Description
GE WESDAC-D20-C – Utility-Grade RTU Controller for Substation SCADA and Protocol Gateway Tasks
The GE WESDAC-D20-C is a controller module from the well-proven D20 family, used widely in transmission and distribution substations, feeder automation, and utility plants. From my experience, it’s the card many operators rely on to pull field signals into SCADA, run multi-protocol communications, and maintain time-stamped event records without babysitting. You might notice that it fits straight into a D20 chassis and works with existing D20 I/O (DI/DO/AI) modules, which makes replacements and expansions relatively painless.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance; full payment prior to delivery
- Courier options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
- Every unit is powered-on tested and packed for industrial transit. Photos and test notes can be shared prior to shipment upon request.
Key Features
- D20 rack-compatible controller – Plug-in CPU card for GE WESDAC/GE-Harris D20 systems, ideal for replacements in existing substations.
- Multi-protocol SCADA gateway – Typically supports DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 60870-5 families for upstream and downstream communications.
- Flexible serial communications – Multiple RS-232/RS-485 ports for IEDs, meters, and relays; optional Ethernet on certain assemblies.
- Time-stamped SOE logging – Designed for utility event capture with millisecond-level time tagging when properly time-synchronized.
- Works with D20 I/O modules – Pairs with D20DI, D20DO, D20AI and similar cards through the D20 backplane; easy to scale points.
- Industrial temperature design – In most cases supports substation-class ambient ranges and EMC performance common to the D20 platform.
- Long lifecycle support – A practical choice for maintaining installed bases where re-engineering time is limited.
Typical Applications
- Substation RTU for feeder, transformer, and bay control
- SCADA protocol gateway between legacy serial IEDs and modern control centers
- Data concentrator for revenue meters and protective relays
- Event recording and SOE forwarding to DNP3/IEC master stations
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | GE WESDAC-D20-C |
| HS Code | 8537.10 (Panels/consoles for electric control, ≤1000 V; programmable controller class) |
| Power Requirements | Powered via D20 backplane power supply; system supplies typically accept 24/48/110/125 VDC (module delivers regulated bus rails to the controller). |
| Operating Temperature | Typically -40 to +70 °C for D20 platform deployments (verify label for specific assembly rating). |
| Communication Interfaces | Multiple serial ports (RS-232/RS-485). Optional Ethernet on certain D20 controller variants. Common protocols include DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870-5. |
| Signal I/O Handling | Via D20 I/O cards (DI/DO/AI). The D20-C provides processing, time-tagging, and communications services. |
| Installation Method | Plug-in module for D20 chassis/backplane; suitable for 19-inch cabinet integration through the D20 rack. |
| Dimensions & Weight | D20 plug-in controller card (6U-style board); matches standard D20 slot envelope. Weight is light, typical of a single controller PCB with faceplate. |
| Time Sync | Supports external time sync (e.g., over master protocol; many assemblies also support IRIG-B—confirm front panel for BNC or terminal). |
| Configuration | Configured using GE D20 configuration tools; firmware upgradable where supported by the assembly revision. |
Related or Supporting Products
- GE D20MX – Modernized CPU for D20 systems with higher performance and built-in Ethernet; typical upgrade path from legacy D20-C.
- GE D20ME II – Ethernet-enabled D20 controller used in many mid-generation installs; often interchangeable at the rack level.
- GE D25 – Compact substation controller with richer logic and comms; a fit when replacing RTU + gateway with a single unit.
- GE D200 – Higher-capacity data concentrator/gateway for large point counts and multi-master architectures.
- D20DI / D20DO / D20AI – Digital input, digital output, and analog input modules supported by the D20 platform.
- D20 power supply module – Accepts utility DC ranges (24/48/110/125 VDC) and feeds the backplane powering the controller and I/O.
One thing I appreciate is how the D20MX can drop into many existing frames with minimal wiring changes—useful when outage windows are tight. For brownfield sites keeping legacy serial IEDs, staying with WESDAC-D20-C or D20ME II seems to be the most straightforward choice.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & mounting: Install in a D20 chassis mounted in a 19-inch substation cabinet. Allow front access to the controller faceplate for ports and status LEDs.
- Power & grounding: Use the approved D20 power supply; bond the rack to a clean substation ground. Keep DC returns and shields consistent to avoid ground loops.
- Wiring & shielding: For RS-485, use twisted shielded pairs and terminate appropriately (typically 120 Ω at bus ends). Keep power and signal cables segregated.
- Ventilation: Provide natural airflow in the cabinet; avoid blocking convection around the D20 rack. The platform is rugged, but heat still shortens component life.
- Time sync: If IRIG-B is available, connect it; otherwise synchronize over the master protocol. Accurate time keeps SOE credible.
- Routine checks: Back up configuration after any change, review event logs, clean dust with dry air quarterly, and verify serial comms health. Firmware updates can be applied when supported by the assembly and site policy.
- Battery & RTC: Many D20 controllers include a small RTC battery; replacing it every few years helps maintain clock integrity during outages.
Quality & Certifications
- CE compliant for EMC and safety in typical GE D20 assemblies
- UL/cUL recognition on many D20 rack components; utility-grade EMI/EMC performance
- RoHS status varies by manufacturing vintage; legacy units may be RoHS-exempt
- Manufacturer warranty practices apply; we provide a 365-day warranty on supply
Typical customer note: “We swapped in a WESDAC-D20-C to keep our 115 kV yard on schedule—no database rebuild, just a sanity check on serial mappings and time sync. Took less than a shift.”
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