GE IS200DAMDG1AAA Gate Drive Interface Board

The IS200DAMDG1AAA is a gate drive interface board belonging to the Innovation Series™ 200DAM_G family from GE Industrial Systems. It is specifically designed as a DAMD variant for low voltage drives with a 180 frame power rating. Unlike the DAMA, DAMB, and DAMC boards that provide current amplification, the IS200DAMDG1AAA is a non‑amplifying interface board. It provides a direct electrical connection between the control rack’s IS200BPIA Bridge Personality Interface (BPIA) board and the IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) power switching devices. The board transmits gate on/off commands from the control electronics to the IGBT module without internal amplification and has no separate power input.

The IS200DAMDG1AAA is used in drive configurations where one dual IGBT module (containing two IGBTs in a single package) serves each phase leg. For a three‑phase drive, three such boards are required – one per phase leg. The board mounts directly onto the IGBT module and connects to the IGBT’s gate, emitter, and collector terminals via a dedicated connector. It also provides visual status indicators (LEDs) that show the switching state of the upper and lower IGBTs within the module, simplifying field troubleshooting.

This board contains no fuses, test points, or user‑configurable items. Its design emphasizes high reliability and ease of integration into GE Innovation Series low voltage drives.

Functional Description

The IS200DAMDG1AAA acts as a passive interface between the BPIA control board and the dual IGBT module (model CM300DY‑28H). The BPIA generates low‑power gate drive signals (typically +15 V / ‑7.5 V logic levels). These signals are carried via a cable to connector PL on the DAMD board. The board then routes the signals directly to the IGBT’s gate terminals without any amplification or signal conditioning. The IGBT module’s internal driver circuitry (or the IGBT’s gate itself) responds to these signals.

Because the IS200DAMDG1AAA does not amplify the gate signal, it requires no external power supply. Its primary functions are:

• Signal routing – Transmitting the upper and lower gate signals from the control rack to the correct IGBT terminals.

• Electrical isolation – The board maintains isolation between the control circuits and the high‑power IGBTs.

• Status indication – Four LEDs indicate whether each IGBT is being commanded on or off.

• Mechanical interface – The board mounts securely onto the IGBT module and also provides connection points for shunt board assemblies and flex circuits used in the drive’s power structure.

A block diagram of the DAMD board’s operation is shown in Figure 2 of the attached document. The board connects to the IGBT module via a dedicated connector (PL) and to the BPIA via a separate cable. No other connections are required.

Hardware Characteristics

Physical Dimensions and Mounting

The IS200DAMDG1AAA is a printed wiring board designed to mount directly onto the top of a dual IGBT module (CM300DY‑28H). The board is secured using four Allen‑head bolts and washers that attach the IGBT module to the heatsink; the board itself is sandwiched between the IGBT module and the heatsink mounting arrangement. The board also features standoffs for supporting the shunt board assembly.

Connectors and I/O

The board provides the following connectors and terminal points:

Table 6 – DAMD I/O, Connector PL (IGBT Connections)

Note: 1 = Upper IGBT, 2 = Lower IGBT within the dual module.

LED Indicators

The IS200DAMDG1AAA includes four LEDs that monitor the gate drive commands as they are sent from the BPIA. These LEDs do not measure the actual IGBT switching but indicate the state of the incoming control signals. The LED functions are defined in Table 5 of the attached document.

Table 5 – DAMD Board LED (IGBT Driver Monitors)

Under normal operation, the yellow and green LEDs for each IGBT will toggle alternately at the switching frequency. If a gate signal is missing, the corresponding LED will remain steady or stay off.

Application Data

The IS200DAMDG1AAA is intended exclusively for GE Innovation Series low voltage drives that use a 180 frame power structure with CM300DY‑28H dual IGBT modules. Typical applications include:

• Industrial motor drives for pumps, fans, compressors, and conveyors

• HVAC systems

• Machine tool spindles

• Renewable energy converters

• Test stands and dynamometers

In a typical three‑phase drive, three IS200DAMDG1AAA boards are installed – one for phase A, one for phase B, and one for phase C. Each board is mounted directly on top of its associated IGBT module. The BPIA board (located in the control rack) sends pulse‑width modulated (PWM) gate commands via cables to each DAMD board. The DAMD board passes these signals to the IGBT module’s gate terminals, causing the IGBTs to switch at the drive’s carrier frequency (typically 2–8 kHz).

Because the DAMD board does not amplify the gate signal, the BPIA must provide sufficient drive current. This design is suitable for the gate charge characteristics of the CM300DY‑28H IGBT.

Installation and Replacement Procedure

Safety Precautions

• Hazardous voltages are present on the IGBT modules, heatsinks, and connected circuits when the drive is energized. Always de‑energize the drive and verify zero voltage using appropriate high‑voltage testing equipment before touching any board or circuit.

• Static sensitivity – The IS200DAMDG1AAA contains static‑sensitive components. Handle the board only at a grounded workstation while wearing a wrist grounding strap. Store the board in its original antistatic bag until installation.

• Do not remove, insert, or adjust connections while power is applied – This may cause equipment damage or electric shock.

• Note – Unlike DAMA/B/C boards, the DAMD board does not require IGBT replacement when the board is replaced (no such recommendation is given in the attached document for DAMD). However, always follow the drive’s service manual.

