Bruker VANTEC-1 User manual

VÅNTEC-1
Detector
USER MANUAL
M88-E01072 5/05
BRUKER ADVANCED X-RAY SOLUTIONS

VÅNTEC-1 Detector
User Manual
BRUKER ADVANCED X-RAY SOLUTIONS
M88-E01072 5/05

ii M88-E01072 5/05
This manual covers the VÅNTEC-1 detector. To order additional copies of this publication, request the part number
shown at the bottom of the page.
References to this manual should be shown as VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual, © 2005 Bruker AXS Inc., 5465
East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. All world rights reserved.
Notice
The information in this publication is provided for reference only. All information contained in this publication is
believed to be correct and complete. Bruker AXS Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein, nor for inciden-
tal or consequential damages in conjunction with the furnishing, performance or use of this material. All product
specifications, as well as the information contained in this publication, are subject to change without notice.
This publication may contain or reference information and products protected by copyrights or patents and does
not convey any license under the patent rights of Bruker AXS Inc. nor the rights of others. Bruker AXS Inc. does not
assume any liabilities arising out of any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties. Bruker AXS Inc.
makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or reproduced in any way, including but
not limited to photocopy, photography, magnetic or other record without prior written permission of Bruker AXS Inc.
Address comments to: Technical Publications Department
Bruker AXS Inc.
5465 East Cheryl Parkway
Madison, Wisconsin 53711-5373
USA
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Revision Description
0 First publication.
1 Revised and expanded to contain integrated FDC information et al.

M88-E01072 v
Table of Contents
Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
1. Safety Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1 Qualified Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.2 Correct Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.3 X-ray Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.4 Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.5 Proper Lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
3. System Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1 The Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.1.1 Detector Cables and Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.1.2 Environmental Ratings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.2 The Detector Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.2.1 Identifying Integrated and External FDC configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.3 The External Fast Diffraction Controller (FDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
3.4 Detector Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3.4.1 Beam Stop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
3.4.2 Air Scatter Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
3.4.3 Radial Soller Slit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
3.5 Counterbalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Table of Contents VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
vi M88-E01072
4. Hardware Installation for the D8 ADVANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.1 Servicing Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.2 Shipping and Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.3 Baseline Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.4 Hardware Installation (for detector controllers with an external FDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
4.4.1 Mount the Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.4.2 Install the Controllers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.4.3 Connect the Cable Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.4.4 Connect the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.5 Hardware Installation (for detector controllers with an integrated FDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.5.1 Mount the Rails.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.5.2 Connections and Cable Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
4.6 Install the Network Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
4.7 Installation of the detector controller using second-generation indexer boards (AIB2G). . . . 4-12
4.7.1 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
4.7.2 Connection and Cable Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
4.7.3 Hardware Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
4.7.4 Software Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
4.7.5 Automated installation for AIB2G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
4.7.6 Manual Installation for Theta-Theta Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
4.7.7 Manual Installation for Theta-2Theta Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
4.8 Optic Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
4.8.1 Mount the Detector Head to the
2-Theta Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
4.8.2 Mount and Align the Beam Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
4.8.3 Mount and Align the Air Scatter Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
4.8.4 Mount and Align the Radial Soller Slit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
5. Hardware Installation for the D4 ENDEAVOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.1 Servicing Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.2 Shipping and Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.3 Baseline Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.4 Hardware Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual Table of Contents
M88-E01072 vii
5.4.1 Mount the Rails and Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
5.4.2 Install the Primary Beam Stop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
6. Software Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.1 Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.2 Configuration of the Second Network Adapter “LAN 2” in the PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.3 Detector Software Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.3.1 Software Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
6.4 Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
6.5 Computer Port Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
6.5.1 For detector controllers with external FDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
6.5.2 For detector controllers with integrated FDC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
6.5.3 Set Up Communication Parameters (both FDC types) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
6.6 Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
7. Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.1 Positional Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.2 PSD Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
7.2.1 Create Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
7.2.2 Collect Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
7.2.3 Analyze Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
8. Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
8.1 Alignment of the VÅNTEC-1 Detector and Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
8.2 Evaluation and Data Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
9. Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
9.1 VÅNTEC-1 Power-Up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
9.2 VÅNTEC-1 Power-Down Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
9.3 Emergency Power-Down Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
9.4 Disconnecting the Power Plug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

