Model

www.basler.com DXCB-2 De-Excitation/Crowbar Module

+1 618.654.2341 (USA)
Part Numbers
[email protected]
9500900100, 9500900101, and 9500900102

INTRODUCTION
The DXCB-2 De-Excitation/Crowbar Module protects the generator field and exciter circuits by providing a low-
impedance path for currents that would otherwise cause excessively high transient voltage or damaging arcs. A
DXCB-2 module can be operated in one of two modes: de-excitation (DX) or crowbar (CB).
In DX mode, the DXCB-2 module provides a path for the generator field current when its field breaker is opening
or when the normal path is not available.
In CB mode, the DXCB-2 module provides a low-resistance path for large positive voltages across the generator
field and exciter bridge. Generator pole-slip voltage is one source of high voltage.
The enclosure of the DXCB-2 offers electric shock protection from incidental contact. An identical footprint and
functional compatibility makes for simple replacement of a DXCB with a DXCB-2.

DXCB-2 Models
Three versions of the DXCB-2 module are available. Part number 9500900100 has a trip voltage of 600 Vdc at
2,000 Adc and part number 9500900101 has a trip voltage of 1,000 Vdc at 5,000 Adc. Part number 9500900102
has identical ratings to part number 9500900101 but has a higher range of jumper-selectable trip voltage values.

SAFETY
As with all electrical equipment, appropriate safety measures must be taken when dealing with excitation
equipment. High voltage is present within the excitation cubicles; their magnitudes depend upon the particular
system. Opening the sources (e.g., disconnecting device 41) does not completely disconnect the high voltages.
As long as the machine is still physically connected to the system, there is a possibility that a safety hazard exists.

Warning!

Bodily injury could result if contact is made with components in this

apparatus which carry either line voltage or are subject to abnormally
high voltages. References to the circuit diagrams, notably within other
documentation, disclose hazardous areas.

Every precaution must be taken when working at the excitation control switchgear to ensure that all high voltages
are isolated and avoided by test personnel. In addition to the machine terminal voltage (460 Vac or greater) at the
excitation transformer, there may be other sources of power entering the cubicles, such as 125/250 Vdc and/or
120/240 Vac used to feed certain devices. A good rule to follow is to assume that all connections are live and
dangerous until proven otherwise and to avoid all body contact with any of these voltages.

SPECIFICATIONS

Power Supply Requirements

Voltage: 125 Vdc (112.5 to 137.5 Vdc)
Current: 100 mAdc (maximum)
Pin Assignments
DXTBP: 1 (+), 3 (–)

Instructions
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9500900990 B Sep 2021 2021

For terms of service relating to this product and software, see the Commercial Terms of Products and Services document available at www.basler.com/terms.
DXCB-2 Module Ratings
Low Voltage, Part Number 9500900100
Voltage: 600 Vdc
Current: 100 Adc continuous
2,000 Adc for one second
High Voltage, Part Numbers 9500900101 and 9500900102
Voltage: 1,000 Vdc
Current: 100 Adc continuous
5,000 Adc for one second
VDRM (Repetitive Peak Off-State Voltage) and VRRM (Repetitive Peak Reverse Voltage) Rating
Low Voltage Style: 2,800 V maximum
High Voltage Style: 4,200 V maximum
Fuse Rating—All Models
20,000 Adc (one time, permanently shorts thyristor)
Field Connections
Input Current: Anode (A)
Output Current: Cathode (K)

Control Firing Input

Voltage: 24 Vdc or 125 Vdc (factory set based on system)
Current: 10 mAdc (maximum)
Pin Assignments
DXTBP: 2 (+), 4 (–)

Relay Driver Output and Phase Back

Relay Driver
Voltage: +24 Vdc
Current: 20 mAdc
Phase Back
Voltage: +24 or –24 Vdc (factory set based on system)
Current: 20 mAdc
Pin Assignments
DXTBP: 5 (–), 6 (+)

CE Compliance
This product has been evaluated and complies with the relevant essential requirements set forth by the EU
legislation as part of a system, not as a stand-alone device.
EC Directives
 Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU
 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 2014/30/EU
 Hazardous Substances (RoHS2) 2011/65/EU
Harmonized Standards used for Evaluation
 IEC 62103:2003 (pertinent EMC sections)
 EN 62477-1:2012
 EN 61000-6-2:2005
 EN 61000-6-4:2007; with AMD 1:2011
 EN 50581:2012, Ed 12

Environment
Temperature
Operating: –40°C to 60°C (–40 to 140°F)
Storage: –40°C to 65°C (–40 to 149°F)

Instructions
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Humidity
0 to 95%, non-condensing
Physical
Weight: 48.6 lb (22.1 kg)
Size (W x H x D): 16.25 x 11.22 x 10.52 inches
(412.6 x 285.0 x 267.2 millimeters)

INSTALLATION
The DXCB-2 is typically preinstalled in the excitation control system. If replacement is necessary, carefully label
and document each of the connections to the DXCB-2 in order to properly reconnect the new module. The DXCB-
2 must be monitored and adjusted to fit the specific application at initial startup, whether it is a new unit or a
replacement.

