GE IC695ACC400-AA Memory Retention Battery Assembly

Description

🔋 Real-World Use & Application Scenarios (Open Strong)

The GE IC695ACC400-AA battery kit plays an essential role in preserving system integrity across high-stakes industrial applications, including high-speed bottling and packaging lines, oil and gas pipeline monitoring, and large-scale data acquisition systems. Its function is not to power the process, but to provide backup energy exclusively for the volatile CMOS RAM memory within the RX3i CPU module. This memory stores the core control program, I/O configuration, accumulated data values (like counter and timer presets), and fault logs.

Engineers rely on the GE IC695ACC400-AA to prevent catastrophic program loss during periods when the main rack power is removed. This scenario occurs frequently during planned outages for system maintenance, controller replacement, or sudden facility power failures. In these situations, the IC695ACC400-AA engages instantly to supply the low current necessary to retain all the critical configuration and run-time data. Without this reliable backup battery, the CPU would revert to its factory default state upon power restoration, forcing a complete and time-consuming program re-download and restart, resulting in unacceptable production downtime. Proactive replacement of the GE IC695ACC400-AA is a non-negotiable part of preventive maintenance to ensure high availability across all industrial automation systems utilizing the RX3i platform.

🔬 Product Introduction & Positioning

The GE IC695ACC400-AA is a specialized Memory Retention Battery Assembly for the GE Fanuc RX3i (IC695) line of PACs. It is an auxiliary, consumable component that connects directly to a dedicated port on the CPU module (such as the IC695CPU310 or CPU320).

Its role in the system architecture is purely protective and supportive. The assembly typically contains Lithium-based primary cells (non-rechargeable) known for their high energy density and extremely low self-discharge rate. This chemical composition is optimal for providing stable, low-current backup power over a long period. The IC695ACC400-AA is valuable to integrators because it offers a standardized, reliable backup solution that is necessary for all applications where the RX3i CPU’s user memory is not fully non-volatile (i.e., when standard RAM is used for program execution). The entire kit is designed for easy, quick replacement, minimizing the “dead time” during battery swaps.

🚀 Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The functional benefit of the GE IC695ACC400-AA is its guaranteed voltage stability for memory retention. The use of Lithium Thionyl Chloride or similar chemistry ensures that the nominal voltage ($\sim 3 \text{ VDC}$) remains constant across a wide temperature range and throughout its service life until the point of exhaustion. This stability is crucial for the CPU’s memory circuits.

In terms of hardware design, the assembly is usually built into a robust, pre-wired housing with a dedicated, keyed connector. This custom design prevents incorrect installation (polarity reversal) and ensures a vibration-resistant, secure electrical connection. The primary operational benefit the IC695ACC400-AA offers is its long service life, typically ranging from three to five years under normal operating conditions. Furthermore, the CPU module is programmed to actively monitor the battery’s voltage and trigger a low-battery fault indication both locally (via an LED) and to the user via the programming software, providing advanced warning and allowing for scheduled replacement before data is lost. This proactive diagnostic capability significantly contributes to the overall reliability of the control system.

📋 Detailed Technical Specifications

🧩 Related Modules or Compatible Units

IC695CPU310 – A standard RX3i CPU module that uses the GE IC695ACC400-AA to back up its volatile user memory.

IC695CPU320 – A higher-performance RX3i CPU that also requires the IC695ACC400-AA for program and data retention during power loss.

IC695PWR100 – A standard $120/240 \text{ VAC}$ Power Supply that provides the primary operating power to the RX3i rack, supplementing the battery.

IC695CBL001 – A typical inter-chassis cable used to link the main rack to an expansion rack, both of which contain modules that rely on the CPU backed up by the GE IC695ACC400-AA.

IC695CHS012 – A $12$-slot universal backplane chassis where the CPU, powered by the IC695PWR100, and backed up by the battery, is housed.

IC695LWG300 – A high-speed fiber optic communication module often used in the same rack, where its configuration is ultimately saved by the CPU and, therefore, the battery.

🛠️ Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

The single most critical installation procedure for the GE IC695ACC400-AA is that the replacement must be performed while the RX3i CPU module is powered on and running. This practice ensures the CMOS RAM maintains its data state from the primary $5 \text{ VDC}$ supply during the few moments the old battery is disconnected and the new one is plugged in. Failure to maintain power during the swap will result in the immediate loss of the control program and system configuration.

For maintenance, the primary focus is proactive replacement. Technicians should adhere to a strict three-year scheduled replacement interval for the GE IC695ACC400-AA, regardless of the CPU’s low-battery alarm status. While the CPU provides an alarm, waiting until the last minute increases the risk of program loss if an unexpected power outage occurs shortly after the alarm is triggered. Always verify that the low-battery fault LED on the CPU clears shortly after the new IC695ACC400-AA is successfully installed.