DS200TCEAG1A | 8-Ch HART I/O Board

Description

Product Introduction (Anti-Template)

The DS200TCEAG1A is a different approach to analog I/O—it combines inputs and outputs on a single board, giving you 4 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs in one VME slot. This is the board you use when you have a small cluster of sensors and actuators (like a single valve with position feedback) and you want to save rack space by consolidating your I/O.

The ‘CE’ in the part number indicates this is a combination I/O board. The ‘A’ revision adds HART communication to both the input and output channels, allowing you to communicate with smart transmitters and actuators over the same 4-20mA wiring. Compared to using separate TCCAG1 (input) and TCDAG1 (output) boards, the TCEAG1A saves a VME slot—valuable real estate in a fully populated rack. The trade-off is lower resolution (14-bit instead of 16-bit) and a slightly slower update rate (10ms vs. 5ms). If you have a fuel control application with a valve and a pressure transmitter on the same loop, this board does it all in one slot.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

Replacement options depend on your need for HART and combined I/O.

✅ Drop-in Replacement: The DS200TCEAG1 (no ‘A’) is a direct drop-in—same pinout, same 4 inputs, same 4 outputs. The differences: the base model has no HART communication, 12-bit resolution (inputs and outputs), and lower accuracy. The ‘A’ revision adds HART and improves resolution to 14-bit. If you don’t need HART, the base model is a cheaper option. The ‘A’ is the HART-enabled version.

✅ Drop-in Replacement: The DS200TCEAG1A is the only ‘A’ variant—there is no ‘AB’ or ‘AC’ version in this family.

⚠️ Software Compatible: The DS200TCCAG1A (8 inputs, 16-bit, HART) fits the rack and provides inputs only. If you need HART and don’t need outputs, the TCCAG1A is a better choice. The TCEAG1A is for combined I/O applications.

⚠️ Software Compatible: The DS200TCDAG1B (8 outputs, 16-bit, HART) provides outputs only—no inputs.

❌ Hardware Incompatible: Any thermocouple input board (TCCBG1 series) or discrete I/O board (TCDX series) uses different backplane pins and is not suitable for combined I/O.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between the TCEAG1A and using separate TCCAG1A and TCDAG1B boards?

Using separate boards gives you 8 inputs (TCCAG1A) and 8 outputs (TCDAG1B) with 16-bit resolution and 5ms update rate. The TCEAG1A gives you 4 inputs and 4 outputs in one slot, 14-bit resolution, 10ms update rate. The TCEAG1A saves a VME slot but sacrifices channel count, resolution, and speed. If you have a single valve with position feedback and pressure transmitter, the TCEAG1A is perfect. If you have a complex turbine with 16 inputs and 16 outputs, you need the separate boards.

How does HART work on both inputs and outputs?

The TCEAG1A has integrated HART modems on all 8 channels—4 inputs and 4 outputs. On the input side, you can communicate with smart transmitters (pressure, temperature, flow) to read diagnostic data and configuration. On the output side, you can communicate with smart actuators (valve positioners) to read position feedback, diagnostic data, and configure parameters. The HART communication is independent on each channel—you can have HART on input 1 and output 1 simultaneously.

Can I use this board with a Mark VIe controller?

No—the TCEAG1A uses the older Mark VI backplane pinout. Mark VIe uses a different assignment and typically uses the IS200TCEAG1A for combined analog I/O. Use the Mark VIe-specific board for new installations.

How do I test this board before installation?

Testing the TCEAG1A requires checking both inputs and outputs:

1. Visual inspection: Check for burnt components. Look for HART modem ICs (one per channel).
2. Power-up test: Apply power. The board’s status LED (green) should illuminate within 2 seconds.
3. Firmware check: Read firmware via ToolboxST—should be 3.0 or later.
4. Input test – voltage: Apply 5.00V to input 1—read 5.00V ± 0.0075V (0.15%). Repeat for inputs 1-4.
5. Input test – current: Apply 12.00mA—read 12.00mA ± 0.018mA.
6. Output test – voltage: Command 5.00V on output 1—measure 5.00V ± 0.010V (0.20%). Test at 0V, 5V, 10V. Repeat for outputs 1-4.
7. Output test – current: Command 12.00mA, connect 250Ω resistor—measure 3.00V ± 0.006V (12.00mA ± 0.024mA).
8. HART test: Connect a HART device to input 1 and output 1. Verify communication.
9. Isolation test: Measure resistance between channels—should be >10MΩ.

What’s the most common failure on this board?

Two issues specific to the combined I/O design:

1. HART modem failure. With 8 HART modems on one board, failure rate is higher than single-function boards. Symptom: HART communication fails on one channel while others work.
2. Mixed signal interference. Input and output signals on the same board can interfere if isolation fails. Symptom: input reading jumps when output changes.

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

The combined I/O design with shared components makes this board suitable for SIL-1 and SIL-2 applications (not SIL-3). We recommend:

• Visual inspection: Every 6 months
• Power-up test: Every 12 months
• Input accuracy check: Every 12 months (0.15% spec)
• Output accuracy check: Every 12 months (0.20% spec)
• HART test: Every 12 months
• Isolation check: Every 2 years
• Full calibration: Every 5 years

What’s the lead time for a replacement TCEAG1A?

These boards are less common than single-function boards:

• New surplus: 3-6 weeks. Moderate premium.
• Refurbished: 2-3 weeks. Ensure the refurbisher tests both inputs and outputs—some only test one side.
• Used/as-is: High risk. The combined design has more components that can fail.

Is there a direct Mark VIe equivalent?

Yes—the IS200TCEAG1A (Mark VIe version). The backplane pinout is different.

What termination board should I use with the TCEAG1A?

The TCEAG1A interfaces with the DS200TBCAG1A (general-purpose analog termination) or the DS200TBPAG1A (mixed-signal termination). The termination board must support both inputs and outputs—the TBCAG1A and TBPAG1A both do.

What’s the update rate for inputs and outputs?

The TCEAG1A updates all 8 channels simultaneously at 10ms intervals—100Hz update rate. This is slower than the dedicated boards (5ms) but faster than older combined I/O boards (20ms).

What’s the difference between the TCEAG1A and the TCEAG1 (base model)?

The base TCEAG1 has 12-bit resolution (I/O), no HART, and lower accuracy (inputs ±0.25%, outputs ±0.30%). The TCEAG1A improves resolution to 14-bit, adds HART on all channels, and improves accuracy (inputs ±0.15%, outputs ±0.20%). If you don’t need HART, the base model is cheaper. If you need HART and better accuracy, the ‘A’ revision is required.

EPRO PR9376/010-001
EPRO PR9376/000-001
EPRO PR9268/702-000 PLC DCS