Description

The GE IC660BBD022 is a 16-channel digital output (DO) module from General Electric’s VersaMax™ I/O family, designed for use with Series 90-30. Series 90-70. and other GE Fanuc PLC systems via the Genius I/O bus. Featuring electromechanical relays with Form A (SPST-NO) contacts, this module provides robust switching capability for both AC and DC loads—including solenoids, motor starters, indicator lights, and small contactors. With its high channel density, visual status indicators, and compatibility with legacy and upgraded control architectures, the IC660BBD022 remains a widely deployed solution in water/wastewater, power generation, manufacturing, and industrial automation applications.

Application Scenarios

At a municipal wastewater treatment plant in the Midwest, operators struggled with frequent failures of solid-state output modules that drove chemical dosing pump contactors. Voltage spikes from inductive loads caused premature semiconductor degradation, leading to unplanned downtime. The facility replaced these with GE IC660BBD022 relay-based output modules. Over the next three years, zero output failures occurred—even during lightning-induced surges. “The relays don’t care if it’s AC or DC, resistive or inductive—they just work,” noted the maintenance lead. In another case, a biomass power plant used the IC660BBD022 to control boiler ash removal valves, where its ability to handle 120 VAC directly—without external interposing relays—simplified panel design and reduced spare parts inventory.

 

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Universal Load Compatibility – Unlike transistor or triac outputs, the IC660BBD022’s electromechanical relays switch AC or DC without derating, enabling direct control of diverse field devices—eliminating the need for external interposing relays.

Innovation Point 2: Visual & Functional Simplicity – Each channel features a bright LED that mirrors the actual relay state, allowing instant troubleshooting without meters or software—critical during night shifts or emergency repairs.

Innovation Point 3: Seamless Genius I/O Integration – As part of the VersaMax ecosystem, the IC660BBD022 auto-configures on the Genius bus, supports remote I/O over long distances (up to 1500 m), and integrates natively with Proficy Machine Edition programming tools.

Innovation Point 4: Field-Proven Reliability in Inductive Environments – The relay design avoids leakage current and false conduction issues common in solid-state outputs when driving coils or solenoids—making it ideal for motor and valve control.

Application Cases and Industry Value

In a food processing facility, the GE IC660BBD022 was deployed to control steam injection valves on a pasteurizer line. Despite daily thermal cycling and washdown moisture, the sealed relays operated flawlessly for over five years—far outlasting previous solid-state modules that suffered corrosion-induced shorts. Similarly, in a hydroelectric dam, the module’s ability to directly switch 120 VAC alarm beacons and gate position indicators simplified the safety circuit design and reduced panel space by 30%. Across industries, the IC660BBD022 is valued not for cutting-edge tech—but for rugged, no-nonsense performance where uptime matters more than speed.

Related Product Combination Solutions

GE IC660BBD122: Similar 16-channel DO module but with Form C (SPDT) relays—offers normally closed paths

GE IC660EBD022: 16-channel sinking transistor DO module—for high-speed DC-only applications

GE IC693MDL754: Compatible DO module for Series 90-30 local racks (non-Genius)

VersaMax Base (e.g., IC660BBI001): Required carrier for IC660BBD022 on Genius I/O network

Proficy Machine Edition: Programming software for configuring and monitoring IC660BBD022 channels

Phoenix Contact PLC-RSC: External relay modules sometimes used for higher-current loads

ABB NTU-7C9-ABB: Not compatible—but data can be shared via OPC if integrated into broader SCADA

Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16: Competing relay output module for SLC 500—functionally similar but non-interchangeable