The DS200TCPSG1ARE is a Power Supply Board (TCPS) manufactured by GE Energy as part of the Mark V™ LM turbine control system. This board is a critical component that converts the 125 V dc power from the Power Distribution core (<PD>) into the various regulated voltage levels required by the control system’s logic, analog, and communication circuits. The TCPS board is located in the R core (Control Engine) as well as in each of the four I/O cores (<R1>, <R2>, <R3>, and <R5>). It provides the necessary power for microprocessor boards, I/O boards, and other system modules.
The DS200TCPSG1ARE is a high‑reliability, printed wiring board designed for continuous operation in harsh industrial environments. It incorporates a DC‑DC converter topology that ensures stable output voltages even when the input supply varies within the specified range. The board includes built‑in diagnostics and fuse protection for each output rail, and it communicates power supply status to the system’s diagnostic monitoring. The suffix ARE indicates a specific revision and factory configuration that maintains full backward compatibility with all Mark V LM systems while incorporating the latest design enhancements.
This board is essential for providing clean, isolated power to the various cores and ensures proper operation of the control system’s processor boards, I/O boards, and communication interfaces.
Functional Description
The DS200TCPSG1ARE receives 125 V dc input power from the TCPD board in the <PD> core via connector J1. Internally, it uses a buck‑regulator and a push‑pull inverter to generate multiple output voltages. The buck‑regulator steps down the 125 V dc input to an intermediate 50 V dc, which is then fed to the push‑pull inverter. The inverter uses a transformer to provide high‑voltage isolation between the input source and the outputs, ensuring safety and noise immunity. The output voltages are then distributed to the various boards in the respective core.
The TCPS board provides the following regulated outputs:
+5 V dc – for digital logic and microprocessor circuits.
±15 V dc – for analog signal conditioning and A/D converters.
+24 V dc – for relay coils, contact inputs, and other field devices.
±24 V dc – for external modules such as fans, de‑excitation module, crowbar, and field voltage/current modules (via the EPBP backplane).
Isolated +70 V dc – for contact wetting on terminal boards (e.g., EXTB, ECTB).
Isolated 20 V ac – for IGBT gate drive and dynamic discharge board.
±55 V dc – for ground detector circuits (on the EROC options card).
The board also includes several test points (TP) for verifying output voltages during troubleshooting. The outputs are protected by fuses (FU1–FU4 on the TCPS board) and are monitored by the control system for over‑voltage, under‑voltage, and loss of power conditions. The green LED on the board indicates that the 28 V dc output is present (when used in the R1 core, the TCPS supplies the TCDA board in the digital cores).
In the Mark V LM architecture, each I/O core has its own TCPS board, which powers the STCA, TCQA, TCQC, and other boards in that core. The TCPS board in the R core powers the UCIB motherboard, LBC586P CPU board, PANA ARCNET driver, and TCSA fuel skid interface board. In the R5 core, the TCPS also powers the TCCA and TCCB analog boards.
The DS200TCPSG1ARE is not user‑configurable; there are no hardware jumpers or software settings on this board. It is designed for simple plug‑and‑play operation. When a TCPS board fails, it must be replaced with an identical revision (or a compatible later revision) to ensure correct power sequencing and output levels.
Hardware Characteristics
The DS200TCPSG1ARE is a printed wiring board that conforms to the Mark V LM 6U Eurocard form factor. It is designed to be inserted into the designated slot (typically location 5) in each core’s card cage. The board is secured by faceplate screws and includes ejector tabs for easy removal. Its exact dimensions are typical of Mark V I/O boards.
