Description
DS3800NFDB1A1A Product Overview
The DS3800NFDB1A1A is a field-control microprocessor board that plugs into GE Mark IV turbine and EX2000 exciter control racks. Occupying a 6BA Euro-card slot, it acts as a distributed processing node: it hosts a local microprocessor, executes fast auxiliary control algorithms (e.g., lube-oil sequencing, cooling-fan logic), and buffers high-speed data between the main CPU (NDIA bus) and field I/O while isolating the 5 V processor from the 480 V class power electronics. Because all copper traces are fully encapsulated in high-temperature epoxy, the unit is treated as a line-replaceable module—any internal fault requires a complete card swap rather than component-level rework. The module is fully hot-swappable when the rack is powered down, and its 0.45 kg weight allows adjacent-slot population without additional card guides.
The DS3800NFDB1A1A is a field-control microprocessor board that plugs into GE Mark IV turbine and EX2000 exciter control racks. Occupying a 6BA Euro-card slot, it acts as a distributed processing node: it hosts a local microprocessor, executes fast auxiliary control algorithms (e.g., lube-oil sequencing, cooling-fan logic), and buffers high-speed data between the main CPU (NDIA bus) and field I/O while isolating the 5 V processor from the 480 V class power electronics. Because all copper traces are fully encapsulated in high-temperature epoxy, the unit is treated as a line-replaceable module—any internal fault requires a complete card swap rather than component-level rework. The module is fully hot-swappable when the rack is powered down, and its 0.45 kg weight allows adjacent-slot population without additional card guides.
DS3800NFDB1A1A
DS3800NFDB1A1A Technical Specifications
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Model Number: DS3800NFDB1A1A
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Manufacturer: General Electric (GE Fanuc)
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Product Type: Field Control / Auxiliary Microprocessor Board
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Series: DS3800, Mark IV Speedtronic
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Power Supply: 24 Vdc nominal (18–36 Vdc range)
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Form Factor: 6BA Euro-card (≈ 233 × 160 mm)
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Back-Plane Connector: Dual 40-pin header (J1/J2)
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Processor: Local 24 V micro-CPU (optimized for fast industrial control loops)
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Isolation: 1500 Vdc field-to-logic; opto-coupled data lines
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Operating Temperature: 0 – 60 °C
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Weight: 0.45 kg (1 lb)
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Construction: Epoxy-sealed copper traces—non-repairable
Core Features & Customer Value
24 V Local Processing: The on-board microprocessor runs at 24 Vdc, off-loading fast auxiliary loops (lube pumps, cooling fans) from the main 5 V CPU. This guarantees deterministic response times even when the central processor is busy with sequencing or communications, reducing the risk of auxiliary-trip delays during start-up.
Epoxy-Sealed Construction: All internal copper is encapsulated in high-temperature epoxy. In coastal or industrial sites with conductive dust and high humidity the seal prevents trace-to-trace shorting that would otherwise cause random “FIELD MPU FAIL” alarms after ten-plus years of service. The trade-off is non-repairability—any internal fault requires a whole-card exchange—but this is offset by the reduced troubleshooting time and the fact that plants stock one spare instead of maintaining a repair bench.
Made-in-USA Supply Chain: The board is manufactured in the United States, ensuring traceability and long-term spares availability for critical infrastructure sites that must comply with domestic-content or Buy-American provisions.
DS3800NFDB1A1A
Typical Applications
In combined-cycle power plants the board is installed in the Mark IV turbine control core where it hosts the auxiliary sequencing logic for the 24 Vdc lube-oil pump, cooling-fan contactors, and hydraulic trip solenoid. The on-board opto-isolators keep 480 V switching transients from walking into the 5 V CPU data bus.
On utility-scale EX2000 static exciters the same card is used to manage the brushless-exciter cooling-fan starter and the field-discharge contactor. Because the inputs are group-isolated, a shorted fan motor will not drag down the entire digital I/O rack.
Frequently the same part number is used on mechanical-drive gas compressors to sequence the 24 Vdc inlet-guide-vane hydraulic pump. Its ability to mix 24 V logic with isolation on one card makes it a universal “auxiliary CPU” for any Mark IV loop that needs deterministic, battery-free operation.
