IC660EBA026 GE Fanuc PLC IC660EBA026K I/O Current-source Analog Input Block New

GE Fanuc IC660EBA026 | Genius I/O Electronic Assembly — 24/48V DC / 6-Channel 4–20mA Analog Current-Source Input / Open-Wire Alarm

Part Number: IC660EBA026

Manufacturer: GE Fanuc (now Emerson Automation Solutions)

Product Family: Genius I/O 

Electronic Intelligence in the Genius I/O Field Block

The IC660EBA026 is the electronic assembly — the intelligence half — of the GE Fanuc Genius I/O analog current-source input block for 24/48V DC. A complete Genius I/O analog block consists of two separable components: the terminal assembly (IC660TBA026) and the electronic assembly (IC660EBA026). The terminal assembly provides the field wiring terminals, the physical backplane connection to the Genius Serial Bus, and EEPROM storage for the block's configuration. The IC660EBA026 houses the microprocessor, all signal processing circuitry, and the complete diagnostic and communication functions.

The six input channels accept 4–20mA signals from field transmitters — pressure, flow, level, and temperature transmitters in standard current-loop format. Each channel is individually isolated, preventing ground potential differences between transmitters on different circuits from corrupting adjacent measurements. Each channel also provides loop power — up to 24V DC — directly to the connected two-wire transmitter, eliminating the need for separate loop power distribution wiring for individually powered transmitters.

Independent linear scaling on each channel allows engineering unit conversion to be performed in the Genius block itself. The block scales the raw 4–20mA value to the physical measurement range (0–100 bar, 0–400°C, and so on) and transmits the scaled value in engineering units over the Genius bus to the PLC. The PLC programme uses the engineering unit value directly, without additional scaling in the programme logic.

The key maintenance advantage of the two-piece design: the IC660EBA026 electronic assembly can be removed and replaced while the terminal assembly — and all field wiring — remains in place. No rewiring is required for electronic assembly replacement. The block's configuration, stored in the terminal assembly's EEPROM, is automatically applied to the replacement electronic assembly when it is installed.

Key Specifications

Revision Compatibility Note

The suffix letter on the part number (e.g., IC660EBA026K) identifies the hardware revision. Revision K and later use a newer-style electronic housing — the plastic door and housing differ from earlier revisions, and there may be compatibility considerations with certain terminal strip versions. When ordering, confirm the revision if the installed block uses an earlier terminal assembly version.

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between the IC660EBA026 (electronic assembly) and the IC660BBA026 (complete block)?

The IC660BBA026 is the complete assembled Genius I/O block, shipped as a single unit ready for installation. The IC660EBA026 is only the electronic assembly — it requires a separate terminal assembly (IC660TBA026) to form a complete block. The electronic assembly is typically ordered as a spare or replacement when the terminal assembly (and its field wiring) is already installed in the system. Replacing the electronics only avoids rewiring the field terminals.

Q2: Can the IC660EBA026 be replaced with power applied to the Genius bus?

The Genius I/O system supports hot-swap of electronic assemblies in certain configurations. The terminal assembly remains powered and the field wiring is undisturbed during electronic assembly replacement. The block re-initialises from the terminal assembly's EEPROM configuration when the new electronic assembly is installed. Confirm the specific block version's hot-swap capability from the Genius I/O documentation before performing live replacement.

Q3: What happens if an open wire is detected on one of the 6 input channels?

The IC660EBA026 detects the current fall below the 4mA live-zero threshold (typically below approximately 2mA for open-wire detection) and generates an open-wire alarm. The alarm is transmitted over the Genius bus to the host PLC controller and can trigger a PLC fault alarm in the programme. The affected channel's value may be forced to a defined fault value (configurable) while the alarm is active. The remaining five channels continue to operate normally.

Q4: How does independent channel scaling work on the IC660EBA026?

Each of the six channels has its own configurable high and low engineering unit values. For example, Channel 1 might be configured as 0–16 bar (mapping 4mA to 0 bar and 20mA to 16 bar), while Channel 2 is configured as 0–500°C. The block performs the linear conversion internally and transmits the engineering unit value on the Genius bus. The PLC programme reads bar or degrees Celsius directly — no additional scaling in the programme is needed.

Q5: Where is the IC660EBA026 sourced after discontinuation?

Through the GE Fanuc / Emerson Genius I/O aftermarket — Genius I/O specialists, tested surplus suppliers, and repair centres with Genius block experience. The Genius I/O platform has an extensive global installed base in process and factory automation; aftermarket availability for electronic assemblies is generally good. Confirm the revision letter if terminal assembly compatibility is a concern.