GE IC695ALG626-EA 16-Channel Analog Input Module with HART

Description

In chemical processing plants where pH swings can ruin batches or water treatment facilities tracking dissolved oxygen across multiple tanks, the GE IC695ALG626-EA delivers the signal fidelity needed to keep reactions on track. Envision a pulp mill monitoring consistency sensors amid steam and vibration—drift here means paper quality tanks, triggering costly shutdowns. Or picture oil refineries pulling level data from distillation columns, where noisy 4-20mA lines from distant transmitters demand clean isolation to avoid false alarms. This module excels in industrial automation, feeding PACSystems RX3i racks with HART-enabled analog inputs for precise process control. It handles 16 single-ended or 8 differential channels, decoding superimposed digital overlays without extra hardware, so operators query device status or trim cal factors right from the PLC ladder. In food processing, it captures pressure from fillers; in power generation, it scans turbine vibes. Why it fits control systems seamlessly? Backplane integration pulls scaled values and diagnostics every sweep, supporting Proficy Machine Edition for loop tuning. From pharma bioreactors holding DO steady to mining flotation cells optimizing froth, the GE IC695ALG626-EA turns raw field signals into actionable data, cutting variability and extending sensor life in harsh setups.​

System Integration Role

The GE IC695ALG626-EA functions as a high-density Analog Input Module with HART for Emerson’s PACSystems RX3i platform, packing 16 channels (single-ended) or 8 differential into a single rack slot for field-heavy applications. Configurable per point for current (0-20mA, 4-20mA, ±20mA) or voltage (±10V, 0-10V, etc.), it snaps into universal backplanes alongside RX3i CPUs like the CPE400, sharing 5/9V power without derating. HART passthrough lets the PLC poll transmitter variables—PV, SV, TV, QV—over the same loop, with burst mode for fast updates.

Engineers prize its role in distributed control: module status floods %I for breaks, underranges, or HART fails, while %AQ delivers 16-bit data at user scales. No channel-to-channel isolation means grouping similars, but common-mode rejection handles plant grounds. In Proficy Logic Developer, set filters (10-100Hz) and alerts to trigger HMIs instantly. Firmware like V2.5+ enables advanced scaling and simulation modes for commissioning. Whether expanding legacy VersaMax nets or building greenfield SCADA ties, the GE IC695ALG626-EA scales I/O economically, blending analog muscle with smart diagnostics.​

Key Capabilities

Field techs in wastewater or batch plants rely on the GE IC695ALG626-EA for its HART smarts—extract up to four process vars per channel, plus status bytes for multivariables like Rosemount 3051s, all without polling overhead. 16-bit resolution hits 0.1% accuracy across ranges, with low drift (±20ppm/°C) ensuring year-one cal holds in temp-cycled cabinets. Front LEDs flag OK, faults, and per-channel health, speeding walks-downs.

Build-wise, it’s a low-profile single-slot with screw terminals for direct wiring—16 commons for SE, 8 pairs for diff—sinking just 650mA at 5V. Passive cooling thrives 0-60°C, shock-rated to 30g for skid-mounts. HART demod filters noise from drives, delivering clean PVs; open-wire detection trips safeties fast.

Over time, onboard EEPROM stores cal tables non-volatily, and diagnostics log HART timeouts for predictive swaps. In uptime-critical sites, it outpaces discrete cards by multiplexing signals smartly. The GE IC695ALG626-EA proves its worth in dense I/O racks where every point counts.​

Technical Specifications

Compatible Modules

IC695CPU315 – High-speed CPE CPU for HART polling in dense RX3i racks.
IC695ALG600 – Output counterpart for closed-loop analog control pairs.
IC695PWR058 – Energy-efficient PSU to power multi-ALG setups stably.
IC695NIC001 – Ethernet module for Proficy HART viewer integration.
IC695DNN001 – DeviceNet scanner linking field HART devices networked.
IC695HSC108 – High-speed counter for flow pulsing alongside analogs.
IC695ACC058 – Terminal block kit simplifying GE IC695ALG626-EA field wiring.

Installation Practices

Rack the GE IC695ALG626-EA in low-vibration slots, grouping currents together to sidestep diff needs, and torque terminals to 7 in-lbs with shielded cable shields earthed at module end only—cuts EMI from VFDs. Pre-configure in Proficy as module 0x48, assigning %I/%AQ blocks and HART tags; power-cycle post-download to latch EEPROM. Test loops open-circuit first for breaks, then live signals at midscale to verify scaling—no hot-swaps here.

Monthly, poll fault %I via watchdog routines and wipe terminals in humid zones; HART diagnostics via PLC tables spot drifting Txs early. Firmware updates over backplane take seconds during outages—backup params first. This protocol ensures the GE IC695ALG626-EA tracks true amid plant grime.