The IS200BICLH1AFF is a Bridge Interface Board (BICL) manufactured by GE Industrial Control Systems as part of the Innovation Series™ Drive family. This board provides a critical interface between the main control board of the drive and the Bridge Personality Interface boards (IS200BPIA, IS200BPIB, or IS200SCNV). The IS200BICLH1AFF also performs essential auxiliary functions including panel and system fault string monitoring, bridge and ambient temperature sensing via RTD inputs, and pulse width modulated (PWM) fan speed control. The board is designed for VME type rack mounting and connects to external systems through its P1 and P2 connectors. There are no other connections, test points, LEDs, or adjustable hardware on this board.
The IS200BICLH1AFF is a factory‑configured variant with a specific EPLD (electronically programmable logic device) firmware. The suffix AFF indicates a specific revision and factory configuration that maintains full backward compatibility with all Innovation Series drive systems while incorporating the latest design enhancements. The board is used in both three‑phase IGBT bridge applications (with BPIA/BPIB personality boards) and SCR‑based static converter applications (with SCNV board). Control logic is implemented in the EPLD, which is configured from the main control board’s CPU upon power‑up or hard reset. Two EPLD configurations exist: BICLEPLD (for BPIA/BPIB) and SCNVEPLD (for SCNV). The IS200BICLH1AFF contains the appropriate EPLD for its intended application, and the specific revision may include updated logic for enhanced performance or additional features.
This board is essential for reliable drive operation, providing gate drive control, fault detection, contactor management, and thermal monitoring in a compact VME form factor.
Functional Description
The IS200BICLH1AFF integrates multiple functions to support the Innovation Series drive’s power bridge. Depending on the EPLD configuration, the board can control either a three‑phase IGBT bridge (with PWM/deadband generation) or an SCR‑based converter (with gate firing pattern generators). The board also handles dynamic braking IGBT control in SCNV applications.
Key functions include:
Gate Drive Control – For IGBT applications (BPIA/BPIB), the board generates six PWM signals for upper and lower devices of three phases, with adjustable deadband. For SCR applications (SCNV), it generates gate firing patterns for six SCRs and also controls the dynamic braking IGBT.
Fault Monitoring – The board monitors desaturation and undervoltage faults on each IGBT, shunt faults, and also receives panel and system fault string inputs (24 V or 115 V ac/dc). These fault inputs are hardware ANDed to provide a master enable for contactor pilots and to disable bridge firing upon any fault.
Contactor Control – Two pilot relays (MA and MB) control the main and auxiliary contactors. The MA relay also enables IGBT driver power. These relays are controlled by software signals (NMAC, NMBC, BICDABL) and are dropped out upon watchdog fault or fault string break.
RTD Temperature Monitoring – Four RTD inputs (two for bridge phases, one ambient) measure temperature. The analog signals are converted by a 10‑bit ADC and read by the control system.
Fan Speed PWM Output – An isolated open‑collector PWM output controls the cooling fan speed, with duty cycle determining speed.
Serial Board Identification – An onboard serial EEPROM stores board identification and revision data for system verification.
Watchdog Protection – A hardware watchdog monitors the 20 MHz clock; if lost, bridge firing is disabled and contactors drop out within 30 µs. Four additional watchdogs are implemented in the EPLD.
VCO Feedback – Multiple voltage‑controlled oscillator (VCO) inputs provide isolated feedback for DC link voltage, phase voltages, and current sensing.
The board operates from +5 V, +15 V, -15 V, and isolated +24 V supplies.
Hardware Characteristics
The IS200BICLH1AFF is a standard VME format board, designed to be inserted into a VME type rack via P1 and P2 backplane connectors. The board has no faceplate LEDs or test points. It is secured by screws at the top and bottom of the front panel, with ejector tabs for removal.
Connectors
All connections are made through the 96‑pin P1 (bridge control) and P2 (address/data/control) connectors. Signal definitions vary depending on whether the board is used with BPIA/BPIB (IGBT) or SCNV (SCR) applications. The following tables summarize key signals.
