The DS200CDBAG1B Contactor Driver Board is a specific printed circuit board (PCB) produced by General Electric (GE). It's a critical component found within GE's industrial drive systems, most notably the Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System and DC2000/AC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives.

Product Description

The DS200CDBAG1B, often referred to by its functional acronym CDBA, is a Contactor Driver Board. Its primary function is to provide precisely controlled power and signals to high-speed contactors, which are electromechanical switches used to quickly connect or disconnect power to large industrial equipment like motors or critical auxiliary systems. This capability is essential for enabling "quick dropout protection" within drive systems, allowing for rapid and safe de-energization during fault conditions or emergency shutdowns.

The "B" in the part number (DS200CDBAG1B) signifies a functional revision from the "A" version. This often means minor internal enhancements, bug fixes, or compatibility updates, without fundamentally altering the board's core purpose. A notable improvement in the G1B revisions (which includes the G1B and G1BBB) is the inclusion of an additional jumper (JP2) that specifically enables coordinated contactor operations, allowing multiple CDBA boards and their associated contactors to operate simultaneously through a multi-bridge system. The board is designed for industrial durability, featuring configurable jumpers, an adjustable potentiometer for current control, and diagnostic indicators.

Product Parameters

• Part Number: DS200CDBAG1B
• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)
• Series: GE Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System, AC2000/DC2000 Drive Applications
• Product Type: Contactor Driver Board (CDBA)
• Input Power: 75 to 140 V AC/DC (typically fused by a 4 amp, 125V fuse, FU1).
• Contactor Coil Voltage Compatibility: Designed for contactors with coil voltages between 30 and 40 V DC. (To close a contactor, the CDBA applies 105 V DC for a short duration, usually around 250 milliseconds, and then regulates the current at a set holding level.)
• Adjustable Current Control: Features an adjustable potentiometer (RV1) to set the contactor drive current (e.g., 1.5 A typically, or 0.75 A for DS304-type contactors). Crucially, when replacing the board, RV1 must be adjusted to match the setting of the old board to prevent contactor coil failure.
• Configurable Jumpers:
• Typically includes Berg-type jumpers (e.g., JP1).
• JP2 (Specific to G1B revisions): This additional jumper is used for coordinated contactor operations. When correctly set, it enables a solid-state switch to allow simultaneous operation of multiple contactors.
• Diagnostic Features:
• TP1 (ACOMA): CDBA Board Common Reference Point.
• TP2 (P15A): ACOMA Power Supply Reference Point (+15 V DC).
• TP3 (REFA): Contactor Driver Reference Voltage Point.
• LED Indicator (LED1): Provides status information, including indicating when the board has selected coordination mode.
• Test Points (Three total):
• PCB Coating: Normal coating for environmental protection.
• Manual Reference: GEI-100182B Contactor Driver Board Instruction 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: Enhanced Motor Control and Protection in Drive SystemsIn heavy industrial applications using GE's AC2000 or DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives, the DS200CDBAG1B is vital for controlling main motor contactors. It enables rapid engagement and disengagement of power to the motor, crucial for features like emergency stops, overload protection, and precise sequencing during startup and shutdown. The board's ability to provide swift "dropout protection" ensures the safety and longevity of the motor and drive.

Case 2: Coordinated Startup/Shutdown of Turbine Auxiliary SystemsWithin the GE Mark V Turbine Control System, the DS200CDBAG1B's enhanced coordinated operation feature (via JP2) is highly valuable. For instance, during a turbine startup or shutdown sequence, multiple auxiliary systems (e.g., lube oil pumps, cooling fans, fuel gas boosters) often need to be activated or deactivated in a precise, synchronized manner. This board allows a single command from the Mark V controller to trigger simultaneous operation of several contactors, streamlining complex sequences and improving system response.

Case 3: Load Shedding and Grid StabilityIn power generation scenarios or large industrial complexes, rapid load shedding might be required for grid stability or to protect equipment during fault conditions. The DS200CDBAG1B can be used to control contactors that quickly disconnect non-critical loads. Its reliable and fast switching capabilities, particularly when coordinated with other boards, help to isolate faults and maintain the integrity of the remaining operational systems.

Product User Reviews

"The DS200CDBAG1B is a workhorse in our older GE drive systems. The addition of the JP2 jumper for coordinated operation was a welcome improvement, as it simplifies wiring and logic for applications where multiple contactors need to switch at the same time. These boards are incredibly low failure rate items, which is fantastic given their critical role in fast dropout protection." — Lead Maintenance Technician, Heavy Manufacturing Plant

"We extensively use the DS200CDBAG1B in our Mark V turbine controls, especially for the robust control of auxiliary equipment. Adjusting RV1 is non-negotiable during replacement, but once set, these boards are exceptionally reliable. They perform their specific function flawlessly, contributing significantly to the overall stability and safety of our turbine operations. Repair viability is also a big plus for extending the life of our legacy systems." — Control Systems Engineer, Large Power Generation Facility