DH Instruments MFC SWITCHBOX User manual

© 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company
MFC Switchbox™
User’s Manual

© 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company
High pressure liquids and gases are potentially hazardous. Energy stored in these liquids and gases
can be released unexpectedly and with extreme force. High pressure systems should be assembled
and operated only by personnel who have been instructed in proper safety practices.
© 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of DH Instruments, a
Fluke Company 4765 East Beautiful Lane Phoenix AZ 85044-5318 USA.
DH Instruments makes sincere efforts to ensure accuracy and quality of its’ published materials; however, no warranty, expressed
or implied, is provided. DH Instruments disclaims any responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the
use of the information in this manual or products described in it. Mention of any product or brand does not constitute an
endorsement by DH Instruments of that product or brand. This manual was originally composed in English and was subsequently
translated into other languages. The fidelity of the translation cannot be guaranteed. In case of conflict between the English version
and other language versions, the English version predominates.
Products described in this manual are manufactured under international patents and one or more of the following U.S. patents:
5,142,483, 5,257,640, 5,331,838, 5,445,035. Other U.S. and international patents pending.
DH Instruments, DH, DHI, MFC-CB, MFC Switchbox, molbloc and molbox1 are trademarks, registered and otherwise, of DH Instruments, a
Fluke Company
Document No. 5500092b-01
020604
Printed in the USA.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page I © 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company
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TABLE OF CONTENTS...............................................................I
TABLES.................................................................................III
FIGURES................................................................................III
ABOUT THIS MANUAL .............................................................IV
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................1
1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................................1
1.2 LOCATION OF THE COMPONENTS......................................................................................................2
1.2.1 FRONT PANEL..............................................................................................................................................2
1.2.2 REAR PANEL ................................................................................................................................................2
1.3 1.3 SUBASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................2
1.3.1 POWER SUPPLY...........................................................................................................................................2
1.3.2 RELAY BOARD .............................................................................................................................................2
1.3.3 FRONT PANEL ASSEMBLY.........................................................................................................................3
1.3.4 REAR PANEL ASSEMBLY ...........................................................................................................................3
1.4 SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................3
1.4.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................3
1.4.2 MFC CONTROL FUNCTION SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................3
1.4.2.1 MOLBOX1 OR MFC-CB MFC PORT.........................................................................................................3
1.4.2.2 MFC PORT 1 (DEVICE 1)..........................................................................................................................3
1.4.2.3 MFC / MFM PORT 2 - 5 (DEVICE 2 - DEVICE 5)......................................................................................4
1.4.2.4 MFC SWITCHBOX CONTROL (DIGITAL CONTROL FROM MOLBOX OR MFC-CB).............................4
2. INSTALLATION ..................................................................5
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ............................................................................................................5
2.2 SITE REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................................5
2.3 INITIAL SETUP........................................................................................................................................5
2.3.1 POWER CONNECTION.................................................................................................................................5
2.3.2 CONNECTING THE MFC SWITCHBOX TO A MOLBOX1 ...........................................................................5
2.3.3 CONNECTING THE MFC SWITCHBOX TO THE DEVICE TO BE CALIBRATED.......................................5
3. OPERATION.......................................................................7
3.1 OVERVIEW..............................................................................................................................................7
3.2 GENERAL OPERATION..........................................................................................................................7
3.3 MFC PROFILES.......................................................................................................................................8
3.4 UNITS OF MEASURE..............................................................................................................................8
4. REMOTE OPERATION .........................................................9
4.1 OVERVIEW..............................................................................................................................................9
5. MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................................. 11
5.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................11

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6. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................ 13
6.1 SYMPTOMS / CAUSES / SOLUTIONS.................................................................................................13
7. MENU TREE..................................................................... 15
7.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................15
7.2 MOLBOX1 OR MFC-CB MFC FUNCTION KEY....................................................................................15
7.3 MOLBOX1 OR MFC-CB SETUP MENU................................................................................................15
8. WARRANTY STATEMENT .................................................. 17

TABLES AND FIGURES
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Table 1. Troubleshooting Checklist ...........................................................................................................13
Table 2. DHI Authorized Service Providers...............................................................................................17
F
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Figure 1. Front Panel ...................................................................................................................................2
Figure 2. Rear Panel....................................................................................................................................2

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Manual Conventions
(CAUTION) is used in throughout the manual to identify user warnings and cautions.
(NOTE) is used throughout the manual to identify operating and applications advice and
additional explanations.
[ ] indicates direct function keys (e.g., [RANGE]).
< > indicates PG7000 screen displays (e.g., <1yes>).

