IS230PCAAH1A | General Electric Mark VIe Core Analog I/O Pack

GE IS230PCAAH1A Mark VIe Core Analog I/O Pack — 120-Terminal, Multi-Function, TMR

The IS230PCAAH1A is a Core Analog I/O Pack (PCAA) for GE's Mark VIe distributed control platform. It provides the majority of analog signal I/O required to operate a gas turbine, including thermocouple inputs, 4–20 mA current loop I/O, seismic inputs, LVDT excitation and inputs, pulse rate inputs, and servo coil outputs. The module supports simplex, dual, and TMR configurations and connects to TCAS/TCAT terminal boards via dual 68-pin cables.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer: General Electric / GE Vernova
• Series: Mark VIe
• Type: Core Analog I/O Pack (PCAA)
• Channels: 12 (thermocouple); 6 (analog voltage inputs)
• Thermocouple Types: E, J, K, S, T
• Thermocouple Span: -8 mV to +45 mV
• Common Mode Voltage Range: ±5 V
• Current Loop I/O: 4–20 mA
• Power Input: 28 VDC (connector P5)
• Communication: Dual RJ45 10/100 Ethernet ports (IONet)
• Field Terminals: 120 Euro-style pluggable box terminals
• TCAT Connection: Two 68-pin cables on connectors P1 and P2
• JGPA Power: Connector P4 supplies power to adjacent JGPA board
• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +65°C (some sources cite 0°C to +60°C)
• Dimensions: 17.71 × 13.77 × 7.87 cm (7.0 × 5.4 × 3.1 in)
• Technology: Surface Mount
• Manual: GEH-6721
• Status: Active / In production

Architecture & Functionality

• Processor Board: Shared by all Mark VIe distributed I/O packs — includes dual 10/100 Ethernet, hardware watchdog, internal temperature sensor, status LEDs, electronic ID
• Application I/O Boards: Two boards handling analog signal conditioning
• Terminal Board: 120 Euro-style box terminals for field device I/O
• Power Management: Soft start/current limiter on 28 VDC input; fast current limit to prevent power disturbance propagation; green PWR LED indicates proper operation
• Redundancy: Supports simplex, dual, and TMR — single TCAT terminal board fans inputs to 1, 2, or 3 PCAA modules
• Signal Groups: TCAT-routed signals (fanned to multiple PCAA) and PCAA-dedicated signals (wired directly to terminals)
• Adjacent JGPA Board: Provides 48 shield termination points (green) and 12 × 24 VDC output terminals (orange) for 4–20 mA transmitters

Installation Guide

1. Mount the IS230PCAAH1A in the Mark VIe I/O rack on DIN rail.
2. Connect 28 VDC power to connector P5.
3. Connect dual RJ45 Ethernet to IONet switches for redundant communication.
4. Connect TCAT terminal board via two 68-pin cables on P1 and P2.
5. Connect JGPA board to P4 for shield ground and 24 V field power.
6. Wire field analog devices to the 120 Euro-style box terminals.
7. Power on and verify PWR LED and Ethernet link status.
8. Configure I/O channels via ToolboxST software.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between IS230PCAAH1A and IS230PCAAH1B?
A: IS230PCAAH1A is the A revision. IS230PCAAH1B is the B revision with updated components. Both are functionally identical and compatible with Mark VIe systems.

Q: Does PCAA require TCAT terminal board?
A: Not always. If fanned inputs (shared across multiple PCAA modules) are not required, PCAA can operate without TCAT. For TMR or dual redundancy, TCAT is needed to distribute signals.

Q: What is the JGPA board for?
A: The JGPA board mounts adjacent to PCAA and provides 48 shield termination points (green terminals) and 12 × 24 VDC output terminals (orange) for powering 4–20 mA transmitters.

Q: Can individual boards inside PCAA be replaced?
A: No. The entire PCAA module is the least replaceable unit (LRU). GE does not support diagnosis or replacement of individual processor, I/O, or terminal boards within the module.

Q: What do the dual Ethernet ports do?
A: Two fully independent 10/100 Ethernet ports provide redundant IONet communication. If one port fails, the other maintains controller connectivity.

Q: Is IS230PCAAH1A compatible with Mark VI?
A: No. IS230 series is designed for Mark VIe systems. Mark VI uses IS200 series I/O packs (e.g., IS200TCASH1A).

Selection Tips

• Mark VIe core analog I/O, 12 TC + 6 AI, TMR: IS230PCAAH1A / IS230PCAAH1B
• Always order with: TCAT terminal board (for fanned inputs) + JGPA board (for shield/24V power)
• Verify thermocouple types: E, J, K, S, T supported; extended range option available for EPRI compliance
• Check redundancy requirement: Simplex (1 PCAA), Dual (2 PCAA), or TMR (3 PCAA + 1 TCAT)
• Ensure 28 VDC power availability and IONet Ethernet infrastructure