DS3800NFIA - Fault Finder Board

SPECIFICATIONS

Part Number: DS3800NFIA
Manufacturer: General Electric
Series: Mark IV
Product type: Fault Finder Board
Availability: In Stock
Country of Manufacture: United States (USA)

Functional Description

DS3800NFIA is a Fault Finder Board developed by GE. It is a part of Mark IV control system. The Fault Finder system is engineered to monitor and identify faults that may affect turbine performance or lead to potential system failures. It works by processing input data from multiple sensors and subsystems and evaluating signal integrity, operating conditions, and system status in real-time. When anomalies or inconsistencies are detected, the board isolates the issue and communicates diagnostic information to the control system for operator awareness and timely intervention.

Operator Interface Features

• The Operator Interface in the GE turbine control system is designed to provide direct, reliable, and user-friendly interaction between the operator and the turbine control platform. It comprises two key components housed within a roll-out drawer for convenient access:
  • The Control Insert
  • A dedicated Printer for real-time data logging and event recording.
• It features an industrial-grade membrane switch panel, replacing the older style of individual mechanical switches and hand-wired controls. This membrane switch technology significantly enhances reliability, reduces maintenance requirements, and improves overall system durability in harsh industrial environments.
• Each control function on the membrane switch is represented by a tactile pad. When an operator presses a control pad, the system enters an "armed" state—this is confirmed by two indicators:
  • A flashing LED above the selected function.
  • An audible beep that signals the command has been acknowledged by the system.
• Once the desired command is armed, the operator must then press the execute pad to complete the action. This second step initiates the corresponding turbine response, and the LED indicator transitions from flashing to a steady glow, signaling successful execution of the command.
• To ensure safety and intentional operation, the interface incorporates a built-in timeout mechanism. If more than 2 seconds elapse after arming a command without pressing the execute pad, the system automatically cancels the armed state. The flashing LED turns off, and any attempt to execute the command will be ignored. This two-step confirmation helps prevent unintended operations and adds an extra layer of control integrity. 

WOC is happy to assist you with any of your GE requirements. Please contact us by phone or email for pricing and availability on any parts and repairs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is DS3800NFIA?
It is a Fault Finder Board developed by GE.

How do operators issue commands using the membrane switch panel?
Commands are issued in a two-step process. First, the operator presses a function pad, which arms the command. This is confirmed by a flashing LED and an audible beep. Then, the operator presses the execute pad, which initiates the action and turns the LED solid.

What happens if the execute command is not pressed immediately?
If more than 2 seconds pass after arming a command without pressing execute, the system cancels the command, the LED turns off, and the action is ignored. This feature helps prevent accidental or unintentional operations.