Description
DS3800NDID1P1H: Product Overview
The GE DS3800NDID1P1H is a PC card interface motherboard belonging to the Mark IV series (a legacy platform for GE turbine control systems). It is engineered for drive interface applications in industrial automation systems, particularly in gas and steam turbine control. As part of the Mark IV ecosystem, it acts as a “communication hub” between the Mark IV controller and the drives that regulate turbine speed, load, and fuel flow. Its primary role is to ensure accurate signal transmission and stable power distribution between the control unit and field devices, which is critical for maintaining turbine efficiency and preventing unplanned downtime.
Role in Automation Systems:
Positioned as a “drive interface” in Mark IV architectures, the DS3800NDID1P1H performs two primary functions:
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Signal Transmission: Receives control signals from the Mark IV controller (e.g., speed setpoints, fuel flow commands) and transmits them to the drives that adjust turbine components (e.g., fuel valves, steam inlet valves).
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Feedback Collection: Collects feedback signals from the drives (e.g., valve positions, motor currents) and sends them back to the Mark IV controller for real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Core Functionality:
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VMEbus Compatibility: Conforms to VMEbus Rev. C.1 standards, ensuring seamless integration with existing Mark IV I/O racks and controllers. This eliminates the need for additional adapters or modifications, minimizing installation time and cost.
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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.
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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 DS3800NDID1P1H inherits the Mark IV platform’s strengths, including:
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Reliability: The Mark IV system is a proven platform for turbine control, with a track record of 24/7 operation in power plants worldwide.
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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.
Technical Specifications
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Parameter
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Specification
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Model Number
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DS3800NDID1P1H (Variant of Mark IV Series)
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Manufacturer
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GE (General Electric)
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Product Type
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PC Card Interface Motherboard
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Series
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Mark IV (Turbine Control Systems)
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Bus Compatibility
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VMEbus Rev. C.1 (fits into Mark IV I/O racks)
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Form Factor
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6U Eurocard (160 mm × 233 mm)
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Status
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Discontinued by manufacturer
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Weight
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~0.45 kg (1 lb)
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Certifications
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CE, UL (inferred from GE industrial product standards)
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Core Features & Customer Value
1. Seamless Legacy Integration:
The DS3800NDID1P1H’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. Reliable Signal Transmission:
The module’s rugged design and legacy support ensure reliable signal transmission between the Mark IV controller and drives. This is critical for turbine control, where even minor signal inaccuracies can lead to process instability (e.g., turbine speed variations) or equipment damage (e.g., fuel valve failure).
3. Cost-Effective Retrofit:
By enabling integration with existing Mark IV components, the DS3800NDID1P1H eliminates the need for costly 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.
4. Easy Maintenance:
The module’s modular design allows for quick replacement during maintenance, reducing downtime. Aftermarket suppliers like Radwell provide repair services for the DS3800NDID1P1H, ensuring that facilities can extend the lifespan of their existing systems.
Typical Applications
The GE DS3800NDID1P1H is widely used in industrial automation systems for:
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Power Generation:
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Controls gas/steam turbines in power plants, ensuring stable power output and efficient fuel use.
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Manufacturing:
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Used in assembly lines to process digital/analog signals from sensors (e.g., pressure, flow) and control actuators (e.g., valves, motors).
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Petrochemical Industry:
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Controls digital/analog signals from refinery equipment (e.g., distillation columns, pumps), ensuring safe and efficient operation in hazardous environments.
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