The 3500 Transient Data Interface (TDI) serves as the bridge between the 3500 monitoring system and GE’s System 1 machinery management software. It combines the functionalities of a 3500/20 Rack Interface Module (RIM) with a communication processor like TDXnet to collect and transfer data.
The TDI operates within the RIM slot of a 3500 rack, working alongside M series monitors (e.g., 3500/40M, 3500/42M) to continuously gather steady-state and transient waveform data. This data is then transmitted through an Ethernet link to the host software. While the TDI standardly captures static data, the use of an optional Channel Enabling Disk enables it to capture dynamic or transient data.
Key features of the TDI include improvements over previous communication processors and the integration of the Communication Processor function within the 3500 rack.
Importantly, the TDI performs functions that are common to the entire rack but doesn’t form a part of the critical monitoring path. It has no impact on the normal operation of the overall monitoring system. Each 3500 rack requires one TDI or RIM, which occupies Slot 1, next to the power supplies.
For Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) applications, the 3500 System necessitates a TMR version of the TDI. In addition to standard TDI functions, the TMR TDI conducts “monitor channel comparison.” This configuration involves monitor voting based on the settings specified in the monitor options. The TMR TDI continuously compares outputs from three redundant monitors. If it detects a discrepancy beyond a configured threshold in one of these monitors compared to the other two, it will flag the monitor as in error and log an event in the System Event List.
