Description
Product Overview
The GE VMIVME – 3122 is a high – performance analog scanning and digitizing input board, an integral part of GE’s comprehensive VMEbus product family. Engineered for VMEbus system applications, it plays a crucial role in data acquisition and control processes within industrial automation, process control, and other related fields.
This board offers 16 – bit digitizing resolution, which is essential for accurately converting analog signals into digital data. With program – controlled gain and selectable conversion rates, it provides great flexibility in handling various input signals. The automatic scanning feature for 64 differential or single – ended analog inputs enables efficient data collection from multiple sources. Its ability to support diverse operating modes such as auto – scanning, data bursts, and external synchronization makes it adaptable to different industrial scenarios, ensuring seamless integration into complex control systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | VMIVME – 3122 |
| Manufacturer | General Electric |
| Product Type | Analog Scanning and Digitizing Input Board |
| Digitizing Resolution | 16 – bit |
| Input Channels | 64 differential or single – ended |
| Program – Controlled Gain | x1 or x10 |
| A/D Converter Range | ±2.5 V, ±5 V, ±10 V, 0 to +5 V, 0 to +10 V |
| Conversion Rate | 381 Hz to 100 kHz (High – Performance Option), 381 Hz to 50 kHz (Standard Performance Option) |
| Data Buffer | 16 – 1,024 word dual – port data buffer |
| Data Space | Operates in short I/O (A16), standard (A24), or extended (A32) data space |
| Operating Modes | Auto – scanning, data bursts, external synchronization |
| Input Filter | Optional low – pass filter |
| Operating Temperature | – 40 °C to + 85 °C |
| Storage Temperature | – 55 °C to + 125 °C |
| Connector Type | VME bus |
Main Features and Advantages
High – Resolution Data Conversion
The GE VMIVME – 3122‘s 16 – bit digitizing resolution ensures high – accuracy analog – to – digital conversion. This level of precision is critical in applications where even minor signal variations matter, such as in high – end laboratory instrumentation or precise manufacturing processes. It can capture and convert analog signals with great detail, providing reliable digital data for further processing.
Versatile Input Configuration
With 64 differential or single – ended analog inputs, the board can interface with a wide variety of sensors. This versatility allows it to be used in diverse industrial settings. For example, in a large – scale factory automation system, it can simultaneously collect data from different types of sensors, including thermocouples, RTDs, and strain gages, after being directly connected to VMIC’s signal conditioning boards.
Multiple Operating Modes
The support for auto – scanning, data bursts, and external synchronization offers flexibility in system operation. In a process control plant, the auto – scanning mode can continuously monitor multiple analog inputs, while the data burst mode can quickly transfer a large amount of data when needed, such as during a specific production phase. External synchronization ensures that the data acquisition is precisely timed with other processes in the system, enhancing overall system coordination.
Application Field
Factory Automation
In factory automation, the GE VMIVME – 3122 is used to collect data from various sensors distributed across the production line. It can monitor parameters like temperature, pressure, and vibration from machinery. By accurately digitizing these analog signals, it enables the control system to make informed decisions. For instance, if the temperature of a critical machine component exceeds a certain threshold, the system can take immediate action, such as reducing the machine’s speed or triggering an alarm, thus preventing equipment damage and production disruptions.
Process Control
In process control industries such as chemical plants and power generation facilities, the board plays a vital role. It can monitor and digitize signals from sensors that measure variables like flow rate, chemical composition, and electrical parameters. The data is then used to regulate the process, ensuring optimal performance. In a power plant, it can monitor the temperature and pressure of steam in the turbines, and based on the digitized data, the control system can adjust the fuel supply or the opening of valves to maintain efficient power generation.
Data Acquisition Systems
For data acquisition systems in research institutions or industrial R & D departments, the VMIVME – 3122 is an ideal choice. It can quickly and accurately capture analog data from multiple sources simultaneously. In a materials testing laboratory, it can collect data from sensors attached to test specimens, recording parameters like stress, strain, and temperature during material testing. The high – resolution data collected helps researchers draw accurate conclusions about the material’s properties.
Related Products
GE VMIVME – 3113A
A scanning 12 – bit analog – to – digital converter module. Compared to the GE VMIVME – 3122 which has 16 – bit resolution, the VMIVME – 3113A has a lower resolution. However, it may be more cost – effective for applications where a slightly lower level of precision is acceptable, and it still serves the purpose of analog – to – digital conversion in data acquisition setups.
GE VMIVME – 4100
A 16 – channel 12 – bit digital – to – analog converter module. While the GE VMIVME – 3122 focuses on converting analog signals to digital, the VMIVME – 4100 does the opposite. It can be used in systems where digital control signals need to be converted back to analog for controlling certain actuators or devices, and it can work in tandem with the VMIVME – 3122 in more complex control and data – handling systems.
GE VMIVME – 7740
A VMEbus single – board computer. It has powerful computing capabilities and can be used to process the digital data acquired by the GE VMIVME – 3122. The VMIVME – 7740 can run operating systems and perform complex data analysis tasks, while the VMIVME – 3122 is responsible for the front – end analog – to – digital conversion, together forming a complete data – processing and control solution.
VMIC Signal Conditioning Boards
These boards are designed to interface directly with the GE VMIVME – 3122. They condition the analog signals from sensors such as thermocouples, RTDs, and strain gages before they are fed into the VMIVME – 3122 for digitization. Different types of signal conditioning boards may be used depending on the specific requirements of the sensors and the application, and they are an essential part of the overall data acquisition chain with the VMIVME – 3122.
GE Mark VIe Series Controllers
These controllers can utilize the digital data provided by the GE VMIVME – 3122 to make control decisions for industrial processes. They are part of a larger control ecosystem where the VMIVME – 3122 serves as a data – gathering component, and the Mark VIe Series Controllers use this data to manage and regulate the overall operation of industrial systems, such as in power generation or manufacturing processes.
Installation and Maintenance
Pre – installation preparation: Before installing the GE VMIVME – 3122, ensure that the installation environment meets the specified temperature range of – 40 °C to + 85 °C. Check the integrity of the board for any visible damage during transit. Verify that the VMEbus system where it will be installed is powered off. When installing, carefully align the board with the VMEbus slots and secure it firmly using the appropriate hardware. Also, make sure to correctly configure any jumpers related to the desired operating mode, such as gain settings and data space selection.
Maintenance recommendations: Regularly inspect the GE VMIVME – 3122 for any signs of overheating, like discolored components or abnormal heat output. Clean the board periodically to remove dust and debris, which could affect its performance, especially in environments with high particulate matter. Monitor the operating temperature of the environment to ensure it remains within the specified range. Check the connection points of the board and any associated signal conditioning boards for signs of corrosion or loose connections. If any issues are detected, refer to the user manual provided by GE for troubleshooting steps. In case of component failures, contact GE’s technical support or authorized service centers for replacement and repair services.
Product Guarantee
GE offers a comprehensive product guarantee for the GE VMIVME – 3122. The product typically comes with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects for a specified period. GE’s global technical support team is readily available to assist customers. Whether it’s providing guidance during the installation process, helping with system integration, or troubleshooting operational issues, the support team is committed to ensuring the optimal performance of the VMIVME – 3122. With strict quality control measures implemented during production, GE has full confidence in the reliability of this board. This product guarantee not only reflects GE’s trust in its product but also its dedication to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction in the industrial automation and data – acquisition markets.
