DS200TCCBG3BCB | 16-Ch Thermocouple Board

Description

Product Introduction (Anti-Template)

The DS200TCCBG3BCB is the absolute pinnacle of thermocouple measurement in the Mark VI system—the board that combines everything GE learned across multiple generations into a single, no-compromise design. It gives you 16 channels with per-channel CJC, reinforced isolation (1800Vrms), extended temperature operation (-20°C to +70°C), digital filtering, and ±0.35°C accuracy. This is the board you spec when you need the highest density, the best accuracy, and the most robust design in one package.

The ‘BCB’ suffix tells you this is the most advanced version: the ‘B’ is the base platform (digital filtering, ±0.4°C accuracy), the ‘C’ indicates reinforced isolation and extended temperature range, and the final ‘B’ is the production revision with ultra-precision components that push accuracy to ±0.35°C. Compared to the TCCBG3B (0.4°C accuracy, 1500Vrms isolation, 0-60°C range), the ‘BCB’ gives you better accuracy, reinforced isolation, and extended temperature range—all while keeping the same 16-channel density. If you’re monitoring critical temperatures in a harsh environment and you can’t compromise on accuracy, channel count, or robustness, this is the board you need.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

Replacement options depend on your accuracy, isolation, and temperature range requirements.

✅ Drop-in Replacement: The DS200TCCBG3B (no ‘CB’) is a direct electrical drop-in—same pinout, same 16 channels, same per-channel CJC, same filtering. The differences: the ‘B’ has standard isolation (1500Vrms), standard temperature range (0-60°C), and ±0.4°C accuracy. If your environment is benign and your accuracy requirements are moderate, the ‘B’ is a cheaper option (typically 25-30% less). The ‘BCB’ is for critical and harsh environments.

✅ Drop-in Replacement: The DS200TCCBG3A (no filtering) is also electrically identical—but lacks digital filtering. Not recommended for noisy environments.

⚠️ Software Compatible: The DS200TCCBG2A (16 channels, shared CJC) fits the rack but lacks per-channel CJC—a significant downgrade.

❌ Hardware Incompatible: Any general-purpose analog board (TCCAG1 series) or discrete I/O board (TCCX series) uses different backplane pins—not suitable for thermocouple inputs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the ‘BCB’ suffix mean on this thermocouple board?

GE’s suffix coding for the TCCBG3 series: the ‘B’ is the base platform (digital filtering, 40ms update, ±0.4°C accuracy). The ‘C’ indicates reinforced isolation (1800Vrms instead of 1500Vrms) and extended temperature components (-20°C to +70°C instead of 0-60°C). The final ‘B’ is the production revision—in this case, ultra-precision components that improve accuracy to ±0.35°C. So ‘BCB’ is the most robust, most accurate version of the TCCBG3 platform.

What’s the difference between the ‘BCB’ and the ‘B’ in terms of accuracy?

• ‘B’ version: ±0.4°C total accuracy over 0-60°C.
• ‘BCB’ version: ±0.35°C total accuracy over -20°C to +70°C.

The ‘BCB’ uses better CJC sensors (±0.1°C vs. ±0.15°C), a more stable voltage reference (±15ppm/°C vs. ±30ppm/°C), and a lower-noise analog front end. The reinforced isolation also contributes to better common-mode rejection.

Can I use this board with a Mark VIe controller?

No—the TCCBG3BCB uses the older Mark VI backplane pinout. Mark VIe uses a different assignment and typically uses the IS200TCCBG3BCB for high-density thermocouple inputs. Use the Mark VIe-specific board for new installations.

How do I test this board before installation?

Testing the ‘BCB’ revision requires checking the reinforced isolation, extended temperature performance, and advanced filtering:

1. Visual inspection: Check for burnt or discolored components. The ‘BCB’ has a larger isolation transformer than the ‘B’ version—look for the transformer labeled T1. Look for the custom ASIC and filter chip. Check for cracked solder joints.
2. Power-up test: Install the board in a test rack and apply 24 VDC. The board’s status LED (green) should illuminate within 2 seconds.
3. Firmware check: Read the firmware version via ToolboxST—should be 4.0 or later.
4. CJC test: With no thermocouples connected, read the CJC temperature for each channel. They should all match ambient within ±0.1°C.
5. Input test – accuracy: Apply a precision 10.00mV DC to channel 1. The read value should match the expected temperature ±0.35°C. Repeat for channels 1-16.
6. Filter test: Inject a 60Hz AC signal (0.5mV amplitude) on top of a 5mV DC signal into channel 1. Enable the 60Hz digital filter. The read value should show the DC component with the noise reduced to less than 0.03mV.
7. Isolation test: Apply 1800Vrms between an input terminal and the board’s ground for 1 minute. (Specialized equipment required.)
8. Temperature test: If you have a temperature chamber, cycle the board from -20°C to +70°C and verify accuracy stays within ±0.35°C across the range.