Table of Contents VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
viii M88-E01072
9.5 Lock Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
9.6 Performing a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
9.6.1 Select the Detector Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
9.6.2 Select the Scan Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
9.6.3 Suppression of Kb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
9.6.4 Secondary Optics Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
9.6.5 Execute an Immediate Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
9.7 Calculate the Optimum Secondary Slit Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
10. Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.1 Cleaning the Diffraction System and Measuring Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
10.2 Replacing Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
10.3 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
10.4 Manual Configuration of the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Appendix A. Configuration Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Appendix B. Spare Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
Appendix C. Updating the Detector Controller Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
C.1 Setting up the HTTP connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
C.2 Performing the Flash Disk Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
C.3 Updating the FPGA Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
Appendix D. EC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1

M88-E01072 1 - 1
1. Safety Issues
This manual contains notices which you should
observe to ensure your own personal safety, as
well as to protect the product and connected
equipment. These notices are highlighted in the
manual by a warning triangle and are marked as
follows according to the level of danger:
The word “Warning” indicates that death, severe
personal injury or substantial property damage
can result if proper precautions are not taken.
The word “Caution” indicates that minor
personal injury or property damage can result if
proper precautions are not taken.
NOTE: The word “Note” draws your attention to
particularly important information on the prod-
uct, handling the product or to a particular part
of the documentation.
The symbol shown above is used whenever
high voltage is present.

Safety Issues VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
1 - 2 M88-E01072
1.1 Qualified Personnel
The VÅNTEC-1 may only be set up and oper-
ated in conjunction with this manual. Only per-
sonnel authorized by Bruker AXS are allowed to
work on this equipment. All repairs, adjustments
and alignments performed on any components
of the VÅNTEC-1 must be carried out strictly in
accordance with the established safety prac-
tices and standards of the country where the
equipment is installed.
1.2 Correct Usage
This device and its components may only be
used for the applications described in this man-
ual and only in connection with devices or com-
ponents from other manufacturers which have
been approved or recommended by Bruker
AXS.
This product can only function correctly and
safely if it is transported, stored, set up and
installed correctly and operated and maintained
as recommended by Bruker AXS. Protection
provided by this equipment may be impaired if it
is used in a manner not specified by Bruker
AXS.
1.3 X-ray Equipment
X-ray equipment produces potentially harmful
radiation and can be dangerous to anyone in the
immediate vicinity unless safety precautions are
completely understood and implemented. All
persons designated to operate or perform
maintenance need to be fully trained on the
nature of radiation, X-ray generating equipment
and radiation safety. All users of the X-ray
equipment are required to accurately monitor X-
ray exposure by proper use of X-ray dosimeters.
For safety issues related to the operation and
maintenance of your particular X-ray generator,
diffractometer and shield enclosure, please refer
to the manufacturer operation manuals or your
Radiation Protection Supervisor. The user is
responsible for compliance with local safety reg-
ulations.
Voltage Danger—Before installing or
servicing the detector, switch off the system to
avoid high voltage.

VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual Safety Issues
M88-E01072 1 - 3
Inside the VÅNTEC-1, voltages up to 15 KV DC
occur which are not accessible from the outside.
High voltages exist inside the detector and in
the cables with the label “HV” connecting the
detecting unit and the control rack. After turning
off the system, high voltages are still present.
They discharge over time. Wait a few minutes
before removing cables from the controller unit.
If one of these high-voltage components is dam-
aged, switch off the system immediately and
contact your local Bruker AXS Service Depart-
ment (in the U.S.A., 1-800-234-XRAY).
Sometimes complex D8 systems will be
supplied by several power supply lines. The
system and its components will be live until all
power lines connected to the system are
disconnected from the mains power supply.
The following warning symbols are displayed on
the detector. Strictly obey all instructions and
warning text printed on the labels attached to
the various parts of the equipment.
Wait 60 seconds after turning off HV power
before removing HV connectors!
X-ray window is Beryllium.
Any activity that scratches the window surface
can generate airborne Beryllium dust which can
cause lung disease if inhaled.
Beryllium metal in solid form, and as contained
in this product, presents no special health risks.
For additional information, reference MSDS.
The rating plate is also displayed on the detec-
tor.
Model #: 672-___________
100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz, 120 W
Fuse Rating: F, 3.15 A, 250 V

