SPECIFICATIONS
Part No.: IS200VAICH1DAA
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
Number of channels: 24
Input span: 4-20 mA
Power consumption: Less than 31 MW
Technology:Surface mount
Product Type: Analog Input/Output Board
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark VI
Functional Description
IS200VAICH1DAA is an Analog Input/Output Board developed by GE. It is a part of the Mark VI control system. The versatility of the VAIC extends to its support for both simplex and triple modular redundant (TMR) applications, providing adaptability to different system configurations. While the simplex configuration may lack the inherent redundancy of the TMR setup, it is a suitable and efficient solution for applications where a single VAIC can adequately meet the system's requirements. The simplicity of the setup facilitates ease of integration and maintenance in scenarios where the additional fault tolerance provided by TMR is not a critical requirement.
Features
- Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Configuration: In a TMR application, the VAIC plays a crucial role in enhancing system reliability and fault tolerance. The input signals from the terminal board are fanned out to three separate VME board racks labeled R, S, and T, each hosting its own instance of the VAIC. This triplex configuration ensures redundancy, with each VAIC independently processing the input signals.
- The output signals are meticulously driven using a proprietary circuit that harmonizes the contributions of all three VAICs. This collaborative effort ensures that the desired output current is achieved. In the unfortunate event of a hardware failure in one of the VAICs, a failover mechanism is triggered. The faulty VAIC is promptly removed from the output circuit, while the remaining two VAICs seamlessly continue operations, maintaining the correct output current. This redundancy significantly enhances the reliability and fault tolerance of the system, ensuring continuous operation even in the face of hardware failures.
- Simplex Configuration: In a simplex configuration, the VAIC operates in a more straightforward manner. The terminal board provides input signals to a single instance of the VAIC. In this scenario, there is a one-to-one relationship between the terminal board and the VAIC. The single VAIC, acting as the sole processing unit, is responsible for handling all input signals and generating the necessary output currents.
Installation Guidelines
- When establishing cable connections to the TBAI (Terminal Board Analog Input) terminal boards, the process involves interfacing with the J3 and J4 connectors located on the lower portion of the VME (Versa Module Eurocard) rack. These connectors are specifically designed as latching type connectors, emphasizing a secure and stable connection for the cables that link the terminal boards to the broader system.
- Identifying Connection Points:
The J3 and J4 connectors on the lower part of the VME rack are designated connection points for interfacing with the TBAI terminal boards. The latching type connectors are chosen to ensure that the cables remain securely connected, minimizing the risk of inadvertent disconnection or signal interruptions.
- Cable Attachment:
To establish the cable connections, carefully attach the cables to the J3 and J4 connectors on the VME rack. The latching mechanism is designed to provide a reliable and robust connection. Ensure that the cables are securely latched into place to guarantee stable communication between the TBAI terminal boards and the VME rack.
- Powering Up the VME Rack:
With the cable connections successfully established, proceed to power up the VME rack. This involves restoring electrical power to the rack, allowing the system to become operational. The power-up sequence is a critical step, and it ensures that the TBAI terminal boards and the entire system are ready for normal operation.
- Checking Diagnostic Lights:
After powering up the VME rack, direct attention to the diagnostic lights located at the top of the front panel. These lights serve as indicators of the system's health and status. Different combinations of illuminated lights or specific patterns may convey information about the system's functionality, potential errors, or diagnostic information.
- Normal Operation: A set of predefined diagnostic light patterns indicates that the system is functioning correctly, and the TBAI terminal boards are properly integrated.
- Fault or Error Indication: Deviations from the normal light patterns may indicate faults or errors in the system. Consult the system documentation to interpret the specific diagnostic light patterns and take appropriate corrective measures if necessary.
Compatibility
- The design of the TBAI demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, particularly in its ability to accommodate higher load resistance for 20 mA outputs. One notable feature is the provision of a drive voltage that can reach up to 18 V at the terminal board screw terminals. This capability is strategically integrated to address challenges associated with higher load resistances, ensuring the board's adaptability to a diverse range of operational scenarios.
- When dealing with 20 mA outputs, the availability of a drive voltage of up to 18 V becomes instrumental. This feature enables the TBAI to effectively overcome the impedance presented by loads of up to 800 ohm. Moreover, the design takes into account the potential impact of extended wiring distances, allowing for the operation of the terminal board into loads of 800 ohm even with the inclusion of a 1000 ft length of #18 wire.
- The provision of a drive voltage up to 18 V plays a crucial role in maintaining signal integrity over extended distances and when confronted with higher load resistances. This is particularly relevant in industrial and control system applications where precise and reliable analog signal transmission is imperative for accurate monitoring and control processes.
- The TBAI's capability to operate into loads of 800 ohm with the inclusion of 1000 ft of 18 wire showcases a margin of robustness. This margin not only accommodates the inherent resistance introduced by the wiring but also ensures that the terminal board can reliably deliver the required current in challenging environments.
Input Processing and Transmission
For monitoring 20 inputs, the VAIC necessitates the utilization of two terminal boards, effectively managing the input data conversion and transmission. Upon digital value conversion, the VAIC drives these outputs back through the terminal board, enabling integration into the customer circuit. This process involves converting digital values to analog currents, which are then routed through the terminal board for transmission to external circuits.
Support for Simplex and TMR Applications
The VAIC board accommodates both simplex and triple modular redundant (TMR) applications, providing adaptability and reliability in various system configurations. In a TMR configuration, input signals are distributed to three VME board racks designated R, S, and T, each equipped with a VAIC. Notably, output signals employ a proprietary circuit mechanism that utilizes inputs from all three VAICs to generate the desired current. In case of a hardware failure, the malfunctioning VAIC is isolated from the output, allowing the remaining two boards to sustain correct current outputs.
Operation in Simplex Configuration
In a simplex configuration, the terminal board supplies input signals to a single VAIC, which exclusively manages all output currents. This setup simplifies the architecture, with a single VAIC responsible for both input signal conversion and output current generation.
Importance of Configurational Flexibility
The VAIC's ability to function in both simplex and TMR configurations showcases its adaptability to different operational needs. Its role in processing analog inputs and generating accurate output currents ensures reliable system performance, offering redundancy in TMR setups and streamlined operation in simplex configurations based on system requirements.
The WOC team is always available to help you with your Mark VI requirements. For more information, please contact WOC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IS200VAICH1DAA?
It is an Analog Input/Output Board developed by GE under the Mark VI series.
How does the analog input system handle hardware limit checking?
Analog inputs are equipped with hardware limit checking, featuring preset high and low levels near the operating range ends. Exceeding these limits triggers a logic signal, stopping further scanning for that input. Any breached hardware limit creates a composite diagnostic alarm, L3DIAG VAIC, referring to the entire board. Detailed individual diagnostics are available in the toolbox.
What is the significance of the composite diagnostic alarm?
L3DIAG VAIC is a comprehensive diagnostic alarm created when any analog input breaches hardware limits. It serves as a board-wide indicator, summarizing potential issues with individual inputs. Detailed diagnostic information is accessible through the toolbox for thorough analysis.
How are diagnostic signals managed in the analog input system?
Diagnostic signals are managed individually and can be latched. Once triggered, these signals remain in a set state until manually reset using the RESET DIA signal. This latching mechanism facilitates the capture and retention of diagnostic information for troubleshooting purposes.
How does the analog input system handle system limit checking?
System limit checking is implemented for each analog input, involving configurable high and low levels. Users can enable/disable these limits and choose between latching/non-latching alarm modes. The RESET SYS signal resets the system when configured limits are exceeded, allowing normal operation to resume.
