Description
DS2020LPPA301A: Product Overview
The GE DS2020LPPA301A is a line protection board designed specifically for GE Speedtronic™ Mark V distributed control systems (DCS), the industry standard for gas, steam, and hydro turbine control in power generation. As part of the Mark V ecosystem, it acts as a “protective barrier” for electrical lines connecting the DC2000 drive (used for turbine speed control) to the SCR power bridge (used for power conversion). Its primary role is to prevent damage to sensitive control electronics from voltage spikes and transients, ensuring reliable turbine operation.
Engineered for the demanding conditions of turbine halls, the DS2020LPPA301A features a robust PCB layout and high-isolation signal processing to withstand vibration, dust, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Its legacy compatibility makes it ideal for retrofitting aging Mark V systems—common in power plants operating turbines for 20+ years—where replacing the entire control architecture is cost-prohibitive. Whether used in 7EA gas turbines or 9F steam turbines, the DS2020LPPA301A ensures stable power delivery, directly extending the operational life of critical turbine control systems.
Role in Automation Systems
Positioned as a “power line protector” in Mark V architectures, the DS2020LPPA301A performs two primary functions:
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Fault Protection: Monitors electrical lines for faults (e.g., overload, short circuit) and triggers protective actions (e.g., tripping a circuit breaker) to prevent damage to the DC2000 drive or SCR power bridge.
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Power Transmission: Ensures stable DC power transmission between the DC2000 drive and SCR power bridge, minimizing power loss and maintaining signal integrity.
Its core value lies in preventing catastrophic power failures—events that could result in turbine shutdown, costly repairs, and lost power generation revenue. By protecting electrical lines, the DS2020LPPA301A helps power plants maintain high availability and meet strict grid reliability standards.
Core Functionality
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Voltage Spike Suppression: Uses DC voltage snubbers to absorb and dissipate high-voltage transients generated by the SCR power bridge, preventing overvoltage damage to the DC2000 drive.
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Fault Detection: Monitors line current and voltage to detect abnormal conditions (e.g., overload, short circuit). If a fault is detected, the board triggers a protective shutdown to isolate the affected line.
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Legacy Compatibility: Fully compatible with existing Mark V components (e.g., DC2000 drives, SCR power bridges), reducing the cost of system upgrades. This makes it an ideal choice for power plants with aging Mark V systems, where replacing the entire control architecture is not feasible.
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Easy Maintenance: The board’s modular design allows for quick replacement during maintenance, reducing downtime. The snubber components are easily accessible, allowing technicians to inspect and replace them if necessary.
GE DS2020LPPA301A
Technical Specifications
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Parameter
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Specification
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Model Number
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DS2020LPPA301A
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Manufacturer
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General Electric (GE)
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Product Type
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Line Protection Board (LPPA)
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Series
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Mark V (Turbine Control Systems)
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Voltage Compatibility
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Operates at 630 V in regenerative mode; accepts up to 600 V AC RMS
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Current Rating
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30 A (typical)
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Frame Style
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Compatible with J and M style frames
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Snubber Support
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Includes DC voltage snubbers
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Bus Compatibility
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Works with separate or common bus transformers
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Operating Temperature
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-40°C to +70°C (industrial-grade)
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Storage Temperature
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-40°C to +85°C
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Humidity
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5–95% non-condensing
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Weight
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~0.3 kg (0.66 lbs)
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Dimensions
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16 x 10 x 10 inches (shipping dimensions)
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Certifications
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CE, UL (inferred from GE industrial product standards)
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Core Features & Customer Value
1. Reliable Fault Protection:
The DS2020LPPA301A’s voltage spike suppression and fault detection capabilities ensure that electrical lines are protected from damage, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. For example, in a power plant, the board can detect an overload in the DC2000 drive line and trigger a shutdown, preventing damage to the drive and SCR power bridge.
2. Stable Power Transmission:
The board’s ability to ensure stable DC power transmission minimizes power loss and maintains signal integrity, which is critical for turbine control. This ensures that the turbine operates at optimal efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
3. Legacy Compatibility:
Designed to work with existing Mark V components, the DS2020LPPA301A eliminates the need for costly system upgrades. This makes it an ideal choice for power plants with aging Mark V systems, where replacing the entire control architecture is not feasible.
4. Easy Maintenance:
The board’s modular design allows for quick replacement during maintenance, reducing downtime. The snubber components are easily accessible, allowing technicians to inspect and replace them if necessary.

GE DS2020LPPA301A
Typical Applications
The GE DS2020LPPA301A is widely used in industrial automation systems for:
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Power Generation:
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Protects electrical lines between DC2000 drives and SCR power bridges in gas/steam turbine control systems, ensuring stable power output.
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Industrial Drives:
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Used in industrial motor drives (e.g., conveyor belts, pumps) to protect electrical lines from voltage spikes and transients.
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Retrofit Projects:
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Ideal for retrofitting aging Mark V systems, where replacing the entire control architecture is cost-prohibitive. The board’s legacy compatibility allows for easy integration with existing components.
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