GE NE724A

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: GE Vernova (Formerly GE Power)
• Product Series: GE Digital Input Modules (NE Series)
• Part Number: NE724A
• Module Type: 48 VDC Isolated Digital Input Module
• Input Channels: 16 isolated channels (4 groups of 4 channels, individually isolated)
• Input Voltage: 48 VDC (nominal); 36–60 VDC (operating range)
• Input Current: 8 mA per channel (on-state)
• Input Resistance: 6 kΩ per channel
• Isolation: Channel-to-channel: 500 V AC (1 minute); Channel-to-backplane: 1500 V AC (1 minute)
• Response Time: Selectable: 1 ms, 3 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 70 ms, 100 ms (via software)
• Input Logic: Positive logic (signal on at ≥36 VDC; signal off at ≤18 VDC)
• LED Indicators: 16 channel status LEDs (green = on, off = off); 1 module power LED (red)
• Power Requirements: +5 V DC (from controller backplane); 1.2 A maximum current draw
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
• Storage Temperature: -55°C to +125°C (-67°F to +257°F)
• Humidity Range: 5%–95% non-condensing
• Mechanical Form Factor: 3U rack-mount (100 mm × 160 mm × 25 mm), compatible with GE VersaMax and PACSystems backplanes
• Weight: 0.3 kg (0.66 lb)
• Configuration Software: ToolboxST (Version 5.0 or later)
• Certifications: IEC 61131-2, UL 508, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS compliant

Functional Features

• 16 Isolated Channels: Four groups of four individually isolated channels prevent cross-talk and ground loop interference, enhancing signal integrity in noisy industrial environments.
• Wide Input Voltage Range: 36–60 VDC operation accommodates voltage fluctuations common in industrial power systems.
• Selectable Response Times: Configurable 1 ms to 100 ms response times optimize performance for fast-acting safety circuits or noise-prone applications.
• Optical Isolation: 500 V AC channel-to-channel and 1500 V AC channel-to-backplane isolation protects the controller and field devices from voltage spikes.
• LED Status Indicators: Per-channel green LEDs provide instant visual confirmation of input state; red power LED verifies module energization.
• ToolboxST Compatibility: Intuitive configuration software enables channel mapping, response time setting, and diagnostic monitoring without hardware adjustments.
• Hot-Swappable Design: Supports hot swapping in PACSystems RX3i/RX7i chassis, reducing downtime during maintenance or module replacement.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Reports open-wire faults, overvoltage conditions, and module hardware errors to the controller for proactive maintenance.
• Backplane Communication: Uses GE’s proprietary Genius Bus or Ethernet/IP (depending on controller) for high-speed data transfer to the main processor.
• Industrial Durability: Operates at -40°C to +70°C and resists shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) per IEC 61000-6-2 standards.

Functional Features

• Isolated Signal Acquisition: Eliminates ground loops and noise, ensuring accurate monitoring of discrete sensors, limit switches, and pushbuttons.
• Flexible Response Time Configuration: Matches application requirements, from high-speed safety interlocks (1 ms) to general-purpose monitoring (100 ms).
• Group Isolation: Four groups of four channels allow mixed voltage sources or separate ground references within a single module.
• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Detects open circuits, short circuits, and module faults, triggering alarms to prevent unplanned downtime.
• Seamless System Integration: Works with Mark VIe turbine controls and PACSystems RX3i/RX7i, supporting standard industrial protocols for data exchange.
• Hot-Swappable Operation: Facilitates module replacement without powering down the controller, maintaining system availability.
• LED Status Monitoring: Simplifies troubleshooting by providing real-time input state and power status without additional tools.
• Rugged Construction: Withstands extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration, suitable for power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing applications.
• Low Power Consumption: 1.2 A maximum current draw from the +5 V DC backplane minimizes power usage in dense I/O configurations.
• Global Compliance: Meets UL 508, CE, and RoHS standards for safe operation in global industrial markets.

Application Scenarios

• Turbine Control Systems: Monitoring safety interlocks, valve positions, and bearing temperature switches in gas/steam turbine Mark VIe control systems.
• Power Generation: Discrete signal monitoring in power plants, including generator circuit breaker status, transformer tap changer position, and cooling system alarms.
• Oil & Gas Refineries: Monitoring pump status, valve positions, and emergency shutdown (ESD) signals in hazardous and non-hazardous areas.
• Manufacturing Automation: Controlling assembly lines, robotic cells, and material handling systems by monitoring limit switches, photoelectric sensors, and operator pushbuttons.
• Water & Wastewater Treatment: Monitoring flow switches, level sensors, and pump start/stop signals in treatment plant control systems.
• Mining & Metals: Discrete input monitoring for conveyor belt safety, crusher status, and material level sensors in harsh mining environments.
• Chemical Processing: Safety instrumented systems (SIS) monitoring for pressure relief valves, emergency stop buttons, and tank level alarms.
• Railway Signaling: Monitoring track circuits, point positions, and signal lights in railway control systems requiring high reliability.
• Building Automation: Monitoring fire alarm systems, access control points, and HVAC equipment status in commercial and industrial buildings.

Compatibility

• Controllers: GE Mark VIe Turbine Control System; PACSystems RX3i/RX7i Programmable Automation Controllers
• Configuration Software: GE ToolboxST (Version 5.0 or later)
• Backplanes: PACSystems RX3i 3U backplanes; Mark VIe I/O chassis
• Field Devices: 48 VDC discrete sensors, limit switches, pushbuttons, proximity sensors, and relay contacts
• Communication Protocols: Genius Bus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP (via controller backplane)
• Power Supplies: +5 V DC from controller backplane; 48 VDC field power (36–60 VDC range)
• Mounting: 3U rack-mount in standard PACSystems or Mark VIe chassis

Installation Notes

1. Chassis Mounting: Install in a 3U PACSystems RX3i/RX7i or Mark VIe chassis; ensure proper alignment with backplane connectors.
2. Power Connection: Module power is supplied via the backplane (+5 V DC); no external power required for module operation.
3. Field Wiring: Connect 48 VDC field devices to terminal blocks; use shielded twisted-pair cables for each channel group to minimize noise.
4. Isolation Compliance: Maintain 500 V AC isolation between channel groups; avoid sharing ground references across groups.
5. Configuration: Use ToolboxST to set response times, channel mapping, and diagnostic parameters; save configuration to non-volatile memory.
6. Response Time Setting: Select 1 ms for safety circuits, 10–100 ms for general monitoring, and 3–20 ms for typical industrial applications.
7. Diagnostic Enable: Enable open-wire and overvoltage detection in software to trigger controller alarms for fault conditions.
8. Hot-Swap Procedure: Power down the module slot (if supported) before removal; insert the new module and verify LED status before resuming operation.
9. Post-Installation Testing: Verify each channel’s response to on/off signals; test diagnostic functions by simulating open and short circuits.

Key Advantages

• High-Density Isolation: 16 isolated channels in a 3U form factor reduce chassis space requirements and wiring complexity.
• Reliable Signal Acquisition: Optical isolation and noise filtering ensure accurate data in harsh industrial environments.
• Flexible Configuration: Selectable response times and group isolation adapt to diverse application needs.
• Seamless Integration: Works with GE’s flagship control systems, leveraging existing software and hardware investments.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Proactive fault detection minimizes unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
• Hot-Swappable Design: Reduces downtime during module replacement, critical for 24/7 industrial operations.
• Global Compliance: Meets UL, CE, and RoHS standards for worldwide deployment.
• Intuitive Monitoring: Per-channel LEDs simplify troubleshooting and reduce diagnostic time.