Description
The Woodward 5466-409 is a high-performance central processing unit (CPU) module designed for the MicroNet and MicroNet Plus integrated control systems. This module serves as the primary intelligence for steam and gas turbine control, reciprocating engine management, and compressor control applications. Built on a PowerPC architecture, the 5466-409 executes complex control algorithms developed in Woodward’s Graphical Application Programmer (GAP) software environment, providing deterministic real-time processing and high-speed data exchange across the MicroNet VME backplane.
Commercial and Availability Status
-
Condition: New Original (Factory Sealed Surplus)
-
Warranty: 12-Month Comprehensive Warranty
-
Availability: In Stock
-
Lead Time: Ships within 1 to 2 business days
-
Pricing Note: Price is subject to market supply and demand. Contact our technical sales team for a firm, itemized commercial quote.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification / Value |
| Model Number | 5466-409 |
| Processor Architecture | PowerPC (Motorola MPC74x7 series) |
| Processor Speed | 600 MHz (typical) |
| Memory (DRAM) | 128 MB |
| Flash Memory | 64 MB (Non-volatile storage for GAP application) |
| Backplane Interface | VMEbus (Standard MicroNet TMR/Simplex) |
| Operating System | VxWorks Real-Time OS |
| Communication Ports | 2x Ethernet (10/100 Base-T), 1x RS-232, 1x RS-422/485 |
| Protocols Supported | Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, EtherNet/IP, CANOpen |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C (+32 to +131 °F) |
| Vibration/Shock | Meets Lloyd’s Register and ABS Marine Standards |
Technical Architecture and Communication
The 5466-409 CPU is a “Long-Board” VME-based module that occupies a single slot in the MicroNet chassis. It is engineered to handle the intensive computational requirements of modern turbine control, including multi-loop PID execution, sequence-of-events (SOE) logging, and high-fidelity protection logic.
Connectivity and Integration
-
Dual Ethernet Ports: The two independent Ethernet interfaces allow for redundant Control Network (CNET) configurations. This ensures that a single cable failure or network switch malfunction does not interrupt communication between the CPU and the HMI (Human Machine Interface) or SCADA system.
-
Service Port: A dedicated RS-232 port provides access for Control Assistant or SOS (Service Online Software), allowing field engineers to perform low-level diagnostics, kernel updates, and application loading.
-
VMEbus Mastering: The module acts as the VMEbus master, coordinating all I/O data refreshes for specialized Woodward modules such as the LinkNet HT, 5466-316 Speed modules, and various analog/digital I/O cards.
Engineering and Deployment Guidelines
1. GAP Application Loading
The 5466-409 requires a compiled application file (.p7h or .p7g) generated via Woodward GAP. Before deploying a new CPU, verify that the GAP version matches the Coder version residing on the module’s Flash memory. Firmware and kernel versions must be harmonized across the redundant CPU pair if operating in a MicroNet Plus redundant configuration.
2. Redundancy Logic
In redundant MicroNet Plus systems, two 5466-409 modules operate in a primary/standby arrangement.
-
Synchronization: Data is synchronized across the VME backplane via a dedicated High-Speed Data Link (HSDL).
-
Switchover: If the primary CPU detects an internal hardware fault (e.g., memory parity error or watchdog timeout), it relinquishes control to the standby CPU within a single task cycle (typically 5 ms to 20 ms), preventing a turbine trip.
3. Real-Time Clock (RTC) Battery
The module contains an onboard battery to maintain the Real-Time Clock and retentive memory variables.
Maintenance Note: If the CPU loses its system time after a power cycle, the onboard lithium battery is likely depleted. While the control logic remains stored in non-volatile Flash, retentive variables (such as hour meters or setpoints not saved to permanent memory) may be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 5466-409 backward compatible with the older 5466-316 CPU?
While both are PowerPC-based, the 5466-409 offers significantly higher processing speeds and expanded memory. You can often migrate applications from the 5466-316 to the 5466-409, but it requires a re-compile in the GAP environment and a verification of the VMEbus timing parameters to ensure I/O modules remain synchronized.
What does a solid RED “FAULT” LED indicate on power-up?
A solid red FAULT LED during the boot sequence indicates a POST (Power-On Self-Test) failure. This usually stems from a memory fault or an invalid kernel image in the Flash memory. Attempt to connect via the serial service port to view the boot-up diagnostic log for specific error codes.
Can the Ethernet ports be used for third-party Modbus TCP communication?
Yes. The 5466-409 supports Modbus TCP as a standard protocol. Engineers can configure the Ethernet ports to act as either a Master (Client) or Slave (Server) to interface with third-party PLCs, such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens, without needing an external gateway.
