GE DS3800XPTN Attenuator Card

الوصف

The GE DS3800XPTN is an Attenuator Card for the GE Speedtronic Mark IV turbine control system. Its primary function is to reduce the amplitude of an incoming electrical signal to a level that is safe and usable for the system’s electronic control module (ECM).

In a gas turbine control system, a variety of sensors (such as those for temperature, pressure, and vibration) generate electrical signals. If these signals are too strong, they can cause a phenomenon called saturation or nonlinear distortion, which can lead to inaccurate readings and potential damage to the control system’s delicate electronics. The attenuator card acts as a “signal gate,” using resistors or other passive components to precisely lower the signal strength. This ensures the signal falls within the acceptable range for the ECM, thereby improving the accuracy, reliability, and safety of the control system.

Key Functions & Features

• Signal Reduction: Its core job is to reduce the amplitude of a signal without significantly changing its waveform. This “subtraction” in amplitude is crucial for preventing overloads.
• Impedance Matching: The card can also help in matching the impedance between different circuit modules, which is essential for maximizing signal transfer and minimizing signal loss or reflection.
• System Protection: By lowering signal levels, the card protects sensitive electronic components from potential damage caused by excessive voltage or current.
• Robust Design: Like other Mark IV series cards, the DS3800XPTN is built to withstand the harsh industrial environment, including wide temperature ranges and vibrations. Its operating temperature is specified from -40 to +65°C.

Related Components

As an attenuator card, the DS3800XPTN works in conjunction with other components of the Mark IV system:

• Sensors: It receives signals directly from various sensors on the turbine.
• Signal Conditioning Modules: It often works alongside a signal conditioning module to ensure the sensor’s output is properly prepared for the ECM.
• Electronic Control Module (ECM): The main processor of the system, which receives the attenuated signal and uses it to execute control logic.