ALSTOM N897164611M

Product Overview and Description

The ALSTOM N897164611M is a specialized electronic module, most likely a power supply, controller, or dedicated interface card, designed for Alstom’s (now part of GE) legacy control and protection systems in the railway transportation and power generation sectors. This specific alphanumeric code represents a factory part number for a critical component used within a larger subsystem, such as a traction control unit for locomotives or a governor system for turbines. The primary function of the ALSTOM N897164611M is to perform a specific control, regulation, or signal conditioning task integral to the operation of heavy industrial equipment. Identifying and sourcing the correct version of this module is often essential for maintaining the operational availability of legacy Alstom systems. The reliability of the ALSTOM N897164611M is therefore directly linked to the uptime of the complex machine it serves.

Detailed Product Parameters

• Function: Specific control or power module for an Alstom industrial system (exact function is defined by the parent system, e.g., traction converter control, excitation regulator, protection relay card).
• System Compatibility: Designed exclusively for a specific Alstom platform, such as an AGATE traction drive, MICAS engine control system, or a SPEEDCARD-based protection relay. The “N897” prefix often indicates a proprietary Alstom part numbering family.
• Electrical Specifications: Input/output voltages and currents are defined by the host system’s architecture. It may accept a high-voltage DC input (e.g., from a locomotive line) or a low-voltage control power source, and provide regulated outputs for logic or gate driver circuits.
• Form Factor: Typically a printed circuit board (PCB) designed to plug into a dedicated slot or rack within a centralized control cabinet or equipment case.
• Communication: May feature proprietary digital or analog interfaces to communicate with other cards in the same rack or chassis via a backplane.
• Diagnostics: Likely includes status LEDs or provides fault signals to a supervisory system to indicate operational health, overload conditions, or internal failures.
• Environmental Rating: Built to withstand harsh operating conditions including extreme temperatures, humidity, and high levels of vibration and shock, especially in railway applications.

Key Advantages and Features

1. System-Optimized Design: The ALSTOM N897164611M is engineered to meet the precise electrical and mechanical requirements of its host Alstom system, ensuring optimal performance, thermal management, and signal integrity that generic replacements cannot guarantee.
2. High Reliability under Stress: Components designed for traction and power generation are built to the highest reliability standards, using industrial-grade or military-specification parts to ensure continuous operation in demanding environments with minimal failure rates.
3. Proprietary Functionality: This module often contains application-specific firmware, calibrated circuits, or custom logic that implements Alstom’s proprietary control algorithms for functions like torque regulation, speed sensing, or harmonic filtering.
4. Seamless Integration and Safety: As a genuine factory part, it ensures full compatibility with the system’s software, diagnostics, and safety interlocks. Using a non-approved module can compromise system safety and regulatory certifications.
5. Direct Replacement: Sourcing the exact ALSTOM N897164611M part number provides a plug-and-play solution, eliminating the need for complex re-engineering, re-calibration, or software modifications that would be required with an alternative component.

Primary Application Fields and Use Cases

This module is found in large-scale, legacy Alstom systems within heavy industry and transport.

• Rail Transportation: Traction control cabinets in locomotives (e.g., Alstom Prima, TRAXX families), tramways, and metros. It could be a regulator card for DC/DC converters, inverter gate drive, or vehicle control unit (VCU) module.
• Power Generation: Excitation systems for generators, governor control cards for hydro or steam turbines, or protection relay modules within switchgear.
• Use Case Example: In a diesel-electric locomotive, the ALSTOM N897164611M might be a crucial card within the AGATE traction control unit. It could regulate the field current of the main alternator based on the driver’s power demand and engine speed, ensuring stable voltage output to the traction motors. A failure of this module could lead to a loss of propulsion, underscoring its critical role.

Comparison with Competing Products

• vs. Generic Third-Party Power or Control Boards: Universal DC/DC converters or generic PLC cards lack the specific form factor, connector interfaces, communication protocols, and most importantly, the proprietary control algorithms embedded in the ALSTOM N897164611M. They are not a functional substitute.
• vs. Reverse-Engineered or Refurbished Modules: While some suppliers offer refurbished units, the ALSTOM N897164611M should ideally be sourced as new old stock (NOS) or from Alstom’s official support channels to guarantee performance and longevity. Refurbished units may have unknown service history and reliability.
• vs. Modern Equivalent Modules from Alstom/GE: For some legacy systems, Alstom may have released updated replacement parts with improved components. The original N897164611M may be obsolete, and a cross-reference to a newer part number should be verified through official technical support.

Selection Suggestions and Important Precautions

• Selection Advice: The ALSTOM N897164611M is selected solely as a direct replacement part. The selection is 1:1 based on the part number printed on the failed module and the host equipment’s technical manual. Crucially, verify if there is a recommended replacement or superseding part number from Alstom/GE. The “M” suffix may indicate a specific modification or version.
• Precaution – High Voltage and Energy Hazards: These systems often involve lethal voltages and stored energy. Strict lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and discharge of capacitors must be followed by qualified personnel before handling any internal modules.
• Precaution – Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Handle the module as an ESD-sensitive device. Use proper grounding equipment to prevent damage from static electricity during installation.
• Precaution – Configuration and Calibration: Some modules may require firmware loading or hardware calibration (e.g., potentiometer adjustment) after installation as per the specific unit’s service manual. Do not assume it is plug-and-play without verification.
• Precaution – Obsolescence and Sourcing: This is a legacy component. Ensure reliable sourcing from established industrial automation surplus specialists who can provide traceability. Confirm the module’s condition (new, refurbished, tested) and be prepared for potential long lead times or the need to consider a system upgrade if the part is no longer available.