Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GE |
| Model | IS230TBAIH2C |
| Functional Type | TBAI Analog I/O Terminal Board |
| Control Platform | Mark VI / Mark VIe |
| Analog Inputs | 10 |
| Analog Outputs | 2 |
| Input Types | 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire and externally powered transmitters; voltage inputs |
| Voltage Input Range | ±5 VDC / ±10 VDC |
| Current Input | 4–20 mA applications supported |
| Analog Output | Configurable current output |
| Output Ranges | 0–20 mA / 0–200 mA configurations |
| Transmitter Supply | 24 VDC |
| Transmitter Supply Capacity | Approximately 21 mA continuous per output |
| Processor Connectors | 3 × DC-37 |
| Simplex Connection | JR1 |
| TMR Connections | JR1, JS1, JT1 |
| Input/Output Protection | Noise suppression circuitry |
| Maximum Lead Resistance | 15 Ω for specified current-loop applications |
| Operating Temperature | −30 to +65°C |
| Approx. Dimensions | 101.6 × 330.2 mm |
The published technical description identifies the TBAI assembly as supporting 10 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs. Inputs can accommodate two-, three-, and four-wire transmitters as well as externally powered devices, while jumper settings determine current or voltage input configuration.
Product Introduction
The GE IS230TBAIH2C is a TBAI analog I/O interface assembly used in GE Mark VI and related turbine-control architectures. It provides the field termination and signal-conditioning interface for analog process measurements while passing signals to the appropriate I/O processors. The assembly supports ten analog input channels and two analog output channels, making it suitable for turbine instrumentation such as pressure, temperature, flow, and valve-position signals.
A key maintenance point is that the IS230TBAIH2C is not itself the control processor. Its three DC-37 connectors provide the interface toward the I/O processor architecture, with JR1 used for simplex arrangements and JR1/JS1/JT1 available for TMR configurations. That distinction matters when replacing a board because the processor type, redundancy architecture, and field wiring must all remain compatible.
IS230TBAIH2C
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — Engineer’s Perspective
Engineering Pain Point
The most common replacement mistake is treating the IS230TBAIH2C as a generic 16-channel or 8-channel analog input module. Its actual role is a TBAI analog interface assembly with mixed analog input/output capability, and its wiring depends on the Mark VI architecture and connected I/O processors.
Typical Applications
- GE gas turbine control — interface for analog turbine instrumentation.
- Steam and combined-cycle plants — process measurement and control-loop signals.
- Fuel and valve control — analog feedback and current-driven control devices.
- Mark VI/Mark VIe maintenance — replacement of aging TBAI assemblies in simplex or TMR installations.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse TBAI with the I/O processor.
The IS230TBAIH2C provides field termination/interface functions; it does not replace the associated processor or I/O pack. - Verify simplex versus TMR wiring.
The assembly has three DC-37 interfaces. Simplex operation uses JR1, while TMR installations can use JR1, JS1, and JT1. A replacement must preserve the existing redundancy arrangement. - Check jumper configuration before removal.
The analog input circuits can be configured for current or voltage operation. Photograph or document jumper positions before replacing the board, particularly when mixed transmitter types are installed. - Do not assume all current listings are accurate.
Several reseller pages incorrectly describe the IS230TBAIH2C as a generic analog input module or even as a temperature sensor. The stronger technical evidence identifies it as a TBAI analog I/O terminal assembly with 10 AI and 2 AO.
Related Products
- IS200TBAIH2C — Earlier TBAI terminal-board family associated with GE Mark VI systems; verify hardware generation before substitution.
- IS230TBAIH1C — Related TBAI analog I/O assembly with a different hardware configuration.
- IS230TBAIH3C — Related TBAI analog I/O assembly; not automatically interchangeable.
- IS230TBAIH4C — Another TBAI analog I/O configuration within the IS230 family.
- IS230TBAOH2C — Analog output assembly; intended for output functions rather than the mixed 10-AI/2-AO TBAI arrangement.
- VAIC — Mark VI analog I/O processor family associated with TBAI interfaces.
- IS220PAICH1A — Mark VIe analog input I/O pack used in a different distributed I/O architecture.
- IS220PAICH2A — Related Mark VIe analog input pack configuration.
- IS230STAIH2A — Mark VIe analog I/O module with a different hardware architecture.
Procurement and Replacement Notes
For an replacement, verify the following before ordering:
- Complete part number and hardware revision
- TBAI functional designation
- Mark VI versus Mark VIe system architecture
- 10 analog input / 2 analog output configuration
- Simplex or TMR installation
- JR1/JS1/JT1 connector usage
- Existing VAIC or compatible processor arrangement
- Current/voltage jumper configuration
- 24 VDC transmitter-power usage
- Field terminal wiring and shield connections
- Existing application configuration and calibration records
Recommended procurement description:
GE TBAI Analog I/O Terminal Board/Assembly, Mark VI/Mark VIe Turbine Control, 10 Analog Inputs, 2 Analog Outputs, DC-37 Processor Interfaces, Simplex/TMR Compatible.
The critical distinction is that is a field-interface/analog I/O assembly, not a standalone PLC CPU or generic analog input card. Match the complete GE part number and the installed Mark VI/Mark VIe I/O architecture rather than relying on channel count alone.
