GE DS3800HCMA1A1B

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: High-Current Multiplexer Analog Board (Revision 1A1B)

• Part Number: DS3800HCMA1A1B

• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)

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

• Input Channels: 16 differential analog inputs

• Output Channels: 1 multiplexed differential analog output

• Input Type: Voltage (±10V) or current (4-20mA) (jumper-selectable per channel)

• Input Impedance: > 10MΩ (voltage mode); 250Ω (current mode)

• Input Current: Up to 50mA per channel (current mode)

• Multiplexing Speed: 200 channels per second (5ms per channel) – improved

• Scan Sequence: Sequential or skip (jumper-selectable)

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

• Protection: Enhanced over-voltage (±60V) and over-current protection per input

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

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

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

Key Features & Advantages

• Higher Scanning Speed: The GE DS3800HCMA1A1B scans at 200 channels per second (5ms per channel), providing faster data acquisition.

• Enhanced Input Protection: Upgraded protection withstands ±60V, offering greater resilience against wiring errors.

• Reinforced Isolation: 2500Vrms for superior ground loop and transient protection.

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

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

• High-Current Multiplexing: Handles up to 50mA per channel in current mode.

• Flexible Input Configuration: Jumper-selectable voltage or current per channel.

• Skip Mode: Jumper-selectable skip function for unused channels.

• Diagnostic LEDs: Front-panel LEDs indicate channel activity and fault conditions.

Typical Application Cases

• Temperature Monitoring: Multiplexes thermocouple and RTD signals to a single ADC.

• Pressure Transducer Scanning: Monitors multiple pressure transmitters in sequence.

• Vibration Monitoring: Scans multiple accelerometer signals for turbine health monitoring.

• Process Control: Multiplexes analog inputs for DCS integration.

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

Competitive Comparison

The GE DS3800HCMA1A1B offers significant improvements over the base version in speed, protection, isolation, accuracy, and temperature range.

Selection Guidelines & Precautions

1. Input Type Selection: Configure jumpers per channel for voltage or current to match your field sensors.

2. Scan Time: The GE DS3800HCMA1A1B scans at 5ms per channel. Ensure this meets your application’s timing requirements.

3. Skip Mode: Unused channels should be set to “skip” to reduce scan time.

4. Input Protection: The GE DS3800HCMA1A1B withstands ±60V. Prolonged exposure may degrade accuracy.

5. Wiring: Use shielded twisted-pair cables; ground shield at board end only.

6. ESD Handling: Use ESD-safe practices.

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

   • All 16 channels tested in voltage and current modes

   • Scan speed verification (200 ch/s)

   • Accuracy and drift test

   • Protection validation

   • Isolation test

8. Spare Strategy: Keep one spare GE DS3800HCMA1A1B on-site for critical multiplexing applications. If unavailable, the base DS3800HCMA is compatible with reduced specifications. Proactive replacement after 10 years of continuous operation is recommended.