What’s the most common failure on the ‘BCB’ revision?

The ‘BCB’ revision is built with the highest-grade components, but failures can occur:

1. ASIC failure. The custom ASIC that handles CJC multiplexing can fail. The symptom is erratic CJC readings on specific channels. The ASIC is not field-replaceable.
2. Isolation transformer failure. While reinforced, the isolation transformer can fail if subjected to high transient voltages. The symptom is high noise or loss of signal on the affected channel.
3. Filter chip failure. The digital filter chip can fail, causing high noise on all channels.

If I’m using this board in a SIL-rated safety application, what’s the recommended maintenance interval?

For SIL-2 and SIL-3 applications (IEC 61508), we recommend:

• Visual inspection: Every 6 months
• CJC test: Every 6 months (verify all 16 CJC sensors match ambient within ±0.1°C)
• Input accuracy check: Every 6 months (0.35°C spec—the tightest of any 16-channel board)
• Filter test: Every 12 months
• Isolation check: Every 2 years (measure isolation resistance—should be >20MΩ)
• Full calibration: Every 5 years

What’s the lead time for a replacement TCCBG3BCB?

These are the rarest and most advanced thermocouple boards:

• New surplus: 8-16 weeks. The ‘BCB’ commands a significant premium—expect 40-50% above the TCCBG3B.
• Refurbished: 4-8 weeks. Ensure the refurbisher has the precision equipment to verify 0.35°C accuracy and 1800Vrms isolation.
• Used/as-is: Extremely high risk. The ASIC, filter chip, and isolation transformer are wear items—used boards are rarely in spec.

Is there a direct Mark VIe equivalent?

Yes—the IS200TCCBG3BCB (Mark VIe version). The backplane pinout is different. If you’re migrating to Mark VIe, plan to replace all thermocouple boards as part of the rack conversion.

Which termination board should I use with the TCCBG3BCB?

The TCCBG3BCB is designed to interface with the DS200TBCBG3A (or DS200TBCBG3) thermocouple termination board. The termination board provides the 16 individual CJC sensors and the terminal connections. The ‘3A’ termination board with per-channel CJC sensors (±0.1°C sensors) is recommended for best accuracy—the ‘BCB’ board’s ±0.1°C CJC sensors are only as good as the termination board’s sensors.

What’s the update rate for all 16 channels?

The TCCBG3BCB scans channels sequentially with a 40ms total update time—same as the ‘B’ version. Channel 1 updates at t=0ms, channel 2 at t=2.5ms, etc. The digital filter adds a delay (1-6ms depending on the setting), but the underlying sampling rate remains 40ms per channel.

What’s the maximum cable length for thermocouples on this board?

GE recommends a maximum of 250 feet (75 meters) for the TCCBG3BCB. The reinforced isolation and filtering help with noise on long cable runs, but the input impedance (>5MΩ) is the limiting factor.

What’s the difference between the ‘BCB’ and the ‘ANE’ in terms of channel count and accuracy?

• ‘ANE’ (TCCBG1ANE): 8 channels, ±0.2°C accuracy, per-channel CJC, reinforced isolation, extended temperature range, filtering.
• ‘BCB’ (TCCBG3BCB): 16 channels, ±0.35°C accuracy, per-channel CJC, reinforced isolation, extended temperature range, filtering.

The ‘ANE’ gives you better accuracy (0.2°C vs. 0.35°C) but only 8 channels. The ‘BCB’ gives you twice the channels with very good accuracy. Choose the ‘ANE’ for absolute best accuracy on a few channels; choose the ‘BCB’ for high density with excellent accuracy.

What’s the correct thermocouple wire type for this board?

The TCCBG3BCB supports J, K, T, E, N, R, S, and B thermocouples—the full range. The thermocouple type is configured in software (ToolboxST) per channel. For the best accuracy, use premium-grade (special limits of error) thermocouple wire—the board’s 0.35°C accuracy is wasted on standard-grade wire with ±1.1°C tolerance.

EPRO CON021
EPRO PR6424/010-000
EPRO PR6424/010-000