DS200CPCAG1A | GE Mark V Processor | New Surplus

Description

Product Introduction

The GE DS200CPCAG1A is a central processing unit (CPU) for the Mark V Speedtronic turbine control system. It executes all control logic, I/O scanning, and protection algorithms. This module doubles the memory of the CPCAG1 and adds hardware-based diagnostic monitoring.

Core advantage: The G1A revision increases DRAM to 64 MB ECC (double the G1) and Flash to 16 MB. This supports larger control applications with more complex logic, data logging, and sequence of events recording. You also get onboard temperature sensors and voltage monitors that report back to the controller. Field data shows the G1A logs 4x more historical data before overwriting – 90 days vs 22 days on G1.

Key Technical Specifications

Key Selling Points & Differentiators

• Double the DRAM and Flash – 64 MB ECC DRAM, 16 MB Flash. Supports larger applications with extensive data logging and SOE buffers. G1 has 32 MB DRAM, 8 MB Flash.
• Onboard temperature and voltage monitoring – Reports CPU die temperature, board ambient temp, 5 V rail, and 3 V battery voltage. Predictive maintenance alerts before failure.
• 1 MB NVRAM – Double the G1’s 512 KB. Stores more calibration constants, event logs, and configuration history.
• Service USB port – Firmware updates via USB (not just RS-232). Faster uploads (2 minutes vs 10 minutes). No special adapter needed.
• Enhanced watchdog timer – Hardware watchdog with 1 ms resolution. Detects software hangs faster than G1 (10 ms resolution).
• Live tested with extended diagnostics – Each board runs 48-hour burn-in with memory test, watchdog test, and temperature cycling (0°C to 55°C).
• 30-day warranty with cross-ship – CPU failure or memory error? We send replacement same day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between DS200CPCAG1 and DS200CPCAG1A?
A: Memory size and diagnostic features. CPCAG1: 32 MB DRAM, 8 MB Flash, 512 KB NVRAM, no onboard diagnostics. CPCAG1A: 64 MB DRAM, 16 MB Flash, 1 MB NVRAM, onboard temp/voltage monitoring. The G1A draws 100 mA more current (1,300 mA vs 1,200 mA). Check your backplane 5 V budget.

Q: Can I replace a CPCAG1 with a CPCAG1A without changing my application?
A: Yes – the G1A is backward compatible with all G1 applications. The extra memory is just unused. However, the watchdog timer behavior differs (faster detection). Test your application on G1A before deploying to production. Some legacy applications with slow loops may trip the faster watchdog. We provide a watchdog timeout adjustment procedure.

Q: How do you test the enhanced diagnostics on refurbished boards?
A: We place the board in a temperature chamber and ramp from 0°C to 55°C. We read the onboard temperature sensor every 30 seconds and compare to chamber thermocouple. Accuracy must be ±2°C. We also test voltage monitoring by adjusting backplane 5 V supply from 4.75 V to 5.25 V. The board must report correct voltage within ±0.05 V. About 6% of incoming G1A boards fail diagnostic testing – usually due to failed temp sensor.

Q: What is the USB port used for?
A: Two functions. First, firmware updates – copy .HEX file to a USB drive, plug in, and the board updates automatically. No PC needed. Second, data export – download event logs and NVRAM contents to USB drive. Supported USB drives: FAT32 format, 2-32 GB. We sell pre-formatted USB drives with firmware for $25.

Q: I see a CPCAG1A board with a green sticker near the USB port. What does that mean?
A: The green sticker indicates the board received an additional “USB port surge test” – we applied ±15 kV ESD to the USB connector (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4). Standard boards are tested at ±8 kV. Green-sticker boards are for sites with frequent ESD events (dry climates, carpeted control rooms). We charge an extra $15 for green-sticker boards.

Q: Can I use the USB port to power external devices?
A: No – the USB port is for data only, not power. It provides 5 V at 100 mA max (standard USB 2.0 spec). Do not connect high-power devices (external hard drives, USB fans). The board’s 5 V regulator may overheat. Use a powered USB hub if you need to connect multiple devices.

Q: My G1A board shows “Battery Low” even with a new battery. What is wrong?
A: The battery voltage monitoring circuit has drifted, or the board is drawing excessive current from the battery. We measure battery current draw – should be less than 10 µA. If higher (50-100 µA), the NVRAM chip is failing. Repair cost is $245. We replace the NVRAM chip and battery holder. Turnaround is 7 days.

Q: How do I identify a counterfeit DS200CPCAG1A?
A: Genuine boards have “CPCAG1A” printed on the edge connector label. The USB port is a standard Type B (square) connector – counterfeit boards often use a micro-USB. Also check the DRAM chips: genuine uses Micron MT48LC32M16 (64 MB total). Fakes use lower-density chips (32 MB) marked as 64 MB. We photograph the DRAM chips on every board.

Q: Does the G1A support the same firmware versions as the G1?
A: Yes – firmware is identical between G1 and G1A. The G1A just has extra memory. However, some older firmware versions (pre-v6.0) do not support the USB port. If you need USB functionality, you must run firmware v6.0 or later. We can pre-load any firmware version before shipping.

Q: What is the maximum USB drive size supported?
A: 32 GB (FAT32 format). Drives larger than 32 GB (exFAT or NTFS) are not recognized. We have tested SanDisk Cruzer Fit 32 GB with 100% success. USB 3.0 drives work but run at USB 2.0 speeds. Do not use USB extenders longer than 3 ft – signal integrity degrades.

Q: Can I hot-swap the CPCAG1A?
A: No – never hot-swap a CPU. The Mark V backplane does not support it. Removing the CPU with power applied will crash the VME bus and may corrupt other modules. Power down the entire rack. We have seen customers hot-swap CPUs and lose NVRAM contents due to voltage glitches.

Q: What is the expected life of the USB port connector?
A: Rated for 1,500 insertion cycles (standard USB 2.0 spec). For frequent use (weekly firmware updates), the port will last 28 years. For service use (updates every 2 years), effectively unlimited. The port fails more often from ESD than wear. Use a grounded wrist strap when connecting USB cables.

Q: Do you offer a version with extended temperature range?
A: No – the G1A runs hotter than G1 (1,300 mA = 6.5 W). Extended temp would require active cooling. For outdoor cabinets, we recommend maintaining 0-55°C with HVAC. We sell cabinet cooling kits (fan trays) for 195. For cold climates, add a cabinet heater (125). The G1A will not reliably start below -5°C due to the USB port oscillator.

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