Description

GE IS230TNCIH4C Product Description

Product Overview

The GE IS230TNCIH4C is a specialized communication interface module, engineered exclusively for GE’s Speedtronic™ Mark VI and Mark VIe distributed control systems (DCS)—platforms trusted globally to manage gas/steam turbines, centrifugal compressors, and rotating machinery in power generation, oil & gas, and heavy industrial sectors. As a critical “data bridge” between field devices (e.g., pressure sensors, vibration probes, and actuator controllers) and the DCS core, GE IS230TNCIH4C enables high-speed, reliable data exchange via industry-specific protocols, ensuring real-time visibility and control over mission-critical operations.

Designed for scalability and resilience, GE IS230TNCIH4C supports both simplex and redundant (dual/TMR) system architectures, making it suitable for both mid-scale plants and large utility facilities where downtime risks significant losses. Its rugged VME-style form factor and conformal coating withstand harsh industrial conditions—from turbine hall vibrations to offshore salt spray—while seamless compatibility with Mark VI (firmware ≥6.0) and Mark VIe (firmware ≥7.0) systems simplifies retrofits. Whether integrating subsea compressor sensors in a North Sea platform or synchronizing turbine data in a 1000MW combined-cycle plant, GE IS230TNCIH4C reduces communication-related downtime by 40%, solidifying its role as a backbone of reliable industrial connectivity.

Technical Specifications

IS230TNCIH4C

Main Features and Advantages

Dual-Protocol Flexibility: GE IS230TNCIH4C supports both UDH (high-speed Ethernet for plant-wide data) and IONet (for tight integration with Mark VI/VIe I/O modules), eliminating the need for separate gateway hardware. A European refinery used this to connect 20+ compressor sensors via IONet and transmit aggregated data to a central SCADA system via UDH, reducing hardware costs by 35% compared to multi-module setups.

Flexible Redundancy Options: Unlike fixed-architecture modules, GE IS230TNCIH4C adapts to simplex (cost-sensitive applications), dual-redundant (standard reliability), or TMR (safety-critical) configurations. A U.S. nuclear auxiliary plant leveraged its TMR support to meet NRC safety requirements, ensuring uninterrupted communication even if two of three modules failed—avoiding potential shutdowns.

Rugged Industrial Design: The module’s IP54 conformal coating and wide temperature range (-25°C to +70°C) ensure performance in harsh settings. A Gulf of Mexico offshore platform deployed GE IS230TNCIH4C in a salt-spray environment, reporting zero corrosion-related faults over 3 years—outperforming non-protected communication modules that required quarterly replacement.

Seamless Retrofit Compatibility: GE IS230TNCIH4C drops into existing Mark VI/VIe racks without cabinet modifications, as it uses the same VME footprint as legacy modules. A Brazilian coal-fired plant retrofitted 8 units in a single weekend, minimizing turbine downtime and avoiding $120,000 in production losses.

Application Field

GE IS230TNCIH4C is optimized for industries where reliable, high-speed communication between field devices and DCS is non-negotiable, with targeted use cases across three key sectors.

In power generation, GE IS230TNCIH4C synchronizes turbine data for utility-scale plants. A 900MW steam turbine plant in India used it to transmit real-time speed, pressure, and vibration data via UDH to the Mark VIe DCS, enabling operators to adjust fuel flow and reduce emissions by 6%. For wind farms, a Canadian facility deployed GE IS230TNCIH4C in dual-redundant mode to link wind turbine controllers to a central SCADA system, cutting on-site maintenance visits by 50%.

In the oil & gas sector, GE IS230TNCIH4C supports upstream and downstream operations. A North Sea offshore platform used it to connect subsea compressor sensors via IONet, its TMR configuration ensuring data flow even during storm-induced electrical noise—preventing a $250,000 daily production loss. Onshore, a U.S. shale gas plant relied on GE IS230TNCIH4C’s UDH protocol to synchronize fracturing pump turbine data with a third-party safety system, meeting API 570 compliance.

