GE DS3820CDAA
Product Overview
The GE DS3820CDAA is a high-reliability digital output module designed by General Electric (GE) for the Mark IV Speedtronic series gas turbine control systems. As a core component of the turbine’s safety protection chain, this module converts control logic signals into executable relay actions for field devices, directly driving critical actuators such as solenoid valves and alarms.
The DS3820CDAA features a redundant power input design, supporting 16 independently isolated output channels. Each channel is equipped with overcurrent protection and a status feedback loop, ensuring millisecond-level response under extreme conditions (e.g., power plant black starts, grid frequency fluctuations). Its pluggable terminal block design and modular structure allow for quick replacement without interrupting system operation, making it a key hardware in the GE Speedtronic platform for safeguarding gas turbine Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and Sequential Fuel Control (SFC) functions.
Product Parameters
- Product Model: DS3820CDAA
- Manufacturer: GE Energy (Speedtronic series)
- Product Type: Digital output module
- Number of Channels: 16 independent outputs
- Output Type: Relay contacts (dry contacts)
- Contact Rating: 2A @ 30VDC / 0.5A @ 120VAC
- Isolation Voltage: 1500V AC between channels/channel to ground
- Response Time: ≤5ms (contact closure)
- Power Input: Redundant 24VDC ±10% (dual-terminal backup)
- Power Consumption: 8W (at full load)
- Operating Temperature: -20°C ~ +70°C
- Protection Class: IP52 (front panel)
- Compatible Frame: Mark IV DS3800 series slots
- MTBF: 250,000 hours (per IEC 61709 standard)
Structure and Composition
The DS3820CDAA module is enclosed in a cast aluminum housing, with 16 red LED channel status indicators and dual power OK green LEDs on the front panel. It adopts a three-layer internal architecture:
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Power Conversion Layer: Converts 24V input to 5V logic voltage required for optocoupler isolation drive via DC/DC converters. Dual power inputs achieve seamless switching through ORing diodes.
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Logic Processing Layer: An FPGA chip parses backplane VME bus commands to control an array of 16 latching relays, each equipped with an independent arc suppression circuit and contact wear monitoring.
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Terminal Interface Layer: A detachable 34-pin spring terminal block (compliant with IEC 60947) supports wire diameters of 0.5-2.5mm², with output contacts and feedback signals for each channel arranged in pairs. The module’s rear gold fingers exchange data with the Mark IV main controller via the DS3800 backplane, using military-grade gold plating to ensure long-term contact reliability.
Key Features and Advantages
- Gas Turbine-Specific Safety Design: Compliant with API 670 standards and certified for SIL2, all channels feature automatic shutdown during short circuits to prevent turbine surge caused by misoperation.
- Full-Channel Isolation Protection: Dual isolation via optocouplers and relays, with channels 耐受 1500V AC to completely avoid ground loop interference affecting control signals.
- Status Self-Diagnosis: Real-time feedback on faults such as contact adhesion and coil open circuits triggers pre-maintenance alarms via the Mark IV HMI interface, reducing unplanned downtime.
- Vibration Resistance: Passed IEEE 344 Class 1 vibration testing, suitable for offshore platforms or high-vibration environments. The module’s fixing clips can withstand 15G continuous impact.
Application Fields
The DS3820CDAA is dedicated to critical gas turbine control scenarios: In combined cycle power plants, it drives IGV vane actuators for compressor anti-surge control; in liquefied natural gas (LNG) compressor stations, it triggers ESD valves to quickly cut off fuel supply; in aeroderivative gas turbines (e.g., LM series), it controls ignition system timing. The module is also commonly used in steel plant waste heat power generators to ensure safe venting during sudden changes in blast furnace gas pressure, or as a backup control loop in oil and gas pipeline booster stations, forming a triple-redundant protection architecture with Triconex systems.
Related Products
- DS3820PDBA: 32-point digital input module in the same series, used to collect gas turbine vibration sensor signals.
- DS3820FEX1: Field expansion terminal box, extending DS3820CDAA outputs to high-temperature areas.
- IS200TBAIH1C: Mark VIe platform-compatible module, replaceable for upgrading older Mark IV systems.
- DS3800HSEA: High-speed serial communication card for data synchronization between modules and controllers.
- DS3820PSDC: Dedicated 24VDC redundant power module, providing backup power for output cards.
Installation and Maintenance
- Pre-Installation Preparation: Use an insulation tester to confirm the rack grounding resistance is <1Ω; check that backplane VME bus pins are not bent; prepare a torque screwdriver (terminal tightening torque: 0.6N·m).
- Maintenance Recommendations: Clean the module’s heat sink fins every 6 months; check relay contact impedance with a contact resistance tester annually (should be <50mΩ); re-download configuration blocks via ToolboxST software when replacing the module; avoid plugging/unplugging the module during gas turbine ignition.
Product Warranty
GE provides a 36-month extended warranty for the DS3820CDAA (covering gas turbine overhaul cycles), with 4-hour emergency spare parts response service available to power plants worldwide. The module is certified by DNV GL and ATEX Zone 2, and comes with a Gas Turbine Control Logic Verification Report (CLVR). GE’s expert team offers lifetime free firmware upgrades and can provide customized contact materials (e.g., tungsten alloy for high-frequency operation scenarios) based on customer needs.
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