Safety Issues VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
1 - 4 M88-E01072
1.4 Hazardous Materials
The VÅNTEC-1 optic assemblies contain a
beryllium window. Beryllium is potentially
hazardous if ingested, inhaled or absorbed
through the skin. Take care to avoid contact with
the VÅNTEC-1 X-ray window. Never drill, grind
or sand beryllium unless you are a qualified
individual using appropriate respiratory
equipment and dust containment and collection
apparatus. Disposal of parts containing
beryllium must comply with all applicable local
and national regulations.
1.5 Proper Lifting
Installation of the detector requires lifting of
components that weigh up to 43 lbs (19.5 kg).
Whenever possible, two or more people should
lift objects together. Use proper lifting tech-
niques at all times. Use the following steps as
an overview of proper lifting techniques.
1. Plan: practice the lift. While lifting, bend at
the knees, keep your back straight, tighten
your stomach and lift with your legs.
2. Position: keep your body close to the object
you wish to lift—your stability increases the
closer you are to the object. Keep your feet
shoulder width apart.
3. Movement: avoid making awkward move-
ments while holding a heavy object. Get
help if the object is too heavy or cumber-
some.

M88-E01072 2 - 1
2. Introduction
This manual covers installation and basic opera-
tion of the VÅNTEC-1 detector.
The VÅNTEC-1 detector features the fastest
simultaneous recording of X-ray diffraction pat-
terns within a wide 2-theta angular range. When
performing XRD experiments, the detector can
be used either in fixed PSD mode (snapshot) or
in locked coupled mode (similar to using a zero-
dimensional scintillation counter). For powder
XRD, the VÅNTEC-1 offers a reduction of the
overall measurement time up to a factor of 100
in comparison to measurements executed with
the commonly used zero-dimensional detector
setup, providing a similar angular resolution.
Furthermore, the fixed 2-theta mode allows
measurement times down to 100 msec with
about 12° 2-theta coverage for executing in-situ
investigations like recording an “X-ray movie” of
kinetic processes.
The active area of the detector is 50 mm by 16
mm (along the scattering plane respectively per-
pendicular). The simultaneously-recorded angu-
lar range, as well as the achievable angular
resolution, are influenced by the sample proper-
ties, the selected measurement circle diameter,
the used slit openings and the applied X-ray
wavelength. Generally, the para-focusing
Bragg-Brentano geometry and a larger mea-
surement circle diameter result in a better angu-
lar resolution.
The VÅNTEC-1 detector is based on the pat-
ented MikrogapTM technology. It offers all the
benefits common with gaseous detectors, such
as high signal amplification resulting in high
peak-to-background ratio, high sensitivity for a
wide range of X-ray wavelengths, and a good
energy resolution. The MikrogapTM technology
allows operation at count rates much higher
than those typically possible with gaseous
detectors while maintaining all benefits. The

Introduction VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
2 - 2 M88-E01072
VÅNTEC-1 detector has energy resolution for all
common characteristic X-ray emission lines
from Cr through Mo; the default is Cu.
The factory settings are optimized for Cu-Kα.
The electronic energy window allows the opera-
tor to set a discriminator window optimized for
the X-ray wavelength used in the experiment,
minimizing the background scattering or fluores-
cence impact on the recorded diffractogram.

M88-E01072 3 - 1
3. System Description
Figure 3.1 - VÅNTEC-1 detector
The VÅNTEC-1 consists of four parts that are
installed in the D8 system: the detector, the
detector controller, the fast diffraction controller
(FDC) and the optics. This section also contains
information on the counterbalance and both
integrated and external FDCs, as these compo-
nents may vary depending on your configura-
tion.
The newest VÅNTEC-1 configuration has the
FDC integrated into the detector controller hous-
ing. Only three parts need to be installed in the
D8 system: the detector, the detector controller,
and the optics.

System Description VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
3 - 2 M88-E01072
3.1 The Detector
The detector consists of a pressure vessel at
3.04 bar (3040 hPa, 3 ATM) with a back cover
(see Figure 3.1). The VÅNTEC-1 is a single
photon counting detector which converts the X-
ray photons to electrical signals. The signals are
amplified by three preamplifiers attached to the
detector. The high-voltage filter and preamps
are mounted into the back cover of the detector.
3.1.1 Detector Cables and Connectors
The back cover has six cable connectors:
• One connector for the preamplifiers’ low
voltage power supply
• Two cables for the detector’s high-voltage
supply
• Three signal outputs for the preamplifiers
Ten cables are delivered with the detector (see
Table B.1 for part numbers):
• Ethernet crossover patch cable with RJ-45
connectors
• Power cable
• Motor clock cable
• Serial cable
• Three 15 ft (5 m) preamp cables (Ch 1,
Ch 2, Ch 5)
• Low-voltage (detector) cable
• Power cable
For configurations with an external FDC, an
additional power cord, serial cable, and TDC to
FDC data cable are included.
Table 3.1 summarizes the detector specifica-
tions.

VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual System Description
M88-E01072 3 - 3
Detector Specifications
Suitable systems All D8 SUPER SPEED SOLUTIONS™ systems, all
D8 systems, and the D4 ENDEAVOR
Active area 50 mm x 16 mm; 1,600 pixels (in the scattering plane
x perpendicular)
Max 2-theta range simultaneously covered 12° at 435 mm measurement circle diameter, 11° at
500 mm
Usable wavelength range From Cr-Kαup to Mo-Kα, factory-set default for
Cu-Kα
Gas fill 3.04 bar (3040 hPa, 3 ATM) non-polymerizing Xe-
CO2gas, no external gas supply required
Radiation hardness > 1012 counts/mm2
Readout dead time None
Internal dead areas None
Maximum local count rate 400,000 cps
Energy resolution 10% with 55Fe radiation at 5.9 keV
Spatial resolution < 50 µm, > 1,600 individual readout channels
Window type Be
Voltage of power supply 100–240 V AC
Frequency of power supply 50/60 Hz
Power rating 120 W
Table 3.1 – Basic specifications of the VÅNTEC-1

System Description VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
3 - 4 M88-E01072
Detector overall dimensions and weight 3.5 in H x 3.1 in W x 7.5 in D, 4.4 lbs (90 mm H x
80 mm W x 190 mm D, 2 kg)
Controller chassis unit 5.25 in H x 19 in W x 16 in D, 35 lbs (133 mm H x 483
mm W x 406 mm D, 15.9 kg)
External FDC unit (if present) 3.5 in H x 19 in W x 16.25 in D, 10 lbs (90 mm H x
480 mm W x 410 mm D, 4.5 kg)
Length of cables between the detector and
the controller chassis unit 16.4 ft (5 m)
Disconnect device IEC 320 connector/plug on power supply cord
Software DIFFRACplus Measurement package version 2.4 or
higher
Included in delivery VÅNTEC-1 detector; front-end read-out and supply
electronics; mounting and optics assembly, including
Kβ-filter, 2.5° Soller slit and primary beam stop
Detector Specifications
Table 3.1 – Basic specifications of the VÅNTEC-1

VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual System Description
M88-E01072 3 - 5
3.1.2 Environmental Ratings
Table 3.2 shows the range of environmental
conditions for which the equipment is designed.
Table 3.2 – Environmental ratings of the detector
3.2 The Detector Controller
The detector controller currently has the FDC
integrated within the detector controller. Previ-
ous configurations have an external FDC unit.
Both configurations are discussed in this man-
ual.
3.2.1 Identifying Integrated and External
FDC configurations
Older detector controllers contain the electronic
circuit boards for signal processing, the detector
(high-voltage) power supply, a power supply for
the detector preamplifiers, the Constant Fraction
Discriminator (CFD) boards, the Time to Digital
Converter (TDC) boards, and all electronic
assemblies. All of these units are placed within
the same 19" housing as shown in Figure 3.4.
In these older configurations, the FDC is an
external unit.
Newer detector controllers have FDC controller
integrated within the detector controller chassis.
Ambient temperature 41–104°F (5–40°C)
Operating temperature 57–93°F (14–34°C)
Maximum temperature
gradient +0.9°F (+ 0.5°C) per hour
Relative humidity Max 80%, non-condensing,
for temperatures up to
88°F (31°C) decreasing
linearly to 50% at 104°F
(40°C)
Location of use Indoor
Altitude Up to 1.2 miles (2000 m)
Mains supply voltage
fluctuations Up to +10% of the nominal
voltage
Overvoltage category IEC 664 II
CE certification See Appendix D
Pollution degree 2

System Description VÅNTEC-1 Detector User Manual
3 - 6 M88-E01072
To determine which type of detector controller
you have, simply examine the rear panel of the
detector controller.
External FDC: The uppermost slot on the right-
hand side of the detector controller’s rear panel
contains both a DB9 male connector and a
DB25 male connector (Figure 3.2).
Figure 3.2 - External FDC identification
Integrated FDC: The uppermost slot on the
right-hand side of the detector controller’s rear
panel contains only a DB9 male connector. The
DB25 male connector is missing (Figure 3.3).
Figure 3.3 - Integrated FDC identification