This module serves as the core communication and I/O network controller of the Mark VI system. It operates as a VME bus master, managing IONet real-time Ethernet communications, coordinating data exchange with distributed I/O modules, executing TMR voting logic, and providing secure interfaces to third-party monitoring and control systems.

Core Functions

VME bus master control

Central coordination of VME backplane data transfers

IONet network management

Real-time Ethernet communication with distributed I/O

TMR triple-redundant data voting

Deterministic comparison and selection of redundant data streams

I/O module communication scheduling

Deterministic polling and update timing for Mark VI I/O modules

Third-party system interfaces

Support for Modbus and OPC-based integrations

Fault diagnosis and redundancy management

Automatic fault isolation and seamless switchover

Redundancy Architecture

Designed for TMR (Triple Modular Redundancy) systems

Equipped with three independent IONet ports, supporting:

Triple voting logic

Fault-tolerant communication paths

Seamless switching upon channel or network failure

Ensures continuous operation and deterministic communication under single-point fault conditions

Processor & Computing Core

Processor: Texas Instruments TMS320C32

Architecture: 32-bit floating-point DSP

Clock frequency: 40 MHz

Dedicated to:

Communication protocol processing

Real-time data routing

Voting and synchronization control

Memory Configuration

Dual-port RAM: 32 KB

Shared memory between VME backplane and IONet

Program / data storage:

1 MB Flash memory

Supports online firmware upgrade

Communication Interfaces

IONet interfaces:

3 × Ethernet ports (RJ45, 10/100 Mbps)

Dedicated Mark VI real-time IONet communication

VME backplane connectors:

P1: VME bus communication

P2: I/O module docking interface

Terminal board interfaces:

37-pin J3 / J4 connectors, compatible with Mark VI I/O terminal boards

Maintenance interface:

RS-232 serial port for debugging and diagnostics

Supported Communication Protocols

IONet (Mark VI dedicated real-time Ethernet)

VMEbus (IEEE 1014-1987)

Modbus RTU / Modbus TCP (optional configuration)

OPC UA (for third-party monitoring and supervisory systems)

Power Supply Requirements

+5 V DC: typical current 6 A

+28 V DC: compatible with 18–32 V DC

Typical power consumption: approximately 25 W

Environmental Specifications

Operating temperature: 0 °C to +60 °C

Storage temperature: –40 °C to +85 °C

Mechanical Characteristics

Form factor: Mark VI standard VME module

Dimensions (approx.): 168 × 150 × 55 mm

Weight (approx.): 0.85 kg (1.87 lb)

Installation & Protection

Installation method:

Mark VI standard VME rack slot 1

Supports hot plug / hot removal

Protection rating: IP20, suitable for control cabinet installation

PCB protection:

Three-proof conformal coating (moisture, mold, salt spray)

Compatibility & Software Support

Compatible with Mark VI I/O modules, including:

TVBA, PVIB, and other distributed I/O boards

Interfaces with third-party monitoring systems such as:

Bently Nevada 3500

Fully supported by ToolboxST for:

Configuration

Diagnostics

Firmware maintenance

Typical Applications

Central I/O communication controller in Mark VI turbine control systems

Triple-redundant gas and steam turbine protection architectures

High-availability industrial control networks

Integration of turbine control with plant-wide DCS, SCADA, and condition monitoring systems

GE IS200VCMIH2CAA｜VME Bus Main Communication Controller Board｜