DXCB-2 Connections
DXCB-2 connections consist of a screw terminal connector and bus bar connections. See Figure 1 for connector
and bus bar locations. Locator letters in Figure 1 correspond to the lettered descriptions in Table 1.

Figure 1. Connector and Circuit Board Locations

Table 1. Connector and Circuit Board Descriptions

Locator Description
A Conduction Monitor Circuit Board.
B Anode (A).
C Cathode (K).
D Connector (DXTBP).
E Control Circuit Board.
Screw Terminal Connector
A connector with screw-down compression terminals is used for the power supply input, control firing logic input,
and relay driver output. The connector, and the header it plugs into, have a dovetailed edge that ensures proper
connector orientation. Connector screw terminals accept a maximum wire size of 12 AWG. The maximum screw
torque is 5.3 in-lb or 0.6 N•m.

Instructions
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Bus Bar Connections
Bus bar connections are provided for the anode and cathode of the thyristor. The maximum torque for the
supplied hardware is 27 ft-lb (37 N•m).

OPERATION
Figure 2 illustrates a typical excitation system using two DXCB-2 modules. One module is operating in de-
excitation (DX) mode and the other is operating in crowbar (CB) mode.

P0087-02
41DC Icb
CB
C3

+
C3
DX
GEN
PPT Idx FIELD

-
41AC Ifg
Rc Rd
BRIDGE

41DC
Figure 2. Typical Application
The normal path for current is through the power potential transformer (PPT), ac breaker (41AC), exciter bridge,
field breaker (41DC), and the generator field. If this current path is interrupted, such as when the field breaker
opens, the generator field acts as a large inductor and develops the necessary voltage to keep the field current
(Ifg) from changing. The de-excitation circuit provides a path for this current. A resistor, Rd, may be provided to
absorb energy from the generator field. This reduces the time it takes to de-excite the generator when a dc
interrupt device is used.
The crowbar circuit provides a low resistance path to large, positive voltages. When the crowbar conducts, a logic
level feedback is provided to the excitation system to phase back the excitation power bridge. A resistor, Rc, limits
the bridge current when the crowbar is conducting. In crowbar operation, the control circuit board provides a
phase back signal of +24 Vdc to an MGR type exciter or –24 Vdc to an M300 type exciter. Phase back output
voltage is factory set based on exciter type.
In some applications, multiple DXCB-2 modules may share a resistor (Rc or Rd).

Conduction Monitor Board

The conduction monitor board detects current flow when the flux density in the air gap exceeds the pickup
threshold of the Hall-effect switch. LEDs DS1, DS2, and DS3 light to indicate current flow. The Hall-effect switch
has a pickup threshold of approximately 30 amperes. This approximation is due to possible variances in the air
gap.

Control Circuit Board

The control circuit board interfaces with the excitation system to fire the thyristor.
Thyristor Firing
Applying 125 Vdc or 24 Vdc (depending on the system) to pins 2 and 4 of connector DXTBP, initiates thyristor
firing. When thyristor firing is initiated, a train of pulses fire the thyristor for as long as the voltage is present. The
initial high intensity of the firing pulse train decreases after approximately 200 milliseconds. If a power supply
failure occurs, capacitors provide enough energy to fire the thyristor for 500 milliseconds. A gate pulse
transformer isolates the control firing circuitry from the thyristor gate.
Thyristor Current Flow Indication
The control circuit board monitors the conduction monitor board to detect current flow through the thyristor. When
thyristor current is detected, the control circuit board supplies current sensor relay driver (CSRD) output voltage
(+24 Vdc). CSRD Active LED DS2 lights when the relay driver is energized. The CSRD output has an adjustable

Instructions
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time delay, from 50 milliseconds to 1.05 seconds, that is controlled by jumpers JTD1 and JTD2 and potentiometer
R51. See Figure 3 for jumper and potentiometer locations. Locator letters in Figure 3 correspond to the lettered
descriptions in Table 2.

