Description

The GE IS230TNCIH4C is a high-integrity digital input(DI)module engineered by General Electric for use in the Mark VIe turbine control and safety platform—a cornerstone of modern gas,steam,and combined-cycle power generation.As part of the Turbine Nexus Controller(TNC)I/O family,this module provides 16 isolated,24 VDC digital inputs with advanced diagnostics and fault tolerance,enabling reliable acquisition of critical signals such as emergency stops,valve positions,fire detection,and mechanical interlocks.Designed to meet SIL 2 requirements per IEC 61508/61511,the GE IS230TNCIH4C ensures that turbine protection logic responds accurately under all operating and fault conditions.

Application Scenarios

At a 900 MW combined-cycle power plant in Texas,a series of unexplained turbine trips traced back to intermittent signal loss from a legacy DI card during monsoon humidity spikes.The engineering team replaced the obsolete module with the GE IS230TNCIH4C,leveraging its built-in live wire monitoring and channel-level isolation.Within weeks,the system detected a developing ground fault on a lube oil pressure switch circuit—triggering a predictive maintenance alert before failure occurred.During a subsequent grid disturbance,the GE IS230TNCIH4C reliably captured a true overspeed signal and initiated a controlled shutdown within 40 ms,preventing catastrophic rotor damage.This real-world resilience demonstrates how the GE IS230TNCIH4C transforms raw field signals into trusted safety decisions.

Parameter

Main Parameters Value/Description

Product Model GE IS230TNCIH4C

Manufacturer General Electric(GE Power/GE Vernova)

Product Category Fail-Safe Digital Input(DI)Module

Platform Compatibility GE Mark VIe/Mark VIeS(Turbine Nexus Controller–TNC)

Safety Certification SIL 2 per IEC 61508&IEC 61511;FM,CSA,ATEX optional

Number of Channels 16 independent,galvanically isolated inputs

Input Voltage 24 VDC nominal(18–30 VDC acceptable range)

Diagnostic Features Continuous line monitoring:open-circuit,short-to-ground,cross-wire detection

Redundancy Support Fully compatible with Mark VIe’s Triple Modular Redundant(TMR)architecture

Communication Interface Backplane connection to TNC controller via high-speed deterministic bus

Operating Temperature 0°C to+60°C(industrial grade)

Mounting Plug-in module for GE Mark VIe I/O terminal boards(e.g.,TBIO baseplates)

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1:Embedded Diagnostics Without External Test Circuits–The GE IS230TNCIH4C uses patented current-sensing technology to validate wiring integrity on every channel in real time—eliminating the need for external loop testers or manual continuity checks.

Innovation Point 2:Seamless TMR Signal Voting–In triple-redundant Mark VIe systems,three GE IS230TNCIH4C modules(one per controller lane)feed identical inputs into a 2oo3 voting logic,ensuring faults are masked without spurious trips.

Innovation Point 3:Noise Immunity for Harsh Electrical Environments–With>5 kV isolation per channel and compliance to IEC 61000-4-4(EFT)and-4-5(surge),the GE IS230TNCIH4C rejects interference from VFDs,exciters,and switchgear—common in turbine halls.

Innovation Point 4:Auto-Configuration via Mark VIe ToolSuite–When installed,the module is automatically recognized by GE’s ToolboxST software,pulling calibration data and diagnostic thresholds from the system database—reducing commissioning errors.

Application Cases and Industry Value

During the repowering of a European district heating plant,engineers integrated a new GE 7HA.02 gas turbine controlled by a Mark VIeS safety system featuring GE IS230TNCIH4C modules for all emergency trip inputs.Regulatory authorities required proof of<100 FIT(Failures in Time)for the protection layer.GE’s validation package—including FMEDA reports and field reliability data—confirmed the GE IS230TNCIH4C contributed a diagnostic coverage of>98%,directly enabling SIL 2 certification.Over 18 months of operation,the system logged zero undetected failures,and during a simulated fuel leak test,it triggered a full fuel valve closure in 62 ms.Plant operators now cite the GE IS230TNCIH4C as a key enabler of their“zero unplanned outage”goal.

Related Product Combination Solutions

GE Mark VIe Controller(e.g.,IC698CRE030):Central processing unit that hosts GE IS230TNCIH4C I/O via terminal bases

GE IS230TNCIH4A:Alternate firmware variant;GE IS230TNCIH4C is the current standard revision

GE IS230TNCAH1B:Analog input companion module for temperature,pressure,and vibration signals

GE IS230TNCXH1A:Digital output(DO)module for actuating valves,relays,and alarms

GE TBIO Terminal Base:I/O carrier board that provides field wiring terminals and backplane interface for GE IS230TNCIH4C

GE ToolboxST Software:Engineering suite for configuration,diagnostics,and firmware management of GE IS230TNCIH4C

GE Trip Oil System Solenoids:Field devices commonly monitored by GE IS230TNCIH4C inputs

GE Speedtronic Mark VIeS:Enhanced safety-certified version of Mark VIe where GE IS230TNCIH4C plays a pivotal role

Installation,Maintenance,and Full-Cycle Support

Installation of the GE IS230TNCIH4C involves inserting it into a compatible TBIO terminal base mounted on a Mark VIe I/O rack.Field wiring connects to screw terminals on the base,while the module snaps securely into place—ensuring reliable backplane contact.No DIP switches or jumpers are required;all parameters are configured via ToolboxST.LED indicators on the front panel show per-channel status(green=valid signal,red=fault),aiding rapid troubleshooting.

For maintenance,the GE IS230TNCIH4C supports hot removal in non-TMR applications,minimizing downtime.Its solid-state design ensures decades of service,but aging risks include connector wear or contamination in dusty environments.Our full-cycle support includes functional validation testing on authentic Mark VIe hardware:each module undergoes input simulation,diagnostic verification,and communication handshake tests.We supply only new surplus or factory-refurbished units with traceable lot codes and firmware alignment to current GE baselines.Additionally,we offer obsolescence forecasting,cross-reference assistance,and migration planning for future Mark VIe+or digital twin integrations.