Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | CE2000 rack power supply module |
| Associated PN | CD101152 |
| Input Voltage | 96–253 VAC, chopper converter |
| Rated Input | 230 VAC typical |
| Output Voltages | Isolated 5 VDC and 12 VDC |
| Output Current | 5 VDC up to 10 A; 12 VDC up to 4 A |
| Power Rating | Approx. 120 W |
| Switching Frequency | Approx. 60 kHz |
| Protection | Overcurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature |
| Redundancy | Single or redundant power configuration |
| Mounting | AM163 / AM164 / AM166 CE2000 rack, FB178 backplane |
| Operating Temp | Typically −10 °C to +60 °C (some sources list −20 °C to +60 °C) |
| Certifications | CE, UL typical |
Product Introduction
If you are staring at a silent CE2000 rack, this is usually the first module you check. The AL129A CD101152 is not a CPU or a fancy communication card. It is the power module that turns messy plant AC into the clean 5 VDC and 12 VDC rails the backplane actually needs.Engineers keep these in the spare cabinet because the whole rack goes dark when it fails. It handles 96–253 VAC, puts out roughly 120 W, and can run in a redundant pair so one supply can carry the load while the other is pulled. This specific revision is straightforward hardware, but it is picky about backplane seating and input voltage quality. Treat it like a power supply, not a black box.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report (SOP)
- Visual and counterfeit check: housing, ALSTOM label, CD101152 marking, connectors, and backplane pins.
- Insulation check: verify input-to-output isolation with a multimeter/insulation tester before applying power.
- Power-up test: apply 96–253 VAC through a variac or controlled source where available; check for abnormal noise or smell.
- Output verification: measure 5 VDC and 12 VDC rails under no-load and light-load conditions.
- Protection check: confirm overvoltage/overcurrent behavior does not latch incorrectly.
- Redundancy check: if two units are available, verify load sharing and failover.
- Final packing: anti-static bag, pin protection, and recorded serial/revision.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
- Do not confuse this with an ALSTOM CPU, RTU, or relay module. Some spare-parts pages mislabel AL129A as a controller or protective relay. It is a power supply for the CE2000 rack.
- Backplane pins bend easily. If the module does not seat cleanly, do not force it. Bent pins cause intermittent 5 VDC drops that look like CPU failures.
- Redundant supplies must share the same rack rules. Mixing a tired unit with a new one can hide a failing supply until both rails sag.
- Verify the exact operating temperature range on the nameplate. Third-party listings disagree on −10 °C vs −20 °C lower limits.
Installation & Configuration Guide
1. Pre-Installation
- ⚠️ Isolate the AC input and verify zero energy before removing any module.
- Photograph rack slot positions, supply labels, redundancy jumpers, and wiring.
- Confirm whether the rack runs single or redundant power.
2. Removal
- Label the faulty module slot.
- Release the front retaining screws or latches.
- Pull the module straight out; do not rock it against adjacent cards.
3. Installation
- Inspect backplane pins before insertion. This prevents most startup failures.
- Slide the AL129A into the correct CE2000 rack slot until fully seated.
- Secure the retaining hardware.
- If redundant, install the second supply in the designated slot per rack manual.
4. Power-On & Testing
- Apply AC input and check status LEDs.
- Measure 5 VDC and 12 VDC at the backplane or test points.
- Verify controller and I/O modules boot normally.
- If redundant, simulate a supply failure only after confirming stable operation.
Compatible Replacement Models
- ✅ ALSTOM AL129A CD101152 — Same module. Order numbers may appear with or without the CD101152 suffix. Confirm nameplate and output ratings before substitution.
- ⚠️ ALSTOM CE2000 / ALSPA rack power supply equivalents — May exist as later revisions or GE-supported replacements. Requires confirmation of mechanical fit, pinout, and output ratings.
- ❌ Generic 5 VDC/12 VDC DIN-rail power supplies — Not compatible. This module mates to the CE2000 backplane and must meet rack-specific electrical and mechanical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is AL129A a CPU or a power module?
Power module. It supplies 5 VDC and 12 VDC to the CE2000 rack. Some listings call it a controller, but that is misleading.2. What does CD101152 mean?
It is the associated part number commonly listed with AL129A. Treat AL129A and CD101152 as referring to the same power module family, but always check the physical label.3. Can I run the rack with only one AL129A?
Yes, if the rack is configured for single supply and the load is within rating. Redundant configurations require two supplies and proper rack setup.4. Can I replace it while the rack is powered?
Only if the system is designed for hot-swap and redundancy. Pulling the only live supply will drop the rack.5. Why are some specs different across listings?
Because this is a legacy product. Temperature range, certifications, and revisions vary by source. The nameplate and OEM manual win.6. Is this still supported?
Treat it as legacy. ALSTOM automation assets have moved into GE/Hitachi Energy support structures depending on the division. Confirm spare availability before relying on it for new installations.
