General Electric IC697MDL940 Series 90-70 Discrete Relay Output Module

Description

The General Electric IC697MDL940 is a high-performance 16-point discrete relay output module designed specifically for the Series 90-70 programmable controller platform. Engineered to switch a wide range of low to medium power industrial loads, this module provides reliable operation for external actuators such as control relays, motor contactors, indicator lamps, and solenoid valves. It features 16 output points configured as 8 isolated Form C relays and 8 Form A relays split into two groups of 4.

Each output point is individually protected with an integrated 3A fast-acting fuse and an RC snubber circuit (R = 47 ohms, C = 0.015 uFD) to suppress high-frequency noise transients and extend contact life. Power required to energize the internal relay coils is supplied directly by the module via the 5V system bus, eliminating the need for an external user power supply for the logic side. Logic-level status indicators (LEDs) positioned at the top of the module provide immediate visual confirmation of the ON/OFF state for each individual output channel.

Field wiring is terminated securely using a removable front terminal board, which supports easy maintenance and module replacement without disturbing field cables. Mechanical keying features ensure that the module cannot be incorrectly swapped with a different type in the rack during maintenance. Configuration parameters, including default fault modes such as holding the last state or turning outputs off, are fully programmable through the system software environment.

Features

• 16 discrete output channels featuring 8 isolated Form C relays and 8 Form A relays (2 groups of 4)
• 2A switching capacity per point across 120/240 VAC or 24/125 VDC nominal ratings
• Built-in RC snubber and individual 3A fuse protection on every output point
• Internal coil power derived from the backplane 5V bus (no external user coil power required)
• Front-mounted LED indicators for quick visual diagnostics of point status
• Detachable field wiring terminal board supporting wire gauges from AWG #22 to AWG #14
• Mechanical slot keying system to prevent incorrect module insertion during replacement
• Configurable fault states to maintain existing output or turn outputs off upon communication loss

Applications

• Controlling industrial motor starters, contactors, and heavy-duty interposing relays
• Switching pilot lights, alarms, horns, and operator interface signal lamps
• Interfacing PLC logic with mixed AC and DC discrete load circuits
• Process control and factory automation systems utilizing the Series 90-70 VME-based platform

Technical Specifications

Connections / Interfaces

• Field Wiring Terminal: Removable front terminal block accommodating wire sizes from AWG #22 (0.36 mm2) to AWG #14 (2.10 mm2).
• Backplane Interface: Standard VME-based bus connector compatible with Series 90-70 CPU racks and expansion racks.
• Diagnostics: 16 logic-side green LED indicators displaying active ON/OFF output states.
• Cable Management: Integrated cord tie cleat at the base of the terminal block for securing heavy field wiring bundles.

Installation Guidelines

1. Ensure all system rack power is switched off before installing or removing the module or its terminal board.
2. Insert the module along the rack card guides and press firmly to engage the backplane connectors and locking clips.
3. Verify that the mechanical key is correctly positioned on the center rail to ensure compatibility with the designated slot.
4. Connect external field devices to the removable terminal block, observing proper voltage and current limits. Secure wire bundles using the integrated cable tie cleat.
5. Close the hinged door and secure the terminal board using the captive front jackscrew. Do not use the hinged door to pull or remove the terminal board.