The DS200CDBAG1A Contactor Driver Board is a specific printed circuit board (PCB) produced by General Electric (GE). It's an integral component primarily used in GE's industrial drive systems, most notably the Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System and DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives.

Product Description

The DS200CDBAG1A, often identified by its functional acronym CDBA, is a Contactor Driver Board. Its core function is to provide controlled power and signals to high-speed contactors within industrial drive assemblies. This enables critical features such as rapid dropout protection, which is essential for safely de-energizing equipment during faults or emergency shutdowns. The board bridges the drive's control logic with the physical contactors, ensuring precise and reliable switching operations. The "A" in the part number signifies its functional revision, indicating it is the initial or first major version of this board, with subsequent revisions (like 'B' or 'BBB') potentially having minor enhancements. It's built for industrial ruggedness, including features like configurable jumpers, an adjustable potentiometer, and diagnostic test points and an LED indicator.

Product Parameters

• Part Number: DS200CDBAG1A
• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)
• Series: GE Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System, DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives
• Product Type: Contactor Driver Board (CDBA)
• Input Power: 75 to 140 V AC/DC (protected by a fuse, typically 4 amp, 125V).
• Contactor Coil Voltage Compatibility: Designed for contactors with coil voltages between 30 and 40 V DC. (When closing a contactor, the board initially applies 105 V DC for a brief period—around 250 ms—to ensure closure, then regulates the current to the set holding level.)
• Adjustable Current Control: Features an adjustable potentiometer (RV1) to set the contactor driver current (e.g., 1.5 A typically, or 0.75 A for DS304-type contactors). Crucially, when replacing the board, RV1 must be set to the exact position of the old board to prevent coil failure.
• Configurable Jumpers: Includes at least one programmable jumper for factory test selection, and some revisions (G1BBA and later) may include a second jumper for coordinated operation selection.
• Diagnostic Features:
• LED Indicator: Provides visual status of the local contact close command or board status.
• Test Points: Three test points (e.g., TP1 for common reference, TP2 for +15 V DC power supply, TP3 for contactor driver voltage reference) for easy voltage measurement and troubleshooting.
• PCB Coating: Normal coating for environmental protection.
• Instruction Manual: GEI-100182B (GE Industrial Control Systems Contactor Driver Board Manual).
• Physical Characteristics: Printed Circuit Board (PCB) construction. Dimensions are approximately 15.9 cm high x 17.8 cm width.

Product Application Cases

Case 1: Motor Protection in High-Power DrivesIn industrial facilities utilizing large electric motors controlled by GE DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives, the DS200CDBAG1A boards are instrumental. They provide the precise and rapid control signals to main contactors, enabling swift disconnection of power to the motor during overload conditions, short circuits, or other critical faults. This "fast dropout protection" is essential for preventing damage to both the motor and the drive system.

Case 2: Emergency Shutdown (ESD) Systems for TurbinesWithin the GE Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System, the DS200CDBAG1A can be integrated into the emergency shutdown logic. It drives contactors that isolate critical components (e.g., fuel supply, lubrication pumps) during an emergency trip event. The board's reliability and ability to provide controlled, rapid switching are paramount for ensuring a safe and effective turbine shutdown.

Case 3: Coordinated Control in Complex Industrial ProcessesFor intricate industrial processes where multiple motors or auxiliary systems need to be switched in a synchronized manner, the DS200CDBAG1A's capability for "coordinated operation" (via specific jumper settings) becomes valuable. This ensures that various contactors across different parts of a system activate or deactivate simultaneously, which is crucial for maintaining process integrity and preventing cascading failures.

Product User Reviews

"The DS200CDBAG1A has been a highly reliable component in our Mark V systems for years. Its durability in demanding industrial environments is impressive. The adjustable potentiometer (RV1) is a critical feature, allowing us to fine-tune the contactor current. Just be sure to set it correctly during replacement, as improper adjustment can cause issues with contactor coils." — Plant Maintenance Supervisor, Large Manufacturing Facility

"We've worked with many versions of GE boards, and the DS200CDBAG1A stands out for its straightforward functionality and robustness. The diagnostic LEDs and test points are a real benefit for quick troubleshooting on the plant floor. It's a testament to GE's design philosophy for their Speedtronic series – components built to last and perform under pressure." — Field Service Engineer, Turbine Automation Solutions