Description
Product Overview
The WOODWARD 8200-1300 is a Digital Speed Control Unit that serves as a core component within Woodward’s 8200 series of digital speed controls/electronic governors. This specific model functions as the main control module or printed circuit board (PCB) assembly for the 8200-13XX product line. It is a dedicated, microprocessor-based electronic controller designed to regulate the speed (RPM) of a prime mover—primarily diesel, gas, or dual-fuel engines, and also gas/steam turbines—by controlling its fuel actuator. The 8200-1300 is the hardware platform that executes Woodward’s proprietary control algorithms, receiving signals from speed sensors and other process inputs, and sending precise output signals to a fuel valve, hydraulic actuator, or other final control element to maintain a set speed or load.
The core value of the 8200-1300 lies in its deterministic, high-integrity control for critical mechanical drive systems. It is engineered for reliability and precision in applications where stable speed is paramount, such as power generation, marine propulsion, and industrial mechanical drives. Unlike a generic PLC, it is a purpose-built, application-specific controller optimized for fast response, high reliability, and ease of tuning for engine/turbine dynamics. For operators and maintainers of generator sets, pump drives, or compressor packages, the 8200-1300 represents the «brain» of the governor system, directly responsible for engine stability, load acceptance, and protection against overspeed. Its model number indicates it is part of a specific, well-established control family with known performance and support characteristics.
Technical Specifications
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Parameter Name
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Parameter Value
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Product Model
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WOODWARD 8200-1300
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Manufacturer
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Woodward, Inc. (A global leader in industrial control systems for prime movers)
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Product Series
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8200 Digital Speed Control Series (specifically, the platform for the 8200-1300/1400/1500 models)
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Primary Function
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Digital Electronic Governor Control Module / Main PCB Assembly
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Core Processing & Control
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Processor: Dedicated microprocessor (likely a 16/32-bit unit) for deterministic, real-time control.
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Control Modes: Typically includes Isochronous Speed Control (constant speed regardless of load), Droop Speed Control (speed decreases proportionally with load for parallel operation), and often Load Sharing/Control (when used with additional modules or cards).
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Control Algorithm: Implements Woodward’s proprietary PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control algorithm, optimized for prime mover dynamics, with adjustable gains for stability and response.
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Inputs: Accepts signals from magnetic speed sensors (MPU) for primary speed feedback. Often includes auxiliary analog inputs for setpoint, load reference, or process control.
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Outputs: Provides a primary ±200 mA or ±150 mA output signal to drive a Woodward electric actuator (e.g., EG, EG-3P, EGB series) or an I/P (Current-to-Pressure) transducer for a hydraulic actuator.Hardware & Interfaces
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Form Factor: A printed circuit board (PCB) designed to be installed within a Woodward 8200-13XX enclosure or a customer’s panel. It is the central computing element of the unit.
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Communications: Earlier models may have a serial port (RS-232/RS-485) for connection to a PC with Woodward’s ToolKit software for configuration and tuning. Later versions or with add-on cards may support Modbus, CANbus, or proprietary networks.
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Indicators: Includes status LEDs on the board for power, CPU activity, and fault indications.
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Configuration Interface: On-board DIP switches or rotary switches for basic configuration (e.g., number of MPU pulses per revolution, actuator type). Advanced tuning is done via PC software.Electrical & Environmental
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Power Supply: Typically operates from a wide-range 10-35 V DC input, common in mobile and industrial power systems.
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Operating Temperature: Industrial grade, typically -25 to +70°C (-13 to +158°F)
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Certifications: Designed to meet industrial and marine standards for vibration, shock, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Key Features and Advantages
Purpose-Built for Prime Mover Control: The 8200-1300 is not a general-purpose controller. Its hardware and software are specifically optimized for the fast, stable control of engines and turbines. It provides deterministic loop execution times and control algorithms that are field-proven over decades.
Robust and Reliable Design: Woodward governors are renowned for their durability in harsh environments (high vibration, temperature extremes, electrical noise). The 8200-1300 PCB is built to these standards, ensuring continuous operation in critical applications like emergency power generation.
Precise and Tunable Performance: The module provides exceptional speed regulation (e.g., ±0.25% steady-state speed regulation). Its control parameters (gain, reset, derivative, compensation) are highly tunable via Woodward’s ToolKit software, allowing engineers to optimize the dynamic response (stability, recovery time) for the specific engine and load characteristics.
Integrated Protection and Diagnostics: The controller incorporates critical protection features such as overspeed detection and shutdown. It also provides diagnostics for faults like loss of speed signal (MPU failure), actuator faults, and internal errors, enhancing system safety.
Application Areas
The WOODWARD 8200-1300 control module is the heart of governing systems for reciprocating engines and turbines across industries where precise speed control is critical for safety, efficiency, and power quality.
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Power Generation:
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Generator Sets (Gensets): Governing diesel or gas generator sets for prime power, standby/emergency power, and load sharing in parallel applications. This is its most common application.
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Generator Control Panels: Integrated into switchgear and control panels for complete genset management.
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Marine Propulsion: Governing the main engines and auxiliary engines on ships and workboats.
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Oil & Gas Industry: Governing engines driving pumps, compressors, and fracturing equipment in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
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Industrial Mechanical Drive: Governing engines used to drive pumps, blowers, and other large mechanical loads in mining, water treatment, and manufacturing.
Related Products
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Woodward Electric Actuator: The final control element driven by the 8200-1300’s output (e.g., EG-3P actuator).
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Magnetic Pickup (MPU): The speed sensor that provides RPM feedback to the controller (e.g., Woodward 9907-xxx).
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Power Supply Module: Provides clean DC power to the 8200-1300 board within the enclosure.
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I/O Expansion Cards (if applicable): For additional analog/digital inputs and outputs (e.g., 8237-xxx cards for the 8200 platform).
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Communication Card: For adding network protocols like Modbus TCP/IP or J1939.
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Woodward ToolKit Software & Cable: The essential configuration, tuning, and diagnostic software (ToolKit) and the proprietary PC-to-controller communication cable (e.g., 9900-xxx).
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Enclosure: The 8200-13XX chassis that houses the 8200-1300 PCB, power supply, and other cards.

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