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GE DS200LUVAG1A

Product Name:​ Mark V LAN Interface Board (RS-485 Variant)
Product Introduction:​ The DS200LUVAG1A is the communication backbone board inside GE’s Mark V turbine control architecture. It handles VME backplane communication between the CPU and I/O racks, converting parallel data to serial LAN traffic. The G1A revision features a microcontroller-based watchdog with improved timeout timing over the original G1 version.
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Detailed content

Technical Specifications:
  • Manufacturer:​ General Electric
  • Series:​ Mark V Turbine Control
  • Board Type:​ LAN Interface / VME Bridge
  • Part Number:​ DS200LUVAG1A (Revision A with redesigned watchdog)
  • Bus Interface:​ VME64 (ANSI/VITA 1-1994)
  • Serial Ports:​ 2× RS-485 (isolated)
  • Max Cable Length:​ 1200 m per segment
  • Data Rate:​ 115.2 kbps (fixed)
  • Watchdog:​ PIC-based (Microchip PIC16F628), 1.6 s timeout
  • Status LEDs:​ Power, TX, RX, Watchdog Fail
  • Backplane Connector:​ 3× 96-pin DIN 41612
  • Operating Temp:​ 0°C to 55°C
  • Power Draw:​ 5V @ 400 mA, ±12V @ 50 mA
Key Improvements:​ The G1A revision replaces the original 555-timer watchdog circuit with a PIC16F628 microcontroller implementing a 1.6-second timeout (vs. 1.0 second). This extra 600 ms prevents nuisance LAN drops during heavy backplane traffic and firmware updates. GE issued retrofit bulletin GEK-113285 recommending the G1A for systems with six or more racks.
Working Principle:​ The board bridges the VME64 backplane to the serial LAN, converting parallel data from the CPU side to serial RS-485 LAN traffic for communication with remote I/O racks. The watchdog monitors system health and triggers a fail-safe action if communication times out.
Application Scenarios:​ Mark V turbine control systems for communication between the CPU and distributed I/O racks. Essential for any Mark V installation with more than a few I/O racks.
Compatible Replacements:
  • Direct replacement:​ DS200LUVAG1 (original version with 555-timer watchdog, 1.0 s timeout)
  • Software compatible:​ DS200LUVAG1B (fiber optic variant—requires LAN cable conversion)
  • Incompatible:​ Mark VIe LAN boards (different VME pinout and 3.3V logic levels)
Installation Requirements:​ Install in Mark V VME rack. Use RS-485 twisted pair shielded cable for LAN segments up to 1200 m.
Usage Precautions:​ The board expects 5V TTL logic on the backplane. Do NOT install Mark VIe LAN boards (which use 3.3V logic) in the same backplane—this will cause immediate damage. For systems with six or more I/O racks, the G1A revision is strongly recommended over the original G1.

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