Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage (AC) | 85 to 264 VAC (47-63 Hz) |
| Input Voltage (DC) | 100 to 150 VDC |
| +5VDC Output | Up to 20 Amps |
| +12VDC Output | Up to 2 Amps |
| -12VDC Output | Up to 1 Amp |
| Total Output Power | 100 Watts (at 0-60°C) |
| Hold-Up Time | 15 ms minimum |
| Installation Slot | RX7i Chassis Slot 0 (Leftmost) |
| Power Factor | 0.99 minimum (AC operation) |
| Isolation | 1500 VDC (Input to Output) |
| Protection | Overcurrent, Overvoltage, Overtemp |
| Cooling Requirement | Natural Convection (No Fan) |
Product Introduction
I’ve pulled dead power supplies out of RX7i racks at 2 AM in hot, dusty pump stations, and let me tell you, when the backplane loses +5V, your entire plant stops. The GE IC698PSA100D is the workhorse sitting in slot 0 of these racks. It takes dirty, fluctuating 120/240VAC or 125VDC and forces it into clean, isolated DC rails. It doesn’t do anything fancy. It just has to survive electrical noise, heat, and voltage sags without letting the CPU brown out.Engineers stick with this specific module because it delivers a solid 20 amps on the +5V rail and maintains a 15-millisecond hold-up time. That 15ms is the difference between a momentary voltage dip causing a nuisance alarm versus a full system crash. I will say this: this revision is notoriously sensitive to dirty ground loops. If your site grounding is garbage, the overvoltage protection might trip randomly. But if you wire it right, it runs for decades.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
Before this module leaves our bench, we don’t just look at it. We plug it into a live RX7i test rack and load it up. We verify the +5V rail stays within the 4.975-5.25V tolerance while pulling 15 amps. We check the isolation with a megger and log the firmware revision. Finally, it gets sealed in an anti-static bag. If it doesn’t pass the live load test, it gets scrapped. Period.Here is the hard truth about swapping these: Do not ignore the front panel switch. I watched a junior tech swap a PSA100D, leave the front switch in the OFF position, and spend three hours troubleshooting a “dead” backplane. Also, watch out for ESD. The internal MOSFETs on these older GE boards are highly susceptible to static shock. If you touch the bare PCB without a grounded wrist strap, you might install a ticking time bomb that fails three weeks later. Always photograph the old module’s switch position before pulling it.
Installation & Configuration Guide
- Pre-Installation: ⚠️ SHUT DOWN AND LOCK OUT. Wait at least 5 minutes for the internal capacitors to discharge. Take a clear photo of the front panel switch position and the wiring terminals.
- Removal: Label the AC/DC input wires. Press the top and bottom ejector tabs firmly and pull straight out. Never pry with a screwdriver.
- Installation: MATCH THE DIP/SWITCH SETTINGS. Slide the new IC698PSA100D into Slot 0 until it clicks. Ensure the front panel On/Off switch matches your old configuration.
- Power-On & Testing: Verify 24V DC input (if applicable) or AC presence. Flip the front switch ON. Watch the “Field OK” and “Output OK” LEDs. Both must be solid green. If the Overtemp LED flashes, kill power immediately and check chassis airflow.
Compatible Replacement Models
- ✅ Drop-in Replacement: GE IC698PSA100. This is the base model. The “D” suffix usually denotes a minor manufacturing revision or date code. Electrically and mechanically, they are identical. No logic changes required.
- ⚠️ Upgrade Path (Requires Chassis Mod): GE IC698PSA350. If your RX7i rack is packed with high-draw modules and you are constantly hitting the 100W limit, upgrade to the 350W version. Warning: The PSA350 requires a fan tray at the bottom of the chassis. It will not cool itself naturally like the 100D.
- ❌ Hardware Mod Required: VersaMax Power Supplies. Do not attempt to adapt VersaMax power modules to an RX7i chassis. The backplane connectors and pinouts are completely different.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I hot-swap this power supply while the rack is powered?
Absolutely not. The RX7i backplane is not designed for hot-swapping the primary power source. Pulling this module under load will arc the contacts, fry the backplane traces, and potentially destroy your CPU. Always kill the main breaker first.Why does my new PSA100D show a red Overtemp LED immediately?
Check your chassis cooling. While this module is rated for natural convection up to 60°C, if it’s packed between two high-heat modules in a sealed, unventilated cabinet, it will choke. Also, verify the ambient temperature. If it’s 90°F (32°C) in the room, your internal cabinet temp might be hitting the limit.Is the IC698PSA100D interchangeable with the IC698PSA100?
Yes. The “D” suffix is a manufacturing revision. The pinout, output capacity, and physical dimensions are exactly the same. You can swap them without changing any PLC logic or hardware configuration.My “Output OK” LED is off, but “Field OK” is green. What’s wrong?
“Field OK” means AC/DC input power is reaching the module. “Output OK” means the internal DC-DC converters are functioning. If Output is off, the module has detected an internal fault or a short on the +5V backplane. Pull all other modules and test the PSU alone. If it still fails, the PSU is dead. If it works, you have a shorted module in your rack.Does this module support 125VDC input?
Yes, it handles 100-150 VDC. Just make sure your DC source is properly fused and isolated. I’ve seen DC supplies with massive ripple cause this PSU to fail prematurely. Keep your DC clean.How long will you keep stocking these?
As long as we can source New Surplus or certified refurbished units. GE has discontinued this line, so stock is finite. If you have a critical RX7i system running on these, buy a spare now while they are still available. Waiting until it dies is a guaranteed way to face a 6-week downtime.