1. INTRODUCTION
Page 1 © 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company
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1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The MFC Switchbox™ can be used to connect a molbox1™ MFC control option or an MFC-CB™ control
channel to up to five MFCs, or to one MFC and four MFMs. The rear panel of the MFC Switchbox
connects to the molbox1 or MFC-CB via a circular 5-pin connector and a 25-pin DSUB connector.
Cables are provided with the switchbox to facilitate these connections. A power cable is also provided.
The MFC Switchbox contains its own power supply which allows it to maintain continuous power on all
five devices under test (DUTs). The MFC Switchbox provides up to 55 watts of power. This allows it to
provide 260 mA per MFC when fully loaded. MFCs typically require a maximum of 200 mA. Therefore,
all five ports of the MFC Switchbox can be used simultaneously in most situations. Occasionally, when
calibrating older, power hungry MFCs, it may only be feasible to connect four MFCs at a time.
The front panel of the MFC Switchbox has five 25-pin DSUB connectors. These connectors are used to
connect the switchbox to the various DUTs.
Current controlled MFCs can only be used on channel 1. When testing MFMs, an MFC can be used for
controlling the flow in the test while taking the measurement data from the currently selected MFM.
This controlling MFC must be a voltage based MFC.

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1.2 LOCATION OF THE COMPONENTS
1.2.1 FRONT PANEL
1. Connection
point for DUT 2
2. Connection
point for DUT 4
3. Connection
point for DUT 5
4. Connection
point for DUT 3
5. Connection
point for DUT 1
Figure 1.Front Panel
1.2.2 REAR PANEL
1. External
Drivers
Connection
2. Fan
3. Power Entry
4. Product Label
5. Electrical
Connection
Figure 2. Rear Panel
1.3 1.3 SUBASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION
1.3.1 POWER SUPPLY
Powers the electronics inside the MFC Switchbox and provides continuous power to up to
five connected DUTs. The switching power supply provides +5 volts at 0.5 amps and +15
volts at 4 amps. This 15 volt signal is converted via a DC-to-DC converter to -15 volts at 1.3
amps (leaving approximately 2 amps for the +15 volt signal). The enclosure is cooled by
active air circulation using a fan on the rear panel.
1.3.2 RELAY BOARD
Provides the control and signal switching required to connect (one at a time) up to five DUTs
to the molbox’s single MFC port.

1. INTRODUCTION
Page 3 © 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company
1.3.3 FRONT PANEL ASSEMBLY
Provides connecting ports for up to five DUTs.
1.3.4 REAR PANEL ASSEMBLY
Supports power, signal communication with molbox1 or MFC-CB, control communication with
molbox1 or MFC-CB and carries the cooling fan.
1.4 SPECIFICATIONS
1.4.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Power Requirements 85 to 264 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 55 VA maximum consumption
Weight 1.5 kg (3.25 lb)
Dimensions 22.5 cm W x 7.5 cm H x 20.0 D (8.85 in. x 2.95 in. x 7.87 in.)
1.4.2 MFC CONTROL FUNCTION SPECIFICATIONS
The MFC Switchbox works with any MFC that can be used with the molbox1 or MFC-CB.
The switchbox provides the MFCs with continuous power, but the molbox1 or MFC-CB still
provides all the control and measurement. For detailed specifications regarding MFC control
please refer to specifications section of the molbox1 or MFC-CB Operation and Maintenance
Manual.
Current based MFCs can only be used when connected to device 1 of the MFC Switchbox.
It is not possible to switch between multiple current based MFCs.
The Valve Test Point signal is only available on device 1 of the MFC Switchbox.
1.4.2.1 MOLBOX1 OR MFC-CB MFC PORT
Connector One 25 Pin Female DSUB Metal Case Socket (Back Panel)
Signals (16) +15 VDC
-15 VDC
Power Supply Common
Setpoint Voltage (0 to 5 VDC)
Setpoint Common
MFC Measure (0 to 5 VDC)
MFC Measure Common
Setpoint Sense (0 to 5 VDC)
Setpoint Sense Common
Valve Test
Valve Test Common
Setpoint Current (4 to 20 mA Output)
MFC Measure (4 to 20 mA Input)
Case Ground (Earth Ground)
RS485 TXRX+
RS485 TXRX-
1.4.2.2 MFC PORT 1 (DEVICE 1)
Connector One 25 Pin Female DSUB Metal Case Socket (Front Panel Device 1)
Signals (16) +15 VDC
-15 VDC
Power Supply Common
Setpoint Voltage (0 to 5 VDC)
Setpoint Common
MFC Measure (0 to 5 VDC)
MFC Measure Common
Setpoint Sense Common
Valve Test
Valve Test Common
Setpoint Current (4 to 20 mA Output)
MFC Measure (4 to 20 mA Input)
Case Ground (Earth Ground)
RS485 TXRX+

MFC SWITCHBOX USER’S MANUAL
© 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company Page 4
Setpoint Sense (0 to 5 VDC) RS485 TXRX-
1.4.2.3 MFC / MFM PORT 2 - 5 (DEVICE 2 - DEVICE 5)
Connector Four 25 Pin Female DSUB Metal Case Socket (Front Panel)
Signals (16) +15 VDC
-15 VDC
Power Supply Common
Setpoint Voltage (0 to 5 VDC)
Setpoint Common
Setpoint Sense Common
MFC Measure (0 to 5 VDC)
MFC Measure Common
Setpoint Sense (0 to 5 VDC)
Case Ground (Earth Ground)
1.4.2.4 MFC SWITCHBOX CONTROL (DIGITAL CONTROL
FROM MOLBOX OR MFC-CB)
Connector One 5 Pin Female Socket (Back Panel)
Signals Clock for Shift Register
Data Line for Shift Register Load Latch for Shift Register Ground

