IC3600VDAC - Digital to Analog Converter Board

SPECIFICATIONS

Part Number: IC3600VDAC
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States (USA)
Series: Mark I and II
Function: Variable Digital-to-Analog Converter

Functional Description

IC3600VDAC is a variable digital-to-analog converter developed by GE. It is part of the GE Speedtronic Mark I and II control system. The VDAC (Variable Digital-to-Analog Converter) card is a component in the digital setpoint system used for generating programmable analog signals. This card is essential for applications requiring precise speed or load control. It works in conjunction with the SSLD (Speed/Load Setpoint Logic and Drive) card and other associated control signals.

Counter and Converter Functionality

• ENAB Input: Controls the enable/disable state. When set to logic 0, it allows the counter to operate (count up or down).
• DN/UP Input: Determines the counting direction.
• Logic 1: Counter counts down.
• Logic 0: Counter counts up.
• CCP Input: A pulse train signal input that controls the counting rate, determining how fast the counter increments or decrements.

The counter's operation is finely tuned by the system’s steering logic, providing highly responsive performance for dynamic control applications.

Analog Output Signal

The card features an integrated Digital-to-Analog (D/A) converter that transforms the digital counter output into a precise analog voltage signal known as SAOUT.

Adjustable Output Ranges:

• 0 to 10V: Default setting with no jumper installed between SJA and SJB terminals.
• -5V to +5V: When a jumper is installed between SJA and SJB, allowing bipolar output for different system requirements.

This flexibility ensures compatibility with a variety of control scenarios and turbine specifications.

Visual Status Indication

• The board includes twelve status LEDs representing each bit of the 12-bit counter output.
• These LEDs provide a real-time visual indication of the counter’s current state, aiding in troubleshooting, monitoring, and diagnostics.

Preset and Load Capability

• Binary Inputs: (1MSB, IB2 through IB12)
• Users apply logic 1 to bits that should be set and logic 0 to bits that should be cleared.
• Load Signal: Triggers the application of preset values to the counter.

This capability is essential for predefining operational setpoints, enabling rapid and accurate system configuration changes.

Full and Empty Counter Signals

The card provides MM1, MM2, and MM3 output signals that indicate when the counter reaches its full or empty states:

• These signals output a logic 1 when specific counter conditions are met, depending on external logic states.
• Useful for safety interlocks, system alarms, or triggering sequential operations based on the counter's status.

Configuration Options for Counter Travel Period

• The card can be configured to define the total travel time from full to empty (or vice versa).
• Configuration allows for periods such as 12 minutes, 36 minutes, or 48 minutes.
• Further division factors (by 4, 6, or 8) enable fine-tuning of response times to meet specific application demands.
• This adjustability offers great flexibility for tailoring system performance to different operational requirements.

Integration with SSLD Card

The analog output (SAOUT) feeds directly into the SSLD card. The SSLD card:

• Amplifies the signal.
• Applies gain and inversion adjustments via operational amplifiers and potentiometers.
• This integration enhances signal integrity and allows seamless control over turbine speed or load based on setpoint inputs.

Comparator Functionality

An onboard comparator circuit compares the digital setpoint output with a reference signal. Based on this comparison:

• Output indicators show whether the setpoint is greater than or less than the reference.
• This comparator output is crucial for automated control logic, enabling immediate responses to deviation from desired operating conditions.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is IC3600VDAC?
It is a Digital to Analog Converter Board and is part of the GE Speedtronic Mark I and II gas turbine control system.

What is the primary function of the card?
The primary function of the card is to convert digital setpoints into programmable analog signals for speed or load control. It provides precise control by generating analog outputs based on digital inputs.

How does the card's counter work?
The card contains a 12-bit reversible counter that can count up or down. The direction of counting is controlled by the DN/UP input while the ENAB input must be set to logic 0 for counting to occur. The CCP input sets the rate at which the counter increments or decrements.

How does the card indicate the counter’s status?
The counter’s status is indicated by twelve LEDs on the card, which reflect the current output of the counter.