GE IC697MDL350C 32-point discrete output module

Description

In conveyor transfer stations or HVAC damper arrays across factories and utilities, GE IC697MDL350C drives contactors, solenoids, and indicator lights where 120 VAC signals must switch reliably amid electrical noise and load surges. Operators slot it into Series 90-70 racks to control pump starters, valve actuators, or alarm horns in water plants and assembly lines, handling 32 points grouped for fault isolation so a welder short doesn’t black out an entire panel. You’ll spot GE IC697MDL350C energizing sequencing relays in batch mixers or traffic signals in material handling systems, where each output’s 0.5 A capacity suits resistive or inductive pilots without external fusing on every leg.

This module fits upgrades in aging plants swapping discrete boards for denser packs, keeping field wiring intact while boosting point count for expanded zoning or redundancy. In food processing or pharmaceutical fill lines, GE IC697MDL350C toggles pneumatic cylinders and position flags with optical isolation that shrugs off line transients, ensuring clean PLC commands reach loads even over 100 m runs. Because it is used in industrial automation for everyday on/off duties, maintenance teams trust its grouped diagnostics—point-by-point status via software—and proven surge tolerance that cuts nuisance faults in motor-heavy environments. The outcome is simpler cabinets and fewer callbacks on legacy controls that still anchor production.

The GE IC697MDL350C is a 32-point discrete output module from GE Fanuc’s Series 90-70 PLC lineup, rated for 120 VAC operation at 0.5 A per point to switch AC-powered field devices like relays or lamps. It features four isolated groups of eight points each, providing built-in protection against common-mode faults while mapping directly to PLC %QY references for ladder logic control. In rack setups, GE IC697MDL350C takes any I/O slot, drawing logic power from the backplane and user-supplied 120 VAC for outputs, with front-panel LEDs tracking on/off states per group for quick visual checks.

Designed for high-density switching in process and discrete apps, GE IC697MDL350C offers engineers straightforward configuration—no jumpers needed—plus short-circuit detection that flags overloads to the CPU without halting scans. It integrates seamlessly with IC697 CPUs via Proficy or Logicmaster, supporting rack expansions up to hundreds of points while handling inrush currents typical of pilot devices. For integrators maintaining 90-70 fleets, GE IC697MDL350C delivers reliable AC interfacing in a compact form that preserves cabinet real estate and wiring standards from decades of installs.

GE IC697MDL350C prioritizes robust output performance, sinking up to 0.5 A continuously per point (with derating above 50°C) across inductive loads up to 10 x rated current for 100 ms, ideal for coil startup kicks in panels near VFDs. Four groups share commons at 120 VAC, optically isolated from logic (1500 Vrms tested) to block noise from fluorescent hum or arc welders, while RC snubbers per point suppress spikes back to the PLC.

The single-slot hardware packs screw terminals for 14-12 AWG wire, with 2 A max per group and thermal foldback ensuring safe operation in ventilated enclosures. GE IC697MDL350C responds in 1 ms typical on/off, holding state through power glitches via capacitor holdup, and diagnostics report open wires or shorts via %SA bits for proactive swaps. Rated for 95% humidity non-condensing, it endures factory floors where dust or steam challenge connections.

Broad backplane compatibility lets GE IC697MDL350C mix with CPUs, HSCs, or remotes in standard racks, scaling outputs without protocol converters. Field crews value the no-fuse design for pilots under 0.5 A, though external protection suits sites with arc-flash rules, delivering years of cycles in 24/7 service.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

GE IC697MDL340 – DC counterpart (125 VDC) for mixed-voltage cabinets alongside GE IC697MDL350C outputs.

GE IC697CPX782 – High-speed CPU that drives GE IC697MDL350C for scan-tight sequencing in dense racks.

GE IC697HSC700 – Pairs with GE IC697MDL350C to trigger outputs from high-speed encoder events.

GE IC697MDLxxx Input Modules – Balance racks with GE IC697MDL350C for complete discrete I/O sets.

GE IC660BBAxxx – Remote bus controllers extending GE IC697MDL350C-style outputs plant-wide.

GE IC697CMMxxx – Comms modules reporting GE IC697MDL350C status to SCADA over Ethernet.

GE IC697CHS790 Racks – Mid-size backplanes housing GE IC697MDL350C with CPUs and power.

GE IC697PWRxxx – Supplies stable 5 V logic for GE IC697MDL350C under full rack loads.

De-energize the rack before plugging in GE IC697MDL350C—pick a free slot post-power supply, seat firmly, and tally backplane current under 10 A total. Bundle 120 VAC drops by group to separate commons, using shielded trays for runs over 50 m and ferrites near VFDs; torque terminals evenly to dodge hot spots. Wire pilots under 0.5 A direct—no fuses inside—then bench-test groups via PLC %QY sweeps, confirming LED flash and no cross-talk before panel close-up.

Quarterly rounds check GE IC697MDL350C terminals for looseness, scan %SA diagnostics for stuck outputs or shorts, and clean dust from heat sinks in gritty zones. Group currents rarely spike with pilots, but log inrush events to preempt foldback; hot-swap needs rack power-off, but spares reload configs in minutes. External MOVs suit extra surge-prone spots like weld bays.