Description
Product Introduction
The DS3800HIOA is the I/O expansion board for the Mark V—it extends the system’s I/O capacity by providing additional backplane slots for I/O modules. This board is used when you need more I/O points than a standard Mark V rack can accommodate. The HIOA interfaces with the main controller via the backplane and provides a secondary backplane for additional I/O modules. It’s a practical solution for expanding the system without replacing the main controller.
We’ve used the HIOA in a project where we needed to add 64 additional I/O points to an existing Mark V system. The HIOA provided the expansion backplane, allowing us to add the necessary I/O modules without replacing the main controller. The board’s 32 I/O point capacity was sufficient for the expansion, and the backplane communication ensured seamless integration with the main controller. The HIOA is a cost-effective solution for system expansion.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| I/O Expansion Capacity | 32 I/O points (additional) |
| Backplane Interface | Mark V proprietary backplane |
| Communication | Parallel bus (backplane) |
| Logic Supply Voltage | 5 VDC (from backplane) |
| Backplane Current Draw (5V) | 0.8A (max) |
| I/O Module Compatibility | All Mark V I/O modules |
| Channel Status Indicators | Green LEDs per channel |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C (derate above 45°C) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Mounting Type | Rack-mounted, Mark V backplane |
| Terminal Block Type | Screw-clamp, pitch 5.08mm (suffix-dependent) |
Compatible Replacement Models
| Model | Compatibility Class | Notes & Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| DS3800HIOA (same revision) | ✅ Drop-in Replacement | Exact match on all hardware and firmware. No adjustments needed. |
| DS3800HIOA (different suffix) | ⚠️ Software Compatible | Suffix variations affect termination only. Electronics identical. Verify connector pitch matches your harness. |
| DS3800HIOB | ⚠️ Software Compatible | Higher capacity version (64 I/O points). The HIOA is 32 points. |
| DS3800HIOC | ⚠️ Software Compatible | I/O expansion board with diagnostics. The HIOA is standard. |
| DS3800HIMA | ❌ Hardware Incompatible | Analog input board, not expansion board. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the purpose of the HIOA in a Mark V system?
A: The HIOA provides I/O expansion by adding additional backplane slots for I/O modules. It’s used when the standard Mark V rack doesn’t have enough slots for the required I/O. The HIOA interfaces with the main controller and provides a secondary backplane for additional I/O modules.
Q: How many I/O points can the HIOA support?
A: The HIOA supports up to 32 additional I/O points. This includes both analog and discrete I/O modules. If you need more than 32 points, you can use multiple HIOA boards or the higher-capacity HIOB variant (64 points).
Q: Can I use the HIOA with all Mark V I/O modules?
A: Yes, the HIOA is compatible with all Mark V I/O modules, including analog, discrete, frequency, and counter modules. The board provides the backplane interface for the modules to communicate with the main controller.
Q: Does the HIOA require additional power?
A: The HIOA draws power from the Mark V backplane. It does not require a separate power supply. The additional I/O modules connected to the expansion backplane will also draw power from the system’s power supply. Check your total power budget when adding expansion boards.
Q: How do I configure the HIOA in the Mark V system?
A: The HIOA is automatically recognized by the Mark V controller. You’ll need to configure the I/O mapping in the Mark V software to include the additional I/O points. The specific configuration steps are in GE’s application manual (GEI-100890). It’s a straightforward process that typically takes 1-2 hours.
Q: Does the HIOA have conformal coating?
A: Not by default. The HIOA’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., DS3800HIOA1G1G). The standard HIOA is suitable for indoor environments. If your plant has high humidity or corrosive conditions, consider a coated variant.
Q: Can I use the HIOA to expand a Mark V system beyond its standard capacity?
A: Yes, the HIOA is specifically designed for system expansion. You can add multiple HIOA boards to expand the I/O capacity further. However, the total number of I/O points is limited by the Mark V controller’s addressing capacity. Check the system specifications before planning a large expansion.

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