Description
Product Introduction
The Woodward 5501-465 is a heavy-duty power supply module engineered for Woodward MicroNet and MicroNet TMR (Triple Modular Redundant) control chassis. Installed directly into the chassis power slots, it converts raw 24VDC station power into low-noise, tightly regulated DC supply rails required by CPU processors, memory cards, and digital/analog I/O expansion modules across the backplane.
Unlike commercial power cards prone to thermal drift under continuous heavy loading, the 5501-465 features industrial-grade filtering, overvoltage protection, and high surge suppression. It maintains stable backplane power even during severe battery-bank voltage dips or external line transients, preventing sudden CPU logic resets in critical turbine control systems.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Compatible Platform | MicroNet Simplex & MicroNet TMR Chassis |
| Input Voltage Range | 18 to 32 VDC (24 VDC nominal) |
| Output Voltages | Regulated +5 VDC, \pm 15 VDC, +24 VDC backplane rails |
| Efficiency | >80\% at full rated backplane load |
| Isolation Rating | 500 Vrms input-to-output and input-to-chassis ground |
| Diagnostics & Alarms | Front panel Power/Fault LEDs, discrete power-ok relay contacts |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +70°C ambient |
| Mounting | Dedicated MicroNet chassis power slot (Ejector handles) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
When a chassis power supply drops out in a single-bus turbine control rack, fuel valves trip closed instantly, taking down the entire generator train. In one field emergency at a paper mill, an aging power module developed thermal drift on its +5V rail under high ambient cabinet temperatures, causing random CPU memory faults every few days. Swapping in a pre-tested 5501-465 stabilized the internal supply rails, eliminated the spurious processor reboots, and restored full production line availability.
- Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine MicroNet Racks – Delivering clean, ripple-free backplane current to high-density CPU and I/O cards in high-temperature enclosures.
- Steam Turbine Trip & Throttle Systems – Maintaining uninterrupted logic power through station battery transfer switching routines.
- Offshore Compressor Train Controls – Operating continuously under high vibration and humid maritime conditions on offshore platforms.

5501-465

5501-465
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship boxes; we test them on actual Woodward MicroNet test chassis. Every 5501-465 power module goes through our rigorous 5-step bench validation protocol before shipping:
- Inbound Mechanical Audit: Comprehensive check of backplane multi-pin connectors, chassis heat sinks, and casing structural integrity.
- Full-Load Thermal Burn-In: Powered at maximum input voltage (32 VDC) and subjected to a 4-hour full rated load burn-in to verify thermal dissipation.
- Ripple & Noise Measurement: Output DC rails (+5V, \pm 15V) are scope-tested to confirm voltage ripple stays well below maximum OEM tolerances.
- Fault Logic & Relay Check: Input undervoltage and overvoltage conditions are simulated to verify front diagnostic LEDs and power-ok alarm contacts function properly.
- ESD-Safe Preparation: Backplane connectors are cleaned with contact enhancer, and the module is wrapped in heavy static-shielding bags.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
- ⚠️ Never Pull Under Live Backplane Load: Pulling a 5501-465 module out of a live chassis while powering active CPUs will cause an inductive voltage kick across the backplane. Isolate input station power first, or verify the second redundant supply is carrying full rack load before removing.
- ❗ Check Input Power Polarity and Wire Gauge: Reversing 24VDC feed polarities or using under-sized supply wiring will cause significant voltage drops during high backplane current draws. Use short, high-gauge power leads to avoid low-voltage shutoffs during startup spikes.
- ⚠️ Inspect the Chassis Backplane Slot First: Before sliding the replacement 5501-465 card into the rack, shine a light into the power supply slot. Look for bent backplane pins or debris from an older blown module—inserting a fresh card into a shorted slot will damage the new module instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Can I run dual 5501-465 power modules for redundancy?
A: Yes. MicroNet chassis support dual power supply modules operating in parallel diode-OR’d configurations, allowing seamless load sharing and hot-standby power redundancy.
Q: What happens if the input voltage drops below 18 VDC?
A: The 5501-465 will trigger its internal low-voltage lockout logic, drop its “Power OK” alarm contact, and shut down backplane rails cleanly to prevent erratic CPU code execution.
Q: Does the 5501-465 power module require software configuration or GAP programming?
A: No. The 5501-465 is a purely hardware-based power conversion module. It begins delivering regulated DC power to the backplane immediately upon applying valid input voltage.
Q: What condition are these surplus units in?
A: We stock both factory-sealed New Surplus modules and fully reconditioned, load-tested surplus units. Every unit is 100% electrically validated under load before leaving our shop.
Q: What warranty is included with this power card?
A: All Woodward 5501-465 power supply modules sold come backed by a full 12-month replacement warranty from the invoice date.




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