IS215VCMIH2BZZ01A - Communication Interface Board

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No.: IS215VCMIH2BZZ01A
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
Size: 8.26 cm x 4.19 cm x 12.1 cm
Technology: Surface-mount
Temperature Operating: -30 to 65oC
Product Type: Communication Interface Board
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark VI

Functional Description

IS215VCMIH2BZZ01A is a communication interface board developed by GE. It is a part of the Mark VI control system. It serves as a pivotal component within the control and interface module, facilitating communication between the controller, I/O boards, and the system control network, IONet. The module acts as the primary communication interface between the controller and the I/O boards, managing data exchange within the system. Additionally, it serves as the gateway to the system control network, IONet, enabling seamless integration and communication with other system components.

VME Bus Master

• As the VME bus master within the control and I/O racks, the module oversees the communication process, managing the identification (IDs) of all boards in the rack and their associated terminal boards.
• This centralized control ensures efficient data flow and coordination within the system.

Internal Communication

• Within the control and interface module, the VCMI board communicates internally with the I/O boards in its rack.
• Furthermore, it establishes communication with other VCMI boards across the system through the IONet network, facilitating system-wide data exchange and synchronization.

Versions and Connectivity

• The board comes in two versions: one equipped with a single Ethernet IONet port for simplex systems, and the other featuring three Ethernet ports for TMR (Triple Modular Redundancy) systems.
• Simplex systems typically consist of one control module connected to interface modules via a single cable, while TMR systems require additional ports for communication redundancy and fault tolerance.

Fault Tolerance

• The VCMI implements Software Implemented Fault Tolerance (SIFT) voting, ensuring robustness and reliability in data processing.
• Input data from each IONet connection undergoes voting in multiple VCMI boards, with the results forwarded to the control signal database in the controllers via the VME bus.

Operation in TMR Mode

• In TMR mode, the voter in the control module assumes the role of the master of the IONet and provides the IONet clock.
• Time-synchronous messages from the UDH time source are distributed to the controllers and then to the VCMIs. Data from each rack is transmitted in IONet packets, with the VCMI in the control module broadcasting data for all remote racks in a single packet.

IONet Features

• Physical Connection: The IONet connection on the VCMI utilizes a BNC interface for 10Base2 Ethernet. The interface circuit is designed with high impedance, allowing for T tap connections with a 50 ohm terminal at both the first and last nodes. Cabling distances are limited to 185 meters (607 ft) per segment, accommodating up to eight nodes. RG-58C/U or equivalent cable is recommended for optimal performance.
• Link Layer Protocol: The IONet employs the IEEE 802.3 standard Ethernet protocol at the Link Layer, ensuring compatibility and interoperability with Ethernet-based networks.
• Application Layer Protocol: The application layer protocol utilizes Asynchronous Device Language (ADL) messaging, customized with special adaptations for efficient input/output handling and state exchanges within the system.
• Master-Slave Communication: The board serves as the master of the IONet, orchestrating communication between the various nodes. It polls the remote interface modules for data, initiating communication cycles. The master broadcasts commands to all slave stations on a single IONet, prompting them to respond sequentially. To prevent collisions on the media, each station receives instructions on the duration of delay before attempting to transmit data.
• Transmission Rate: Operating at 10 Mb/s, the IONet is capable of transmitting a 1000 byte packet every millisecond, corresponding to an 8 MHz bit rate. This high-speed transmission capability ensures efficient data exchange and timely communication across the network.

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 IS215VCMIH2BZZ01A?
It is a communication interface board developed by GE under the Mark VI series.

Does powering down one module of a channel disrupt IONet communication in a multiple module or cabinet system?
No, powering down one module of a channel does not disrupt IONet communication between other modules within that channel. The IONet communication remains intact, ensuring continuous data exchange and system operation.

What happens if one IONet stops communicating within a channel?
If one IONet stops communicating within a channel, the I/O boards in that channel will time out, and the outputs will go to a safe state. This safety measure ensures that the system remains operational and prevents any adverse effects on TMR system operation.

How does the system respond if two IONets stop communicating?
If two IONets stop communicating, the I/O boards in both channels will go to a safe state. This results in a turbine trip if the turbine was generating. This safety precaution helps prevent potential hazards and ensures the integrity of the system in critical situations.