Woodward A8516-040 – OEM Control PCB for Legacy Engine & Turbine Governor Systems

The Woodward A8516-040 is an original, board-level replacement used within Woodward governor and speed control systems on diesel/gas engines and turbine applications. From my experience, plants typically keep this on hand to shorten outages—when a control board fails, swapping in a verified A8516-040 can bring a unit back online without reengineering the panel. You might notice that it drops straight into the host controller, draws power from the backplane, and maintains the OEM signal paths for speed sensing, actuator drive, and protective logic.

Order Placement Process & Guarantees

• – Warranty period: 365 days

• – Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock; no more than one month at the latest

• – Payment method: 50% advance payment, full payment for delivery

– Express delivery methods: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• OEM part number A8516-040 – Ensures consistent fit, form, and functional behavior within the specified Woodward host controller.
• Direct drop-in replacement – Plug-in PCB assembly designed to use the host backplane power and signals; no field terminal rewiring in typical cases.
• Stable signal handling – Supports internal governor I/O paths for speed pickup, actuator drive, and discrete logic as implemented by the host system.
• Supports legacy assets – Helps extend the lifecycle of installed Woodward controllers without replacing the entire cabinet.
• Service-friendly – ESD-safe handling, straightforward removal/installation, and alignment with standard Woodward test procedures.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model	Woodward A8516-040
HS Code	8538.90 (Parts suitable for use with industrial control apparatus)
Power Requirements	Supplied via host controller backplane; no separate power input on the board
Operating Temperature	Typically follows host controller rating (commonly −20 to +70 °C in many installations)
Signal Input/Output Types	Internal analog/digital paths via backplane (e.g., speed sensing, actuator drive, status/protective signals)
Communication Interfaces	Internal backplane communication only; no external field communication ports on board
Installation Method	Plug-in PCB replacement; observe ESD precautions and follow the specific Woodward controller service manual

Application Fields

You’ll typically see the A8516-040 inside Woodward-based governor systems used on:

• Diesel and gas engine gensets for power generation and cogeneration
• Gas compression packages and industrial engines
• Steam and gas turbine control panels handling speed/load control
• Marine propulsion and auxiliary machinery using Woodward governors
• MRO/retrofit projects where maintaining OEM logic is preferred over full controller replacement

A maintenance lead at a gas compression site told me they swapped this board during a planned stop and had the unit synchronized in under an hour—no field wiring changes, just a careful board change and a quick functional check.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability – OEM-grade board that preserves the original performance envelope and tuning characteristics of the host controller.
• Compatibility – Matches existing backplane connectors and mounting points; in most cases no panel modifications are needed.
• Cost Control – Extends the life of installed assets; avoids the engineering, recertification, and downtime tied to a full system replacement.
• Supportability – Traceable part number helps with future servicing, diagnostics, and parts cross-referencing.

Installation & Maintenance

• Before installation – De-energize the panel, lock-out/tag-out, discharge stored energy, and use ESD protection.
• Handling – Hold by edges; avoid touching components and contacts. Inspect backplane connectors for wear or contamination.
• Fitment – Seat the board evenly into the backplane connector and secure per the Woodward service manual for your controller.
• Functional check – On power-up, verify speed feedback, actuator response, and trip/status I/O as applicable to your system.
• Routine care – Keep cabinet ventilation and filtration in good shape; periodically dust with dry air; review firmware/hardware revisions during scheduled outages if the host controller supports updates.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufactured under Woodward quality systems (Woodward facilities are typically ISO 9001 certified)
• Component-level compliance aligns with the host controller; standalone CE/UL markings may not apply to internal PCBs
• RoHS conformance is common for current-production boards; legacy items may vary by build date
• Warranty: 365 days from delivery

Related/Supporting Components (for common system pairings)

• Magnetic Pickup (MPU) speed sensors for engine/turbine speed feedback
• Woodward actuators (e.g., EG series, ProAct) matched to the prime mover fuel system
• Governor controllers from the same system family, plus wiring harnesses and backplane accessories