ALSTOM EP3 Modules EP3-G-4-A-EN

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ALSTOM EP3 Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of EP3 Architecture

The EP3 platform was introduced by ALSTOM Power (formerly GEC ALSTHOM) as a successor to earlier analog ESP controllers. The first-generation EP3 units used discrete analog signal conditioning with manual setpoint adjustment via potentiometers and DIP switches. Subsequent revisions introduced digital communication interfaces, allowing integration with plant-level SCADA and DCS systems via Modbus RTU and later Profibus DP. The EP3-G series (of which EP3-G-4-A-EN is a member) introduced a standardized 4-channel grouped output architecture, enabling one controller card to supervise multiple T/R sets simultaneously, reducing panel footprint and wiring complexity. Later variants added EN-suffix firmware localization for European emission standard compliance (EN 13284, EN 12619). Compatibility across EP3 generations is constrained by backplane bus pinout revisions — early EP3 cards are not hot-swap compatible with EP3-G backplanes without adapter brackets. Plants operating mixed-generation EP3 installations must maintain separate spare pools for each backplane revision. ALSTOM's transition to the OPCON and later the ESP Vision platform has rendered the EP3 series end-of-life for new installations, but the platform remains in active service at thousands of sites globally, creating sustained demand for certified replacement modules.

EP3 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified members of the ALSTOM EP3 series, organized by functional category. Each entry reflects a distinct module type within the EP3 ecosystem.

Controller & CPU Modules

• EP3-G-4-A-EN: 4-channel grouped ESP integrated controller, EN-compliant firmware, analog & digital I/O
• EP3-G-2-A-EN: 2-channel grouped ESP controller, reduced-channel variant for smaller T/R configurations
• EP3-C-1-A: Single-channel ESP controller card, first-generation EP3 CPU architecture
• EP3-C-2-A: Dual-channel controller, analog setpoint, DIP-switch configuration
• EP3-CPU-01: Central processing unit card for EP3 master panel, handles system-level sequencing
• EP3-CPU-02: Upgraded CPU with extended memory for multi-field ESP installations

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• EP3-DI-16: 16-channel digital input card, 24 VDC, for rapper status and limit switch feedback
• EP3-DI-32: 32-channel digital input expansion, used in large multi-field ESP panels
• EP3-DI-8-ISO: 8-channel isolated digital input, for high-voltage proximity signal conditioning

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• EP3-AI-8: 8-channel analog input, 4–20 mA, for current and voltage feedback from T/R sets
• EP3-AI-4-TC: 4-channel thermocouple input for hopper temperature monitoring
• EP3-AI-4-RTD: 4-channel RTD input, PT100 compatible, for insulator heating circuits

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• EP3-DO-16-R: 16-channel relay output card, for rapper motor and solenoid valve control
• EP3-DO-8-SS: 8-channel solid-state output, for high-frequency rapper firing sequences

Communication & Interface Modules

• EP3-COM-MB: Modbus RTU communication adapter, RS-485, for SCADA integration
• EP3-COM-PB: Profibus DP slave adapter, for integration with Siemens and ABB DCS platforms
• EP3-HMI-01: Local operator interface panel, 4-line LCD, membrane keypad, panel-mount

Power Supply Modules

• EP3-PSU-24: 24 VDC panel power supply, 10 A, for EP3 backplane and I/O card bus
• EP3-PSU-48: 48 VDC auxiliary power supply for high-voltage gate drive circuits