GE DS3820RPSA

Key Parameters

• Type: Dual-redundant DC power supply module

• Input Voltage: 18–72 V DC (wide range) – compatible with 24 V, 48 V, and 60 V DC systems

• Input Current: 6 A maximum per input (at 24 V DC input)

• Output Voltage: 24 V DC (regulated) – 22.8–25.2 V DC

• Output Current: 10 A total (5 A per redundant rail)

• Redundancy Mode: Active/Active with automatic fail-over (switchover time < 1 ms)

• Efficiency: >88% (typical)

• Protection: Overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, short-circuit protection, thermal protection, reverse-polarity protection (input)

• Diagnostics: Input status per channel, output status per rail, overload/fault indication, over-temperature alert, per-LED status

• Isolation: 1500 V RMS (input-to-output); 500 V RMS between input channels

• Terminal Type: Screw-type – per suffix “A”

• Cooling: Convection (derating above 50°C)

• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +70°C (derate output above 50°C)

• Power Consumption: ≤2 W (no load)

• Dimensions: Standard single-width Eurocard form factor (approx. 100 mm × 160 mm)

Advantages

• Dual-redundant power inputs – two independent power sources with automatic fail-over; ensures uninterrupted system power in case of primary supply failure.

• Ultra-fast fail-over (< 1 ms) – zero interruption to sensitive PLC/DCS operations.

• Wide input voltage range (18–72 V DC) – compatible with 24 V, 48 V, and 60 V DC systems; eliminates the need for separate power converters.

• High output capacity (10 A total) – sufficient for most mid-size backplane and field device power requirements.

• Hot-swappable – replace without powering down the rack; critical for high-availability systems.

• Comprehensive protection – overcurrent, overvoltage, short-circuit, thermal, and reverse-polarity protection ensure module and load safety.

• Diagnostic monitoring – real-time status of input channels, output rails, and fault conditions via backplane communication.

• High efficiency (>88%) – minimizes heat dissipation and reduces cooling requirements.

• Wide temperature range – –40°C to +70°C for harsh industrial environments.

• Optical isolation – protects backplane from input transients.

Applications

• Critical process control – petrochemical, refining, and chemical plants requiring uninterrupted control power

• Power generation – turbine and generator control systems with redundant power requirements

• Oil & gas pipelines – SCADA and control system power for remote, critical infrastructure

• Nuclear power plants – safety-critical systems requiring power redundancy

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing – continuous process control with high-availability requirements

• Data centers – control system power with dual-grid or generator-backed sources

• Transportation – rail and airport control systems requiring redundant power

• Water/wastewater – critical pumping station control with redundant power sources

Competitor Comparison

The DS3820RPSA is the redundant power supply module – offering dual-input power with automatic fail-over and wide input range in a single slot. Compared to standard single power supplies, it provides critical redundancy and full diagnostic feedback – essential for high-availability systems. Against competitor redundant power modules, it offers faster fail-over (< 1 ms vs. < 5 ms), wider input range (18–72 V vs. 18–36 V), and superior protection features at a lower cost. For mission-critical systems requiring uninterrupted power, the DS3820RPSA delivers the most reliable and cost-effective solution.

Selection Tips

• Choose DS3820RPSA when your system requires redundant DC power with automatic fail-over for high-availability operation.

• Ideal for critical process control, power generation, oil & gas, nuclear, and pharmaceutical applications.

• Verify input voltage sources – supports 24 V, 48 V, or 60 V DC systems (18–72 V range).

• Calculate total power consumption – provides 10 A total at 24 V DC; ensure loads do not exceed this limit.

• Consider output derating above 50°C ambient – reduce load by 2.5% per °C above 50°C.

• Ensure your rack has adequate cooling – the DS3820RPSA dissipates up to 35 W at full load.

• Not suitable for AC input – use dedicated AC power supply modules for AC sources.

• Ensure your PLC/DCS can read diagnostic data from the DS3820RPSA.

Precautions

• Input wiring: Connect two independent power sources (e.g., different UPS or battery banks) to achieve true redundancy. The DS3820RPSA will automatically fail-over if one source fails.

• Input range: Do not exceed 72 V DC input – higher voltage may damage the module.

• Output derating: At ambient temperatures >50°C, reduce output load to avoid thermal shutdown.

• Cooling: Provide adequate airflow in dense racks – the DS3820RPSA dissipates up to 35 W at full load; forced cooling may be required in high-density configurations.

• Hot-swap operation: The DS3820RPSA is hot-swappable – insert or remove while the rack is powered; verify the other redundant supply is active before removal.

• Output protection: Outputs include overcurrent protection – repeated overloads may trip protection; ensure loads are within rated capacity.

• Diagnostic wiring: Diagnostic signals require backplane communication – ensure the module is properly seated in the rack for fault reporting.

• Grounding: Maintain proper grounding – the DS3820RPSA uses the backplane ground; ensure rack grounding meets specifications.

• Spare: Keep one spare DS3820RPSA for critical power systems – the redundant feature set may have longer lead times.