GE Fanuc IC697ALG440 Analog Input Modules Series 90-70

The GE Fanuc IC697ALG440 serves as the primary IC697ALG440 Analog Input Expander Module utilized to execute high-density analog-to-digital signal conversion across Series 90-70 Programmable Logic Controller platforms.

Hardware Specifications

Backplane Bus Communication Velocity and Density Scaling

The module communicates via the high-speed VME backplane of the Series 90-70 chassis, executing deterministic data transfers to the primary CPU. It must be paired with an IC697ALG230 or equivalent base converter module, acting as an analog input subsystem extension. Up to seven IC697ALG440 expander modules can be daisy-chained from a single base converter using the dedicated differential expansion bus connected through front terminals 36 to 39, enabling scaling up to 120 input channels per subsystem. The backplane logic samples data frames dynamically, matching the internal firmware execution cycle to eliminate processing lag. All parameters, including hardware scaling factors and active channel maps, are soft-configured using standard MS-DOS or Windows configuration environments, eliminating manual hardware jumper blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this expander module operate independently in a standard Series 90-70 slot without a base converter card?

A: No. The IC697ALG440 lacks an onboard analog-to-digital converter core. It utilizes an internal analog multiplexer matrix to switch the selected field inputs sequentially over to the expansion bus terminals, requiring connection to an IC697 base converter module to perform the final digital translation.

Q: What is the behavior of the input channel if the 4-20 mA current loop wire breaks?

A: The module registers a low-range fault condition when the input signal falls below the 4 mA minimum threshold. This under-range status bit is appended to the specific channel %AI memory word, enabling the CPU control logic to trigger an open-loop system alarm.

Q: Is hot-swapping supported for this card during active chassis backplane communications?

A: No. The rack assembly must be fully de-energized before removing or installing the module. Inserting the card into a live backplane bus can cause inductive power spikes across the VME pin connectors, leading to component failure or unexpected CPU execution faults.

Field Installation Guidelines

• Chassis Alignment and Mechanical Insertion: Guide the module vertically into the selected slot layout of the Series 90-70 chassis. Verify the top and bottom structural hook locks align properly with the rack plastic borders, then press firmly until the backplane multi-pin interface joins securely.

• Expansion Bus Connections: Use twisted-shielded pair cabling to bridge the differential expansion bus from the base converter to terminals 36, 37, 38, and 39 of the expander card. Keep the total length of this daisy-chain expansion line under 2 meters.

• Shield Grounding Matrix: Terminate all external analog field signal cable shields directly at the dedicated grounding bar located at the bottom of the enclosure panel. Do not ground the cable shield at both ends to prevent creating ground loop noise paths that distort the 16-bit conversion accuracy.

• Terminal Block Screw Torque Constraints: Strip field conductor ends to exactly 7 mm before inserting them into the removable front terminal clamp blocks. Tighten all screw connectors to a fixed torque rating of 0.5 N m to ensure stable physical connectivity under high vibration conditions.