The GE IS200ISBEH1A ISBus Extender Board is a high-reliability interface module designed for GE’s Mark VI and Mark VIe control systems. It extends the Integrated System Bus (ISBus) across multiple racks or distant cabinets, ensuring uninterrupted high-speed communication between controllers, I/O modules, and peripheral equipment. Engineered for industrial environments, it offers robust signal integrity, EMI/RFI protection, and redundant paths for mission-critical turbine and plant control applications.

Product Specifications

Applications

The IS200ISBEH1A is used wherever long-distance or distributed GE control racks require seamless ISBus connectivity. Typical applications include:

• Gas and steam turbine control systems in power generation plants.

• Large-scale process automation such as petrochemical or paper manufacturing lines.

• Industrial drives and excitation systems where multiple cabinets must share high-speed data.

• Redundant network topologies needing fault-tolerant ISBus links.

Advantages

• High Signal Integrity – Differential signaling and shielding reduce noise and crosstalk over long cable runs.

• Flexible Integration – Compatible with Mark VI/VIe platforms, enabling quick deployment in both upgrades and new installations.

• Robust Protection – Built-in ESD and surge suppression improve reliability in harsh electrical environments.

• Redundant Capability – Supports dual-path configurations for uninterrupted communication during a single-path fault.

• Low Power Consumption – Efficient circuitry minimizes heat and energy costs.

• Maintenance Friendly – Hot-swap design allows replacement without shutting down the control system.

FAQ

1. What communication protocol does the IS200ISBEH1A use?

   It utilizes GE’s proprietary high-speed ISBus protocol over differential serial links to maintain data integrity and low latency.

2. How far can the ISBus signal be extended using this board?

   With shielded twisted-pair cabling, reliable operation is typically supported up to 100 m per segment without repeaters.

3. Does the board provide galvanic isolation?

   Yes, it offers 2500 V RMS isolation between the ISBus interface and local logic circuits to prevent ground loops.

4. Can the board be installed or removed while the system is powered?

   Yes, it is hot-swappable, allowing maintenance without interrupting system operation.

5. What type of connectors are used for the ISBus link?

   It features industry-standard shielded high-density backplane connectors designed for secure and low-loss transmission.

6. How does the board handle signal termination?

   Integrated selectable termination resistors ensure proper impedance matching and minimize reflections.

7. What diagnostic indicators are available on the board?

   Front-panel LEDs provide status for power, link activity, and fault conditions for quick visual troubleshooting.

8. Is there built-in protection against electromagnetic interference?

   Yes, the board employs multilayer PCB shielding and ESD suppressors for enhanced EMI/RFI immunity.

9. What is the typical latency added by the extender?

   The board introduces less than 200 ns of propagation delay, negligible for Mark VI/VIe timing requirements.

10. Can multiple IS200ISBEH1A boards be cascaded?

    Yes, several extenders can be chained to connect multiple remote racks, provided total cable length stays within ISBus specifications.