The DS200CDBAG1 Contactor Driver Board is a specialized Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufactured by General Electric (GE). It's a key component primarily found in GE's industrial drive systems, including the Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System and DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives.

Product Description

The DS200CDBAG1, often referred to by its functional acronym CDBA, is a Contactor Driver Board. Its main purpose is to interface the drive control logic with high-speed contactors, enabling fast dropout protection within the drive system. Essentially, it provides the necessary power and control signals to energize and de-energize contactor coils, allowing them to open and close electrical circuits rapidly. This function is crucial for protective actions in industrial drives, ensuring equipment safety and operational integrity. The board is designed for industrial environments, featuring robust construction, configurable jumpers, and a potentiometer for precise current control.

Product Parameters

• Part Number: DS200CDBAG1 (The "A" suffix in DS200CDBAG1A generally indicates the initial functional revision.)
• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)
• Series: Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System, DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives
• Product Type: Contactor Driver Board (CDBA)
• Input Power: 75 to 140 V AC/DC (fused by FU1, typically a 4 amp 125V fuse)
• Contactor Coil Voltages: Must be between 30 and 40 V DC. (To close a contactor, the CDBA applies 105 V DC for a short duration, then regulates the current for holding it closed.)
• Hardware Components:
• Potentiometer (RV1): Adjustable for setting the contactor driver current. Crucial to adjust when replacing the board to match the old setting to prevent contactor coil failure (especially for DS304-type contactors).
• Configurable Jumpers: Typically two, for selecting coordinated operations or other application-specific customizations.
• LED Indicator: Displays the status of the local contact close command or board status.
• Test Points: Three test points (e.g., TP1, TP2, TP3) for checking voltage signals (e.g., REFA voltage, +15 V DC power supply, board common).
• Wiring Connectors: Terminal boards and plug connectors (e.g., 1TB with four sections) for input and output signals.
• Functional Revisions: The "A" in the part number indicates its functional revision. Other revisions like "B" or "BBB" may exist with minor internal changes or enhancements.
• Manual Reference: GEI-100182B (GE Industrial Control Systems Contactor Driver Board Manual).

Product Application Cases

Case 1: Motor Control in Adjustable Speed DrivesIn applications requiring precise control of large industrial motors, the DS200CDBAG1 is used within DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives. It interfaces with the drive's control logic to quickly engage or disengage main contactors, enabling functions like rapid motor start/stop, emergency shutdowns, or transitioning between different operational modes. Its ability to provide fast dropout protection is crucial for safeguarding the motor and drive system.

Case 2: Turbine Auxiliary System ControlWithin the broader Mark V Turbine Control System, the DS200CDBAG1 can be deployed to control contactors associated with various turbine auxiliary systems. This might include contactors for cooling fans, lubrication pumps, or fuel system components that need to be switched on or off rapidly and reliably, often as part of a protective sequence or for routine start-up/shutdown procedures.

Case 3: Coordinated Protection in Complex Drive SystemsFor systems with multiple drives or a need for synchronized operations, the DS200CDBAG1's ability to support "coordinated operation" via its jumpers is critical. This allows multiple contactor driver boards to work in concert, ensuring that contactors across different parts of a system open or close simultaneously, which is essential for complex protection schemes or sequential control actions in large industrial processes.

Product User Reviews

"The DS200CDBAG1 is a surprisingly versatile board for its specific function. We use it in our older DC2000 drives, and it's been rock-solid. The key is to correctly set that potentiometer (RV1) when replacing it; otherwise, you're asking for trouble with the contactors. But once it's set, it just works, providing reliable switching action for critical protective circuits." — Industrial Electrician, Manufacturing Plant

"For GE Mark V users, the DS200CDBAG1 is an essential piece for certain I/O applications, especially where direct contactor control is needed. Its compact design and built-in diagnostics (like the LED and test points) make troubleshooting relatively straightforward. While it's an older technology, its durability and GE's robust design philosophy mean it still performs reliably in demanding environments." — Control Systems Engineer, Steel Mill