The DS200CPCAG1 Contactor Pilot Card is a specific printed circuit board (PCB) manufactured by General Electric (GE). It is a fundamental component primarily found within the GE Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System Series, and also used in some EX2000 excitation control systems and related drive applications.

Product Description

The DS200CPCAG1, often referred to by its functional acronym CPCA, is a Contactor Pilot Card. Its primary function is to provide the necessary control signals and power to "pilot" or drive the coils of contactors. Contactors are high-power electrical switches used to control the flow of electricity to large industrial equipment such as motors, generators, or critical auxiliary systems. Unlike the Contactor Driver Board (CDBA) which might provide a regulated holding current, the CPCA typically provides a full voltage pulse to ensure the contactor closes securely and remains closed.

The "G1" in its part number indicates a specific generation or form factor, and the absence of trailing digits like "A" or "ABB" often signifies that this is the original, base-revised version of the Contactor Pilot Card designed for the Mark V series. It is a robust PCB built for the demanding electrical and environmental conditions of industrial applications. It includes various voltage-limiting hardware components like diodes, capacitors, and integrated circuits for protection and signal integrity.

Product Parameters

• Part Number: DS200CPCAG1
• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE)
• Series: GE Mark V Speedtronic Turbine Control System, EX2000 Excitation Control System
• Product Type: Contactor Pilot Card
• Functional Acronym: CPCA
• Primary Function: Drives contactor coils by converting input AC voltage to DC voltage to close and hold contactors.
• Contactor Coil Voltage Compatibility: Capable of converting incoming 115 V AC voltages into 105 V DC voltages to drive contactor coils. (Some sources mention 24VDC socket power relay for certain circuits, alongside the 115V AC input for conversion).
• Connectors:
• One 12-pin connector.
• Two 2-pin connectors.
• Four terminal blocks capable of connecting up to twelve signal wires (max three wires per block). Careful labeling during installation/removal is crucial due to potential for damage to the onboard relay.
• Onboard Relay: Populated with a 24VDC socket power relay (often 15A rated). This relay has moving parts and requires careful handling during installation to prevent damage from hitting metal structures or other components.
• Hardware Components: Includes standard voltage-limiting hardware such as diodes, capacitors, resistors, and integrated circuits.
• Customization: Does not typically feature manually-movable hardware jumpers for customization, unlike some other GE boards.
• PCB Coating: Normal coating for protection against environmental factors.
• Physical Dimensions: Approximately 10.2 cm high x 8.8 cm width x 5.4 cm depth (varies slightly by source).
• Weight: Approximately 0.12 kg (varies by source).
• Operating Temperature: May operate in a range such as -35 to 65 °C (based on similar boards).

Product Application Cases

Case 1: Generator Excitation Control in Power PlantsIn power generation applications using the EX2000 excitation control system, the DS200CPCAG1 plays a crucial role in controlling contactors that manage the flow of power to the generator's field windings. This ensures proper excitation and voltage regulation of the generator, contributing to stable power output and grid synchronization.

Case 2: Turbine Auxiliary System Start/Stop SequencesWithin the GE Mark V Turbine Control System, the DS200CPCAG1 is used to pilot contactors that control various auxiliary equipment crucial for turbine operation. This can include starting and stopping lubrication oil pumps, cooling water pumps, or fuel system components. The board ensures that these high-power components are energized and de-energized reliably and in the correct sequence during turbine startup, shutdown, and normal operation.

Case 3: Safety Interlock SystemsThe CPCA's ability to drive contactors reliably makes it suitable for integration into safety interlock systems. For instance, it could be used to control contactors that enable or disable certain turbine functions only when specific safety conditions are met, ensuring operational safety and preventing hazardous conditions.

Product User Reviews

"The DS200CPCAG1 is a workhorse in our older Mark V panels. It's a straightforward board that reliably handles the piloting of our contactors. The key is to be extremely careful with the onboard relay during installation – it's a bit fragile, but once installed correctly, these boards are very dependable." — Plant Electrician, Power Generation Facility

"For legacy GE turbine controls, the DS200CPCAG1 is a common sight. It performs its specific function without fuss. While it's an older technology, its robust design and the fact that it's often the 'original' revision means it's a known quantity. We always recommend proper labeling of the terminal block wires during replacement, as mixing them up can be a real headache." — Field Service Technician, Industrial Automation