GE-FanucIC693 MDL 741 ESeries 90-30 16-Point DC Output Module, 12/24 VDC 0.5 A per Point, Negative Logic Sinking, Two Isolated Groups of Eight

Product Description

What this part is

This is a 16-point DC discrete output module for the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 programmable controller family. It switches user-supplied 12 or 24 VDC to field loads — motor starters, solenoid valves, pilot lamps, contactor coils, interposing relays — at up to half an amp per point. The 16 outputs are split into two groups of eight, each group with its own common terminal, so the two halves of the card can reference separate supplies. It installs in any general I/O slot of a 5-slot or 10-slot Series 90-30 baseplate.

Decoding the order code

IC693 – GE Fanuc Series 90-30 product lineMDL – discrete (module) I/O, as opposed to ALG analog or CMM communications7xx – the 700 block is discrete output; 6xx is discrete input741 – 12/24 VDC, 0.5 A, 16 point, negative logic. The neighbouring 740 is the same electrical rating in positive logic.E – hardware revision letter. Revisions C, E, F and G are functionally equivalent to one another: same 16 points, same rating, same wiring, same slot compatibility. A 741G will replace a 741C with no program change.
Also written IC693-MDL-741-E, IC693 MDL 741 E and IC693MDL741.

Negative logic: read this before you buy:
This is the single specification that decides whether the module works in your panel, and it is the one most often glossed over. Negative logic means the module sinks: each output transistor provides a return path from the load down to the user common or negative bus. The load is fed positive directly from your supply, and the module completes the circuit on the low side.

The positive-logic sibling, IC693MDL740, does the opposite — it sources current from the positive bus into the load. The two are electrically identical in voltage and current rating and physically identical in the rack, and they are not interchangeable. Substituting one for the other without rewiring the field side gives you outputs that never energise, or worse, a short across the supply.

The practical rule: NPN-convention field devices and sinking output standards want the 741. PNP-convention devices and sourcing standards want the 740. Check the existing wiring drawing, not the catalogue description, because plant standards vary and imported machinery frequently assumes the opposite convention to domestic panels.

Published specifications

Rated voltage: 12/24 VDCOutput voltage range: 12 to 24 VDC, +20% / −15% (approximately 10.2 to 28.8 V)Outputs per module: 16, in two groups of eight, each group with its own commonLogic: negative (sinking)Output current: 0.5 A maximum per point, 2 A maximum per commonOutput voltage drop: 0.5 V maximumOff-state leakage: 1 mA maximumOn response time: 2 ms maximumOff response time: 2 ms maximumIsolation: 1500 V field side to logic side; 500 V between groupsBackplane power consumption: 110 mA from the +5 V bus, all outputs onFusing: none on the moduleStatus indication: 16 green LEDs at the top of the module, two rows of eight, labelled A1–A8 (points 1–8) and B1–B8 (points 9–16)Slot: any I/O slot in a 5-slot or 10-slot Series 90-30 baseplateFaceplate insert: left edge colour-coded blue to indicate a low-voltage module

What these specs mean in practice

Watch the per-common limit, not just the per-point limit. Half an amp times eight points is four amps, but each common is rated 2 A. That means you cannot load all eight outputs in a group to their full 0.5 A simultaneously — the group total is the binding constraint. In a group of eight, sustained full-rated loading is four points, not eight. Spread heavy loads across both groups, or interpose relays.

There are no fuses on this card. A dead short on a field wire takes out the output transistor, not a fuse you can replace from the drawer. If your loads are inductive, long-run, or in an area where crushed cable is a live risk, put external fusing in the field wiring. This is a real difference from the older Series One and Series Six output cards, several of which carry per-circuit fuses, and it is worth knowing before you commission rather than after.

Off-state leakage of 1 mA is low enough that no normal contactor or solenoid coil will hold in. If you are feeding another controller’s logic input rather than a real load, check that input’s off-state threshold or fit a bleed resistor.

2 ms on and off is fast for a transistor DC output card and is not the limiting factor in any application this module suits — PLC scan time will dominate.

What is not included

Module only. Not supplied: the field power supply (you provide the 12 or 24 VDC for the loads — the module does not generate field power internally), the Series 90-30 baseplate, the rack power supply, the CPU, the terminal block cover, field wiring, external fuses or interposing relays. The terminal block itself is part of the module; if the hinged-door wiring insert matters to you, check the photographs on this listing.

Installation and setup notes

Fits any I/O slot; no jumpers or DIP switches to set, the module is configured in software as a 16-point discrete output. Power the rack down before inserting or removing. Wire the load between your positive bus and the module output terminal, and the group common to the negative bus. The LED shows what the logic commanded, so an LED lit with no field action points at wiring or the load, and no LED points at the program or addressing.

Interchange guidance

Search forms include IC693MDL741E, IC693MDL741, IC693-MDL-741-E and IC693 MDL 741 E. Revisions C, E, F and G interchange freely. The same module was sold into the Alspa C80-35 platform under the identical catalogue number, so an Alspa C80-35 16-point 12/24 VDC negative logic output requirement is satisfied by this card. IC693MDL740 is a related model in positive logic, not an equivalent — do not treat it as a substitute. Series 90-30 is discontinued and legacy-supported; surplus, reman and board-level repair are the supply channels.