Figure 3. Control Circuit Board LED and Jumper Locations

Instructions
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 Table 2. Control Circuit Board LED and Jumper Descriptions
Locator Description
A Control and Conduction Monitor board communication LED DS3.
B Test (SW1) and Reset (SW2) pushbuttons, Jumpers J6 and J7.
C CSRD output time delay adjustment jumpers and potentiometer.
D Current-limiting resistance adjustment stabs JB1 through JB5.
E Firing voltage adjustment stabs JB6 through JB11.
F Thyristor firing LED DS1.
G +15 Vdc power supply LED DS4.
H –24 Vdc power supply LED DS5.
I CSRD active LED DS2.

To obtain the desired CSRD output time delay, observe the following guidelines:
 For a 50 millisecond time delay, set JTD1 to D (disable) and JTD2 to D (disable).
 For a 350 millisecond time delay, set JTD1 to E (enable) and JTD2 to D (disable).
 To add up to one second of delay time, set JTD2 to E (enable) and adjust R51 for the desired time delay.
Break-Over Diodes
The break-over diodes (BOD) fire the thyristor when field voltage exceeds the jumper-selected threshold. The
BODs operate even when the DXCB-2 module is not powered, however, current flow will not be indicated by the
conduction monitor LEDs.
Depending on the system requirements, up to five BODs are connected in series with appropriate current-limiting
resistors and stabs for selecting firing voltages. Part numbers 9500900100 and 9500900101 are equipped with
five 600-volt BODs while part number 9500900102 is equipped with two 800-volt BODs and three 600-volt BODs.
Stabs JB1 through JB5 determine current-limiting resistance. Stabs JB6 through JB11 determine firing voltage.
Table 3 lists the jumper settings for current-limiting resistance and firing voltage selection. Figure 3 shows the
stab locations.

Table 3. BOD Jumper Settings for Current Limiting Resistance and Firing Voltage Selection
P/N 9500900100
600 V 1,200 V 1,800 V 2,400 V 3,000 V
P/N 9500900101
P/N 9500900102 800 V 1,600 V 2,200 V 2,800 V 3,400 V
Jumper JB6 to: JB10 JB9 JB8 JB7 Remove jumper
Connect
Thyristor Anode JB5 JB4 JB3 JB2 JB1
Jumper to:

The BOD firing voltage level should be set to protect the generator field as recommended by IEEE C37.18 (1979),
see Table 4.

Table 4. Recommended Permissible Transient Crest Voltages Based on Machine Field Circuit Insulation
(For use in the selection of field discharge resistors.)
Nominal Field Standard Manufacturer Machine Field Recommended Permissible
Circuit Voltage 60 Hz Dielectric Test (Volts rms) Transient Crest Voltage
250 2,500 1,770
375 3,750 2,650
500 5,000 3,530
750 5,500 3,890
1,000 6,000 4,240

Instructions
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For de-excitation mode, the BOD firing voltage level should be:
 Set lower than the contact voltage rating of the 41DC breaker or contacts. When the 41DC is opened under
load, the voltage that develops across its contacts should be greater than the break-over voltage so that the
de-excitation thyristor will be fired.
 Coordinate with surge protection.
 Set higher than the maximum negative output of the exciter bridge plus a "safety factor" to prevent inadvertent
de-excitation operation.
When 41AC is used, BOD firing cannot be relied upon to fire the de-excitation circuitry. The voltage developed by
the contacts of an ac breaker attempting to interrupt dc current will likely be insufficient.
For crowbar mode:
 Set less than the peak reverse voltage (PRV) of the exciter bridge thyristors.
 Set greater than the maximum positive output of the exciter bridge, including the commutation spike voltage.
Test Function
A Test pushbutton, located on the control circuit board, simulates current flow through the thyristor. Jumper J7
must be in the E (enable) position to perform this test.
Reset Function
The control circuit board Reset button is operated to reset the CSRD signal and enable a restart of the excitation
system following operation of the DXCB-2 module. Manual reset of the DXCB-2 module is needed only when it is
configured for Manual Reset mode. Manual Reset mode is selected by placing jumper J6 in the M (manual)
position. Placing jumper J6 in the A (auto) position selects Auto Reset mode. In Auto Reset mode, the DXCB-2
module resets automatically and operation of the Reset button is not required to restart the system.
See Figure 3 for the locations of the pushbuttons and jumpers. Locator letters in Figure 3 correspond to the
lettered descriptions in Table 2.

Note
When the DXCB-2 module operates while configured for Manual
Reset mode (jumper J6 in M position), the Reset button must be
operated before attempting to restart the excitation system.

