The IS200DAMBG1A is a Gate Drive Amplifier Board designed by General Electric (GE) for its Innovation Series™ Low Voltage Drives. This board is the version within the DAM series intended for the 375 frame drive. Its primary function is to provide the final stage gate drive for one phase leg of the drive's power bridge, enabling precise control of the IGBTs.
The IS200DAMBG1A board is located between the control rack and the power switching devices (IGBTs), serving as a critical interface and power amplification stage. It receives gate drive signals from the IS200BPIA Bridge Personality Interface board in the control rack, amplifies the current, and drives both the upper and lower IGBT modules of a single phase leg. The board features four LED indicators that show the on/off status of the upper and lower IGBTs, providing monitoring for field operation and maintenance personnel.
Key features of the IS200DAMBG1A include:
Dedicated for 375 Frame: Suitable for the 375 frame of Innovation Series Low Voltage Drives.
Single Phase Leg Drive: Each board drives the upper and lower IGBTs of one phase leg.
Current Amplification: Provides the final stage gate drive current amplification.
Power Supply Input: Receives +15 V and -7.5 V power supplies.
Status Indication: Four LED indicators show the on/off status of the upper and lower IGBTs.
Direct IGBT Connection: Connects directly to the IGBT gate, emitter, and collector terminals via the PL connector.
Interface with BPIA: Connects to the BPIA board via the PPL connector, receiving control signals and power.
Jumperless Design: The board has no fuses, test points, or configurable components, simplifying field maintenance.
Matched with IGBT Module: Designed to work with the CM600HA-28H IGBT module.
The board mounts directly onto the IGBT modules, secured via the IGBT studs. This ensures the gate drive loop is as short as possible, minimizing parasitic inductance and interference. A 375 frame drive requires three IS200DAMBG1A boards, one for each phase (U, V, W).
II. Main Functions
The primary functions of the IS200DAMBG1A include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Gate Drive Signal Amplification
The IS200DAMBG1A board receives low-power gate drive signals from the BPIA board. Internal amplification circuits boost the current driving capability, providing sufficient drive current to the IGBT gates to ensure fast and reliable switching (turn-on and turn-off).
2. Phase Leg Driving
Each IS200DAMBG1A board is responsible for driving the two IGBTs of a single phase leg:
The drive circuits on the board independently drive the upper and lower IGBTs, ensuring they are never switched on simultaneously, preventing a shoot-through fault.
3. Status Indication
Four LED indicators on the board provide real-time monitoring of the IGBT drive status:
DS1 (UON - Yellow): Lights when the upper IGBT is driven ON.
DS3 (UFF - Green): Lights when the upper IGBT is driven OFF.
DS2 (LON - Yellow): Lights when the lower IGBT is driven ON.
DS4 (LFF - Green): Lights when the lower IGBT is driven OFF.
These indicators provide operational status of the IGBTs for field personnel, facilitating quick diagnosis of drive circuit and IGBT functionality.
4. Direct Connection to IGBTs
The board connects directly to the IGBT gate, emitter, and collector terminals via the PL connector. This direct connection minimizes the length and parasitic inductance of the gate drive loop, improving switching performance and reducing switching losses and electromagnetic interference.
5. Interface with BPIA
The board connects to the BPIA board via the PPL connector, receiving gate drive signals and power from the control rack:
+15 V Power: Provides positive supply for the upper and lower drive circuits.
-7.5 V Power: Provides negative supply for the upper and lower drive circuits (used for IGBT turn-off).
Gate Drive Signals: Control signals originating from the BPIA.
6. Passive Design
The IS200DAMBG1A board contains no fuses, test points, or configurable components. All functionality is fixed at the factory. This design simplifies field maintenance and reduces the risk of faults caused by incorrect configuration.
7. Matching with IGBT Module
The IS200DAMBG1A board is specifically designed to work with the CM600HA-28H IGBT module. This IGBT module is a single-switch package. Each phase leg requires two modules (one upper, one lower). Therefore, a 375 frame drive uses three IS200DAMBG1A boards and six IGBT modules.
III. System Applications
1. Application in Innovation Series Low Voltage Drives
The IS200DAMBG1A is a critical interface board connecting the control and power circuits within Innovation Series Low Voltage Drives. Its roles within the system include:
Gate Driving: Amplifies low-power gate drive signals from the BPIA board to provide sufficient drive current for the IGBTs.
Power Amplification: Acts as the final stage of the drive, directly controlling the switching of the IGBTs.
Status Feedback: Provides indication of IGBT drive status via LED indicators.
