IS200VSCAH2AAB - Serial Communication I/O Board

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No.: IS200VSCAH2AAB
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
Number of Serial Ports: 6 per board
Size: 10.25 in. x 0.78 x 7.375 in
Product Type: Serial Communication Input/Output Board
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark VI

Functional Description

IS200VSCAH2AAB is a Serial Communication Input/Output Board developed by GE. It is a part of the Mark VI control system. The Serial Communications Board serves as a vital component in the system's communication infrastructure, enabling interactions with external devices through various serial communication protocols such as RS-232C, RS422, and RS485. The DSCB, mounted on a DIN rail, acts as the interface between the VSCA and external devices. The wiring between the VSCA and DSCB is facilitated through the J6 and J7 front panel connectors, each utilizing a 37-pin D shell connector with group shielded twisted pair wiring.

Connection Details

• Parallel Connectivity: The J6 and J7 front panel connectors are parallel connected, ensuring efficient and reliable data transfer. This parallel connection uses 37-pin D shell connectors, enhancing the connectivity between the board and the DSCB.
• External Device Connectivity: Connectivity between the terminal board and external devices is established through Euro-Block. This connection employs screw terminations and twisted shielded pair AWG18 wiring, providing a secure and organized interface for various external devices.
• Ground Connection: The terminal board includes two screws designated for SCOM (ground). These screws must be connected to a robust shield ground, ensuring proper grounding and minimizing the risk of electrical interference.

Communication Distance and Baud Rates:

• RS422 and RS485: The DSCB can interface with external devices up to distances of 1000 ft for RS422 and RS485 communication protocols. The supported baud rates for these protocols can reach up to 375 kbps, catering to high-speed communication requirements.
• RS-232C: For RS-232C, the communication distance is limited to 50 ft or 2500 pF of cable capacitance, inclusive of the cable from the module to the DSCB. This protocol is suitable for shorter-distance communication applications.
• Modem Support and Long-Distance Communication: The DSCB supports short haul modems, allowing for extended communication distances beyond the specified cable lengths for RS422, RS485, and RS-232C.

Physical interfaces

• Physical Interface to Electric Drives: The physical interface to electric drives plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless communication and power exchange. The system's architecture is depicted in the provided figure, illustrating the connectivity and components involved.
• Honeywell Transducer Interface using DSCB (Refer to GEU-100046): For details regarding the interface with Honeywell transducers utilizing the DSCB, the specific guidelines and technical information can be found in the documentation titled GEU-100046. This documentation provides comprehensive insights into the integration of Honeywell transducers with the DSCB, ensuring accurate and efficient communication.
• Power Interface to Honeywell Transducers using DPWA (Refer to GEU-100098): For information related to the power interface to Honeywell transducers utilizing DPWA, it is recommended to refer to the documentation titled GEU-100098. This documentation outlines the power interface specifics, ensuring that the Honeywell transducers receive the necessary power supply for optimal performance.
• Special Connections for RS485 Applications: In scenarios where RS485 applications involve the VSCA and DSCB located somewhere in the middle of the transmission path, special considerations must be taken into account. The potential length of the connection introduces substantial stub length, which can impact signal quality.
• Parallel Wiring of Two DSCB Boards: To address the challenges associated with stub length in RS485 applications, the VSCA supports the connection of two DSCB boards effectively wired in parallel. This configuration allows RS485 signals to enter one DSCB, pass through the VSCA equipped with the RS485 transceiver, and exit through the opposite DSCB. Adopting this approach minimizes the stub length of the RS485 path, ensuring improved signal quality and integrity.
• Optimizing RS485 Signal Path: The parallel wiring of two DSCB boards minimizes stub length and optimizes the RS485 signal path. This configuration helps maintain the reliability and stability of RS485 communication, even when dealing with longer transmission distances between the VSCA and DSCB.

Installation

Step 1: Power Down the VME I/O Processor Rack
Before handling the board, ensure that the VME I/O processor rack is completely powered down. This step is essential for safety and to prevent electrical damage to the board or the rack. Confirm that all power sources are disconnected, and allow the system to discharge any residual power.

Step 2: Insert the Board into the Rack
Gently slide the V-type board into the designated slot within the VME rack. Align the board's edge connectors with the corresponding slots on the rack. Once aligned, use your hands to push the top and bottom levers simultaneously to ensure the edge connectors are fully seated. This ensures proper electrical contact and mechanical stability.

Step 3: Secure the Board
Once the board is in place, locate the captive screws at the top and bottom of the board's front panel. Tighten these screws securely to hold the board in place and prevent it from shifting during operation. Proper fastening helps maintain consistent connections and reduces the risk of vibration-related issues.

Step 4: Connect the Cables
The terminal boards are connected via the J6 and J7 connectors located on the front panel of the V-type board. Use the provided latching type connectors to attach the cables securely. Ensure the connectors are fully latched to avoid accidental disconnection during operation.

Step 5: Power Up and Check Diagnostics
After installing the board and connecting the cables, power up the VME rack. Observe the diagnostic lights located at the top of the board’s front panel. These indicators provide critical information about the board's status and functionality. For detailed diagnostic information, refer to the relevant section in the documentation provided with the board.

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 IS200VSCAH2AAB?
It is a serial communication input/output board developed by GE under the Mark VI series.

How does the board handle communication issues on its ports?
The board monitors each port for communication problems. If it detects issues such as no response, bad data, or a non-functional port, it sets a diagnostic fault. This fault, known as L3DIAG VSCA, covers the entire board and can be individually latched and reset using the RESET DIA signal.

What information is stored in the ID device of terminal and I/O boards?
Each terminal and I/O board has its own ID device containing crucial details such as the serial number, board type, revision number, and JA1 connector information. Mismatch during interrogation triggers a hardware incompatibility fault.

How are diagnostic signals managed in the system?
Diagnostic signals, including communication faults and hardware incompatibility, can be individually latched for detailed analysis. These signals are reset using the RESET DIA signal once the issues are addressed.

What happens when there is a hardware incompatibility in the ID interrogation process?
In case of a hardware incompatibility due to a mismatch during ID interrogation, a fault is created. This fault promptly alerts the system to address any inconsistencies in hardware configuration, ensuring optimal performance.