The DS200CDBAG1BDB Contactor Driver Board is a highly refined and specific printed circuit board (PCB) manufactured by General Electric (GE). It is a vital component within GE's industrial control systems, particularly the Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System and also utilized in AC/DC2000 Adjustable Speed Drives.

Product Description

The DS200CDBAG1BDB, commonly known by its functional acronym CDBA, is a Contactor Driver Board. Its fundamental purpose is to generate the precise and robust control signals required to operate high-speed contactors. These contactors are essential electromechanical switches that rapidly connect or disconnect electrical power to large industrial motors or critical auxiliary systems. This board is instrumental in implementing "quick dropout protection," a crucial safety feature that ensures rapid de-energization of circuits during fault conditions or emergency shutdowns.

The "BDB" in the part number (DS200CDBAG1BDB) indicates a series of revisions (likely Artwork B, Functional Revision D, Functional Revision B or similar). This signifies that the board has undergone multiple internal improvements, bug fixes, and potentially enhanced compatibility or performance optimizations compared to earlier "A" or single "B" versions. A key characteristic carried over from earlier "B" revisions is the inclusion of an additional jumper (JP2) that specifically enables coordinated contactor operations, allowing multiple CDBA boards to work in synchronized fashion for complex switching sequences across a multi-bridge system. The board is built for extreme industrial durability, featuring robust construction, configurable jumpers, an adjustable potentiometer for fine-tuning contactor current, and on-board diagnostic indicators.

Product Parameters

While precise, exhaustive details for every sub-revision are not always publicly differentiated, the DS200CDBAG1BDB shares most characteristics with the broader DS200CDBA series, with the "BDB" denoting internal refinements:

• Part Number: DS200CDBAG1BDB
• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)
• Series: GE Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System, AC2000/DC2000 Drive Applications
• Product Type: Contactor Driver Board (CDBA)
• Functional Revisions: Features multiple functional and artwork revisions, indicated by the "BDB" suffix, signifying a highly refined version.
• PCB Coating: Normal coating for environmental protection.
• Input Power: 75 to 140 V AC/DC. This input power is typically protected by a user-replaceable 4 amp, 125V, 2AG slow-blow fuse (FU1). Frequent blowing of this fuse may indicate a board fault.
• Contactor Coil Voltage Compatibility: Designed for contactors with coil voltages ranging from 30 to 40 V DC. The board applies a pulse of 105 V DC for approximately 250 milliseconds to ensure the contactor closes forcefully, then regulates the current at a set holding level to maintain closure.
• Adjustable Current Control: Includes an adjustable potentiometer (RV1) to set the contactor drive current. The typical setting is 1.5 A, but for DS304-type contactors, it must be precisely adjusted to 0.75 A. Crucially, when replacing this board, the RV1 setting on the new board MUST be matched exactly to the setting on the board being replaced to prevent premature contactor coil failure.
• Configurable Jumpers:
• Includes Berg-type jumpers (e.g., JP1).
• JP2: Present in "B" and "BDB" revisions, this jumper is specifically used for coordinated contactor operations, enabling synchronized control of multiple contactors in a multi-bridge system.
• Diagnostic Features:
• TP1 (ACOMA): Common Reference Point for the CDBA Board.
• TP2 (P15A): +15 V DC Power Supply Reference Point.
• TP3 (REFA): Contactor Driver Reference Voltage Point.
• LED Indicator (LED1): Provides visual status, including an indication when the board is operating in coordination mode.
• Test Points (Three total):
• Connectors: All power, input, and output signals are typically connected through a single main terminal board (1TB), which is divided into four sections (1TBA, 1TBB, 1TBC, 1TBD). Three plug connectors supply power and signals to this 1TB.
• Instruction Manual: GEI-100182B (GE Industrial Control Systems Contactor Driver Board Manual).
• Physical Characteristics: Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly.

Product Application Cases

The DS200CDBAG1BDB's applications are critical in industries requiring precise and reliable control over high-power electrical circuits.

Case 1: Advanced Drive System Protection in Metal ProcessingIn large metal processing facilities utilizing GE AC/DC2000 drives for rolling mills or strip processing lines, the DS200CDBAG1BDB is essential for motor protection. It facilitates rapid engagement and disengagement of main power contactors, enabling fast shutdown sequences during sudden overloads, short circuits, or mechanical jams. This quick dropout protection safeguards expensive motors and prevents cascading damage to the production line.

Case 2: Redundant Turbine Trip System ImplementationWithin the highly safety-critical GE Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System, the DS200CDBAG1BDB is integrated into the redundant turbine trip (emergency shutdown) logic. Its ability to perform coordinated contactor operations (via JP2) ensures that multiple safety-critical contactors (e.g., fuel trip valves, generator breakers, steam admission valves) are actuated simultaneously and reliably in a two-out-of-three (2oo3) or similar fault-tolerant scheme, guaranteeing a safe turbine shutdown in the event of a critical process excursion.

Case 3: Sequencing and Synchronization in Chemical Plant OperationsIn complex chemical plants, many processes rely on precise sequencing and synchronization of equipment. The DS200CDBAG1BDB can control contactors for pumps, mixers, and heaters, enabling their coordinated activation or deactivation according to process recipes or safety interlocks. Its reliable and fast switching capabilities, particularly when multiple boards are coordinated, contribute to consistent product quality and safe plant operation.

Product User Reviews

"The DS200CDBAG1BDB is a prime example of GE's dedication to robust industrial control. We have these boards in Mark V systems that have been running for 20+ years, and they are incredibly reliable. The 'BDB' revision feels very refined; we rarely see failures. The coordinated operation feature (JP2) is invaluable for our turbine trip logic. Always remember to precisely match the RV1 setting when replacing one!" — Lead Control Engineer, Refinery Operations

"For our legacy DC2000 drives, the DS200CDBAG1BDB is a workhorse. It performs its critical function of contactor driving flawlessly. The diagnostic test points are a real benefit for quick troubleshooting in the field. Even though it's an older board, its durability and the deterministic control it enables are why we continue to maintain these systems." — Automation Maintenance Supervisor, Pulp and Paper Mill