GE DS200ACNAG1A DS200ACNAG1ADD ARCNET Board

The GE DS200ACNAG1A DS200ACNAG1ADD provides ARCNET network connectivity for Mark V systems. This board links multiple drive controllers into a single high-speed communication network. Therefore, it enables coordinated operation across large industrial automation systems.

Product Overview

We designed this network board for deterministic token-passing communication between nodes. Its ARCNET protocol guarantees data delivery within predictable time frames. Moreover, this unit supports both coaxial and fiber optic physical media.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Dimensions	25.4 cm (length) x 16.5 cm (width)
Weight	0.44 kg (approximately 0.97 lb)
Interface Type	Single 64-pin backplane plus BNC and ST fiber connectors
Component Count	168 components including ARCNET controller and transceiver
Energy Storage	4 aluminum capacitors (100 µF, 25V) plus 8 ceramic
Network Protocol	ARCNET (ANSI 878.1) token-passing
Data Rate	2.5 Mbps standard
Max Nodes	255 addressable stations per network
Cable Type	RG-62 coaxial or multimode fiber
Coax Length	2000 feet (610 meters) maximum
Fiber Length	6500 feet (1980 meters) maximum
Token Timeout	840 ms configurable

Network Architecture

The GE DS200ACNAG1A DS200ACNAG1ADD manages token passing between all network nodes. Its four aluminum capacitors filter power supply noise for stable transceiver operation. Additionally, the board automatically regenerates the token when a node drops offline. You get automatic network recovery without any operator intervention.

Energy Storage Function

Four aluminum capacitors provide 20 ms of hold-up for the ARCNET controller. They maintain network timing during brief backplane power interruptions. Eight ceramic capacitors decouple high-frequency noise from each IC power pin. Clean power ensures accurate token timing across the entire network. Consequently, data collisions cannot occur with proper board operation.

Installation Steps

Insert this board into a dedicated communications slot in the rack. Align the GE DS200ACNAG1A DS200ACNAG1ADD with its guide rails carefully. Push the board forward until the backplane connector seats fully. Then tighten the two retaining screws to lock the board in place. Connect the network cable to the appropriate front panel connector.

Node Addressing

Set the station address using the eight-position dip switch bank. Switches 1 through 8 define the binary address from 1 to 255. Address 0 serves as a broadcast address for all network nodes. Address 255 acts as the diagnostic node for network testing. No two stations can share the same address on the same network. The board reads the dip switches only during power-up.

Termination Requirements

For coaxial networks, terminate both ends of the backbone cable. Install a 93 ohm terminator at each physical cable end. For fiber networks, termination occurs automatically within each node. Do not add external terminators to fiber optic connections. The GE DS200ACNAG1A DS200ACNAG1ADD provides status LEDs for termination verification.

Network Configuration

Set the baud rate through software configuration only. The default rate of 2.5 Mbps works for most installations. You can select 156 kbps, 625 kbps, or 5 Mbps for special applications. However, all nodes on the same network must use identical rates. The board uses the maximum token timeout of 840 ms by default. Reduce this value for networks with fewer than 32 nodes.

Status Indication

Monitor the three front panel LEDs for network health. Green LED flashes for each token the board receives. Yellow LED illuminates when the board transmits data packets. Red LED indicates a network fault or missing terminator. The GE DS200ACNAG1A DS200ACNAG1ADD also sets a backplane fault bit. Your control logic can monitor this bit for alarm generation.