IS200PMLIH1ABA - GE Module

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No.: IS200PMLIH1ABA
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
Temperature rating: 0 to 60 oC
Current suppression: MOVs
Product Type: GE Module
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark VI

Functional Description

IS200PMLIH1ABA is a GE Module developed by GE. It is a part of Mark VI control system. The Mark VI system offers flexibility in its configuration, being available as either a simplex control system or a triple modular redundant (TMR) control system. Simplex Control is a single-channel control system configuration. It is simpler and is typically used in applications where high redundancy and fault tolerance are not critical. TMR configuration involves three independent control channels operating in parallel. TMR enhances system reliability and fault tolerance, making it suitable for critical applications where high availability is essential.

TMR Operation

• In a Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) control system, the operation relies heavily on a voting mechanism to ensure reliability and fault tolerance. The process involves three parallel control modules that work together to ensure that any discrepancies or faults in one module do not affect the overall system performance. This is achieved through a sequence of operations carried out in a fixed time interval known as a frame. The operations include input collection, data voting, calculation, and output generation. During each frame, each module collects input data, votes on the most accurate data among the three modules, performs the necessary computations, and outputs the results. This sequence ensures a uniform and predictable rate of control program operation, which is crucial for real-time control applications where timing precision is essential.
• The concept of a frame is fundamental to the operation of TMR systems. A frame is a fixed time interval within which all sequential operations are completed. This consistent timing ensures that the control system operates at a steady and uniform rate. By maintaining a fixed frame, the system can guarantee timely and synchronized execution of control processes, which is vital for applications requiring high precision and reliability. The fixed frame also simplifies the design and analysis of the control system, as the timing of all operations is known and predictable.
• In addition to the TMR architecture, Software Implemented Fault Tolerance (SIFT) systems play a significant role in enhancing system reliability. SIFT systems implement a substantial portion of fault tolerance mechanisms in software, which provides several advantages. Software does not degrade over time, ensuring long-term reliability and reducing the maintenance burden associated with hardware. SIFT systems typically require only three identical controllers with a mechanism for data transfer between them, simplifying the hardware design and reducing potential points of failure. All data exchanges, voting, and output selections are managed by software, providing flexibility and ease of updates or improvements. However, the system does incorporate a hardware modification for output voting to ensure the final output accurately reflects the majority decision from the three controllers, adding an extra layer of reliability.
• The combination of TMR and SIFT systems offers significant advantages in terms of reliability and fault tolerance. The voting mechanism of TMR systems ensures that the overall system can tolerate faults in one module without affecting performance, while the fixed frame concept ensures consistent and predictable operation. SIFT systems enhance this reliability further by leveraging software's durability and flexibility. The minimal hardware requirements and software-driven fault tolerance mechanisms of SIFT systems make them efficient and easier to manage. Together, these systems provide a robust solution for critical applications requiring high availability and precision, ensuring that control processes remain reliable and consistent over time.

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 IS200PMLIH1ABA?
It is a GE module developed by GE under the Mark VI series.

What are Software Implemented Fault Tolerance (SIFT) systems?
SIFT systems implement a significant portion of fault tolerance mechanisms in software. This approach leverages the durability and flexibility of software to enhance system reliability. SIFT systems typically involve three identical controllers with a mechanism for data transfer between them, simplifying hardware requirements and reducing potential points of failure.

How do SIFT systems enhance reliability?
SIFT systems enhance reliability by using software to manage data exchanges, voting, and output selections. Software does not degrade over time, ensuring long-term reliability and reducing maintenance needs. Additionally, SIFT systems require minimal hardware modifications, further simplifying the design and enhancing fault tolerance.

What are the main advantages of combining TMR and SIFT systems?
Combining TMR and SIFT systems offers significant advantages in terms of reliability and fault tolerance. TMR systems provide high fault tolerance through their voting mechanism and consistent operation via fixed frames. SIFT systems enhance these benefits by leveraging software's durability and flexibility, simplifying hardware requirements, and reducing potential points of failure. Together, they ensure that control processes remain reliable and consistent over time.