GE 201CI-1

Description

Product Overview

GE 201CI-1 is a current input analog interface module developed by General Electric for the Series 90-30 programmable logic controller platform. This module provides eight channels of isolated analog current input, designed to interface with 4–20 mA transmitters, industrial sensors, and process instrumentation. GE 201CI-1 converts standard industrial current signals into digital values accessible to the PLC CPU for monitoring, control, and data logging applications. The module is extensively deployed in water/wastewater treatment facilities, chemical processing plants, food and beverage production lines, and HVAC control systems where reliable, accurate measurement of process variables is essential. As a long-standing member of the Series 90-30 family, the 201CI-1 remains a critical spare part for thousands of installed systems worldwide, particularly in infrastructure and industrial applications where control system modernization has not yet occurred.

Technical Specifications

GE 201CI-1 features the following technical specifications:

• Function: 8-channel analog current input module

• Input Channels: 8 differential, single-ended configurable

• Input Range: 4–20 mA DC (standard), 0–20 mA selectable

• Input Impedance: 250 ohms nominal

• Resolution: 12 bits plus sign (1 part in 4096)

• Accuracy: ±0.5% of full scale at 25°C, ±1.0% over operating temperature

• Update Rate: 8 ms typical for all 8 channels

• Isolation: 250 V AC continuous, channel-to-backplane, 1500 V AC for 1 minute

• Common Mode Rejection: 120 dB at 60 Hz

• Normal Mode Rejection: 40 dB at 60 Hz

• Overcurrent Protection: 50 mA continuous, field-side protected

• Diagnostics: LED indicators for module OK, communication active, blown fuse

• Fusing: 2 A field power fuse, user-replaceable

• Power Consumption: 5 V DC, 170 mA from backplane; 24 V DC, 200 mA from field power

• Mounting: Series 90-30 5-slot or 10-slot rack, occupies one slot

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C

• Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

• Certifications: UL, CSA, CE

A defining characteristic of GE 201CI-1 is its channel-to-channel isolation architecture. Unlike multiplexed input modules that share a single analog-to-digital converter and rely on solid-state switching, the 201CI-1 provides dedicated signal conditioning per channel, eliminating crosstalk and enabling each channel to operate at different common-mode voltages without interference.

Advantages & Features

GE 201CI-1 represents GE’s mature, field-proven analog input technology for the Series 90-30 platform. Key advantages include:

• Per-Channel Isolation: Each input channel is independently isolated, allowing mixing of grounded and ungrounded transmitter signals without ground loop issues

• Loop Power Capability: Module provides 24 V DC loop power for two-wire transmitters via field side connector (requires external 24 V DC supply)

• High Density: Eight channels in a single slot—optimal balance of channel count and physical footprint

• Field Wiring Convenience: Removable terminal strip simplifies installation, commissioning, and maintenance

• Broken Transmitter Detection: Under-range detection identifies open loop conditions (signal <2 mA)

• Hot Swap Capable: Module can be replaced with system power applied

For facilities operating GE Series 90-30 systems with significant analog I/O requirements, GE 201CI-1 provides reliable, accurate measurement of flow, pressure, level, and temperature signals. The module’s robust input protection and per-channel isolation have made it the preferred choice for demanding industrial environments where ground potential differences exist between field devices.

Application Examples

Typical applications for GE 201CI-1 include:

• Water Treatment Plants: Flow measurement from magnetic flow meters, pressure transmitters on filter vessels, level monitoring in clarifiers and clearwells

• Wastewater Facilities: Influent flow rate, dissolved oxygen probe input, sludge blanket level detection

• Chemical Processing: Reactor pressure, tank level, catalyst feed rate, pH transmitter input

• Food and Beverage: Temperature transmitter input for pasteurization, tank filling level control, CIP system monitoring

• HVAC: Chilled water flow, duct static pressure, building differential pressure monitoring

A major municipal water utility in the Midwestern United States operates over 200 GE 201CI-1 modules across seven water treatment plants and 30 remote pumping stations. These modules monitor thousands of 4–20 mA signals including flow, pressure, turbidity, chlorine residual, and pH. The utility’s maintenance database shows an average MTBF exceeding 150,000 hours for the 201CI-1—equivalent to over 17 years of continuous operation. This exceptional reliability has been a key factor in the utility’s decision to postpone a full control system migration, extending the useful life of their Series 90-3 infrastructure through strategic spare parts acquisition.

Competitive Comparison

Primary functional equivalents to GE 201CI-1 within the Series 90-30 ecosystem include the 201CI-2 (expanded diagnostics) and third-party compatible modules. Comparative analysis with competing platforms:

GE 201CI-1 maintains the advantage of being an original GE-manufactured product with full factory support and guaranteed compatibility across all Series 90-30 CPU models and firmware revisions. While third-party compatible modules exist and offer lower initial cost, they have been documented to exhibit timing incompatibilities with certain CPU firmware revisions and lack the rugged input protection of the OEM module.

Selection Recommendations & Precautions

1. Model Verification: GE 201CI-1 is the standard 8-channel analog current input module. Do not confuse with 201CI-2, which provides 16-bit resolution and enhanced diagnostics, or 201CB-1 (combination voltage/current input) and 201CB-2 (high-speed version). Verify your specific application requirements before ordering.

2. Firmware Compatibility: GE 201CI-1 is compatible with all Series 90-30 CPU models (311 through 374) and all versions of Logicmaster 90-30 and Proficy Machine Edition software. No firmware upgrade is required for compatibility.

3. Loop Power Requirements: For two-wire 4–20 mA transmitters, an external 24 V DC power supply must be connected to the field side terminal block. The GE 201CI-1 does not generate loop power internally. Failure to provide external loop power will result in zero or erratic readings.

4. Wiring Practices: Use shielded twisted-pair cable for all analog input signals. Connect shield drain wire to ground at the GE 201CI-1 field terminal only (not both ends). Running analog signals in the same conduit as AC power wiring will induce 60 Hz noise and reduce measurement accuracy.

5. Fuse Replacement: The module includes a field-replaceable 2 A fuse protecting the loop power input. Always use GE-recommended fast-blow fuses (5×20 mm, 2 A, 250 V). Substitution with slow-blow fuses may compromise protection and void warranty.

6. Spare Parts Strategy: For critical infrastructure applications, maintain minimum one spare GE 201CI-1 per 10 installed units or per facility, whichever is greater. Standard lead time for new modules is 2–4 weeks.

When sourcing GE 201CI-1 for water/wastewater or other critical infrastructure applications, procurement through GE’s authorized distribution network is strongly recommended. The module remains in active production with full factory support and a comprehensive five-year warranty. Units from surplus brokers may be older revisions, may lack current firmware, or may have undocumented repair history. For facilities planning continued operation of Series 90-3 systems beyond 2028, GE offers a factory refurbishment program that restores used modules to “as-new” condition with full warranty—a cost-effective strategy for extending the life of strategic spare parts inventories.

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