Woodward 9908-1501 – MicroNet TMR Main CPU (040 MHz PowerPC) Product Overview

Description

Product Overview

The Woodward 9908-1501 is a high-reliability central processing unit (CPU) module designed for the MicroNet TMR (Triple Modular Redundant) control system. This module serves as the primary intelligence for large-scale turbine control and power generation applications where system uptime is critical. The 9908-1501 architecture is built around a 040 MHz PowerPC processor, specifically engineered to handle complex governing and protection algorithms in a redundant environment.

By operating within a TMR framework, the 9908-1501 allows for “two-out-of-three” voting logic. This solves the industrial challenge of single-point failures; if one CPU fails or provides erroneous data, the other two modules override it, ensuring the turbine or engine continues to operate safely without interruption.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Woodward
• Model: 9908-1501
• Warranty: One Year
• Condition: 100% New & Original
• Processor: Motorolla PowerPC 603e (040 MHz)
• Memory: 8 MB Flash, 8 MB DRAM
• Communication: Dual Ethernet ports (10/100 Base-T) and Serial ports (RS-232/RS-422)
• Platform: MicroNet TMR / MicroNet Simplex Systems
• Operating System: VxWorks Real-Time OS
• Clock Speed: 40 MHz
• Programming: Woodward GAP (Graphical Application Programmer)

Key Features & Benefits

• Fault-Tolerant Reliability: Specifically designed for TMR configurations, the 9908-1501 ensures that hardware or software faults do not result in a total system trip, providing 99.999% availability.
• High-Speed Determinism: Running on the VxWorks real-time operating system, the module guarantees that critical control loops—such as fuel valve positioning and speed governing—are executed with microsecond precision.
• Dedicated Ethernet Connectivity: Features integrated Ethernet ports for high-speed data exchange with HMIs, historians, and other networked controllers using standard industrial protocols.
• Robust Diagnostic Suite: The module continuously monitors its own internal temperature, memory integrity, and processor health, reporting any anomalies to the system operator immediately.

Application Scenarios

• Gas and Steam Turbine Control: The 9908-1501 is the standard for managing the complex startup sequences, load sharing, and emergency shutdowns of utility-scale turbines.
• Nuclear Power Plant Auxiliaries: Employed in safety-critical auxiliary systems where redundant control logic is mandated by strict regulatory requirements.
• Large Compressor Trains: Used in petrochemical facilities to manage high-horsepower compressors where a sudden trip could result in millions of dollars in lost production or equipment damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What is the primary function of the 9908-1501?
  • A: It is the main processing engine for Woodward MicroNet systems, responsible for executing the control logic for turbines, engines, and compressors.
• Q: Is the 9908-1501 compatible with Simplex systems?
  • A: Yes, while optimized for TMR (Triple Modular Redundant) systems, it can also be used in Simplex (single CPU) configurations for less critical applications.
• Q: How is this module programmed?
  • A: It is programmed using Woodward’s proprietary GAP (Graphical Application Programmer) software, which allows for function-block based control design.

The Woodward 9908-1501 remains a cornerstone of critical infrastructure control, offering the processing power and redundancy necessary for the world’s most demanding energy and industrial sectors.