contacts arranged in two groups of four, giving flexibility for different field wiring requirements.
Q3. Does the module require an external power supply for the relay coils?
No. Relay coil power is supplied internally by the module. No additional user power is required to energize the relay coils.
Q4. Is New Surplus inventory genuine?
Yes. New Surplus modules are authentic OEM inventory that has never been installed in production equipment. Each unit is inspected for model identification, connector integrity, relay condition, and overall physical quality before shipment.
Q5. How are refurbished modules tested?
Refurbished modules undergo power-up diagnostics, complete relay switching tests on all sixteen outputs, fuse verification, LED inspection, contact integrity testing, and extended operational burn-in before shipment.
Q6. Can the be migrated to an RX3i platform?
Yes. During Series 90-70 modernization projects, the can be supported using the IC695ACC651 Series 90-70 to RX3i I/O Adapter, allowing existing field wiring and I/O investments to be retained during migration.
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