DS200TCPDG2B | 8-Ch Programmable I/O

Description

Product Introduction (Anti-Template)

The DS200TCPDG2B is the answer to a specific problem: you have a cluster of 5-8 sensors and actuators on a compact skid and you want to control them all from a single slot with programmable input ranges and HART communication. This board packs 8 programmable analog inputs and 8 programmable analog outputs into one VME slot—double the I/O count of the TCPDG1 series, with integrated HART communication on all output channels.

The ‘2’ in the part number tells you this is the high-density variant in the TCPDG family. The ‘B’ suffix indicates the HART-enabled version with programmable ranges. Compared to the TCPDG1B (4 inputs, 4 outputs, 16-bit, ±0.04% input, ±0.08% output), the TCPDG2B gives you twice the I/O with 14-bit resolution, ±0.15% input accuracy, ±0.20% output accuracy, and the same programmable range and HART communication. If you have 8 sensors and 8 actuators on a compact skid and you’re running out of rack slots, this board solves the problem—but be aware of the trade-offs.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

Replacement options depend on your channel count, accuracy, and HART requirements.

✅ Drop-in Replacement: The DS200TCPDG2 (no ‘B’) is a direct drop-in with identical 8 inputs and 8 outputs and programmable ranges, but without HART communication on the outputs. If you don’t need HART, the non-‘B’ version is a cheaper option (typically 15-20% less). The ‘B’ revision adds the HART modems.

⚠️ Software Compatible: The DS200TCPDG1B (4 inputs, 4 outputs, 16-bit, HART) fits the rack but has half the I/O count. If you swap a TCPDG2B for a TCPDG1B, you’ll lose channels 5-8 on both inputs and outputs. This is a downgrade, not an upgrade.

⚠️ Software Compatible: The DS200TCPAG1B (8 inputs, 16-bit, programmable ranges) provides inputs only—no outputs.

❌ Hardware Incompatible: Any thermocouple input board (TCCBG1 series) uses different backplane pins and is not suitable for general-purpose analog I/O.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between the TCPDG2B and the TCPDG1B?

The TCPDG1B is a precision board: 4 inputs, 4 outputs, 16-bit resolution, ±0.04% input accuracy, ±0.08% output accuracy, HART, diagnostic LEDs. The TCPDG2B is a high-density board: 8 inputs, 8 outputs, 14-bit resolution, ±0.15% input accuracy, ±0.20% output accuracy, HART, no diagnostic LEDs. The trade-off is clear: double the I/O vs. precision and diagnostics. The TCPDG2B is for applications with many analog points that don’t require the highest accuracy.

Why doesn’t this board have diagnostic LEDs?

Board space and cost. Sixteen channels (8 inputs, 8 outputs) with individual LEDs would require significant board real estate. The TCPDG2B is designed for high density, not high diagnostics. Channel status is available through software (ToolboxST).

Can I use this board with a Mark VIe controller?

No—the TCPDG2B uses the older Mark VI backplane pinout. Mark VIe uses a different assignment and typically uses the IS200TCPDG2B for high-density programmable combined I/O. Use the Mark VIe-specific board for new installations.

How do I test this board before installation?

Testing the TCPDG2B requires checking all 16 channels (8 inputs, 8 outputs) with different ranges:

1. Visual inspection: Check for burnt components. Look for HART modem ICs (8 of them on this board).
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 4.0 or later.
4. Input test – voltage: Configure channel 1 for 0-10V. Apply 5.00V—read 5.00V ± 0.0075V (0.15%). Repeat for inputs 1-8.
5. Input test – current: Configure a channel for 4-20mA. Apply 12.00mA—read 12.00mA ± 0.018mA.
6. Output test – voltage: Configure output 1 for 0-10V. Command 5.00V—measure 5.00V ± 0.010V (0.20%). Repeat for outputs 1-8.
7. Output test – current: Configure an output for 4-20mA. Command 12.00mA, connect 250Ω resistor—measure 3.000V ± 0.006V.
8. HART test: Connect a HART device to one output. 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 high-density programmable design:

1. Configuration memory corruption. The non-volatile memory that stores channel configurations can become corrupted—symptom: the board reverts to default configurations.
2. HART modem failure. With 8 HART modems on one board, the failure rate is higher than lower-density boards.

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

The lower accuracy (±0.15% inputs, ±0.20% outputs) 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
• Configuration check: 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
• Full calibration: Every 5 years

What’s the lead time for a replacement TCPDG2B?

These boards are less common than the TCPDG1B:

• New surplus: 4-8 weeks.
• Refurbished: 2-4 weeks. Ensure the refurbisher tests all 8 HART modems.
• Used/as-is: High risk—the 8 HART modems are wear items.

Is there a direct Mark VIe equivalent?

Yes—the IS200TCPDG2B (Mark VIe version). The backplane pinout is different.

What termination board should I use with the TCPDG2B?

The TCPDG2B is designed to interface with the DS200TBCAG2A (high-density analog termination) or the DS200TBPAG2A (if it exists). The termination board must support both inputs and outputs.

What’s the update rate for this board?

The TCPDG2B updates all 16 channels simultaneously at 20ms intervals—50Hz update rate. This is slower than the TCPDG1B (10ms) due to the higher channel density and shared bus.

What’s the HART update rate on this board?

With 8 channels sharing the HART bus, the effective update rate per channel is slower than the TCPDG1B. Expect about 2-3 seconds per channel for a complete command/response cycle. The board supports both command/response mode and burst mode, but burst mode on multiple channels will degrade performance.

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