GE IC693PWR331C single-slot DC Power Supply Module

Description

Real-World Use & Application Scenarios 🔋

The GE IC693PWR331C is a specialist power supply chosen specifically for environments that rely on 24 Volt DC or 48 Volt DC plant power, rather than common AC sources. This module is essential in mission-critical applications where power reliability is paramount and systems are often powered by uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery banks, or low-voltage bus systems.

Common environments for the GE IC693PWR331C include telecommunications facilities, where 48 VDC power is standard; remote monitoring stations (like pipelines or cellular towers) where battery backup is primary; and mobile or vehicular applications (such as specialized construction or transit equipment) that operate on 24 VDC. In these settings, using a DC power supply eliminates the need for an additional DC-to-AC inverter, simplifying the power architecture and reducing potential failure points.

With its higher output capacity, typically 30 Watts or more, the GE IC693PWR331C is often specified for Series 90-30 systems that are heavily loaded with I/O, especially those containing multiple specialty modules like the IC693DSM302-AE Motion Control module or numerous high-density I/O cards.² Its reliable DC input ensures that the control system maintains a high degree of electrical isolation from large, noisy AC motors and drives.

Product Introduction & Positioning

The GE IC693PWR331C is a single-slot DC Power Supply Module designed to convert an incoming 24/48 VDC plant voltage into the necessary low-voltage DC power for the Series 90-30 backplane. Like all power supplies in this family, it occupies the designated power supply slot (Slot 0) of the PLC baseplate.

This module is positioned as the high-capacity DC option within the 90-30 line. It offers superior 5 VDC current output compared to some lower-rated DC supplies (like the PWR322), allowing engineers to fully populate larger or multiple expansion racks. Its value is found in its high-efficiency conversion and its ability to accept a wide DC input range (typically 18 to 30 VDC for the 24V nominal input, and 36 to 56 VDC for the 48V nominal input), which accommodates voltage dips and fluctuations common in battery-backed systems. The integrated key switch for physical CPU control and the provision for battery backup further enhance its role as a secure and robust power foundation for critical control systems.

Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The key technical advantage of the GE IC693PWR331C is its high-efficiency DC-to-DC conversion, which minimizes heat generation within the control cabinet, extending the service life of all adjacent modules. It boasts a substantial 5 VDC output capacity, typically around 6.0 Amperes for the backplane, making it suitable for even the most densely populated racks featuring the faster IC693CPU374GP processor.

From a design perspective, the module’s input terminal block is clearly labeled and utilizes robust screw terminals suitable for the industrial environment. A vital functional benefit is the integrated 24 VDC auxiliary power output. Unlike some other supplies, the GE IC693PWR331C often provides a higher-current, fused 24 VDC output for powering nearby field devices, which is critical in DC-powered systems where auxiliary power sources can be scarce. Status LEDs offer instant visual verification of the input power (DC OK) and the battery status, accelerating initial setup and maintenance checks.This module’s robust architecture ensures a high level of noise isolation between the potentially noisy input power environment and the clean logic power supplied to the CPU.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

IC693PWR321 – The standard AC Power Supply Module, used when 120/240 VAC power is available instead of DC.

IC693CPU374GP – The high-end CPU module whose operation is entirely dependent on the stable 5 VDC power delivered by the GE IC693PWR331C.

IC693ACC001 – The essential lithium battery unit that installs into the GE IC693PWR331C to protect the CPU’s volatile memory during power loss.

IC693ALG442-EC – An Analog Combination I/O module which uses the 5 VDC backplane power for its logic and often utilizes the module’s auxiliary 24 VDC output for its internal field-side power.

IC693ACC300 – The Main Baseplate that provides the physical and electrical structure for the GE IC693PWR331C to connect to the rest of the system.

IC693CBL310 – The I/O bus cable used to extend the system by connecting expansion racks, which also receive power from the main rack’s GE IC693PWR331C.

Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

Installation requires careful attention to the DC input voltage. Integrators must correctly set any internal jumper or switch on the GE IC693PWR331C to match the incoming 24 VDC or 48 VDC system voltage before connecting power. Incorrect voltage selection will instantly destroy the unit. Ensure the DC input wires are polarized correctly (positive to positive, negative to negative) as reverse polarity protection may be limited, and double-check terminal block tightness to prevent current interruption.

Maintenance should prioritize the system’s longevity by monitoring the input voltage stability. Voltage sags outside the specified range (e.g., below 18 VDC) can cause CPU shutdown. The most important maintenance step is the timely replacement of the battery backup unit while the system is energized (hot-swap) to prevent the CPU from losing its program and configuration. Regularly inspect the input fuse on the auxiliary 24 VDC output; a short circuit on a field device may blow this fuse, but the rest of the system powered by the GE IC693PWR331C will remain operational.