Description
VMIVME-3113A: Product Overview
The GE VMIVME-3113A is a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) board designed for VMEbus-based industrial automation systems. As a critical component of the VME ecosystem, it enables precise digitization of analog signals from field devices (e.g., thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transmitters) and communicates processed digital data to the main controller, supporting real-time control and monitoring in harsh industrial environments.
Role in Automation Systems:
Positioned as an “analog signal digitization interface” in VMEbus architectures, the VMIVME-3113A performs two primary functions:
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Analog Signal Acquisition: Receives analog signals from field devices (e.g., a temperature transmitter outputting 4–20 mA) and converts them into 12-bit digital data.
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Digital Data Transmission: Transmits the converted digital data to the main controller via the VMEbus, enabling real-time analysis and control (e.g., adjusting fuel flow in a turbine based on temperature readings).
Core Functionality:
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High-Resolution Conversion: With 12-bit resolution, the board achieves a precision of 0.025% (full-scale), ensuring accurate representation of analog signals—critical for maintaining turbine stability and complying with utility regulations.
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Flexible Input Configuration: Supports 64 differential or single-ended input channels, configurable via software to accommodate diverse field device requirements (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops, 0–10 V DC voltage signals).
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Multiple Operating Modes: Includes auto-scan, random polling, random interrupt, scan polling, and scan interrupt modes, allowing flexibility for different application needs (e.g., continuous monitoring vs. on-demand sampling).
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Programmable Gain: Offers gain ranges of 1, 10, 100, 200, and 500 via jumpers, enabling amplification of low-level signals (e.g., thermocouples) without additional hardware.
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Built-In Test (BIT): Includes self-test functionality for fault detection and isolation, ensuring system reliability in industrial environments.
Platform Benefits (VMEbus Series):
The VMIVME-3113A leverages GE’s VMEbus platform, which is renowned for:
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Reliability: Industrial-grade components and a rugged design ensure 24/7 operation in harsh environments (e.g., high temperature, vibration).
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Scalability: Supports expansion with additional ADC boards to accommodate growing system demands (e.g., adding more sensors to a turbine control system).
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Integration: Seamlessly integrates with VMEbus-based controllers (e.g., GE Fanuc 90-30 series) and other I/O modules, reducing setup time and effort.
GE VMIVME-7700RC
Technical Specifications
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Model Number: VMIVME-3113A (Variant: VMIVME-3113A-100)
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Manufacturer: GE (General Electric)
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Product Type: 12-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) Board
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Series: VMEbus
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Resolution: 12 bits
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Input Channels: 64 (differential or single-ended)
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Input Signal Range: ±10 mV to ±10 V (configurable via jumpers)
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Conversion Rate: 33 kHz (max)
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Bus Standard: VME64 (conforms to IEEE 1014)
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Programmable Gain: 1, 10, 100, 200, 500 (via jumpers)
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Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
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Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
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Humidity: 5–95% non-condensing
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Dimensions: 160 mm × 100 mm × 20 mm (6.3 in × 3.9 in × 0.8 in) (standard VMEbus single-slot)
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Weight: 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs)
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Certifications: CE, UL (inferred from GE industrial product standards)
Core Features & Customer Value
1. High-Precision Signal Digitization:
The VMIVME-3113A’s 12-bit resolution ensures accurate conversion of analog signals, which is critical for maintaining turbine stability—even minor errors in signal digitization can lead to incorrect control decisions (e.g., misadjusting fuel flow, resulting in inefficient combustion).
2. Flexible Input Configuration:
With 64 input channels (differential or single-ended) and configurable signal ranges (±10 mV to ±10 V), the board accommodates a wide range of field devices, reducing the need for additional signal conditioning hardware. This flexibility saves time and money during installation.
3. Multiple Operating Modes:
The board’s support for auto-scan, random polling, and interrupt modes allows engineers to tailor its operation to specific application needs. For example, auto-scan mode is ideal for continuous monitoring of critical parameters (e.g., turbine temperature), while random interrupt mode is useful for on-demand sampling (e.g., troubleshooting a faulty sensor).
4. Rugged Industrial Design:
The board’s operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and compact form factor make it suitable for harsh industrial environments. Its DIN rail mounting option simplifies installation in crowded control cabinets, reducing setup time and effort.
5. Easy Diagnostics:
Built-in test (BIT) functionality enables fault detection and isolation, allowing operators to quickly identify and resolve issues. This reduces downtime and improves system reliability, which is critical for industrial facilities where unplanned outages can result in significant financial losses.
GE VMIVME-7700RC
Typical Applications
The GE VMIVME-3113A is widely used in industrial automation systems for:
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Power Generation:
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Digitizes analog signals from gas/steam turbines (e.g., temperature, pressure, blade position) for real-time control, improving efficiency and reliability.
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Manufacturing:
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Converts analog signals from sensors (e.g., temperature, flow) in manufacturing processes, enabling precise control of equipment (e.g., motors, pumps).
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Chemical Processing:
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Processes analog signals from pressure transmitters and temperature sensors in chemical plants, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
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Machine Monitoring:
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Used in industrial machinery (e.g., pumps, compressors) to monitor vibration, temperature, and other parameters, enabling predictive maintenance.
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