GE IS220PAICH1A | Original Mark VIe Analog I/O Pack

• Model & Brand: GE IS220PAICH1A
• Functional Designation: PAIC
• Product Family: GE Mark VIe Control
• Part Type: Analog Input/Output Pack
• Primary Function: Interfaces up to 10 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs between the Mark VIe I/O network and compatible analog terminal boards.
• Input Power: 28 VDC, with secondary technical records specifying up to approximately 0.50 A.
• Analog Inputs: 10 channels
• Analog Outputs: 2 channels
• Physical Dimensions: Approximately 120 × 80 × 40 mm for one current revision listing; other commercial records publish larger packed dimensions, so use the actual unit for freight master data.
• Estimated Net Weight: Approximately 0.36–0.50 kg, depending on revision and whether the source measurement includes mechanical hardware.
• Estimated Shipping Weight: Approximately 0.7–1.0 kg with ESD shielding, cushioning, and export carton.
• Ethernet: 2 × RJ-45
• Field Interface: DC-37 connector
• Infrared Interface: Local diagnostic serial communication through an infrared port.
• Compatible Terminal Boards: IS200STAIH1A, IS200STAIH2A, and IS200TBAIH1C in the documented Mark VIe/ATEX configuration.
• Typical Installation: Mark VIe distributed I/O architecture
• What’s in the Box: IS220PAICH1A I/O pack unless the purchase order expressly includes the compatible terminal board, mounting hardware, cables, or other accessories.
• Revision Control: Retain the complete hardware revision with the stock record; current market listings separately identify versions such as Rev. E.

Product Introduction

The GE IS220PAICH1A mounts onto a compatible Mark VIe analog terminal board and forms the active electronics portion of the PAIC analog I/O interface. GE’s system guide specifies 10 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs, with the first eight inputs configurable for voltage or current signals and the final two intended for current inputs. The pack communicates through one or two I/O Ethernet networks and connects to the terminal board through a DC-37 interface.

For brownfield asset control, the terminal-board pairing is just as important as the PAIC part number. GE’s current certification documentation specifically identifies IS200STAIH1A, IS200STAIH2A, and IS200TBAIH1C as compatible accessory terminal boards for IS220PAICH1A. A replacement pack should therefore be released against the complete I/O assembly configuration, not against the PAIC label alone.

Core Technical Specifications

GE’s system guide states that the PAICH1 provides 10 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs, while the H2 version adds special hardware for 0–200 mA output current on the first output. That distinction is important: PAICH1A should not be replaced by PAICH2 hardware simply because the connector arrangement looks similar.

GE IS220PAICH1A

Global Compliance & Industry Certifications

The IS220PAICH1A has specific hazardous-location certification context, which is stronger than a generic “industrial I/O” description.

• CE Mark: Verify the Declaration of Conformity applicable to the exact Mark VIe hardware revision and terminal-board combination.
• UL/cUL: Do not assign standalone UL/cUL status to the loose PAIC unless the applicable GE certification record covers the supplied configuration.
• ATEX: GE’s type-examination certificate specifically lists with IS200STAIH1A, IS200STAIH2A, or IS200TBAIH1C accessory terminal boards and identifies the applicable protection method for the certified arrangement.
• IECEx: The Mark VIe certification documentation also covers the PAICH1A family in the applicable certified configuration.
• Hazardous Location: The documented protection method includes Ex ic nA [ic] IIC T4 Gc for the relevant configuration. This certification applies to the defined equipment arrangement and installation conditions, not to arbitrary combinations of the pack and unrelated terminal boards.
• Marine / DNV: No standalone DNV approval was established for the individual PAICH1A pack from the reviewed material.
• EMC: Applicable Mark VIe system documentation should be retained for EMC conformity and installation requirements.
• Functional Safety: Standard PAIC hardware should not be represented as a Mark VIeS safety I/O module. GE lists IS220YAICS1A separately for the Mark VIeS safety analog function.

The hazardous-area point is particularly important. An Ex-certified Mark VIe configuration does not authorize arbitrary mixing of I/O packs, terminal boards, and revisions. The certified combination, wiring method, enclosure, and environmental conditions all matter.

