Description
1. Unboxing & Physical Snapshot
- Model & Brand: Westinghouse / Emerson (Ovation Control Architecture), Part Number 3A99158G01 (System Backplane PCB)
- Physical Dimensions: 12.5 inches x 0.1 inches x 6.0 inches (318 mm x 3 mm x 152 mm)
- Estimated Shipping Weight: 3.8 lbs (1.72 kg) enclosed in multi-layer anti-static bubble wrapping
- What’s in the Box: Printed circuit backplane assembly, metallized ESD shielding bag, desiccant packet, and factory traceability tracking slip (mounting hardware and metal chassis frame sold separately)
2. Product Introduction
Designed to serve as the structural and electrical communication spine inside an Ovation controller sub-rack, this heavy copper-layer backplane board routes power and data signals between inserted modules. (—which requires absolute trace precision to prevent signal attenuation across high-speed system buses). Instrument technicians mount the circuit board carefully onto precision-machined metal standoffs during enclosure overhauls.
Within the distributed control system layout, this board connects system power supplies directly to node processors. Because active copper traces run across the entire length of the substrate, proper grounding via low-impedance chassis straps remains mandatory for mitigating high-frequency electrical noise.
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Ovation system backplane printed circuit board |
| Operating Voltage | +5 VDC / +12 VDC / +24 VDC internal distribution |
| Current Handling | Up to 12A total bus capacity |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Bus Architecture | Proprietary Ovation node communication standard |
| Board Material | Multi-layer FR-4 glass epoxy with gold-plated fingers |
| Physical Weight | 2.8 lbs (backplane board only) |
4. Global Compliance & Industry Certifications
Regulatory auditors require complete documentation packages for all core electrical backplanes integrated into continuous industrial control architectures. Expected compliance markers for this tier of hardware include the CE Mark for European conformity and UL/cUL Listed status for industrial control equipment.
The UL designation verifies that internal copper trace spacing and dielectric substrates satisfy rigorous fire and electrical safety standards, protecting the node rack from catastrophic short-circuit failures. (—a primary checkpoint during facility insurance risk assessments).
Audit Note: Verify specific lot certifications and date codes directly with the OEM prior to installation in safety-instrumented systems.
5. Long-Term Storage & Asset Preservation Guide
Spare backplane boards frequently spend years on warehouse shelves awaiting emergency plant upgrades. Protect this asset using strict preservation protocols:
- Leave the circuit board hermetically sealed inside its original metallized anti-static (ESD) shielding bag to isolate delicate multi-layer traces from airborne chemical pollutants and atmospheric moisture.
- Keep the warehouse environment strictly climate-controlled so that relative humidity remains below 60%, preventing micro-oxidation on the gold-plated connector fingers.
- Inspect the board periodically for structural warping or stress fractures around mounting screw holes during routine inventory audits.
6. Physical Installation Prerequisites
- Ensure the host sub-rack chassis is unpowered and locked out before attempting backplane replacement or mechanical alignment.
- Bolt the printed circuit board securely to all metal chassis standoffs using the specified torque limits to maintain structural ground continuity.
- Verify that all backplane edge connectors are clean and free of particulate debris prior to sliding processor modules into the rack slots.
7. Buyer’s FAQ (Logistics & Compliance Focus)
Q: What Harmonized System (HS) code applies to the international import of this backplane board?
A: Industrial electronic backplanes and control system parts typically classify under HS code 8538.90 (parts suitable for use solely or principally with control apparatus). Verify final classification parameters with your licensed customs broker.
Q: Does the declared Country of Origin (COO) affect export control screenings?
A: Yes, tracking the verified COO dictates whether specific Export Administration Regulations (EAR) apply during cross-border freight transfers.
Q: What level of transit insurance is recommended for legacy backplane shipments?
A: Full replacement-value shipping insurance is mandatory because large circuit boards are susceptible to flex damage if mishandled by courier networks.
Q: Do surplus backplane assemblies include pre-installed mounting hardware?
A: Units generally ship as standalone circuit boards; technicians must retain and reuse existing chassis standoffs and mounting screws from the host rack.
