DS3800HAIC GE

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: High-Amplitude Isolated Current Output Board

• Part Number: DS3800HAIC

• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)

• System Compatibility: GE Speedtronic Mark IV Turbine Control Systems

• Output Channels: 4 independent isolated current outputs

• Output Type: 4-20mA (standard) or 0-20mA (jumper-selectable), loop-powered

• Drive Capability: Up to 80mA per channel (sourcing or sinking)

• Loop Power: Internal 24Vdc isolated loop power per channel (galvanically isolated)

• Compliance Voltage: 24Vdc (allows driving loads up to 600Ω at 20mA)

• Isolation Voltage: 2500Vrms reinforced isolation per channel (channel-to-channel and channel-to-logic)

• Resolution: 12-bit

• Accuracy: ±0.1% of full scale at 25°C; ±0.02% per °C drift

• Protection: Over-current, short-circuit, and reverse-polarity protection per channel

• Diagnostics: Individual channel fault detection (open-loop, short-circuit) with LED indication

• Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C

• Heat Dissipation: Integrated heatsink for high-power operation

• MTBF: > 160,000 hours (MIL-HDBK-217F)

Key Features & Advantages

• Per-Channel Galvanic Isolation: The GE DS3800HAIC provides individual 2500Vrms reinforced isolation for each output channel, eliminating ground loops and protecting the Mark IV logic from field-side faults.

• High Drive Capability: Delivers up to 80mA per channel, suitable for driving multiple devices in parallel or long cable runs.

• Loop-Powered Outputs: Integrated 24Vdc loop power per channel eliminates external power supplies for 4-20mA loops.

• High Compliance Voltage: 24V compliance drives loads up to 600Ω at 20mA.

• Comprehensive Protection: Over-current, short-circuit, and reverse-polarity protection safeguards the board and field devices.

• Diagnostic LEDs: Front-panel LEDs indicate output status and fault conditions per channel.

• Extended Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C suits harsh environments.

• Isolation for Safety: Ideal for applications requiring intrinsic safety barriers or where ground potential differences exist.

Typical Application Cases

• Explosive Atmospheres (Ex/ATEX): Provides galvanic isolation suitable for driving devices in hazardous areas when used with appropriate external barriers.

• Long-Distance Signal Transmission: Drives 4-20mA signals over distances up to 1200m with complete isolation to prevent ground loops.

• I/P (Current-to-Pressure) Converters: Drives I/P converters for pneumatic valve actuators with full isolation.

• Valve Positioners: Provides 4-20mA control signals for smart and analog valve positioners.

• Remote I/O Powering: Supplies isolated loop power and control signals to remote transmitters and actuators.

Competitive Comparison

The GE DS3800HAIC is a more cost-effective alternative to the HAIA series for applications that require per-channel isolation but can accept slightly lower current capability.

Selection Guidelines & Precautions

1. Isolation Requirements: The GE DS3800HAIC provides 2500Vrms per channel. Ensure this meets your system’s safety and isolation requirements.

2. Loop Configuration: Verify sourcing or sinking mode for your field devices. Set jumpers accordingly.

3. Load Resistance: Calculate total loop resistance (device + cable). The GE DS3800HAIC drives up to 600Ω at 20mA. Exceeding this will cause saturation.

4. Loop Power: Each channel has its own isolated loop power. Ensure field devices do not have their own power supply to avoid conflicts.

5. Cable Length: Supports cables up to 1200m. For longer runs, reduce load or use a repeater.

6. Short-Circuit Protection: Protected, but repeated shorting may affect reliability.

7. Commissioning: Use a precision current meter to verify each channel. Calibrate using onboard trimmers if necessary.

8. Wiring: Use shielded twisted-pair cables; ground shield at board end only. Do not connect the shield to the isolated output circuit.

9. ESD Handling: Use ESD-safe practices.

10. Sourcing: Obsolete. Request functional test report including:

    • All 4 channels tested at 4mA and 20mA

    • Load regulation test (up to 600Ω)

    • Loop power verification (24V per channel)

    • Isolation test (2500Vrms per channel, channel-to-channel)

    • Sourcing/sinking mode verification

    • Over-current and reverse-polarity protection validation

    • Short-circuit protection test

11. Spare Strategy: Keep one spare GE DS3800HAIC on-site for critical isolated 4-20mA control applications. If you require higher current capability (>80mA), consider the DS3800HAIA series instead.