Description
DS3800DFXB1B1C: Product Overview
The GE DS3800DFXB1B1C is an auxiliary function expander board belonging to the Mark IV series (a legacy platform for GE turbine control systems). It is engineered to extend the functionality of existing Mark IV control systems, particularly in gas and steam turbine applications. As part of the Mark IV ecosystem, it acts as a “capability enhancer”—adding extra I/O channels and supporting advanced control algorithms to accommodate growing system demands (e.g., adding more sensors to a turbine control system).
Role in Automation Systems:
Positioned as a “system extender” in Mark IV architectures, the DS3800DFXB1B1C performs two primary functions:
-
I/O Expansion: Adds additional input/output (I/O) points to the Mark IV system, allowing engineers to connect more field devices (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure transducers, servo valves) without replacing the entire control cabinet.
-
Advanced Control Support: Enables advanced control and monitoring applications (e.g., real-time data logging, predictive maintenance) by providing additional processing power and memory. This is critical for modernizing aging Mark IV systems, where adding new functionality is necessary but replacing the entire architecture is cost-prohibitive.
Core Functionality:
-
Seamless Integration: Conforms to VMEbus Rev. C.1 standards, ensuring compatibility with existing Mark IV I/O racks and controllers. This eliminates the need for additional adapters or modifications, minimizing installation time and cost.
-
Legacy Support: Designed to work with existing Mark IV components (e.g., I/O modules, terminal boards), reducing the cost of system upgrades. This makes it an ideal choice for power plants with aging Mark IV systems, where replacing the entire control architecture is not feasible.
-
Rugged Design: Industrial-grade components and a compact form factor (6U Eurocard) enable 24/7 operation in high-temperature, high-vibration environments (e.g., turbine halls).
Platform Benefits (Mark IV Series):
The DS3800DFXB1B1C inherits the Mark IV platform’s strengths, including:
-
Reliability: The Mark IV system is a proven platform for turbine control, with a track record of 24/7 operation in power plants worldwide.
-
Scalability: Supports expansion with additional I/O modules to accommodate growing system demands (e.g., adding more sensors to a turbine control system).
-
Easy Integration: Compatible with GE Fanuc/Emerson PLC/PAC systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing automation architectures.
DS3800DFXB1B1C
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter
|
Specification
|
|---|---|
|
Model Number
|
DS3800DFXB1B1C (Variant of Mark IV Series)
|
|
Manufacturer
|
GE (General Electric)
|
|
Product Type
|
Auxiliary Function Expander Board
|
|
Series
|
Mark IV (Turbine Control Systems)
|
|
Bus Compatibility
|
VMEbus Rev. C.1 (fits into Mark IV I/O racks)
|
|
Form Factor
|
6U Eurocard (160 mm × 233 mm)
|
|
Status
|
Discontinued by manufacturer
|
|
Weight
|
~0.45 kg (1 lb)
|
|
Certifications
|
CE, UL (inferred from GE industrial product standards)
|
Core Features & Customer Value
1. Seamless Legacy Integration:
The DS3800DFXB1B1C’s VMEbus compatibility ensures seamless integration with existing Mark IV systems, minimizing downtime and effort during upgrades. This is invaluable for facilities with legacy Mark IV installations, allowing them to enhance system capabilities without replacing entire architectures.
2. Cost-Effective Expansion:
By adding I/O points and supporting advanced control applications, the DS3800DFXB1B1C eliminates the need for costly system overhauls. This makes it an ideal choice for power plants with aging Mark IV systems, where upgrading functionality is necessary but budget constraints prohibit full replacements.
3. Rugged Industrial Design:
The board’s industrial-grade construction (6U Eurocard form factor, high-temperature tolerance) ensures reliable performance in harsh environments (e.g., turbine halls, refineries). This reduces the risk of unplanned downtime and extends the lifespan of the control system.
4. Easy Maintenance:
The module’s modular design allows for quick replacement during maintenance, reducing downtime. Aftermarket suppliers like Radwell and Saul Electric provide repair services for the DS3800DFXB1B1C, ensuring that facilities can extend the lifespan of their existing systems.
DS3800DFXB1B1C
Typical Applications
The GE DS3800DFXB1B1C is widely used in industrial automation systems for:
-
Power Generation:
-
Enhances the functionality of Mark IV turbine control systems in power plants, allowing for the addition of more sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure) to improve turbine efficiency and reliability.
-
-
Manufacturing:
-
Used in assembly lines to expand the I/O capacity of Mark IV systems, enabling the connection of more field devices (e.g., limit switches, proximity sensors) for precise process control.
-
-
Petrochemical Industry:
-
Controls digital/analog signals from refinery equipment (e.g., distillation columns, pumps), ensuring safe and efficient operation in hazardous environments.
-