2. Differences from Other DAM Versions
The DAM series has multiple versions for different drive frame power ratings:
| Model | Applicable Frame | Matching IGBT | Quantity per Drive | IGBT Configuration |
| DAMA | 620 | CM1000HA-28H | 3 boards | 2 single modules per phase |
| DAMB | 375 | CM600HA-28H | 3 boards | 2 single modules per phase |
| DAMC | 250 | CM400HA-28H | 3 boards | 2 single modules per phase |
| DAMD G1 | 180 | CM300DY-28H | 3 boards | 1 dual module per phase |
| DAMD G2 | 125/92 | CM200DY-28H | 3 boards | 1 dual module per phase |
| DAME | 65 | CM100TF-28H | 1 board | Single module integrates all 3 phases |
The IS200DAMBG1A is specifically designed for the medium-power 375 frame drive, using single-switch IGBT modules requiring two modules per phase.
3. Typical Application Scenarios
Industrial AC Variable Frequency Drives: Controls the speed and torque of medium-power AC motors.
Pump and Fan Control: Drives various pumps and fans in industrial process control applications.
Compressor Control: Drives industrial compressors.
Conveyor Systems: Used for motor control in material handling systems.
HVAC Systems: Drives fans and compressors in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
IV. Detailed Interface Description
1. PL Connector (IGBT Connection)
PL is a 12-pin connector for directly connecting to the IGBT module's gate, emitter, and collector terminals. Pin assignments are as follows:
| Pin | Nomenclature | Description |
| 1 | GLIN | Lower gate signal |
| 2 | LCOM | Lower emitter common |
| 3 | NC | Not Connected |
| 4 | NC | Not Connected |
| 5 | CL | Lower collector signal |
| 6 | UCOM | Upper emitter common |
| 7 | GUIN | Upper gate signal |
| 8 | NC | Not Connected |
| 9 | NC | Not Connected |
| 10 | - | Not defined |
| 11 | - | Not defined |
| 12 | CU | Upper collector signal |
2. PPL Connector (Gate Drive Power)
PPL is an 8-pin connector for receiving power and gate drive signals from the BPIA board. Pin assignments are as follows:
| Pin | Nomenclature | Description |
| 1 | P15L | Lower drive +15 V dc power |
| 2 | N7L | Lower drive -7.5 V dc power |
| 3 | NC | Not Connected |
| 4 | NC | Not Connected |
| 5 | P15U | Upper drive +15 V dc power |
| 6 | N7U | Upper drive -7.5 V dc power |
3. LED Indicators
| LED | Nomenclature | Color | Description |
| DS1 | UON | Yellow | Lights when upper IGBT is driven ON |
| DS2 | LON | Yellow | Lights when lower IGBT is driven ON |
| DS3 | UFF | Green | Lights when upper IGBT is driven OFF |
| DS4 | LFF | Green | Lights when lower IGBT is driven OFF |
V. Installation and Replacement
1. Mounting Location
The IS200DAMBG1A board mounts directly onto the IGBT modules, located below the heatpipe heat exchanger assembly. One IS200DAMBG1A board is installed on the IGBT modules for each phase leg.
2. Replacement Notes
Important Note: When a IS200DAMBG1A board requires replacement, the IGBT module should also be replaced. This ensures proper matching and reliability between the gate drive circuit and the IGBT module.
3. Removal Procedure
Safety Warnings:
WARNING: To prevent electric shock, turn off power to the drive system and use high-voltage test equipment to verify circuits are de-energized before touching.
CAUTION: To prevent component damage caused by static electricity, treat all boards with static sensitive handling techniques. Wear a grounding strap and store boards in anti-static bags.
Removal Steps:
Verify Power Off: Ensure the drive system is completely de-energized.
Open Cabinet Door: Open the drive cabinet door. Use high-voltage test equipment to verify circuits are de-energized.
Locate Board: Find the IGBT modules and IS200DAMBG1A board below the heatpipe heat exchanger assembly.
Disconnect PL Cable: Disconnect the cable from the PL connector on the IS200DAMBG1A board to be removed and secure it out of the way.
Disconnect PPL Cable: Disconnect the cable from the PPL connector on the IS200DAMBG1A board to be removed and secure it out of the way.
Remove Board:
Remove the two Keps nuts securing the board.
Loosen the four captive fasteners.
Slide the IS200DAMBG1A board off the IGBT stud connections and remove it.
4. Installation Procedure
Position New Board: Properly orient and place the new IS200DAMBG1A board over the IGBT stud connections.
Initial Fastening:
Secure Board:
Connect PPL Cable: Reconnect the cable to the PPL connector on the new IS200DAMBG1A board.
Connect PL Cable: Reconnect the cable to the PL connector on the new IS200DAMBG1A board.
Inspect Installation: Visually inspect all connections, buses, and bolted hardware for correct installation.
Clean Up Check: Visually check the drive cabinet for any tools, debris, or other hardware that may be left inside.
Close Door: Close the drive cabinet door after confirming everything is correct.
