Description

IC800SSI228RD2

GE IC800SSI228RD2 – Redundant Serial Communication Module for GE Industrial Automation Systems

Product Description

Product Parameters

1. Module Type: Redundant industrial serial communication module, compatible with GE PACSystems and legacy PLC platforms
2. Communication Channels: 2 redundant RS-485 serial channels, supporting hot-standby failover for uninterrupted data transmission
3. Supported Protocols: Native support for Modbus RTU, GE ASCII, and custom serial protocols, enabling compatibility with legacy and modern serial devices
4. Data Transfer Rate: Adjustable baud rates from 300 bps to 115.2 kbps, with parity, stop bit, and data bit configuration for flexible device matching
5. PLC Compatibility: Fully compatible with GE PACSystems CPUs (IC698CPE030, IC698CRE030), chassis (IC698CHS017), and communication modules (IC698CMX016, IC698ETM001CA)
6. Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F), resilient to extreme industrial temperature fluctuations
7. Power Consumption: 2.0 W (typical) at 24 VDC input, 2.6 W (max), energy-efficient for 24/7 continuous operation
8. Physical Dimensions: 140 mm × 85 mm × 120 mm (5.51 in × 3.35 in × 4.72 in), DIN rail mountable (EN 50022 standard)
9. Certifications: UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2, ATEX (Zone 2), and IEEE 1613 compliant, meeting global industrial safety and performance standards
10. Operating Humidity: 5% – 95% (non-condensing), adaptable to humid industrial settings
11. Protection Features: Built-in ESD protection (±15 kV contact), surge protection (±2 kV), and short-circuit protection for serial channels
12. Redundancy Features: Automatic channel failover (< 5 ms), real-time status monitoring, and fault diagnostic output for proactive maintenance
13. MTBF: Exceeds 200,000 hours, ensuring long-term reliable operation in mission-critical applications

Advantages and Features

1. Dual Redundant Serial Channels: The GE IC800SSI228RD2 features two hot-standby RS-485 channels, automatically switching to the backup channel in < 5 ms if the primary channel fails—eliminating single points of failure for serial-based industrial devices.
2. Wide Legacy Device Compatibility: Native support for Modbus RTU and GE ASCII protocols ensures seamless integration with legacy sensors, meters, and controllers, extending the lifespan of aging industrial equipment without costly replacements.
3. Industrial-Grade Surge & ESD Protection: Robust surge protection (±2 kV) and ESD protection (±15 kV) shield the module from electrical interference and voltage spikes common in heavy industrial environments, reducing module failures and downtime.
4. Flexible Baud Rate Configuration: Adjustable baud rates and serial parameters allow the GE IC800SSI228RD2 to match the requirements of diverse serial devices, from slow-response sensors to high-speed actuators.
5. Seamless GE Ecosystem Integration: Plug-and-play compatibility with GE PACSystems chassis and CPUs streamlines system deployment, while integration with GE’s diagnostic software enables real-time monitoring of channel status and fault alerts.
6. Low Power & Compact Design: With a typical power consumption of 2.0 W and a space-saving form factor, the module optimizes energy usage and chassis slot allocation, ideal for large-scale automation systems with multiple communication modules.

Application Cases in Application Fields

1. Power Plant Auxiliary Control: A global nuclear energy provider deployed the GE IC800SSI228RD2 in its reactor coolant system control, using the redundant serial channels to communicate with legacy pressure transmitters and flow meters via Modbus RTU. The automatic failover ensured uninterrupted data transmission during channel malfunctions, complying with strict nuclear safety regulations and improving system reliability by 35%.
2. Chemical Refinery Process Monitoring: A multinational petrochemical company integrated the GE IC800SSI228RD2 into its distillation unit control systems, leveraging the module to connect serial-based temperature sensors and valve actuators to GE PACSystems PLCs. The redundant channels prevented data loss during unexpected line interference, reducing production batch errors by 22% and avoiding costly shutdowns.
3. Water Treatment Plant Legacy System Upgrade: A municipal water utility used the GE IC800SSI228RD2 to modernize its legacy water filtration control systems, where the module connected aging serial pumps and level sensors to a new GE RX3i PLC. The dual channels separated monitoring and control data, optimizing serial traffic and reducing false alarms by 28%.
4. Industrial Manufacturing Line Control: A leading automotive OEM adopted the GE IC800SSI228RD2 in its body assembly lines, using the module to communicate with serial-based robotic grippers and position sensors. The surge protection withstood electrical noise from welding equipment, ensuring consistent data transmission and improving assembly line uptime by 18%.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Suggestions

1. Prioritize Redundancy-Needy Applications: Choose the GE IC800SSI228RD2 for sectors where serial communication downtime is catastrophic (e.g., nuclear power, chemical refining), leveraging its hot-standby redundant channels to eliminate single points of failure.
2. Align with GE Automation Ecosystem: Select this module if your system uses GE PACSystems or legacy GE PLCs, ensuring seamless compatibility and optimal integration with GE’s diagnostic and control software.
3. Legacy Device Integration Projects: Opt for the GE IC800SSI228RD2 when upgrading aging industrial systems, as its support for Modbus RTU and GE ASCII enables connection to legacy serial devices without costly hardware replacement.
4. Harsh Industrial Environments: Select this module for deployments in extreme temperatures, high humidity, or high-interference settings (e.g., power plants, manufacturing floors), leveraging its wide operating range and robust protection features.

Precautions

1. Redundancy Configuration: Ensure both serial channels of the GE IC800SSI228RD2 are properly wired to the same device network to enable automatic failover; mismatched wiring may cause communication disruptions during channel switching.
2. Serial Parameter Matching: Configure baud rate, parity, stop bits, and data bits to match the connected serial devices, as mismatched parameters will result in data corruption or communication failure.
3. Cabling Best Practices: Use shielded twisted-pair cables for serial connections to minimize electromagnetic interference; ground the cable shield at one end to prevent ground loop issues.
4. Static and Surge Protection: Use anti-static wristbands during installation and maintenance, and install external surge protectors for long cable runs to complement the module’s built-in protection features.
5. Fault Monitoring: Regularly check the module’s diagnostic output and GE’s automation software for channel status alerts, proactively addressing issues before they affect serial communication reliability.