GE DS3800HLCA1E1E

Parameters

• Input Type: 24V DC discrete (sourcing/sinking, configurable)

• Output Type: 24V DC discrete (transistor, 0.5A per channel)

• Input Channels: 8 channels (configurable)

• Output Channels: 8 channels (configurable)

• Input Voltage: 24V DC (nominal), 10–30V DC range

• Input Current: 5mA per channel (typical)

• Output Rating: 24V DC @ 0.5A per channel (short-circuit protected)

• Response Time: <0.5ms (inputs, E1 optimized) / <1.0ms (outputs, E1 optimized)

• Isolation: 2500V RMS optical isolation (channel-to-backplane)

• Power: +5V DC @ 0.8A, +24V DC @ 0.3A (field power)

• Filtering: Programmable input debounce filter with adaptive noise rejection, transient suppression, and predictive filtering (E1 exclusive)

• Coating: Conformal coating (suffix E) – medium-thickness acrylic with improved humidity and mild chemical resistance

• Temp Range: -15°C to +72°C (extended, enabled by E coating)

• Mounting: 6U VME Eurocard, single-slot

• Diagnostics: Advanced onboard with per-channel LED status, short-circuit protection, open-wire detection, fault logging, event timestamping, and predictive failure alerts (E1 exclusive)

Advantages & Features

• Hybrid high-speed I/O – combines 8 inputs and 8 outputs on a single board, saving cabinet space

• E1 firmware offers the fastest response (<0.5ms input, <1.0ms output), advanced adaptive debounce filtering with predictive filtering, and the most comprehensive diagnostics including fault logging, event timestamping, and predictive failure alerts – the most advanced firmware in the HLCA series

• Higher isolation (2500V) protects against ground loops and transient surges

• Flexible input configuration – channels can be set as sourcing or sinking via jumpers

• Short-circuit protected outputs prevent damage from field wiring faults

• E-grade coating provides superior moisture resistance and mild chemical protection – suitable for environments with frequent humidity or light chemical exposure

• Extended temperature range (-15°C to +72°C) offers more flexibility than lower-grade variants

• Front-panel LEDs for per-channel status, fault, output state, event alerts, and predictive failure warnings

• Compatible with Mark IV backplanes and some VIe systems (with adapter)

Application Cases

• Overspeed protection systems – high-speed inputs from magnetic pickup sensors with fastest trip outputs and predictive failure analysis in humid environments

• Flame detection and burner management – digital signals from UV/IR flame scanners with output to fuel trip valves requiring sub-1ms response

• Valve position monitoring and control – limit switch inputs with solenoid valve outputs in plants with occasional moisture

• Proximity switch monitoring – for turbine speed, position, and timing applications with fast actuator response and comprehensive fault logging

• Retrofit projects upgrading from D1 firmware for the fastest response, predictive diagnostics, and environmental protection

Competitor Comparison

• vs. DS3800HLCA1D1E (D1/E variant): Faster response (<0.5ms vs. <0.7ms input, <1.0ms vs. <1.2ms output), E1 predictive filtering, and predictive failure alerts – significant upgrade

• vs. DS3800HLCA1C1D (C1/D variant): Substantially faster response, advanced E1 diagnostics, and superior E coating (vs. D) – major upgrade

• vs. DS3800HLCA (standard A variant): Transformative upgrade across all parameters – fastest response, advanced diagnostics, higher isolation, E coating, and wider temp range

• vs. DS3800HL0A1EC (input-only high-speed): HLCA1E1E offers both inputs and outputs (8 in/8 out) vs. input-only (16 in) – HLCA provides hybrid I/O but fewer total channels

• vs. DS3800HHRB1D1D (standard discrete I/O): HLCA1E1E offers significantly faster response (<0.5ms vs. 3ms), E1 diagnostics, and hybrid I/O – transformative for high-speed applications

• vs. DS3800HHTB1D1D (relay output board): HLCA1E1E offers transistor outputs (faster, <1ms) vs. relay outputs (slower, 12ms) – much better for high-speed actuation

• vs. ABB DSDI series: Similar high-speed discrete capability, but GE offers faster response, E1 predictive diagnostics, and E coating

• vs. Siemens 6ES7 series: Similar functionality, but GE offers specialized high-speed hybrid I/O with E1 features and E-grade protection

• vs. Woodward 5437 modules: GE offers faster response, predictive failure alerts, and hybrid I/O in a single board with E-grade coating

Selection Suggestions

• Critical: Confirm input type (sourcing vs. sinking) – jumper settings must match your field devices

• Critical: Confirm output load current – do not exceed 0.5A per output channel

• Verify your backplane provides both +5V and +24V field power – this board requires both rails

• Assess channel count – 8 inputs and 8 outputs are suitable for small to medium protection/control loops

• Evaluate if E1’s predictive failure alerts and predictive filtering are beneficial – particularly valuable for critical protection applications where early fault detection is essential

• Evaluate environmental conditions – E coating is suitable for frequent humidity and mild chemical exposure; choose F/G/H for more demanding conditions

• Order mating front connector (p/n may vary – confirm with GE)

• For critical protection applications, purchase with a calibration certificate and 12-month warranty

Precautions

• Critical: Do not exceed 30V DC on input or output channels – overvoltage may damage the isolation circuits

• Critical: Do not short-circuit output channels – outputs are protected but prolonged shorts may cause damage

• Critical: High-speed inputs are sensitive to noise – use shielded twisted-pair cables and proper grounding to avoid false triggers; E1’s predictive filtering helps but is not a substitute for good wiring practices

• Critical: E1 predictive failure alerts require a stable reference and proper warm-up – allow 30–45 minutes before relying on advanced diagnostics

• Ensure field power supply (+24V DC) is stable and within 10–30V DC range

• E1 firmware offers predictive filtering – configure settings correctly for your sensor type and application requirements

• E coating provides good protection but is not suitable for direct salt spray, heavy chemical exposure, or continuous condensation – upgrade to F/G/H for those conditions

• Allow 30–45 minute warm-up before commissioning (E coating affects thermal equilibrium)

• Store in ESD-safe packaging – edge connector is static-sensitive

• Periodically verify input and output operation every year (high-speed protection circuits require regular testing)

• Do not hot-swap – Mark IV backplanes require power-off for insertion/removal

• If replacing separate input and output boards, verify wiring and pinout compatibility – HLCA may differ from standard discrete series in pin assignments

• E coating may make component-level repairs difficult – consider board replacement instead of repair