Description
Key Technical Specifications
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Model Number: 5X00121G01
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Manufacturer: Emerson (formerly Westinghouse)
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Function: Graphics/video controller + serial/parallel I/O interface for Ovation operator workstations
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Module Power: 220 VAC ±10 %, 30 kHz ±2 % internal carrier
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Data Rate: 1 Gbps optical link (when fitted), 115 kbaud RS-485
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Connectors: VGA (HD-15), RS-232/485 (DB-9), proprietary back-plane edge, +5 V / +12 V stab pins
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Isolation: 2 kV basic module-to-bus; transformer-coupled carrier
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Operating Temperature: –40…+85 °C module; conformal-coated PCB
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Protection Degree: IP67 (module), IP20 back-plane section
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Dimensions / Weight: 120 × 50 × 165 mm, 0.37 kg typical
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MTBF: 250 000 h (module)
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Status: Factory discontinued – new & tested spares available
WESTINGHOUSE 5X00121G01
Field Application & Problem Solved
In the field the biggest headache is losing the operator workstation—one failed graphics or I/O board and the HMI goes blank while the controllers keep running blind. The 5X00121G01 lives inside the Ovation operator PC: it generates VGA for the monitors, bridges serial/parallel ports, and repeats the 30 kHz carrier to the keyboard/touch-screen. You’ll typically find one per operator console on Frame-7/9 peakers—swap time is under five minutes with the unit on turning gear. Core value: it collapses a VGA controller, RS-485 bridge, and 30 kHz carrier repeater into one 0.37 kg plug-in board you can hot-swap without shutting down the controllers.
In the field the biggest headache is losing the operator workstation—one failed graphics or I/O board and the HMI goes blank while the controllers keep running blind. The 5X00121G01 lives inside the Ovation operator PC: it generates VGA for the monitors, bridges serial/parallel ports, and repeats the 30 kHz carrier to the keyboard/touch-screen. You’ll typically find one per operator console on Frame-7/9 peakers—swap time is under five minutes with the unit on turning gear. Core value: it collapses a VGA controller, RS-485 bridge, and 30 kHz carrier repeater into one 0.37 kg plug-in board you can hot-swap without shutting down the controllers.
Installation & Maintenance Pitfalls (Expert Tips)
VGA Cable Must Be Fully Seated – Or the Screen Stays Black
The HD-15 connector works loose with vibration. If you push it in only halfway the blue channel drops out and the operator sees a magenta display—tighten the thumb-screws and tug-test before you close the console door .
The HD-15 connector works loose with vibration. If you push it in only halfway the blue channel drops out and the operator sees a magenta display—tighten the thumb-screws and tug-test before you close the console door .
+5 V / +12 V Rails Must Be Present – Or the Board Never Boots
The board draws power from the workstation back-plane. If the ATX supply droops the board hangs at POST and the console never comes online—meter +5 V and +12 V at the edge fingers; replace the supply if either rail is < 4.85 V.
The board draws power from the workstation back-plane. If the ATX supply droops the board hangs at POST and the console never comes online—meter +5 V and +12 V at the edge fingers; replace the supply if either rail is < 4.85 V.
30 kHz Carrier Drifts with Temperature – Re-Trim Every Major
After five summers at 70 °C the internal ceramic resonator drifts 2 % and the keyboard/touch-screen become erratic. Run the built-in cal routine in Ovation Control Studio or you’ll chase “keyboard not responding” faults that aren’t real .
After five summers at 70 °C the internal ceramic resonator drifts 2 % and the keyboard/touch-screen become erratic. Run the built-in cal routine in Ovation Control Studio or you’ll chase “keyboard not responding” faults that aren’t real .
Spare Lead-Time Is 6-8 Weeks – Keep One on the Shelf
Factory stock is gone; new & tested spares are available but not overnight. If you crack a layer or burn the VGA DAC you’ll be down until the part arrives—keep one in stores or you’ll discover the weakness during the next grid event.
Factory stock is gone; new & tested spares are available but not overnight. If you crack a layer or burn the VGA DAC you’ll be down until the part arrives—keep one in stores or you’ll discover the weakness during the next grid event.
WESTINGHOUSE 5X00121G01
Technical Deep Dive & Overview
Internally the board is a multi-function PCB bolted to a 2 kV isolation barrier. The left half hosts a VGA controller chip and video DAC; the right half contains a UART/RS-485 transceiver and a 30 kHz Wien-bridge oscillator that clocks the keyboard/touch-screen interface. Lose the 220 VAC rail and the board stops generating video; lose the oscillator and the operator can’t log in. No firmware to reload—pure hardware—so you can hot-swap it: pull the old board, land the VGA and serial cables exactly where they came from, snap the edge connector in, and the console boots again in under thirty seconds.
Internally the board is a multi-function PCB bolted to a 2 kV isolation barrier. The left half hosts a VGA controller chip and video DAC; the right half contains a UART/RS-485 transceiver and a 30 kHz Wien-bridge oscillator that clocks the keyboard/touch-screen interface. Lose the 220 VAC rail and the board stops generating video; lose the oscillator and the operator can’t log in. No firmware to reload—pure hardware—so you can hot-swap it: pull the old board, land the VGA and serial cables exactly where they came from, snap the edge connector in, and the console boots again in under thirty seconds.
