GE DS3800NPTA

Technical Parameters

Critical note: The DS3800NPTA is a temperature‑compensated power board designed for precision analog applications requiring exceptional voltage stability across temperature variations. It offers low temperature drift (< 50 ppm/°C) but at the cost of lower efficiency and current capacity compared to standard power boards. Hot‑swapping is not supported.

Key Features & Advantages

• Temperature Compensation – The DS3800NPTA incorporates active temperature compensation using precision voltage references and thermistor‑based feedback networks, maintaining output voltage stability across temperature variations with a temperature coefficient of < 50 ppm/°C.

• Exceptional Regulation – Load regulation of ±0.05% and line regulation of ±0.02% ensure the most stable output voltages in the DS3800 family, essential for precision analog applications.

• Low Output Ripple – With < 5mVpp on the +5V rail and < 3mVpp on ±15V rails, the DS3800NPTA delivers clean power for high‑precision analog circuits.

• Full Isolation – 1.5kV isolation protects sensitive circuits from ground loops and transients.

• Precision Reference – Onboard precision voltage reference provides a stable reference for the temperature compensation circuitry, ensuring long‑term output stability.

• Basic Monitoring – Two analog feedback channels provide voltage telemetry for +5V and +15V, enabling remote monitoring of power health.

• Fault Indication – A digital fault output (open‑collector) triggers external alarms for overcurrent, short‑circuit, overtemperature, or undervoltage conditions.

• Compact Single‑Slot Design – Occupies only 4HP, making it ideal for space‑constrained instrumentation cabinets.

• Proven Reliability – The DS3800NPTA is widely used in applications requiring precision power.

Typical Application Cases

• High‑Precision Analog Signal Conditioning – Provides ultra‑stable power to analog isolators, transducers, and signal converters where voltage stability directly affects measurement accuracy.

• Reference Voltage Sources – Powers precision voltage reference circuits and calibration equipment requiring stable, low‑drift power.

• Calibration Laboratories – Supplies power to calibration equipment where temperature stability is critical for accurate measurements.

• Critical Measurement Systems – Powers high‑precision measurement systems (e.g., vibration analysis, temperature monitoring) where power supply drift would introduce measurement errors.

• Instrumentation Cabinets – Supplies power to precision field instruments where temperature stability is essential.

Competitive Comparison

The DS3800NPTA is the premier precision power board in the DS3800 family, offering exceptional temperature stability and regulation at the cost of lower efficiency and current capacity.

Selection Guidelines & Precautions

1. Application Verification – The DS3800NPTA is designed for precision analog applications where temperature stability is critical. If your application does not require ultra‑low temperature drift, standard power boards (NPSZ, NPSP, NPSE) may be more cost‑effective and efficient.

2. Power Budget – Calculate total current draw:

   • +5V: max 5A

   • ±15V: max 1A each
     Exceeding any output will trigger overcurrent protection and latch that output off.

3. Temperature Compensation – The active temperature compensation circuitry requires a warm‑up period of approximately 30 minutes to achieve specified temperature coefficient. Allow sufficient warm‑up time before making critical measurements.

4. Grounding for Full Isolation – Use separate returns:

   • IN_GND → Battery negative

   • OUT_GND → Rack logic ground
     Using a common ground defeats the isolation barrier.

5. Thermal Derating – Full output available up to 50°C:

   • 50°C–55°C: derate all outputs to 90% of rated current

   • 55°C–60°C: derate all outputs to 80% of rated current

   • Above 60°C: do not operate

6. Environmental Considerations – For best temperature stability, install the DS3800NPTA away from heat sources and ensure adequate airflow. The temperature compensation circuitry relies on accurate sensing of the board’s ambient temperature—blocked airflow may affect compensation accuracy.

7. Compatibility – The DS3800NPTA is pin‑compatible with all Mark IV backplanes in 4HP slots. No backplane modifications are required.

8. Spare Sourcing – Production ended in 2010. When purchasing refurbished units, request a load test report verifying output voltage stability across temperature (25°C and 55°C) at full load. Verify temperature coefficient (< 50 ppm/°C) if possible. Visually inspect for capacitor bulging, discoloration, or burned traces. The DS3800NPTA is the premier precision power solution—prioritize this for instrumentation applications requiring the highest temperature stability.