Description
Key Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Function | Serial I/O gateway and bridge for Mark V system (“A” revision) |
| Serial Ports | 6x RS-232/RS-485 serial ports – software-configurable |
| Protocols Supported | MODBUS RTU, DNP3, Profibus DP, HART, IEC 60870-5-101, IEC 60870-5-104, GE proprietary Mark V protocols |
| Bridge Features | Protocol translation, data aggregation, intelligent data routing, data buffering, network bridging |
| Data Rate | Serial: 300 bps to 230.4 kbps (doubled from 115.2 kbps) |
| Memory | 512 MB Flash, 256 MB RAM (doubled from base model) |
| Data Handling | 10,000+ data points, data compression, real-time synchronization |
| Diagnostic Indicators | 24 LEDs – serial transmit/receive, power, communication active, bridge status, diagnostic active |
| Advanced Diagnostics | Error logging (200 events), network traffic analysis, communication health monitoring, serial port diagnostics, bridging status monitoring |
| Isolation | 2,500 VAC isolation between communication ports and backplane |
| Temperature Range | 0 to +60°C ambient (extended from +55°C) |
| Form Factor | 6U VME, 1-slot width |
| Weight | 0.56 kg (approx. 1.23 lbs) |
Advantages & Core Features
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“A” revision enhanced performance – The DS200SIOBH1A incorporates improved processing power, expanded memory (512 MB Flash, 256 MB RAM), refined firmware, and enhanced diagnostics compared to the base DS200SIOBH1 model.
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Serial I/O with bridging functionality – Provides extensive serial connectivity with protocol bridging between different serial networks.
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Protocol bridging – Bridges between different serial protocols (MODBUS RTU to DNP3, etc.) for seamless integration.
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Expanded serial ports – 6x RS-232/RS-485 serial ports for flexible device connectivity.
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High-speed serial – Supports up to 230.4 kbps serial data rate (doubled from 115.2 kbps).
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Advanced protocol support – MODBUS RTU, DNP3, Profibus DP, HART, IEC 60870-5-101, and IEC 60870-5-104.
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Enhanced diagnostics – Error logging (200 events), network traffic analysis, and bridging status monitoring.
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Extended temperature range – 0 to +60°C ambient for use in warmer environments.
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Data aggregation – Consolidates and normalizes data from multiple sources.
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Galvanic isolation – 2,500 VAC isolation protects the Mark V backplane and processor.
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Compact 1-slot form factor – Occupies a single slot.
Key Differences vs. DS200SIOBH1 (Base Model)
| Feature | DS200SIOBH1 (Base) | DS200SIOBH1A (“A” Revision) |
|---|---|---|
| Serial Data Rate | 115.2 kbps | 230.4 kbps |
| Memory | 256 MB / 128 MB | 512 MB / 256 MB |
| Data Points | 5,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Diagnostic LEDs | 20 | 24 |
| Error Logging | Basic | 200 events |
| Temp Range | 0 to +55°C | 0 to +60°C |
| Availability | Exceedingly rare | Exceedingly rare+ |
| Cost | Premium++ | Premium+++ |
Application Cases
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Legacy device integration with enhanced performance – A combined-cycle plant uses the DS200SIOBH1A to bridge MODBUS RTU devices with the Mark V system’s DNP3 network, with 230.4 kbps serial data rate enabling faster communication.
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Remote terminal unit communication – A utility uses the DS200SIOBH1A for IEC 60870-5-101 communication with remote terminal units, with enhanced diagnostics providing comprehensive error logging.
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Substation integration – A power plant uses the DS200SIOBH1A for IEC 60870-5-104 communication with substation equipment, with extended temperature range supporting the warm environment.
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Multi-network bridging – A chemical facility uses the DS200SIOBH1A to bridge between HART devices and MODBUS RTU networks, with 10,000+ data point capacity enabling comprehensive monitoring.
Comparison with Related Variants
| Feature | DS200SIOBH1A (Bridge) | DS200SIOBH1 (Base Bridge) | DS200SIOBG1AAA (Advanced Gateway) | DS200SDCIG1A (Gateway) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serial Ports | 6 | 6 | 8 | 4 |
| Serial Data Rate | 230.4 kbps | 115.2 kbps | 230.4 kbps | 115.2 kbps |
| Protocol Bridging | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Availability | Exceedingly rare+ | Exceedingly rare | Exceedingly rare+ | Exceedingly rare+ |
| Cost | Premium+++ | Premium++ | Premium+++ | Premium++++ |
Selection Suggestions
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Assess serial communication requirements – Select the DS200SIOBH1A if you need extensive serial communication (6 ports) with protocol bridging capabilities and the “A” revision enhancements.
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Evaluate bridging requirements – The board is ideal if you need to bridge between different serial protocols (MODBUS RTU to DNP3, etc.).
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Confirm protocols – Ensure the board supports the required protocols (MODBUS RTU, DNP3, Profibus DP, HART, IEC 60870-5-101, IEC 60870-5-104).
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Check slot availability – The board occupies a single slot.
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Procurement – The DS200SIOBH1A is exceedingly rare. Purchase from reputable suppliers offering functional testing (port verification, bridging validation, LED testing). Lead times: 22-28 weeks.
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Stock spares – Maintain at least one spare on-site.
Important Precautions
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Power down completely – Hot-swapping is not supported.
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ESD protection – Use wrist strap and anti-static mat.
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Cable routing – Route communication cables away from high-voltage power cables.
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Port configuration – Properly configure each port for RS-232/RS-485, baud rate, and protocol.
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Bridging configuration – Properly configure protocol bridging and data routing settings.
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Cleaning – Use compressed air only (max 50 PSI). No liquids.
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Storage – Store at 10-30°C, 20-50% RH.
Final Expert Recommendation
The DS200SIOBH1A is an enhanced serial I/O gateway and bridge for Mark V systems requiring extensive serial connectivity, protocol bridging, and the “A” revision enhancements. With 6 serial ports, 230.4 kbps serial data rate, expanded memory (512 MB Flash, 256 MB RAM), enhanced diagnostics (200-event error logging), and extended temperature range (0 to +60°C), it is the ideal solution for legacy device integration, substation communication, and multi-network bridging applications.
Select the DS200SIOBH1A when:
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You need extensive serial communication (6 ports)
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You require protocol bridging between different serial protocols (MODBUS RTU to DNP3)
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You need high-speed serial communication (up to 230.4 kbps)
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You need 10,000+ data point handling capacity
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You operate in warm environments requiring extended temperature range (up to +60°C)
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You want the “A” revision enhancements (expanded memory, enhanced diagnostics)
For most applications, the base DS200SIOBH1 provides sufficient serial connectivity and bridging capability at lower cost. The DS200SIOBH1A should be reserved for applications requiring the “A” revision enhancements. For applications requiring 8 serial ports and advanced protocols without bridging, consider the DS200SIOBG1AAA.
When sourcing, ensure comprehensive documentation – port testing, bridging validation, and LED testing. Given its exceedingly rare availability, maintain at least one spare on-site. Properly deployed, this board provides years of reliable serial I/O bridging functionality for Mark V turbine control systems.

GE IC695CRU320
A-B 1756-L73
ABB PM803F
ABB 3HAB8101-18/09A


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