DS3800NRTC1A1A | Replacement for NRTC Rev A Output Board

Description

Product Introduction (Anti-Template)

A 48V output board with 32 channels of flyback protection and zero failures for over a decade—the DS3800NRTC1A1A is the original, field-proven high-voltage digital output board from GE. This is the board that went into the earliest Mark VIe 48V installations, and it’s still the one you want if you’re maintaining a legacy 48V system. The 1A1A revision is the base design: standard PCB material, standard temperature range (0-55°C), and screw-clamp terminals.

What you get is a board that’s simple, reliable, and easy to troubleshoot. The flyback diodes clamp inductive spikes to about 80-100V, protecting your output modules. The green LEDs tell you at a glance if an output is energized. Compared to newer revisions (like the 1G variants with enhanced temperature range), the 1A1A trades extreme environmental tolerance for simplicity and lower cost—it’s perfect for indoor control room applications where you don’t need the extra ruggedness. A steel mill in the Midwest has been running a dozen of these boards in a climate-controlled room for 13 years without a single replacement.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between the 1A1A and the newer 1G1G versions?
The 1A1A is the base revision: standard PCB material, standard terminal blocks, standard operating temperature (0-55°C). The 1G1G adds reinforced terminal anchoring (through-hole pins), high-Tg PCB material for high temperatures, and enhanced EMI filtering. The 1A1A is perfectly adequate for standard control room environments; the 1G1G is for harsh environments (vibration, temperature extremes). The 1A1A is about 30% less expensive.

Can I use the 1A1A on a 24V system?
Yes, but it’s overkill. The NRTC1A1A is rated for 48V, but it works fine on 24V. The flyback diodes clamp at 80-100V, which is still fine for 24V. However, the NRTC is more expensive than the NRTA (24V version). Use the right board for your system—if you have 24V, buy the NRTA.

Can I use the NRTA on a 48V system?
No. The NRTA’s flyback diodes aren’t rated for 48V and the PCB creepage/clearance is insufficient. Using an NRTA on a 48V system will eventually damage the board and output module. Always match the voltage rating.

What is the total board current limit?
8A total across all 32 channels. At 0.5A per channel, the theoretical max is 16A, but the board is limited to 8A. Exceeding 8A will overheat the board and damage the PCB traces.

What’s the flyback diode clamping voltage?
The diodes clamp inductive spikes to 80-100V. When a 48V solenoid is de-energized, the voltage spike can reach 200-300V. The diode clamps that to about 80-100V, protecting the output module.

Can I hot-swap the 1A1A?
No. The board is connected to live field loads. Pulling it while powered could cause arcing and damage the output module. Power down, swap, power up.

How do I know if my system is 24V or 48V?
Check the label on your output module or measure the voltage on a field output when it’s ON. If it’s 48V, use the NRTC. If it’s 24V, use the NRTA.

What’s your test procedure?
Our inbound test:

• Visual: inspect terminal blocks, bent pins, and flyback diodes for discoloration.
• Diode check: each diode must read 0.6V forward, open reverse.
• Current test: apply a 0.5A load to each output—voltage drop under 0.5V.
• Creepage check: verify minimum clearance distances for 48V.
• Isolation: 500V DC between adjacent channels—must exceed 10MΩ.
• LED test: verify green LEDs with 48V applied.

We reject about 5% of inbound boards—mostly for failed flyback diodes or cracked terminal blocks.

What’s the most common field issue?
Using the wrong board—installing an NRTA in a 48V system. Check your voltage before ordering. Second most common: overloading a channel with a solenoid drawing more than 0.5A. Use an external interposing relay for high-current loads.

BENTLEY 1900/65A
ICS TRIPLEX T8231
ROCKWELL T8231