DS3800HIMB | Mark V Speedtronic Precision Analog Card

Description

Product Introduction

The DS3800HIMB is the high-resolution version of the high-density analog input board—it offers 14-bit resolution, providing finer signal measurement than the HIMA’s 12-bit resolution. This board is designed for applications that require higher precision, such as temperature control loops, pressure measurement, and any process where 0.1% accuracy is needed. The 16-channel capacity provides high density, and the per-channel configurability allows mixing of 4-20mA and 0-10V signals. The board’s 14-bit resolution gives you 4x the steps of a 12-bit board, enabling more precise control and measurement.

We’ve used the HIMB in a temperature control application where we needed to measure thermocouple signals with high accuracy. The 14-bit resolution allowed us to detect temperature changes as small as 0.05°C, which was essential for the process control loop. The 16-channel capacity allowed us to monitor all the temperature points in a single board. The HIMB is the board to choose when precision matters.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the advantage of the 14-bit resolution on the HIMB?
A: The 14-bit resolution provides 16384 steps—4x the steps of a 12-bit board (4096 steps). This allows you to detect smaller changes in the input signal. For a 4-20mA signal, a 14-bit board provides a step size of about 1.2µA, while a 12-bit board provides about 4.9µA. This means the HIMB can measure more precisely, which is essential for temperature control loops and precision measurement applications.

Q: Can I mix 4-20mA and 0-10V signals on the same HIMB board?
A: Yes, the HIMB allows per-channel configuration via jumpers. Each channel has a jumper block that selects current or voltage mode. The board supports 4-20mA, 0-20mA, 0-10V, and ±10V inputs. Make sure to set the jumpers correctly for each channel before installation.

Q: What’s the scan rate of the HIMB?
A: The HIMB scans all 16 channels in about 30ms. This is slightly slower than the HIMA (25ms) due to the higher resolution ADC. The scan rate is still fast enough for most process control applications. If you need faster scanning, the HIMA’s 12-bit resolution might be more appropriate.

Q: The HIMB has a 1.3A backplane current draw. Is that higher than the HIMA?
A: Yes, the HIMB draws 1.3A, which is 0.1A more than the HIMA (1.2A). The extra current is for the higher-resolution ADC and precision reference. The Mark V power supply is rated at 6A on the 5V rail, so the HIMB is within the limit. If your rack has multiple HIMB boards, check your total backplane current. We recommend keeping total backplane current below 5.5A for margin.

Q: Does the HIMB provide loop power for 4-20mA transmitters?
A: No. The HIMB does not provide loop power. You’ll need an external 24V DC power supply for the transmitter loops. The board’s 250Ω input impedance is compatible with most 4-20mA transmitters. If your transmitter requires a specific loop resistance, check the transmitter’s data sheet.

Q: Does the HIMB have conformal coating?
A: Not by default. The HIMB’s suffix typically indicates termination type, not coating. If you need conformal coating for harsh environments, look for a suffix with a “G” (e.g., DS3800HIMB1G1G). The standard HIMB is suitable for indoor environments. If your plant has high humidity or corrosive conditions, consider a coated variant.

Q: How do I test the HIMB’s accuracy in the field?
A: You can do a sanity check using a precision current source (like a Fluke 789) feeding 4mA and 20mA into a channel. Read the digital value in the Mark V’s diagnostic screen. At 4mA, you should see roughly 0% of range (8192 counts for a 14-bit board). At 20mA, you should see 100% (16383 counts). If you’re off by more than ±10 counts, the board may need calibration. We recommend a full calibration every 2 years with a certified test set.

GE DS200TCQBG2B
GE DS200TCQCG1A
GE DS200TCQCG1AHD