Power Supply
The DXCB-2 accepts 125 Vdc operating power at DXTBP terminals 1 (+) and 3 (–).

Parallel Operation
Logic firing and BOD firing may be paralleled to allow either or both to fire the required thyristor. In some
applications, only one type of firing (BOD or logic) may be utilized.
As shown in Figure 4, control circuit boards are paralleled using ribbon cable connections to J10 and J11. This
feature provides redundancy and increases the rating for certain types of operation.
There are two types of parallel operation: control firing and self-firing.
Control Firing
For parallel operation via control firing, the firing pulses are synchronized.
See Retrofitting a DXCB with a DXCB-2 if retrofitting a DXCB with a DXCB-2 module.
Self-Firing
For de-excitation or crowbar applications, a resistor is required when DXCB-2 modules are paralleled, either Rc or
Rd.

Instructions
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 Note
For de-excitation operation via self-firing, the excitation system must
have a breaker rated for the required voltage. For parallel operation
without separate discharge resistors in series with each thyristor, the
voltage across the parallel thyristor may disappear before self-firing
occurs.

Ix

Rx Rx

J10 J11 J10 J11

P0081-99
EXCITATION
DXCB-2 MODULE DXCB-2 MODULE
CONTROL

Ix

Figure 4. Parallel Operation with Resistor

MONITORING
DXCB-2 monitoring consists of eight LED indicators. See Figure 3 for LED locations on the control circuit board
and Figure 5 for LED locations on the conduction monitor circuit board.

Control Board and Conduction Monitor Board Communication LED (DS3)

Located on the control board, this red LED lights to indicate a proper connection between the control board and
conduction monitor board.

CSRD Active LED (DS2)

Located on the control board, this red LED lights when thyristor current is detected and the DXCB-2 is supplying
CSRD output voltage.

Current Flow LEDs (DS1, DS2, DS3)

Located on the conduction monitor board, these redundant, red LEDs light to indicate current flow.

Thyristor Firing LED (DS1)

Located on the control board, this red LED lights when the thyristor is being fired.

Operating Power LEDs (DS4, DS5)

Red LED DS4 lights to indicate the presence of +15 Vdc. Red LED DS5 lights to indicate the presence of –24
Vdc.

Instructions
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 Figure 5. Conduction Monitor Circuit Board LED Locations

RETROFITTING A DXCB WITH A DXCB-2

DXCB-2 modules contain a series of three internal Zener diodes. In some DXCB module applications, these
Zener diodes are installed external to the module, inside the excitation cubicle. When retrofitting a DXCB with a
DXCB-2 this series of Zener diodes must be shorted, if present. Perform the steps in the following procedure to
locate and short the Zener diodes:
1. Following all applicable safety precautions, remove the DXCB from service.
2. Carefully label and document each of the connections to the DXCB in order to properly reconnect the new
module.
3. Disconnect the bus bar connections and retain the hardware for later use. Unplug the DXTBP connector.
Remove the mounting hardware and retain for later use. Remove the DXCB module.
4. Using system schematics, locate a terminal block designated as either "DXTB" or "TBZB".
5. In some applications, there may be four diodes connected to the terminal block. Refer to the system
schematics to determine which diodes are the three Zeners connected in series.
6. Refer to Figure 6. In this example, the Zener diodes are connected to terminals 1, 3, 5, and 7. Install a jumper
across terminals 1 and 7.
For the jumper, use 18 AWG, 600 V, 125°C polyethylene insulated, single conductor, stranded tinned copper,
6 inches (152.4 mm) in length. Strip 0.25 inches (6.3 mm) of the insulation from the ends. Install 600 V fork
lugs (P/N RB2213) on either end. Torque terminal screws to a maximum of 12 in-lb (1.36 N•m).

Instructions
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 Figure 6. Zener Diode Locations for Retrofitting a DXCB with a DXCB-2
7. Install the new DXCB-2 module using the mounting hardware removed in step 3. Reconnect the bus bars
using the hardware removed in step 3. Torque bus bar hardware to 27 ft-lb (37 N•m). Reconnect the DXTBP
connector.
8. Return the DXCB-2 to service.

MAINTENANCE
The DXCB-2 module requires no maintenance other than periodic inspection and removal of accumulated dust.

SPARE PARTS
A reasonable stock of spare parts minimizes downtime in the event of malfunction. When ordering spare parts,
care should be taken to specify the style numbers (or other identification) which are printed on the nameplate.
Careful documentation of the original connections is essential any time the DXCB-2 is removed. It is
recommended that at least one DXCB-2 is stocked.

Instructions
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9500900990 B Sep 2021 10 of 10