531X300CCHALM3 | 10-Slot Logic-Powered Enclosure

Description

Product Introduction

The ALM3 takes the logic-only concept and adds the M3 cooling package. The GE 531X300CCHALM3 is the 300-series chassis with the 50W logic power module, the standard A-filter, and the upgraded 92mm fans—the same fans used in the M5 revision, but on the M3 chassis. It’s the sweet spot for low-power systems that still need robust cooling: control-only racks, communication hubs, or test benches that run 24/7 in warm cabinets.

The “ALM3” suffix tells the story: “A” is the standard filter, “L” indicates the logic-only power configuration, and “M3″ gives you the 92mm fans (65 CFM) with the Molex Mini-Fit connectors. The logic power module is identical to the ALG2’s: 5V @ 5A, ±15V @ 1A, 24V @ 1A. The M3 fans move 65 CFM each—44% more airflow than the 80mm fans on the ALG2. The chassis runs about 8°C cooler at full load, which extends the life of the logic power module and your boards. The chassis is still lighter than the standard AC chassis (16 lbs empty) and shallower (13.5″ deep). The logic power module is field-replaceable (slide-in cartridge), but not hot-swappable. Power down the chassis before replacing it. One caveat: the M3 revision uses the newer Molex Mini-Fit fan connectors, while the ALG2 used the older .093” connectors—so the fans are not interchangeable between the two chassis.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

✅ Drop-in Replacement:

• 531X300CCHALM3 directly replaces 531X300CCHALG2, 531X300CCHALG1, and 531X300CCHALG0. The ALM3 has the same chassis dimensions, same backplane, and same power module bay. The logic power module is identical across all G and M revisions. The only difference is the fans—the ALM3 has 92mm fans vs. 80mm on the ALG2. If you have an ALG2 and it’s running warm, swapping to an ALM3 chassis will drop the internal temperature by about 8°C. Move your boards over—the power module slots in the same way.
• 531X300CCHAAM5 (standard chassis): The ALM3 is the logic-only version of the standard AM5 chassis. If you don’t need the high-current 212-series PSU, the ALM3 is a direct replacement. The backplane and slot spacing are identical. Move your boards over.

⚠️ Software Compatible (Requires Recompile):

• None. The power module is a dumb power supply. No firmware, no configuration. No recompile needed.

❌ Hardware Incompatible:

• 531X300CCHALM3 with a 212-series power supply: The 212-series PSU won’t fit in the logic power module bay—the mounting and connector are different. If you need high-current, buy the AM5 chassis.
• 531X300CCHALM3 with high-current boards: The logic power module provides only 1A on the 24V rail and 5A on the 5V rail. If your boards draw more, the power module will overload. Check your board’s power consumption before using the ALM3.
• 531X300CCHALM3 with multiple gate driver boards: Gate driver boards can draw 2.5A on the 5V rail. The ALM3 can power one, but not two. If you have gate drivers, you need the AM5 chassis.
• 531X300CCHALM3 in a rack depth under 14.5″: The chassis is 14.5″ deep with the rear shroud. Remove the rear shroud to drop to 13.5″ if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the difference between the ALM3 and the ALG2?

A: The fans. The ALM3 has 92mm fans (65 CFM) with Molex Mini-Fit connectors. The ALG2 has 80mm fans (45 CFM) with older .093″ connectors. The ALM3 runs about 8°C cooler at full load. The power module, backplane, and chassis dimensions are identical. If you have an ALG2 and it’s running hot, swapping to an ALM3 chassis will improve the thermal performance significantly.

Q: Can I use the ALM3 with a 531X210DMCAGM1 gate driver board?

A: Possibly, but check the current draw. The AGM1 draws about 2.5A on the 5V rail. The ALM3’s 5V rail is 5A, so you could power one AGM1, but not two. If you have a gate driver board, you’re likely using it for SCR firing. The ALM3 might work for a small system, but if you have multiple gate drivers, you need the AM5 chassis.

Q: Does the ALM3 have the same backplane as the standard AM5 chassis?

A: Yes. The ALM3 uses the 531X213D10ABG1 backplane. You can use any 210, 211, 212, or 213 series board in the ALM3—as long as the board’s power consumption is within the logic module’s limits. The backplane has the same slot spacing, connectors, and keying as the standard chassis.

Q: Is the logic power module field-replaceable?

A: Yes. The logic power module is a slide-in cartridge. Turn off the AC input, wait 30 seconds, then pull out the module (held by two screws). Slide in a new module, tighten the screws, and power up. Not hot-swappable—power down first. We stock replacement modules.

Q: Can I add an external power supply to the ALM3 to get more current?

A: You could, but it’s not straightforward. The ALM3’s backplane is designed to be powered by the internal logic power module. You could add an external supply and wire it to the backplane’s power pins, but you’d need to disable the internal module. We recommend buying the AM5 chassis if you need more power.

Q: The ALM3 has 92mm fans. Is it quieter than the ALG2?

A: It’s actually slightly louder because the 92mm fans move more air. The ALM3’s fans are 42 dBA, while the ALG2’s 80mm fans are 40 dBA. The difference is noticeable but small—2 dBA. The ALM3 moves 44% more air for that 2 dBA increase, which is a good trade-off for cooling performance.

Q: Can I use the ALM3 in a 55°C ambient environment?

A: Yes. The ALM3 is rated to 55°C ambient with the M3 fans. The thermal load is lower than the standard AM5 chassis because the logic power module dissipates only about 10W (versus 35W for the 212-series PSU). The 92mm fans provide ample cooling. If your cabinet exceeds 55°C, you’ll need the extended-temperature EM5 chassis.

Q: Is there a DC-input version of the ALM3?

A: No. The ALM3 is AC-input only. The logic power module is an AC-to-DC converter. If you need DC input, you’d need the ADM chassis (531X300CCHADMx). The ALM3 doesn’t have a DC input option.

Q: The ALM3 has a power module that slides out. Is there a spare power module available?

A: Yes. The power module is part number 531X300LPM1 (same as the ALG2). We stock them. Keep a spare on the shelf for quick replacement. The module is sealed—no field-repairable parts inside.

Q: What’s the maximum number of boards I can put in the ALM3?

A: Physically, 10 boards. But the limiting factor is power consumption. Each board has a specified current draw (5V and 24V). Add up the total current on the 5V rail and the 24V rail. If either exceeds the ALM3’s limits (5A on 5V, 1A on 24V), you need to remove some boards or move to an AM5 chassis. A typical control-only system with a logic board and a comms board might draw 2A on 5V and 0.3A on 24V—well within the ALM3’s limits.

Q: Can I swap the fans on the ALM3 with quieter ones?

A: You can, but you’ll lose cooling capacity. The 92mm fans move 65 CFM each. Quieter fans typically move less air. If you swap to 35 CFM fans, the chassis will run about 5°C warmer. If your chassis is half-loaded, that might be fine. If it’s fully loaded, stick with the OEM fans. We stock replacement fans if needed.

LAUER PCS/009/03411/JD
SST 5136-DNP-CPCI
Woodward SPM-D11