GE IC694PWR321 is a high-performance and high-reliability DC power supply module, specifically designed for General Electric (GE)’s RX3i PACSystems Programmable Automation Controller. Serving as the “power heart” in automated control cabinets, this product converts externally input AC mains power into stable, clean, and efficient +5 VDC and +24 VDC power. It provides a continuous and reliable energy source for all modules in the entire PACSystems RX3i rack, including CPUs, I/O modules, communication modules, and more. The core value of GE IC694PWR321 lies in its excellent power conversion efficiency, superior load regulation, robust overload protection capabilities, and wide input voltage adaptability. Even in harsh industrial environments with grid fluctuations and sudden load changes, it ensures the control system receives continuous and stable high-quality power supply—thus safeguarding the continuity and reliability of the entire automation process and preventing production interruptions or data loss caused by power issues.
Product Specifications
- Product Model: IC694PWR321
- Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)
- Product Type: DC Power Supply Module (for PACSystems RX3i)
- Input Voltage: 120/240 VAC (switchable), 50/60 Hz
- Output Voltage and Current:Total Output Power: 50 W
- +5 VDC (logic power): 5.1 VDC @ 5.0 A
- +24 VDC (field power): 24 VDC @ 1.0 A (non-isolated)
- Efficiency: > 80%
- Line Regulation: < ±1%
- Load Regulation: < ±3%
- Hold-Up Time: 20 ms (typical, at full load)
- Protection Functions: Overload protection, overvoltage protection, short-circuit protection
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C
- Mounting Method: Left-side mounting in RX3i series racks
- Safety Certifications: cULus, CE Mark
Structure and Composition
GE IC694PWR321 adopts a robust metal housing design, ensuring excellent heat dissipation and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance. Its front panel is equipped with an LED status indicator (usually a green “PWR” light) for intuitive display of the power supply’s normal operating status. The module is internally composed of multiple functional units working in synergy: The EMI filtering and surge suppression circuit at the input end purifies the AC input and suppresses noise and spikes in the power grid; The rectifier bridge and power factor correction (PFC) circuit convert AC power to high-voltage DC; The high-frequency switching transformer and isolation circuit are the core components, achieving electrical isolation between input and output and enabling efficient DC/AC/DC conversion; The post-stage rectification and precision voltage regulation circuit outputs stable +5.1 VDC and +24 VDC with extremely low ripple. The module connects tightly to the RX3i rack backplane via a multi-pin connector at the rear, delivering electrical energy to the backplane bus. An input voltage selection switch (120V/240V) is located on the side of the module, which must be correctly set according to the on-site power supply conditions before installation.
Key Features and Advantages
Exceptional Reliability and Stability
The core advantage of GE IC694PWR321 lies in its industrial-grade manufacturing quality and design. It can operate stably within a wide input voltage range (120/240 VAC) and provides excellent load regulation (< ±3%) and line regulation (< ±1%). This ensures that CPUs and I/O modules receive continuous and stable power supply even when loads change or the power grid fluctuates, thus preventing unexpected shutdowns or data loss caused by power problems.
Comprehensive Protection Functions
This power supply module is built with triple protection circuits for overload, overvoltage, and short-circuit. When the output current exceeds the safe limit, the output voltage rises abnormally, or a short-circuit occurs at the output, the protection circuit acts immediately to cut off the output—protecting subsequent expensive PLC modules from damage and safeguarding itself. This self-protection mechanism greatly enhances the robustness and safety of the entire PLC system.
Seamless Integration and Efficient Heat Dissipation
As the official power supply for the RX3i system, IC694PWR321 achieves seamless integration and perfect compatibility with all RX3i series modules. Its design for left-side rack mounting optimizes airflow and heat dissipation inside the cabinet. A conversion efficiency of over 80% reduces energy waste and self-heating, improving the overall energy efficiency and reliability of the system.
Application Fields
As a basic power component, GE IC694PWR321 shares the same application fields as GE PACSystems RX3i PLC, covering various industrial automation scenarios with high reliability requirements. In the power energy industry, it supplies power to PLC systems for controlling substations and auxiliary facilities of generator sets. In the oil and gas industry, it provides power to controllers that manage pipeline compressors, valves, and safety systems. In water treatment plants, it is used in PLC cabinets for controlling pump stations and filtration systems. Additionally, in numerous fields such as traffic control, large-scale machinery manufacturing, and building automation, wherever the RX3i series PLC is used, the IC694PWR321 power supply module works silently—providing solid support for solving the fundamental issue of equipment power supply reliability.