P1 Connector – Bridge Control (partial list, common signals):
Pin Group | Signal | Description |
A1, A3, A5 | MANO, MANC, MACOM | MA contactor pilot relay contacts (Form C) |
A7, A9 | MBCOM, MBNO | MB contactor pilot relay contacts (Form A) |
B2, B4 | MASENP, MASENN | MA contactor sense input (24–115 V ac/dc) |
B6, B8 | PNF115, PNF24 | Panel fault string inputs (115 V or 24 V) |
C1, C3, C5 | LNF115, LNF24, LNFCOM | System line fault string inputs |
D7–D14 | TA1, TA2, TB1, TB2, TC1, TC2, TAMB1, TAMB2 | RTD temperature sensor inputs |
D28, D29 | IP24, I24COM | Isolated 24 V supply and return |
D4, D6 | FREFP, FREFN | Fan PWM output (isolated open collector) |
For BPIA/BPIB applications, P1 also carries: IGBT gate drive signals (NAUD, NALD, NBUD, NBLD, NCUD, NCLD), desaturation fault signals (AUF, ALF, BUF, BLF, CUF, CLF), shunt faults (ASF, BSF, CSF), and VCO signals for phase voltages and current feedback.
For SCNV applications, P1 carries: SCR gate control signals (NAD, NBD, NCD), dynamic braking IGBT driver (NDBD), DB desaturation fault (DBF), DB temperature fault (DBTF), and VCO feedback for DB voltage.
P2 Connector – Address, Data, and Control (common signals):
Pin | Signal | Description |
A1, A32, etc. | P5 | +5 V supply |
A22 | P15 | +15 V supply |
D22 | N15 | -15 V supply |
A2–D10 | D0–D31 | Data lines (32‑bit) |
A11–D14 | A0–A13 | Address lines |
C15, D15 | NRD, NWR | Read/write strobes |
D19 | BRDID | Serial board ID line |
D21 | BICDABL | BIC disable line (High = disable) |
B15 | WDNDRPC | Watchdog driver power control (Low = power ON) |
B25 | CLK20MHZ | 20 MHz clock input |
A21 | NRSTPSEN | Reset line |
C16 | INTRBIC | Interrupt line |
VCO signals from P1 are passed through to P2 for the main control board.
EPLD Configuration
The board’s EPLD is configured at power‑up. For IS200BICLH1AFF, the specific EPLD version is determined by the application (BICLEPLD or SCNVEPLD). The board does not have user‑configurable jumpers; configuration is done by the main control CPU. The AFF revision may include updated EPLD logic for improved fault handling or expanded functionality.
Installation and Replacement
Handling Precautions
Static sensitivity – The IS200BICLH1AFF 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 drive and verify zero voltage before touching the board or any connected circuits. Follow 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 drive and open the cabinet door. Test for zero voltage on all circuits.
Identify the BICL board in the VME rack.
Loosen the top and bottom captive screws near the ejector tabs.
Raise the ejector tabs to unseat the board.
Pull the board straight out using both hands.
Before installing the replacement IS200BICLH1AFF, verify that the board is the correct type and that no physical damage is present.
Slide the replacement board into the correct VME slot (note that VME boards are keyed for specific slots; inserting into the wrong slot can damage electronics).
Press firmly on the top and bottom of the front panel simultaneously to seat the board.
Tighten the top and bottom screws evenly to ensure proper seating.
Close the cabinet door and restore power. Verify that the drive control system recognises the board (no configuration alarms).
When ordering the IS200BICLH1AFF, use the complete part number exactly as shown. The part number follows GE’s convention:
IS200 – Innovation Series, 200‑class.
BICL – Functional acronym: Bridge Interface Board.
H1 – Generation/version.
A – Base designator.
F – Modifier (e.g., coating, component variation, or EPLD version).
F – Revision F (or additional modifier).
Warranty and Order Placement
Warranty replacements (within warranty period): Contact GE Industrial Control Systems Product Service Engineering (contact details omitted per request).
Spare parts or non‑warranty orders: Contact your nearest GE Sales or Service Office. Provide:
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 IS200BICLH1AFF does not have onboard LEDs or test points. Its health is monitored by the main control board via the serial ID, fault inputs, and VCO feedback signals. The control system can detect:
Loss of communication with the BICL (via serial ID).
Fault string breaks (panel or system) – cause bridge shutdown.
MA contactor sense failure.
RTD temperature out‑of‑range.
Fan PWM output failure (if fan feedback is provided separately).
EPLD configuration mismatch.
No routine calibration or adjustment is required. Periodic inspection for dust, corrosion, or loose connections is recommended.
