Description
Key Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Electric (GE) |
| Series | Mark V (Speedtronic) |
| Full Model | DS3800NFIA1B1B |
| Power Supply | +5V DC @ 3.5A, +15V DC @ 0.6A, -15V DC @ 0.4A (via backplane) |
| Temperature Inputs | 8 differential thermocouple channels (Type J/K/T, 16-bit ADC with improved cold-junction compensation) |
| Fan Outputs | 8 solid-state relays, 3A continuous @ 24–48VDC (surge 5A for 100ms) |
| Tachometer Inputs | 2 high-speed pulse channels (up to 10 kHz) with programmable debounce filtering |
| Communication | Mark V proprietary parallel backplane bus |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +65°C (extended range) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| LED Indicators | Power (green), Fan Run (8x green), Tach Fail (red x2), Over-Temp Alarm (red), Fallback Active (yellow) |
Advantages and Distinctive Features
-
Enhanced Solid-State Outputs (3A): The DS3800NFIA1B1B provides 3A continuous DC output capability—a 50% improvement over the base DS3800NFIA—allowing it to drive larger 48VDC fans or multiple smaller fans in parallel.
-
Onboard Temperature Threshold Logic: Revision B firmware adds the ability to store high/low temperature setpoints in EEPROM. If backplane communication fails, the DS3800NFIA1B1B can autonomously turn fans ON/OFF based on these thresholds, providing a true failsafe cooling function.
-
Programmable Tachometer Debounce: The two tachometer inputs on the DS3800NFIA1B1B feature user-configurable debounce filtering (via Mark V software), eliminating false speed readings caused by electrical noise or fan vibration.
-
Improved Cold-Junction Compensation: The 16-bit ADC on the DS3800NFIA1B1B includes Revision B’s enhanced compensation algorithm, reducing temperature measurement error from ±2°C to ±1°C compared to the base model.
-
Enhanced EMI Filtering: Additional ferrite beads and common-mode chokes on all I/O lines make the DS3800NFIA1B1B more resistant to electromagnetic interference—critical when installed near VFDs or large contactors.
Typical Application Fields
-
Gas Turbine Control Cabinets: Silent, low-EMI solid-state fan control for DC-powered cooling systems.
-
Combined-Cycle Plants: Where improved 3A output capability supports larger DC fans.
-
Retrofit Upgrades: Replacing older DS3800NFIA boards with the DS3800NFIA1B1B for enhanced failsafe features and higher current rating.
-
High-Cycle Applications: Environments with frequent fan cycling, where solid-state outputs provide unlimited mechanical life.
-
Remote Compressor Stations: The -20°C to +65°C range and autonomous fallback logic make the DS3800NFIA1B1B suitable for unstaffed locations.
Comparison with Related Models
| Feature | DS3800NFIA1B1B | DS3800NFIA (Base) | DS3800NFEC1B1B | DS3800NFEE1C1B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output Type | Solid-state (DC only) | Solid-state (DC only) | Solid-state (AC/DC) | Mechanical relay (AC/DC) |
| Output Current | 3A continuous | 2A continuous | 2A continuous | 5A continuous |
| Onboard Temp Logic | Yes (threshold-based) | No (CPU-dependent) | Yes (PID-based) | No |
| Tachometer Inputs | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels | None |
| ADC Resolution | 16-bit (±1°C) | 16-bit (±2°C) | 16-bit (±1°C) | 16-bit (±1°C) |
| AC Fan Capability | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to +65°C | 0°C to +60°C | -20°C to +65°C | -20°C to +65°C |
| Fallback Mode | Autonomous ON/OFF | Full speed (100%) | Full speed (100%) | Full speed (100%) |
| Cost (Used) | Medium | Medium-Low | High | Medium |
Selection Recommendations
-
Choose the DS3800NFIA1B1B if:
-
Your fans are DC-powered (24V or 48V) with current draw ≤3A.
-
You need tachometer feedback for speed monitoring.
-
You want enhanced failsafe cooling (autonomous ON/OFF logic) during CPU communication loss.
-
Improved temperature accuracy (±1°C) is beneficial for your application.
-
Your installation is in a moderate environment (-20°C to +65°C).
-
-
Choose the DS3800NFEC1B1B if: You need AC fan capability, onboard PID control, and advanced fault logging.
-
Choose the DS3800NFEE1C1B if: You need mechanical relays for AC/DC fans up to 5A with no tachometer feedback.
-
Choose the base DS3800NFIA if: Your fan current is ≤2A, you don’t need autonomous temperature logic, and your environment is climate-controlled.
Critical Precautions
-
ESD Protection: The DS3800NFIA1B1B contains sensitive MOSFET and ADC components. Always wear a grounded ESD wrist strap when handling.
-
DC Polarity and Voltage: Solid-state outputs are DC-only and polarity-sensitive. Connect positive to “+” and negative to “-“. Reverse polarity will destroy the output MOSFET. Do not exceed 48VDC—AC voltages will cause immediate catastrophic failure.
-
Current Derating: The 3A rating is for 25°C ambient. At 65°C, derate to 2.2A per output. For multiple channels operating simultaneously, reduce total load by 10% per channel to avoid thermal shutdown.
-
Tachometer Wiring: Use shielded twisted-pair cable. Connect shield to the DS3800NFIA1B1B‘s shield terminal. Incorrect wiring or shared grounding can cause false tach failures.
-
No Hot-Swap: Always depower the Mark V rack before inserting or removing the DS3800NFIA1B1B.
-
Slot Assignment: Install in auxiliary I/O slots (typically slots 8–10). Do not install in CPU or analog input slots.
-
Fallback Threshold Configuration: The autonomous ON/OFF thresholds must be configured via Mark V software before the DS3800NFIA1B1B can operate independently during communication loss. If not configured, the board defaults to 100% fan speed (like the base model).
-
Firmware Compatibility: The Revision B firmware on the DS3800NFIA1B1B is compatible with Mark V CPU firmware v4.0 and above. For v3.x systems, the onboard temperature logic will be disabled—confirm compatibility before purchasing.

A-B 802TA2P
GE IC200PWR102E
GE IC693MDL753


Reviews
There are no reviews yet.