GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T

¥999.00

The GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T is a Main Intelligent Controller (MIC) module from GE Grid Solutions, serving as the central processor unit for the D20 series distributed control and substation automation platform. This unit acts as the “brain” of the RTU (Remote Terminal Unit), executing application logic, managing all I/O communication (including connected GE D20 EME expansion modules), and handling protocol conversion to SCADA master stations. The “MIC” designation indicates the primary controller, and the “10BASE-T” suffix specifies the Ethernet physical layer standard (10 Mbps, twisted-pair) on its network interface. The GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T is designed for power utilities, oil & gas, and infrastructure applications requiring reliable, hardened computing in extreme electrical utility environments.

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Description

Technical Parameters (Key Specs)

  • Processor: 32-bit RISC, 200 MHz

  • Memory: 16 MB Flash (firmware + application) / 8 MB RAM (data + event buffer)

  • Ethernet Port: 1x 10BASE-T (10 Mbps only, RJ45) – this is the defining feature of the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T

  • Serial Ports: 2x RS-232/485 (programmable, DNP3 serial, MODBUS RTU, IEC 101)

  • USB Port: 1x (service and firmware updates)

  • I/O Capacity: Supports up to 8 x GE D20 EME or GE D20 EME 10BASE-T expansion modules (up to 128 DI / 64 DO / 32 AI total)

  • Protocol Support: DNP3 (serial/TCP), MODBUS (RTU/TCP), IEC 61850 (GOOSE/MMS), IEC 101/104, and legacy GE protocols

  • Power Supply: 24–48 V DC or 110–250 V DC/AC (field-selectable, wide range)

  • Operating Temp: –40°C to +85°C (substation-hardened)

  • Protection Class: IP40 with conformal-coated PCB

  • Clock: Battery-backed RTC with 1 ms SOE (Sequence of Events) timestamping

  • Compliance: IEC 61850-3, IEEE 1613 (substation), CE, UL, NERC CIP

Advantages & Features

  • Centralized control – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T coordinates all I/O, executes logic (e.g., interlocking, breaker control), and formats data for master SCADA

  • Legacy network compatibility – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T connects directly to older SCADA masters that only support 10 Mbps Ethernet, eliminating media converters in retrofit projects

  • Multi-protocol gateway – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T simultaneously translates between protocols (e.g., DNP3 to master, MODBUS to local IEDs, IEC 61850 to substation devices)

  • Redundant controller support – two GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T units can be paired in hot-standby configuration for high availability (automatic failover < 100 ms)

  • Cybersecurity built-in – role-based access control (RBAC), encrypted communication, and secure firmware authentication per NERC CIP standards

  • Event logging – stores up to 10,000 time-stamped events with 1 ms resolution for fault analysis

  • Firmware upgradeable via USB or Ethernet – no proprietary tools required

  • Dual power input – optional redundant power feed for critical substations

Application Cases

  • Substation automation retrofit – replacing older GE controllers while keeping the existing 10 Mbps Ethernet network infrastructure, the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T acts as the new central RTU processor

  • Distributed generation (wind/solar) – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T aggregates data from multiple GE D20 EME units and reports to the utility control center via DNP3 over 10BASE-T

  • Oil & gas pipeline SCADA – remote valve stations use the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T to consolidate pressure/temperature data and execute shutdown logic, communicating over legacy 10 Mbps microwave links

  • Railway traction power monitoring – trackside substations use the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T for catenary monitoring, interfacing with protection relays and sending IEC 61850 GOOSE messages over 10BASE-T

Comparison with Competitors

Feature GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T GE D20 MIC (standard 10/100) Schweitzer SEL-3355 Siemens SICAM SCC
Ethernet Speed 10 Mbps (fixed) 10/100 Mbps 10/100/1000 Mbps 10/100 Mbps
Max I/O Points ~128 DI / 64 DO / 32 AI Same ~256 DI / 128 DO ~192 DI / 96 DO
Protocols DNP3, MODBUS, IEC 61850 Same DNP3, IEC 61850, MODBUS IEC 61850, DNP3
Redundancy Hot-standby (built-in) Hot-standby Hot-standby Requires extra card
Temp Range –40°C to +85°C –40°C to +85°C –40°C to +85°C –40°C to +70°C
Cybersecurity (NERC CIP) Built-in Built-in Built-in Good
Conformal Coating Standard Standard Optional Optional
Price Lower (legacy-specific) Mid-range Higher Comparable

The GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T is uniquely suited for legacy network integration, offering cost savings over the standard GE D20 MIC when 10/100 capability is unnecessary. Compared to Schweitzer SEL-3355, the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T provides excellent value for smaller to mid-size substation projects.

Selection Suggestions

  • Network compatibility: Select the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T only if your SCADA network strictly operates at 10 Mbps – for modern 100 Mbps or Gigabit networks, choose the standard GE D20 MIC or newer models

  • System size: The GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T supports up to 8 expansion modules – if you need more I/O, consider a distributed architecture with multiple GE D20 MIC units

  • Protocol requirements: Verify that your master station and field devices are supported – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T covers DNP3, MODBUS, and IEC 61850; confirm firmware version for specific profile needs

  • Redundancy: For critical applications (e.g., transmission substations), order two GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T units with the hot-standby option and redundant power supplies

  • Cable type: Use CAT3 or higher twisted-pair for 10BASE-T operation – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T supports cable runs up to 100 meters

  • Configuration tool: Use GE’s D20 Configuration Tool or newer EnerVista software – ensure compatibility with the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T firmware revision

Precautions

  • Speed mismatch – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T cannot auto-negotiate to 100 Mbps – set your switch port manually to 10 Mbps or ensure it auto-negotiates down; otherwise, link will not establish

  • ESD sensitivity – handle the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T with proper grounding despite conformal coating – use wrist straps during installation

  • Power supply connection – if using 110–250 V AC, ensure line-to-neutral only; the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T can be damaged by phase-to-phase connection

  • Grounding – require solid earth ground (≤ 1 Ω) using the dedicated ground terminal – not the DIN-rail as primary ground path

  • Firmware compatibility – when replacing a GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T in an existing system, ensure the replacement unit has the same or newer firmware version as the previous unit and all connected GE D20 EME modules

  • Serial port wiring – use shielded twisted-pair cables for RS-485; verify termination resistors if daisy-chaining multiple devices

  • IEC 61850 GOOSE – if using GOOSE messaging, verify switch VLAN and multicast filtering – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T can be overwhelmed by broadcast storms on a 10 Mbps link if not properly configured

  • Battery replacement – the RTC battery (CR2032) should be replaced every 4–5 years – replace with power on to retain configuration, or backup configuration before power-down

  • Storage – if stored > 6 months, re-apply power for 24 hours before deployment to reform electrolytic capacitors

  • Ethernet cable shielding – use shielded CAT5e (even though 10BASE-T only requires CAT3) – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T operates in high-EMI substation environments; shielding prevents communication errors and transient damage

  • Cybersecurity activation – after installation, enable role-based access control, change default passwords, and activate encryption per NERC CIP requirements – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T ships with factory defaults that are not secure

  • Do not use for direct safety functions – the GE D20 MIC 10BASE-T is a standard RTU controller, not SIL-rated – use dedicated safety PLCs for emergency shutdown or protection relay functions

  • Disposal – contains lead-based solder (pre-RoHS revisions) and lithium battery – dispose per local electronic waste regulations

PN/DP;6ES7318-3EL01-0AB0
ABB 086348-001
GE VMIACC-5595-208

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