IS421UCSBH3A - UCSB Controller Module

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No.: IS421UCSBH3A
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
Processor: 1200 MHz EP80579 Intel
Weight:1.3 Kg
Storage temperature: -40 to 85oC
Relative humidity: 5 to 95 percent, no-condensing
Product Type: UCSB Controller Module
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark VIe

Functional Description

IS421UCSBH3A is an UCSB Controller Module developed by GE. It is a part of Mark VIe control system. The controller is built around a 1200 MHz EP80579 Intel processor, a System-on-Chip (SoC) solution that integrates a powerful CPU, memory controller, and I/O functions. This high-performance processor ensures efficient and high-speed processing capabilities, making it well-suited for demanding industrial control applications. The integration of multiple functions within a single chip enhances system reliability and reduces the complexity of the overall design.

Primary Ethernet Interface

Communication Protocols and Their Functions

• TCP/IP Protocol for ToolboxST Application Communication: The TCP/IP protocol is utilized for communication between the controller and the ToolboxST application. This protocol ensures reliable and standardized data exchange, enabling the ToolboxST application to perform tasks such as configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics of the controller.
• TCP/IP Protocol for Alarm Communication to HMIs: It is used to communicate alarms to Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). This allows real-time transmission of alarm data, ensuring that operators are promptly informed of any issues or anomalies within the system.
• EGD Protocol for Application Variable Communication: The Ethernet Global Data (EGD) protocol is used for the communication of application variables with CIMPLICITY HMI and Series 90-70 PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). EGD allows for efficient and high-speed exchange of data, which is essential for real-time monitoring and control in industrial environments.
• Ethernet Modbus Protocol: The Ethernet Modbus protocol is another communication protocol supported by the primary Ethernet interface. Modbus is a widely used protocol in industrial automation systems, enabling communication between various devices and controllers over Ethernet. This allows for seamless integration and data exchange among different components within the system.

Key Features of the Primary Ethernet Interface

• Twisted Pair Cabling: The use of twisted pair cabling (10Base-TX/100Base-TX) provides robust and reliable connections, minimizing electromagnetic interference and ensuring data integrity.
• RJ-45 Connectors: Standard RJ-45 connectors are used, which are widely available and easy to connect, facilitating straightforward installation and maintenance.
• Versatile Communication: The support for multiple protocols (TCP/IP, EGD, Ethernet Modbus) makes the primary Ethernet interface highly versatile, capable of handling various communication needs within an industrial control system.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: With support for 100Base-TX, the interface can achieve higher data transfer speeds, which is crucial for applications requiring quick and efficient data exchange.

Hardware

• For connectivity, the controller includes two 10/100Base-TX Ethernet ports specifically designated for the Universal Data Highway (UDH) and the optional Control Data Highway (CDH). These ports facilitate critical communication and data exchange between the controller and other networked devices, ensuring seamless operation within the industrial system. The UDH and CDH are essential for coordinating and managing the flow of information, enabling the controller to interact effectively with other components in the network.
• In addition to the UDH/CDH ports, the controller is equipped with three additional 10/100Base-TX Ethernet ports that provide connectivity to the IONets (Input/Output Networks). These ports are crucial for connecting various I/O modules and devices, allowing the controller to manage and monitor numerous inputs and outputs. This extensive connectivity ensures that the controller can handle a wide range of devices, enhancing system performance and flexibility.
• A notable feature of the controller is the software recovery push-button located on its rear. This button is used to update the NAND flash memory, playing a vital role in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the controller's software. In the event of software failures or the need for updates, this push-button allows for straightforward recovery and ensures that the controller operates with the latest software versions and patches. This capability is crucial for minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous operation in industrial environments.

Boot LED Indicator

• The boot LED on the controller serves as a crucial indicator during the system's boot process, providing real-time feedback on the status and any potential issues. During a normal boot sequence, the LED remains continuously lit, signaling that the controller is initializing correctly without encountering any immediate errors.
• However, if the controller detects an error during the boot process, the boot LED begins to flash at a frequency of 1 Hz. This flashing pattern, where the LED is on for 500 milliseconds and off for 500 milliseconds, indicates that the system has encountered a problem. After the initial flashing sequence, the LED turns off for three seconds. This pause allows users to count the number of flashes, each corresponding to a specific error code. Understanding these codes is essential for diagnosing and resolving issues effectively.
• Each number of flashes indicates a distinct type of error. A single flash signifies a failure in detecting the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) EEPROM, which stores important configuration data for the system's memory modules. If the LED flashes twice, it indicates a failure to initialize the DRAM or that the DRAM tests have failed, pointing to potential issues with the system's RAM. Three flashes mean that the NOR flash file system check has failed, which can affect the controller's ability to access critical system files.
• A sequence of four flashes indicates a failure to load the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an issue with the PCI bus, both of which are vital for communication and hardware functionality. Five flashes signify that the CompactFlash device, essential for storing the controller's operating system and application data, was not found. If the LED flashes six times, it indicates a failure to start the Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) driver, which is crucial for accessing attached storage devices.
• Seven flashes mean that the CompactFlash image is not valid, indicating that the system cannot boot from the current image due to possible corruption or incompatibility. By providing these specific error codes through the number of flashes, the boot LED allows users to quickly identify and address the precise issue affecting the controller. This detailed feedback mechanism is essential for efficient troubleshooting and maintenance, helping to minimize downtime and ensure the controller can resume normal operation as swiftly as possible.

The WOC team is always available to help you with your Mark VIe requirements. For more information, please contact WOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IS421UCSBH3A?
It is an UCSB controller module developed by GE under the Mark VIe series.

What does the Act LED signify?
The Act LED indicates packet traffic on an Ethernet interface. It flashes if the traffic is low but remains solid green in most systems with higher traffic.

What information does the power LED provide?
The Power LED displays solid green when the internal 5 V supply is up and regulating. The controller converts the incoming 28 V DC to 5 V DC, and all other internal power planes are derived from this 5 V supply.

What does a solid green Online LED mean?
A solid green Online LED means that the controller is online and running the application code properly.