Description
GE DS200UCPBG6AFB – Universal Processor Board for Mark V Control Systems
The GE DS200UCPBG6AFB is a Universal Processor Board used in Mark V Speedtronic control cabinets and related GE industrial control platforms. From my experience, this board typically acts as the central processing and communications hub in a rack position, coordinating data across the backplane and plant networks like I/O Net (ARCNET). It’s a straight drop-in replacement when you need to restore a down system or proactively secure spares for long-term uptime. You might notice that it doesn’t bring field I/O directly; instead, it manages sequencing, data exchange, and diagnostics with the I/O boards that sit around it.
Our Order Process & Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Lead time: 1 week if in stock; not more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance; full payment prior to delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
- Pre-shipment: Functional testing and visual inspection, anti-static packaging
Key Features
- Central processing for Mark V racks – Typically serves as the main CPU/controller within the panel section, coordinating logic and communications.
- Multi-bus communications – Backplane interface plus ARCNET/IONet; RS-232 service access, and in many cases optional Ethernet via daughterboard.
- Onboard diagnostics – Front-edge status LEDs help quickly isolate issues during commissioning or fault tracing.
- Direct drop-in replacement – Mechanical fit and connectors align with standard DS200 rack guides, minimizing swap time.
- Field-proven reliability – Designed for continuous industrial duty; seems to be very tolerant of electrical noise when properly grounded.
- Service-friendly design – EPROMs and configuration jumpers (where present) can be transferred from your previous board to keep logic consistent.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | GE / DS200UCPBG6AFB (Universal Processor Board) |
| HS Code | 853890 (Parts for electrical control apparatus) |
| Power Requirements | +5 VDC from backplane (typical), with auxiliary ±12 VDC rails used for interfaces; supplied by the rack power supply |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. 330 × 280 × 20 mm; ~0.7 kg (board only) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +60 °C; 5–95% RH non-condensing (typical for Mark V cabinets) |
| Signal I/O Types | Backplane digital/serial signaling; ARCNET (BNC) for IONet; RS-232 service; no direct field analog I/O on board |
| Communication Interfaces | IONet (ARCNET), RS-232 service port; optional 10Base‑T Ethernet via installed daughterboard (revision-dependent) |
| Installation Method | Plug-in board for GE Mark V rack; guided rails with faceplate, secured by screws/extractors; not hot‑swappable |
Application Fields
This board is typically used in:
- GE Mark V Speedtronic gas and steam turbine control panels
- Associated generator control and excitation cabinets that leverage Mark V architecture
- Industrial drive systems where DS200-series control racks are deployed
A recent customer running a 2×1 CCGT unit told me swapping in a DS200UCPB board cut their troubleshooting time from days to hours—once the ARCNET cabling and termination were checked, the panel synced almost immediately. That’s fairly common when the processor card had intermittent faults.
Advantages & Value
- Reliability – Proven in continuous-duty turbine environments; stable under electrical noise when grounding is correct.
- Compatibility – Mechanical and electrical fit for DS200/Mark V racks; G6 revision helps align with later panel builds.
- Lifecycle support – Extends the operating life of legacy systems without a costly DCS migration.
- Lower downtime risk – Pre-tested units reduce commissioning time; clear LED diagnostics speed up fault isolation.
- Practical ownership costs – No special tools; field crews can transfer firmware and jumpers from the old card quickly.
Installation & Maintenance
- Environment – Install in a clean, dry control cabinet with proper ventilation; keep ambient within 0–60 °C.
- Power-down first – The board is not hot-swappable. Isolate power and discharge before handling.
- ESD handling – Use wrist straps and anti-static mats; avoid touching component leads.
- Configuration transfer – Move EPROMs/daughterboards/jumpers from the old UCPB if required to maintain personality and firmware alignment.
- Wiring & networks – Verify ARCNET/IONet coax terminations and shield continuity; keep RS-232 service leads short and grounded.
- Routine care – Quarterly dust removal with dry air; periodic visual check of connectors and standoffs; firmware kept consistent across redundant channels.
Quality & Certifications
- Manufacturer standards – Original GE production typically meets applicable CE/UL industrial control requirements for the panel system.
- RoHS – Legacy Mark V hardware may predate current RoHS standards; availability varies by revision.
- Warranty – 365-day warranty with test report provided prior to shipment.
If you’re replacing an existing DS200UCPB, sending the photo of your faceplate and any daughterboards helps confirm the G6 revision match. One thing I appreciate is how predictable these swaps are when the ARCNET loop and grounding are tidy—it saves a lot of commissioning time.
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