DS3800HAIC1B1A GE

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: High-Amplitude Isolated Current Output Board (Revision 1B1A)

• Part Number: DS3800HAIC1B1A

• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)

• System Compatibility: GE Speedtronic Mark IV Turbine Control Systems (Rev. L and later)

• Output Channels: 4 independent isolated current outputs

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

• Drive Capability: Up to 90mA per channel (sourcing or sinking) – improved

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

• Compliance Voltage: 26Vdc (allows driving loads up to 650Ω at 20mA) – improved

• Isolation Voltage: 2500Vrms reinforced isolation per channel (upgraded from 1500Vrms)

• Resolution: 12-bit

• Accuracy: ±0.1% of full scale at 25°C; ±0.015% per °C drift – improved

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

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

• Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C (extended)

• Heat Dissipation: Enhanced integrated heatsink with thermal monitoring

• MTBF: > 180,000 hours (MIL-HDBK-217F)

Key Features & Advantages

• Reinforced Isolation: The GE DS3800HAIC1B1A provides 2500Vrms isolation per channel (upgraded from 1500Vrms), offering superior ground loop and transient protection.

• Higher Drive Capability: Delivers up to 90mA per channel, providing additional margin for driving multiple devices or longer cable runs.

• Higher Compliance Voltage: 26V compliance drives loads up to 650Ω at 20mA, accommodating a wider range of field devices.

• Enhanced Diagnostics: Individual channel fault detection (open-loop, short-circuit, over-temperature) with LED indication aids troubleshooting.

• Improved Accuracy: ±0.015% per °C drift ensures better precision in fluctuating temperatures.

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

• Improved Thermal Management: Enhanced heatsink with thermal monitoring allows sustained high-current operation.

• Loop-Powered Outputs: Integrated 24Vdc loop power per channel eliminates external power supplies.

Typical Application Cases

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

• Long-Distance Signal Transmission: Drives 4-20mA signals over distances up to 1300m with complete isolation.

• 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 positioners.

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

• Harsh Environment Installations: Extended temperature range suits offshore, arctic, or desert sites.

Competitive Comparison

The GE DS3800HAIC1B1A offers significant improvements over the “1A1A” revision in isolation, drive capability, accuracy, and environmental tolerance.

Selection Guidelines & Precautions

1. Isolation Requirements: Provides 2500Vrms per channel. Ensure this meets your system’s safety requirements.

2. Loop Configuration: Verify sourcing or sinking mode. Set jumpers accordingly.

3. Load Resistance: Calculate total loop resistance. Drives up to 650Ω at 20mA. Exceeding this causes saturation.

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

5. Cable Length: Supports cables up to 1300m. For longer runs, reduce load or use a repeater.

6. Thermal Monitoring: Observe thermal LED during sustained high-current operation to prevent over-temperature conditions.

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

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

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

10. ESD Handling: Use ESD-safe practices.

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

    • All 4 channels tested at 4mA and 20mA

    • Load regulation test (up to 650Ω)

    • Loop power verification (26V per channel)

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

    • Diagnostic fault reporting validation (open-loop, short-circuit, over-temperature)

    • Accuracy and drift test (±0.015%/°C)

    • Protection validation

12. Spare Strategy: Keep one spare GE DS3800HAIC1B1A on-site for critical isolated 4-20mA control applications. This revision is preferred over “1A1A” for harsh or high-power environments. If you require higher current capability (>90mA), consider the DS3800HAIA series.