Product Overview

The GE IS215VCMIH2BB / IS200VCMIH2BCC is a VME Communication Interface board used in the GE Mark VI turbine control platform.

The VCMI provides the communication interface between the controller and I/O boards and participates in communication over the IONet control network. It is also used for VME bus management within the control and I/O racks. The board is installed as part of the Mark VI control architecture rather than functioning as a conventional analog or digital I/O card.

The H2 version is commonly identified with three IONet connections plus a serial interface on the front panel, making the exact board revision important when selecting a replacement.

Technical Specifications

The published third-party technical references agree on the three IONet ports and one serial interface, while descriptions of processor and electrical specifications vary between sources. For that reason, voltage, power consumption, operating temperature and processor details should be verified against the physical board revision before being treated as purchasing specifications.

Main Functions

The VCMI board is responsible for several important communication and control-interface tasks within the Mark VI system:

• VME bus master functionality
• Communication between the controller and I/O boards
• IONet communication
• Rack-level board identification and management
• Data exchange between control and I/O hardware
• Support for Mark VI control and I/O rack architecture
• Communication support in simplex or TMR configurations

The board is normally considered part of the system communication and control architecture, not a field signal I/O module.

Typical Applications

The IS215VCMIH2BB / IS200VCMIH2BCC is associated with GE Mark VI turbine control installations, including:

• Gas turbine control
• Steam turbine control
• Turbine protection and monitoring systems
• Mark VI control racks
• Mark VI I/O racks
• Legacy turbine-control maintenance
• Controller and communication hardware replacement

For an existing Mark VI installation, maintaining an exact VCMI spare can be useful when the installed board revision and system configuration must be preserved.

Installation & Configuration

Before replacing a VCMI board, check the following:

1. Confirm the complete part number printed on the board.
2. Verify the hardware revision and board identifier.
3. Record the existing VCMI configuration before removal.
4. Confirm the number and arrangement of IONet connections.
5. Check the serial communication connection if used.
6. Verify the installed Mark VI rack and control architecture.
7. Follow the applicable GE Mark VI maintenance procedure.
8. After installation, check board status and communication indications.
9. Verify IONet communication with the connected I/O hardware.
10. Confirm the controller and I/O racks return to the expected operating state.

A VCMI replacement should not be selected solely from a similar-looking board. Hardware revision and the exact identifier printed on the board should be checked before installation. A recent technical reference also notes that the exposed board identifier should be used when matching a replacement VCMI.

Inspection & Maintenance

For a replacement or spare board, recommended inspection includes:

• PCB condition
• Front-panel connector condition
• IONet connector inspection
• Serial connector inspection
• Board label and serial-number verification
• Component and solder-joint inspection
• Power-up diagnostic test
• IONet communication test
• VME communication test
• Extended operating test where practical

Use appropriate ESD protection when handling the board outside the rack.

Compatibility Note

The most important identification point for this listing is the Mark VI designation.

The eBay title refers to the board as a “GE Mark VME Controller Card,” but the available technical references identify the IS200VCMIH2BCC as a GE Mark VI VME Communication Interface Board, and the IS215VCMIH2BB as a VME Bus Master Controller/VCMI board.

Therefore, the safer product classification is:

GE Mark VI VME Communication Interface / Bus Master Controller

Do not advertise this part simply as a generic “Mark V controller card.” Mark V and Mark VI are different GE Speedtronic turbine-control generations.

Ordering Information

When ordering, provide the complete identification from the physical label, including:

• IS215VCMIH2BB
• IS200VCMIH2BCC
• Board revision, if shown
• Serial number, when required

Photos of the front panel and board label are useful for confirming the exact hardware before purchase.

Recommended eBay Title

GE IS215VCMIH2BB | IS200VCMIH2BCC | Mark VI VME Communication Interface Board