Connectors
Connector | Type | Description |
J1 | Multi‑pin connector | Receives 125 V dc input power from the TCPD board in the <PD> core via a cable. |
2PL | Ribbon cable connector (or multi‑pin) | Distributes the output voltages (e.g., +5 V, ±15 V, +24 V) to other boards in the same core via a daisy‑chain ribbon cable. |
JP1, JP2 | Multi‑pin connectors | Provide power to the TCDA board in digital cores (<Q11>, <Q21>, <Q51>) and to the AAHA board in the R core. Either JP1 or JP2 can be used. |
JC | Multi‑pin connector | Supplies power supply diagnostic signals to the TCQC board (in <R1>, <R2>, <R3>) or to the TCCA board (in <R5>). |
X1 | Screw terminal (or connector) | Connection point for the CCOM (control common) bus ground reference. |
Test Points
The DS200TCPSG1ARE includes several test points (TP) for measuring the output voltages (refer to Table 3‑2 in the Mark V LM documentation). Typical test points include:
TP-P15 – +15 V dc output
TP-N15 – -15 V dc output
TP-+5V – +5 V dc output
TP-DCOM – Digital common (ground for digital outputs)
TP-+24V – +24 V dc output (non‑regulated, filtered)
TP--24V – -24 V dc output (non‑regulated)
Note: The exact designations may vary with board revision.
LED Indicators
The DS200TCPSG1ARE has a green LED (usually labelled “P28 OK” or similar) that indicates the presence of the 28 V dc output (used for relay coils and other field circuits). However, in the Mark V LM application, the primary power‑good indication is often provided by the TCPD board’s status LEDs.
Fuses
The board has several fuses (FU1–FU4) that protect the output circuits. Their ratings and vendor catalog numbers are given in Appendix E of the Mark V LM manual. For the TCPS board:
Fuse | Current Rating | Characteristic | Voltage Rating | Vendor Catalog Number |
FU1 | 5 A | Fast Acting | 125 V | Littlefuse 225005 |
FU2 | 1.5 A | Fast Acting | 250 V | Littlefuse 22501.5 |
FU3 | 8 A | Fast Acting | 250 V | Buss 3AG |
FU4 | 1.5 A | Fast Acting | 250 V | Littlefuse 22501.5 |
Installation and Replacement
Handling Precautions
Static sensitivity – The DS200TCPSG1ARE contains static‑sensitive components. Always wear a wrist grounding strap and handle the board at a grounded workstation. Store the board in its antistatic bag when not in use.
De‑energise before handling – Turn off power to the core (using the corresponding switch on the TCPD board in the <PD> core) and verify zero voltage before touching the board or any connected cables. Follow all local lock‑out/tag‑out procedures.
Do not insert or remove with power applied – Doing so may cause equipment damage or personal injury.
Replacement Procedure
De‑energise the core where the DS200TCPSG1ARE is installed.
Open the cabinet door and test for zero voltage.
Label and disconnect all cables from the TCPS board (J1, 2PL, JP1/JP2, JC, and X1 if present).
Loosen the top and bottom captive screws and use the ejector tabs to unseat the board.
Remove the board from the card cage.
Before installing the replacement board, verify that all fuses (FU1–FU4) are intact and that the board has no physical damage.
Slide the replacement DS200TCPSG1ARE into the correct slot (location 5 in the core) and press firmly to seat it.
Tighten the faceplate screws evenly.
Reconnect all cables in the reverse order.
Restore power to the core and verify that the green LED (if present) illuminates and that the control system reports no power supply diagnostic alarms.
When ordering the DS200TCPSG1ARE, use the complete part number exactly as shown. The part number follows GE’s convention:
DS200 – Drive / Control series.
TCPS – Functional acronym: Power Supply Board.
G1 – Generation/version.
A – Base designator.
R – Modifier (e.g., coating, component variation, or special configuration).
E – Revision E.
Warranty and Order Placement
Note: All digits and letters in the part number are significant. GE may substitute later compatible revisions, but backward compatibility is assured.
Diagnostics and Maintenance
The DS200TCPSG1ARE does not require routine calibration. However, periodic checks of output voltages using the test points are recommended, especially after a power supply fault. The control system (via ToolboxST) provides diagnostic alarms for:
Loss of 125 V dc input.
Fuse failure on any output rail.
Over‑voltage or under‑voltage condition on any regulated output.
Overtemperature condition (if monitored by the TCPS board).
If any output voltage is outside its specified range, replace the board immediately. Fuses can be replaced in the field, but if a fuse blows repeatedly, the board should be replaced as there may be a short circuit in the load or a failure in the power supply itself.
