Frequently Asked Questions - GE D20 Technical Overview

GE Grid Solutions

5. Frequently Asked Questions

The following section responds to some frequently asked questions about the D20 and D200:
5.1 What is the performance of the D20 and D200?
The performance of D20 and D200 systems depend on a number of factors. These include:
1. The number of applications running in the system; automation applications such as
LogicLinx can consume extensive CPU resources when running large algorithms
2. The number of D20 peripherals
3. The number of communication ports being used
4. The number of devices attached to each communication port
5. The baud rate or total baud rate of the system (the total baud rate is the combined baud rate
of each of the active communication ports)
6. If the system is Ethernet equipped
7. The number of nodes or D20ME processors
GE recommends that you consult with us to ensure that proper design considerations have been
taken into account to maximum the performance of your D20/D200 system.
5.2 What is the difference between the D20 and the D200?
The D200, which uses the same hardware modules as those used in the D20, has a much higher
capacity than the D20. The D200's larger chassis can support up to seven vertically mounted
D20ME II processors, which, in turn, are each capable of supporting two D.20 and seven RS-
232/485 ports. GE recommends that our customers consult with us when using more that four
D20ME or D20ME II processors to ensure proper system performance.
Where a D20 can support two D.20 and seven RS-232 or RS-485 ports, the D200 can be
equipped with up to:
− Two redundant D.20 channels, supporting up to 240 I/O peripherals (120 per redundant
pair)
− 49 RS-232 or RS-485 ports (seven per D20ME II Main Processor)
5.3 Will VME cards work with my non-VME systems?
No. VME cards may appear to work in non-VME chassis; however, they are not designed or
tested to do so. Non-terminated VME circuitry can cause unexpected RTU resets or failures. GE
Grid Solutions does not endorse the use of VME D20/D200 cards in non-VME systems, or vice
versa.
GE Information
D20/D200 Technical Overview
PRPI-019-3.00-10
85