Verify specific lot certifications with OEM.

Long-Term Storage & Asset Preservation Guide

Keep the PAICH1A in its original ESD shielding bag. The DC-37 connector, dual Ethernet ports, power interface, and populated electronics should remain protected against conductive contamination and impact.

Maintain warehouse humidity below 60% RH where practical. The operating environment can tolerate substantially higher non-condensing humidity, but a dry, stable warehouse is preferable for multi-year electronic preservation.

Protect the mating connector carefully. Do not store the pack resting on its DC-37 interface or with another board pressing against the RJ-45 connectors. Connector damage can create intermittent I/O faults that are difficult to reproduce.

Record the hardware revision. Current commercial records identify later PAICH1A revisions such as Rev. E, while GE’s certification material separately distinguishes the Mark VIe hardware configurations. Keep the complete revision identification in the warehouse master rather than using only “.”

Physical Installation Prerequisites

The is an I/O pack mounted onto a Mark VIe analog terminal board, not a conventional DIN-rail card. The PAIC architecture uses the terminal board for field termination while the I/O pack performs the active signal acquisition and network communication.

Terminal-board match: Verify IS200STAIH1A, IS200STAIH2A, or IS200TBAIH1C as applicable. This is not optional when certification or application compatibility is involved.

Power: Use the Mark VIe power arrangement and verify the 28 VDC nominal supply before energization. Do not apply power directly to arbitrary connector pins during bench testing.

Mechanical alignment: Seat the PAIC squarely onto the terminal board and secure the mounting hardware evenly. Never use the DC-37 connector to pull the pack into alignment.

Cooling: Preserve the cabinet airflow around the I/O pack and terminal board. Do not impose an arbitrary 50 mm clearance where the original Mark VIe enclosure defines a different spacing.

Ethernet: Preserve the intended ENET1/ENET2 network assignment. In redundant Mark VIe systems, accidental network crossover can complicate fault diagnosis.

Grounding: Follow the Mark VIe protective-earth and signal-shielding arrangement. Do not substitute analog returns for protective-earth conductors.

Hazardous-area installations: Where the pack is used under ATEX/IECEx approval, verify the exact certified terminal-board pairing and installation conditions before replacement.

Buyer’s FAQ — Logistics & Compliance Focus

Q: What HS Tariff Code should I use for ?
A: A classification under HS 8538.90 is commonly considered for a specialized I/O module used with electrical control equipment. However, the final national tariff code depends on the destination country’s tariff schedule and customs interpretation. Provide the broker with the precise description: GE Mark VIe PAIC Analog Input/Output Pack, 10 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs.

Q: What Country of Origin should appear on the commercial invoice?
A: Use the actual manufacturing origin supported by the unit’s nameplate, manufacturer records, or formal COO declaration. Some commercial listings report USA, but a supplier listing should not replace lot-specific evidence. Retain the nameplate image, serial number, COO record, invoice, and packing list together.

Q: Should I insure one PAICH1A during international shipment?
A: Yes when the I/O pack supports a production-critical Mark VIe system. At roughly 0.36–0.50 kg, the physical freight exposure is modest, but the operational consequence of losing an analog I/O channel group can be significant. Use ESD protection, rigid cushioning around the DC-37 connector, moisture protection, tracking, and cargo insurance based on the documented replacement value.

Q: Does the include the latest firmware pre-loaded?
A: Do not assume it. The contains active processor and acquisition electronics, so software compatibility depends on the installed Mark VIe system generation and I/O configuration. The critical acceptance checks are the hardware revision, ControlST compatibility, terminal-board pairing, application configuration, and network architecture rather than a generic “latest firmware” statement.

Q: Can I replace with PAICH2A?
A: Not automatically. GE’s system guide states that the PAICH2 has additional circuitry supporting up to 0–200 mA on the first analog output, while PAICH1 is the standard two-output configuration. The functional difference can affect actuator or control-loop compatibility, so the replacement should match the original part and terminal-board configuration.