DS200SBCAG1A | GE Mark V CPU Board

Description

Product Introduction

The DS200SBCAG1A is the main processor board (Single Board Computer) for GE’s Mark V DS200 series, used in Speedtronic turbine control systems. It executes the turbine control logic, manages I/O scanning, and handles communication with operator workstations.

The SBCAG1A is the brain of the Mark V system. It runs the proprietary Speedtronic operating system and application firmware specific to your turbine model. Unlike passive I/O boards, the SBCAG1A contains firmware, configuration parameters, tuning constants, and historical data logs. Replacing this board requires transferring your turbine’s specific configuration or reloading from backup. No hot-swap. No plug-and-play without preparation.

Key Technical Specifications

Key Selling Points & Differentiators

• Original GE Mark V processor – Authentic Speedtronic CPU. Not a third-party clone or repair. Runs all Mark V application firmware versions v4.0 through v7.6.
• Firmware version logged before shipping – We read and record the exact firmware revision. You must match your existing firmware or upgrade your entire system. Mismatched firmware between CPU and I/O/comm boards causes watchdog faults and communication timeouts.
• Battery tested and dated – Every board has battery voltage measured (3.6 V ±0.2 V). Install date written on label. Replacement battery included for boards with voltage below 3.4 V.
• QC includes 72-hour burn-in – Board runs continuous self-test in a Mark V test rack. All I/O backplane communications verified. Serial ports loopback tested. Ethernet (if present) ping tested.
• Configuration transfer available – Send us your old board (functional or failed, provided flash is readable). We extract configuration, tuning constants, and historical logs. Transfer to replacement board. Save weeks of re-commissioning.
• No returns on flashed boards – Once a board is configured with your turbine’s firmware and parameters, it cannot be resold. Verify model and revision before ordering.
• 2-year warranty – Covers processor failure, memory errors, communication port failure, or battery failure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I replace a DS200SBCAG1A with a DS200SBCAG1A (same model) without losing my turbine configuration?
A: No. Configuration data (tuning constants, I/O mapping, alarm setpoints, historical logs) is stored on the board’s flash and NVRAM. A new board (even same model) has default or no configuration. You must reload from a backup file or have us transfer data from your old board. We offer configuration transfer service (see below).

Q: Do I need to match firmware versions exactly?
A: Yes—critical. The Mark V system requires matching firmware across the CPU (SBCAG1A), communication boards (PLFMG, PLIBG), and sometimes I/O modules. Mismatched firmware causes random comm timeouts, watchdog faults, and data corruption. Check your existing firmware version (display on operator interface or via serial command). Tell us your version. We supply boards with your required firmware or upgrade before shipping.

Q: How do I get my configuration onto a replacement board?
A: Three options. Option 1 (fastest): Send us your old board (any condition, as long as flash is readable). We extract configuration and program into replacement board. 48-hour turnaround. Option 2: Reload from your backup file (LD or BIN format) via serial port. We provide instructions and cable. Option 3 (manual): Re-enter all parameters using the operator interface. Allow 2–4 days for large turbines.

Q: What happens if the backup battery fails?
A: The 3.6 V lithium battery retains NVRAM data (historical logs, some configuration) when power is off. If battery voltage drops below 2.8 V, data corruption risk. Our QC checks battery voltage. Below 3.4 V? We replace battery before shipping. We also include a spare battery. Battery life: 5–10 years depending on temperature and power-off time.

Q: Can I hot-swap this board?
A: Absolutely not. The SBCAG1A controls backplane power sequencing and I/O scanning. Hot-swapping will crash the backplane, potentially corrupt I/O modules, and may permanently damage the backplane connector. Power down the rack, wait 30 seconds, then swap. Plan for 30–60 minutes of turbine downtime (plus configuration reload time).

Q: Does this board include Ethernet?
A: No. The base SBCAG1A has two RS-232 serial ports only. Ethernet requires a mezzanine card (DS200ETHA, DS200ETHB, or DS200ETHC) mounted on top. If you need Ethernet, order SBCAG1A-ETH (includes mezzanine) or purchase mezzanine separately. We stock all variants.

Q: What is the maximum I/O capacity?
A: Limited by scan rate, not absolute count. Typical: 512 digital I/O + 128 analog I/O at 10 ms scan. For larger systems, scan rate increases proportionally. 1024 digital I/O runs at 20 ms. Contact us for scan rate calculations specific to your configuration.

Q: What QC tests do you run on the SBCAG1A?
A: Nine tests, all documented:

1. Visual: 20x magnification for cracked solder joints, battery leakage, corrosion.
2. Battery voltage: Measure open-circuit voltage. Replace if <3.4 V.
3. Power-on self-test: Boot board in test rack, verify self-test passes (no fault LEDs).
4. DRAM test: Full memory write/read/verify pattern (alternating 0x55, 0xAA). 1 hour continuous.
5. Flash checksum: Verify firmware integrity. Checksum logged.
6. Serial port loopback: RS-232 ports tested at 9600, 19200, 38400, 115200 baud. 1 million bytes each.
7. Backplane communication: Board installed in rack with I/O simulator. All backplane addresses scanned, verified.
8. Ethernet (if present): Ping test at 100 Mbps, 10,000 packets, <0.01% loss.
9. Burn-in: 72 hours at +60°C in test rack, running continuous self-test. No errors.

Q: What shipping protection?
A: Anti-static bag with conductive foam. ESD foam cradle custom cut for SBC form factor. Double-wall box with “ESD SENSITIVE,” “FRAGILE” labels. Shock indicator on outside. Battery (spare) shipped in separate small bag—not installed (shipping regulations). Install before commissioning.

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