GE V7668A-1310B0 | QuickPanel Operator Terminal | Obsolete HMI Spare Parts
GE V7668A-1310B0 | QuickPanel Operator Terminal | Obsolete HMI Spare Parts - Image 2
GE V7668A-1310B0 | QuickPanel Operator Terminal | Obsolete HMI Spare Parts - Image 3
GE V7668A-1310B0 | QuickPanel Operator Terminal | Obsolete HMI Spare Parts - Image 4

GE V7668A-1310B0 | QuickPanel Operator Terminal | Obsolete HMI Spare Parts

  • Model: V7668A-1310B0 (Alt. P/N: 350-9310007668-131020 B)
  • Brand: GE Fanuc Automation (now under Emerson)
  • Core Function: 10-inch monochrome resistive touchscreen HMI for local visualization and control of PLC-5 or VersaMax logic
  • Lifecycle Status: Discontinued (Obsolete)
  • Procurement Risk: High – limited to secondary market; units often suffer from screen degradation or backlight failure; no factory repair service
  • Critical Role: Serves as the primary human-machine interface on standalone machines or small cells; loss of display functionality prevents operators from viewing alarms, adjusting setpoints, or initiating manual sequences
Category: SKU: GE V7668A-1310B0 350-9310007668-131020 B

Description

Technical Specifications (For Spare Parts Verification)

  • Product Model: V7668A-1310B0
  • Alternate Part Number: 350-9310007668-131020 B
  • Manufacturer: GE Fanuc Automation
  • Product Family: QuickPanel Standard Series
  • Display Type: 10.4-inch FSTN monochrome LCD, grayscale
  • Touch Technology: 4-wire resistive
  • Resolution: 640 x 480 (VGA)
  • Communication Ports: RS-232 and RS-485 (for connection to PLC-5 via DH+ or serial protocol)
  • Programming Software: QuickPanel Application Generator (QAG)
  • Power Supply: 24 VDC nominal, ±10%
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C
  • Mounting: Panel-mount with gasket seal (IP65 front protection when installed correctly)

System Role and Downtime Impact

The V7668A-1310B0 functions as the local operator console in decentralized control architectures—commonly found on bottling lines, extruders, or batch mixers controlled by a PLC-5. It displays real-time process variables, alarm logs, and manual override screens, enabling operators to respond to faults without accessing the central control room. Because these systems were often deployed without redundant HMIs or remote SCADA access, a failed QuickPanel typically halts production at the machine level. Operators cannot acknowledge alarms, clear jams, or restart cycles, leading to line stoppages that cascade upstream or downstream. Recovery requires either a functional spare or temporary workarounds (e.g., using a laptop with RSLinx), which are often impractical in washdown or hazardous environments.

 

Reliability Analysis and Common Failure Modes

Despite its rugged design, the V7668A-1310B0 is highly vulnerable to age-related component failure due to its reliance on early-2000s LCD and power electronics:

  • LCD screen degradation: The FSTN panel suffers from “ghosting,” contrast loss, or complete blanking as the liquid crystal material ages or the polarizer film yellows.
  • Backlight failure: Cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlights have a typical lifespan of 20,000–30,000 hours; most units in service today exceed this, resulting in dim or unviewable displays.
  • Touchscreen drift or dead zones: The 4-wire resistive overlay degrades with repeated use, causing calibration loss or non-responsive areas—especially near frequently pressed buttons.
  • Electrolytic capacitor failure: On the internal DC/DC converter board, dried-out capacitors cause voltage ripple, leading to random reboots or communication dropouts.
  • RS-485 transceiver damage: Susceptible to ground loops or ESD events on long cable runs, disrupting communication with the PLC.

Recommended maintenance practices:

  • Perform annual screen brightness and touch calibration checks
  • Keep a backup application file (.qpa) stored externally for rapid reload
  • Inspect communication cables for shield integrity and proper termination
  • Avoid exposing the unit to direct sunlight or high ambient temperatures, which accelerate LCD aging
GE V7668A-1310B0 350-9310007668-131020 B

GE V7668A-1310B0 350-9310007668-131020 B

Lifecycle Status and Migration Strategy

GE discontinued the QuickPanel Standard series around 2006, with final software updates for QAG released shortly thereafter. Emerson no longer supplies new units, offers repair services, or provides firmware recovery tools. Continued use carries significant operational risk: even if a spare is sourced, its internal components may fail within months due to latent age effects.

Interim Mitigation Measures:

  • Source tested units with verified screen and touch functionality; prioritize those with recent capacitor refurbishment
  • Maintain a library of original .qpa application files and QAG installation media
  • Use USB-to-RS232 adapters with modern laptops for emergency diagnostics (requires legacy Windows OS and drivers)

Recommended Migration Path:
Emerson’s official successor is the QuickPanel+ or VersaView 5000 series, but these require:

  • Rewriting the HMI application in FactoryTalk View Machine Edition
  • Replacing the communication interface (e.g., adding an Ethernet/IP module to the PLC-5 or upgrading to a ControlLogix platform)
  • Modifying the panel cutout (newer HMIs have different dimensions)

For cost-sensitive retrofits, third-party HMIs from Weintek, Maple Systems, or Red Lion can emulate DH+ or serial protocols to communicate directly with the PLC-5, avoiding full controller replacement. However, screen layout recreation and alarm logic revalidation are still required. Given the fragility of remaining V7668A-1310B0 inventory, proactive migration planning is strongly advised—waiting for failure often results in extended downtime and premium pricing for last-known-good spares.

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