GE DS3800HPRB MKIV, Pulse Rate Card

The GE DS3800HPRB is a specialized Pulse Rate Input Board used in the GE Speedtronic Mark IV series of turbine control systems. It is a legacy part that is no longer in production, and it is primarily used for maintaining and repairing older systems.

Function and Purpose

The primary function of the DS3800HPRB is to accurately receive, process, and condition pulse rate signals from various sensors and input devices. These signals are critical for measuring parameters such as speed, flow, and rotational counting in a turbine or generator. The card’s key roles include:

• Signal Input: It accepts signals from sensors, which generate a series of electrical pulses proportional to the measured parameter. For example, a magnetic speed pickup on a spinning shaft will generate a frequency of pulses that corresponds to the shaft’s rotational speed.
• Signal Conversion: It converts the incoming pulse signals into a format that the main Mark IV processors can understand. This involves filtering out electrical noise and ensuring the signal is clean and stable.
• Data Processing: The board contains logic to process the pulse rate data, which may involve calculations to convert the raw pulse count into a meaningful value like revolutions per minute (RPM).
• System Diagnostics: The card provides a critical interface for the control system, allowing it to monitor the pulse rate and use this information for control, protection, and monitoring functions.

Technical and Design Features

The DS3800HPRB is a robust, industrial-grade circuit board designed to operate in a demanding environment.

• Legacy Part: The “DS3800” prefix indicates that it belongs to the legacy Mark IV series, a pioneering control system for gas and steam turbines in the late 1980s.
• Connectors: The board features a modular connector on one end and retention levers on the other, ensuring secure connectivity.
• Jumpers and Resistors: It is populated with 12 jumpers and a trimmer resistor, which must be configured to match the settings of the original board when replaced.
• Components: It includes a programmable interrupt controller, multiple programmable interval timer devices, and capacitors for enhanced functionality.
• High Reliability: Designed for critical applications, the board ensures accurate input monitoring and signal conditioning.