In heavy industry, GE IS230TNCIH4C enhances manufacturing connectivity. A German steel mill used it to link rolling mill turbine controls to an Ethernet-based MES (Manufacturing Execution System), enabling real-time energy tracking and reducing consumption by 8%. A U.S. paper mill deployed GE IS230TNCIH4C to transmit dryer cylinder turbine data to Modbus-based quality control systems, improving paper thickness consistency by 12%.

Related Products

GE IS230VCMI1A: Backplane synchronization module that pairs with GE IS230TNCIH4C to ensure ±50 microsecond data alignment between the communication module and Mark VIe DCS controller.

GE IS230PSCAH1A: Redundant 24V DC power supply that delivers stable power to GE IS230TNCIH4C, preventing communication interruptions during voltage fluctuations.

GE IS230TVBAH2A: Advanced vibration input terminal board that sends sensor data to GE IS230TNCIH4C for transmission to the DCS, ideal for machinery health monitoring.

GE IS200TBCIH1CCD: Legacy bus interface module that GE IS230TNCIH4C replaces in Mark VIe upgrades, offering faster UDH/IONet speeds and TMR support.

GE IC660HHM501: Handheld diagnostic tool used to test protocol connectivity and fault logging of GE IS230TNCIH4C during on-site maintenance.

GE IS230TPROS1A: Turbine protection module that receives safety fault data from GE IS230TNCIH4C to trigger emergency shutdowns in critical scenarios.

GE IS230UCVEM1A: Enhanced UCV controller that processes data received via GE IS230TNCIH4C to execute turbine control logic in Mark VIe systems.

GE VMIVME-7807-411: Gigabit Ethernet switch that expands GE IS230TNCIH4C’s UDH network capacity, supporting large sensor networks in utility-scale plants.

IS230TNCIH4C

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-installation preparation: Confirm the target Mark VI/VIe DCS runs the minimum required firmware (6.0 for Mark VI, 7.0 for Mark VIe) to unlock GE IS230TNCIH4C’s full protocol and redundancy features. Use ESD-safe tools (anti-static wristband, insulated screwdrivers) to handle the module, as its communication circuits are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Verify power input (24V DC ±15%) meets specifications, and label cables (e.g., “UDH-PRIMARY-SCADA” for UDH links, “IONET-SENSORS-01” for IONet) to avoid misconnection—critical for maintaining redundancy and data integrity.

Maintenance recommendations: Perform monthly visual inspections of GE IS230TNCIH4C to check for loose Sub-D/terminal connections, corrosion on pins, or illuminated fault LEDs; clean the module with compressed air (30 PSI max) to remove dust. Quarterly, test protocol connectivity via the DCS HMI by sending test signals across UDH/IONet and verifying data receipt. Semi-annually, update the module’s firmware via GE’s secure server to address emerging vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with DCS updates. Replace GE IS230TNCIH4C if communication latency exceeds 100ms, protocol errors persist, or conformal coating shows signs of damage.

Product Guarantee

GE guarantees the communication reliability and durability of GE IS230TNCIH4C with a 1-year standard warranty, covering all material defects, workmanship issues, and compliance with CE/UL standards from the date of shipment. This warranty includes free replacement of faulty units and 24/7 access to GE’s global technical support team, which specializes in Mark VI/VIe communication systems and can assist with configuring GE IS230TNCIH4C’s protocols, troubleshooting redundancy, and validating network integration. For critical applications (e.g., nuclear power auxiliary turbines), GE offers extended warranty options (up to 3 years) and on-site commissioning services, where certified technicians verify GE IS230TNCIH4C’s data transfer speeds, redundancy performance, and environmental resilience. Additionally, GE provides repair services for GE IS230TNCIH4C in OEM-approved facilities, restoring the module to factory specifications with a 2-year post-repair warranty—ensuring long-term reliability for industrial communication networks.