Product Overview

The GE IS215VCMIH2BB IS200VCMIH2BCC is a VME communication interface and bus master controller board used in the GE Mark VI turbine control system.

The board provides an important communication link between the main Mark VI controller, VME I/O boards and the IONet network. It also performs VME bus master functions, coordinating data exchange within the control rack. Industry references identify this board as a 6U VME board with three IONet Ethernet ports and one RS-232C serial port.

The two identifiers are commonly found together when sourcing replacement hardware: IS215VCMIH2BB is the IS215 board designation, while IS200VCMIH2BCC is the associated board number. Buyers should compare the actual board label and revision before ordering.

Key Technical Specifications

Published technical references identify the board as a VME Bus Master Controller using a TMS320C32 processor, with three IONet ports and one RS-232C interface.

Main Functions

The VCMI board sits between the controller and I/O architecture of the Mark VI system. Its job is more than simple serial communication.

Key functions include:

• VME bus master control
• Communication between controller and I/O boards
• IONet communication
• Rack and board identification management
• Data exchange between the control processor and VME-based I/O
• Support for simplex and TMR control architectures

The three IONet connections provide the network interface used within the Mark VI control architecture. The board also has front-panel status indicators for monitoring operating and communication conditions.

Front-Panel Interfaces

The IS215VCMIH2BB is equipped with four primary front-panel communication connections:

Three IONet ports
These are used for communication within the Mark VI control network.

One serial port
The board provides an RS-232C serial interface for applicable system communication and service functions.

LED indicators provide operating and communication status information, allowing technicians to check the board without immediately connecting external diagnostic equipment.

Installation and Configuration

Before installing a replacement board, confirm that the existing system uses the same VCMI hardware configuration.

1. Shut down the Mark VI control rack according to the plant procedure.
2. Remove power before extracting the existing VME board.
3. Record the part number, revision and board identification from the original card.
4. Inspect the VME connector and front-panel communication connectors.
5. Install the replacement board into the correct VME slot.
6. Reconnect the three IONet connections and serial connection as originally configured.
7. Restore rack power following the approved startup procedure.
8. Check the board status LEDs.
9. Verify IONet communication with the control system.
10. Confirm that the controller recognizes the board and associated I/O.
11. Perform a controlled functional test before returning the turbine control system to normal operation.

For Mark VI replacement work, hardware revision matters. A recent technical reference specifically recommends using the identifier printed on the card rather than assuming compatibility from appearance alone.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance should focus on connectors, communication interfaces and board condition.

Visual inspection:
Check the PCB for dust, corrosion, discoloration, damaged components or signs of previous repair.

VME connector:
Inspect the card-edge connector for contamination or bent contacts. Poor VME contact can produce intermittent communication faults.

IONet connections:
Inspect the three network connectors and associated cables. A loose or damaged IONet connection can appear as a board communication problem even when the VCMI hardware itself is operating normally.

Status LEDs:
Record the normal LED pattern during operation. Changes in Run, Fail or communication indications can help narrow down a system fault.

Revision verification:
Keep the installed hardware revision documented. Do not mix replacement boards solely because their model numbers appear similar.

Typical Applications

The board is intended for GE Mark VI turbine control applications, including:

• Gas turbine control systems
• Steam turbine control systems
• Mark VI turbine control cabinets
• VME-based turbine control racks
• Industrial power generation
• Turbine monitoring and control
• Legacy Mark VI system maintenance
• Replacement and spare-parts inventory

Its role within the Mark VI architecture makes it particularly relevant when maintaining an existing VME-based turbine control system rather than designing a new PLC platform.

Replacement Notes

When sourcing a replacement, check all of the following:

Do not rely only on the shortened description “VCMI card.” The H2 configuration and complete board identifiers should be matched with the existing installation.

Important Identification Note

Some online listings incorrectly describe this product as a GE Mark V card. The more consistent technical references identify IS215VCMIH2BB / IS200VCMIH2BCC as a GE Mark VI VME Communication Interface / VME Bus Master Controller.

This distinction is important for eBay SEO as well as buyer compatibility. Using “Mark VI” in the title gives buyers a much clearer indication of the intended control platform.

Product Condition

The supplied eBay listing should be checked against the seller’s current item-specific condition and notes before publishing. For this product family, other current listings show both used/tested and new-original offerings, so the condition should not be inferred solely from the model number.