Description
The GE IS420UCSBH3A is a UCSB Controller Module for the GE Mark VIe control platform. It operates as a standalone controller, executing application-specific control logic and communicating with Mark VIe I/O modules through the IONet architecture. GE’s Mark VIe documentation identifies the UCSBH3A as the 1200 MHz version of the UCSB controller family.
The controller uses an Intel EP80579 processor and supports simplex, dual, and triple controller configurations. GE describes the Mark VIe controller as a compact design with multiple Ethernet interfaces for I/O and control-network communication, along with USB and serial connectivity.
The H3A version is commonly used in turbine and industrial control applications where fast control processing and redundant controller architectures are required. The complete IS420UCSBH3A part number should be matched when sourcing a replacement, particularly because the UCSB family contains several processor-speed and hardware variants.
Product Datasheet
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | IS420UCSBH3A |
| Brand | General Electric (GE) |
| Series | Mark VIe |
| Product Type | UCSB Controller Module |
| Functional Type | Standalone Controller |
| Processor | Intel EP80579 |
| Processor Speed | 1200 MHz |
| Operating System | QNX Neutrino |
| I/O Network | IONet |
| Ethernet Ports | 5 total |
| I/O Network Ports | 3 × 100 Mbps Ethernet |
| Control Network | 2 × Ethernet interfaces |
| Other Interfaces | 1 × USB, 1 × COM |
| Redundancy | Simplex / Dual / Triple |
| Input Voltage | 18–32 VDC |
| Nominal Voltage | 24/28 VDC |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 17.3 W nominal / 28.7 W peak |
| Operating Temperature | 0–65°C |
| Memory | 256 MB DDR2, ECC |
| Flash Storage | Approx. 2 GB |
| Cooling | Redundant fan configuration |
| Mounting | Panel / Mark VIe control cabinet |
| Dimensions | Approx. 6.4 × 8.1 × 1.4 in |
| Weight | Approx. 2.9 lb / 1.3 kg* |
| Country of Origin | USA |
The 1200 MHz processor, 18–32 VDC input, 0–65°C operating range, 5 Ethernet ports, and simplex/dual/triple configurations are supported by GE’s Mark VIe documentation. GE’s newer UCSE comparison also lists the H3A memory as DDR2 with approximately 256 MB and 2 GB flash storage.
Typical Applications
- GE Mark VIe turbine control
- Gas turbine control systems
- Steam turbine control
- Hydro turbine control
- Generator control
- Industrial process automation
- Power-generation systems
- Mark VIe control-system replacement and maintenance
Installation & Use
- Verify the model — Confirm IS420UCSBH3A and compare the hardware revision with the existing controller.
- Check the power supply — The controller requires a suitable DC supply within the documented 18–32 VDC range.
- Check network connections — Verify the three IONet connections and the control-network Ethernet connections according to the existing Mark VIe architecture.
- Inspect cooling — The H3A controller uses a redundant fan arrangement. Check the fans and ventilation path before commissioning.
- Configure the controller — Verify the installed application, firmware, network configuration, and controller role using the appropriate GE Mark VIe engineering tools.
- Power-up test — Monitor the front-panel LEDs for DC power, boot, online, diagnostic, and communication status.
- System test — Confirm IONet communication, I/O data exchange, controller synchronization, alarms, and application execution before returning the turbine or process equipment to service.
⚠️ Replacement note: The IS420UCSBH3A should not be automatically substituted with IS420UCSBH1A, H4A, or other UCSB variants. GE specifies different processor speeds and hardware characteristics across these models, so the exact controller part number and Mark VIe system configuration should be checked before replacement.
