DS200TCEBG1A | 8-Ch HART I/O Board

Description

Product Introduction (Anti-Template)

The DS200TCEBG1A is a specialized board that solves a specific problem: you have a temperature transmitter and an actuator on the same skid, and you want to control them both from a single slot. This board combines 4 thermocouple inputs with 4 analog outputs (with HART) in one VME slot—a unique combination that saves rack space in compact turbine packages.

The ‘CEB’ in the part number indicates this is a combined thermocouple input and analog output board. The ‘A’ revision adds diagnostic LEDs per channel, improves thermocouple accuracy from ±0.5°C to ±0.4°C, and improves output accuracy from ±0.30% to ±0.25%. The board is designed for applications where you have a small number of temperature sensors and actuators in close proximity—like a single valve with a positioner and a thermocouple on the same loop.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

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

✅ Drop-in Replacement: The DS200TCEBG1 (no ‘A’) is a direct electrical drop-in—same pinout, same 4 TC inputs, same 4 outputs, same HART. The differences: the base model has no diagnostic LEDs, ±0.5°C TC accuracy, 12-bit output resolution, ±0.30% output accuracy. If you don’t need diagnostics, the base model is a cheaper option (typically 10-15% less). The ‘A’ is the enhanced version.

⚠️ Software Compatible: The DS200TCCBG1A (8 TC inputs, 16-bit, no outputs) provides thermocouple inputs only—no analog outputs. Only use if you don’t need analog outputs.

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

❌ Hardware Incompatible: The DS200TCCAG1A (general-purpose analog inputs) is not suitable for thermocouple signals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between the TCEBG1A and the TCEBG1?

The ‘A’ revision adds three improvements:

• Diagnostic LEDs: Per-channel status indication (green/amber/red).
• Better TC accuracy: ±0.4°C vs. ±0.5°C.
• Better output accuracy: ±0.25% vs. ±0.30% with 14-bit vs. 12-bit resolution.

The diagnostic LEDs are the key feature—you can see the status of each input and output at a glance without opening ToolboxST.

How do the diagnostic LEDs work on the ‘A’ revision?

Each of the 8 channels (4 TC inputs, 4 analog outputs) has a bi-color LED:

• Green (solid): Normal operation—signal within range.
• Amber (flashing): Warning—signal near range limit or HART communication error.
• Red (flashing): Fault—over-range, under-range, or channel failure.

The LEDs are visible from the front of the board without removing it from the rack.

Does HART work on the inputs or only on the outputs?

HART communication is available on the 4 output channels only. The thermocouple inputs do not support HART. If you need HART on input channels, you would need to use a separate TCCAG1A combined with a TCDAG1B.

Can I use this board with a Mark VIe controller?

No—the TCEBG1A uses the older Mark VI backplane pinout. Mark VIe uses a different assignment and typically uses the IS200TCEBG1A for combined thermocouple output boards. Use the Mark VIe-specific board for new installations.

How do I test this board before installation?

Testing the TCEBG1A requires checking both thermocouple inputs and analog outputs:

1. Visual inspection: Check for burnt components. Look for CJC sensor, diagnostic LEDs, and HART modem ICs.
2. Power-up test: Apply power. All diagnostic LEDs should briefly flash during POST, then settle to green (or amber if no signals connected).
3. Firmware check: Read firmware via ToolboxST—should be 3.0 or later.
4. TC input test: Apply 10.00mV to input 1—read 250°C ± 0.4°C. Repeat for inputs 1-4.
5. CJC test: With no thermocouple connected, read the CJC temperature. It should match ambient within ±1°C.
6. Output test – voltage: Command 5.00V on output 1—measure 5.00V ± 0.0125V (0.25%). Test at 0V, 5V, 10V. Repeat for outputs 1-4.
7. Output test – current: Command 12.00mA, connect 250Ω resistor—measure 3.000V ± 0.0075V.
8. HART test: Connect a HART device to output 1. Verify communication.
9. Diagnostic LED test: Disconnect a thermocouple—LED should flash amber or red. Reconnect—LED returns to green.
10. Isolation test: Measure resistance between channels—should be >10MΩ.

What’s the most common failure on this board?

Two issues specific to the combined thermocouple/output design:

1. CJC sensor drift. The single shared CJC sensor can drift, causing offsets on all 4 thermocouple inputs.
2. Diagnostic LED failure. The LEDs can fail after 10+ years—a failed LED doesn’t affect the measurement.

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

The lower accuracy and slower update rate make this board suitable for SIL-1 applications (not SIL-2 or SIL-3). We recommend:

• Visual inspection: Every 6 months (check diagnostic LEDs)
• Power-up test: Every 12 months
• TC accuracy check: Every 12 months (0.4°C spec)
• Output accuracy check: Every 12 months (0.25% spec)
• CJC check: Every 12 months
• HART test: Every 12 months
• Diagnostic LED test: Every 12 months
• Isolation check: Every 2 years
• Full calibration: Every 5 years

What’s the lead time for a replacement TCEBG1A?

These boards are less common than standard I/O boards:

• New surplus: 3-6 weeks. Specialized board with moderate availability.
• Refurbished: 2-3 weeks. Ensure the refurbisher tests both TC inputs and outputs.
• Used/as-is: High risk. The CJC sensor and LEDs are wear items.

Is there a direct Mark VIe equivalent?

Yes—the IS200TCEBG1A (Mark VIe version). The backplane pinout is different.

What termination board should I use with the TCEBG1A?

The TCEBG1A is designed to interface with a termination board that supports both thermocouple inputs and analog outputs. The DS200TBCAG1A (general-purpose analog) can be used for the outputs, but for the thermocouple inputs you need the DS200TBCBG1A termination board. You would need a custom termination panel that combines both boards or use separate termination boards for each function.

What’s the update rate for inputs and outputs?

The TCEBG1A updates all 8 channels simultaneously at 20ms intervals—50Hz update rate. This is slower than the dedicated boards (5-10ms) and a limitation of the combined design.

What’s the maximum load for voltage mode?

The TCEBG1A can drive up to 10mA in voltage mode. At 10V output, this means a minimum load resistance of 1kΩ.

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