Removal Procedure

1. De‑energize the drive and open the cabinet door. Verify that no voltage is present on any electrical circuit.

2. Locate the heatpipe heat exchanger assembly and the IGBT modules with the DAMD boards mounted directly below.

3. Disconnect the cable from connector PL on the IS200DAMDG1AAA board to be removed. Secure the cable out of the way.

4. Remove the three bolts, washers, and spring lock washers that secure the shunt board assembly to the IGBT module. Allow the shunt board assembly to hang by the connected motor cables.
   Warning: Do not allow the shunt board assembly to hang only from the control wires. If the motor cables are not connected, support the assembly by an auxiliary method.

5. Remove the three bolts, washers, and spring lock washers that secure the outer flex circuit and motor output bus bar. Relocate the flex circuit and bus bar so they will not interfere with the DAMD board and IGBT module removal.

6. Repeat step 5 for the inner flex circuit and motor output bus bar.

7. Remove the four Allen‑head bolts and washers that secure the IGBT module to the heatsink. Remove the IGBT module (with the DAMD board still attached).

8. Remove the two screws that secure the standoff to the DAMD board (the standoff supports the shunt board assembly). Remove the standoff.

Installation Procedure for a New IS200DAMDG1AAA

1. Using two screws, secure the standoff for the shunt board assembly to the new IS200DAMDG1AAA board and the IGBT module. Tighten these screws securely.

2. Mount the new IGBT module with the DAMD board to the heatsink as follows:
   a. Spread an even film of Dow Corning 340 silicon grease (or equivalent) onto the back mounting surface of the IGBT module. The film must be at least 6 mils (0.15 mm) thick.
   b. Orient and position the IGBT module with the DAMD board in the same position as the one removed. Insert the four Allen‑head bolts and washers into the mounting holes.
   c. Snug up the four bolts in a diagonally crossing pattern (top left, lower right, top right, lower left).
   d. Tighten the four bolts in a diagonally crossing pattern (reversed from the previous step) to 45 inch‑pounds torque.

3. Reposition the inner flex circuit and motor output bus bar over the mounting holes. Secure with three bolts, washers, and spring lock washers.

4. Repeat step 3 for the outer flex circuit.

5. Reinstall the shunt board assembly to the IGBT module with three bolts, washers, and spring lock washers.

6. Reconnect the cable to connector PL on the new IS200DAMDG1AAA board.

7. Visually inspect all connections, buses, and bolted hardware for correct installation.

8. Check the drive cabinet for any tools, debris, or other loose hardware.

9. Close the drive cabinet door and restore power.

Ordering Information

To order a replacement IS200DAMDG1AAA board, use the complete part number exactly as shown. The part number follows GE’s convention:

• IS200 – Innovation Series, 200V class

• DAM – Functional acronym: Gate Drive Amplifier/Interface board

• D – Variant: DAMD (non‑amplifying interface)

• G1 – Generation 1 (for 180 frame)

• A – Additional modifier (e.g., coating or feature)

• A – Another modifier

• A – Revision A

Warranty and Order Placement

• Warranty replacements (within warranty period): Contact GE Industrial Control Systems Product Service Engineering directly:
  GE Industrial Control Systems
  Product Service Engineering
  1501 Roanoke Blvd.
  Salem, VA 24153‑6492 USA
  Phone: +1‑540‑387‑7595
  Fax: +1‑540‑387‑8606

• Spare parts or non‑warranty orders: Contact your nearest GE Sales or Service Office. Provide:

  • Complete part number: IS200DAMDG1AAA

  • Drive serial number

Note: All digits in the part number are important. GE may substitute later compatible revisions, but backward compatibility is assured.

Handling and Storage Precautions

• Antistatic protection – Always store the IS200DAMDG1AAA in an antistatic bag or box. Use a grounded wrist strap when handling.

• Avoid mechanical stress – Do not bend, flex, or drop the board. Handle by the edges.

• Moisture – Keep the board dry. If condensation is possible, allow the board to acclimate before installation.

• Shipping – Use original GE packaging or an equivalent antistatic, cushioned container.

Troubleshooting Using LED Indicators

The on‑board LEDs provide immediate visual feedback of the gate command signals. Use the following guidelines:

If the LEDs behave correctly but the IGBT does not switch, the problem may be in the IGBT module itself or the power circuit.

Compatibility and System Integration

The IS200DAMDG1AAA is specifically designed for drives using the CM300DY‑28H dual IGBT module in a 180 frame configuration. It is not interchangeable with DAMD G2 (125/92 frame), DAMA (620 frame), DAMB (375 frame), DAMC (250 frame), or DAME (65 frame) boards. Always verify the frame size and IGBT type before replacement.

Typical compatible GE drive models include certain Innovation Series LV5 drives and AF‑600FP drives that use the 180 frame power stack. Consult the drive’s bill of materials or contact GE support for exact compatibility.

Maintenance and Lifetime

The IS200DAMDG1AAA contains no moving parts and requires no routine maintenance. Periodic visual inspection for signs of overheating (discoloration, cracked solder joints) or damage is recommended. Because the board is passive and does not carry high current, its lifetime is generally very long. However, when an IGBT module fails, it is good practice to inspect the DAMD board for any damage (e.g., from overvoltage or short circuit). If the board shows any signs of damage, replace it together with the IGBT module.