2. INSTALLATION
Page 5 © 1997-2008 DH Instruments, a Fluke Company
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2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
The MFC Switchbox is delivered in a corrugated box with foam end caps positioning it.
It is enclosed in a heavy plastic bag. The accessories are in a separate plastic bag
in the corrugated box. Remove the MFC Switchbox and accessories from the box.
Retain the box and end caps for reuse. Remove the MFC Switchbox from its plastic bag.
The MFC Switchbox is delivered with caps over the communications ports.
Check that all accessories are present. Accessories include:
•User's Manual
•Power Cord
•MFC Switchbox control cable
•molbox1/MFC-CB to MFC Switchbox MFC signal cable
2.2 SITE REQUIREMENTS
The MFC Switchbox can be placed on any flat, stable surface at a convenient height. It may
be placed on top of or behind the molbox1 or MFC-CB without any risk of signal degradation.
2.3 INITIAL SETUP
2.3.1 POWER CONNECTION
Connect the MFC Switchbox to a power source using the power cable supplied. Power
requirements are 85 to 264 VAC, 47 to 440 Hz, 55 VA maximum consumption.
2.3.2 CONNECTING THE MFC SWITCHBOX TO A MOLBOX1
Connect the MFC Switchbox to a molbox1 or MFC-CB using the two cables provided in the
accessory kit with this manual. Use the 25-pin male DSUB to 25-pin male DSUB cable to
connect the molbox MFC port on the MFC Switchbox to the MFC port on the molbox1. If using
the MFC Switchbox with an MFC-CB, connect to the desired MFC-CB channel (Device1 or
Device2). Use the 5-pin male circular to 5-pin male circular cable to connect the
SWITCHBOX CONTROL port on the MFC Switchbox to the MFC SWITCHBOX port on the
molbox1 or MFC-CB.
2.3.3 CONNECTING THE MFC SWITCHBOX TO THE DEVICE
TO BE CALIBRATED
Connect the MFC Switchbox to up to five DUTs using the appropriate MFC or MFM cables
for the associated DUTs.
The MFC connected to Device 1 is used as the controller in MFM tests. Also Device 1 must be
used for current based MFCs or when using the valve test point signal on an MFC.

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3. OPERATION
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3.1 OVERVIEW
The MFC Switchbox in and of itself does not require any special setup or configuration. It just needs to
be connected to the molbox1 or MFC-CB and DUTs as described above, plugged in and powered on by
actuating the power switch on the MFC Switchbox rear panel.
3.2 GENERAL OPERATION
Before using the MFC Switchbox the MFC profiles for the connected DUTs must be defined in the
molbox1 or MFC-CB. This is accomplished using the setup function to define the MFC profile. For
details on the MFC profile definition, see the molbox1 or MFC-CB Operation and Maintenance Manual.
In order to support MFM calibrations using the MFC Switchbox the device type is specified to the MFC
profile. After entering the MFC range, you will be prompted to enter the device type. The device type for
any voltage based profile can be either ‘measure’ or ‘control’. If the profile indicates measure, then
channel one will be used for control whenever the channel is selected that is associated with this profile.
If the profile indicates control, then the selected channel will be used for both measurement and control.
When calibrating MFMs, the range of the MFC setup for channel 1 must be wide enough to cover the
range of all the MFMs being calibrated on the other channels.
For details on configuring the MFC channels and profiles see the molbox1 or MFC-CB Operation and
Maintenance Manual. Once the MFC channels have been configured using the setup menu, the MFC
channel can be selected by pressing the MFC function key on the molbox1 or MFC-CB front panel.
When the MFC function key is first pressed the screen prompts the
operator to select the MFC channel (<0> disables).
The MFC Switchbox must be connected to the molbox1 or MFC-CB at the time of this selection, but does
not have to be connected during the MFC setup described above. Entering <1>, <2>, <3>, <4> or <5>
selects the corresponding channel on the MFC Switchbox and enables the MFC function. When not
using the MFC Switchbox, select Channel #1 when activating the MFC function.
The operator is then prompted to select the MFC profile. The profile number
that is associated with the selected channel is automatically displayed. This
screen allows the operator to override the profile selection made during setup.
The number refers to the profile number. When the profile number desired is entered a summary of the
profile is displayed. When [ENTER] is pressed again, the display returns to the main run screen and the
MFC function is active using the MFC profile selected. The MFC Switchbox must be connected
to the molbox1 prior to pressing [ENTER] or the message that actually triggers the switching inside the
MFC Switchbox will be missed. With molbox1, the text <MFCn> or <MFMn> (where n is the channel
number and the type depends on the channel configuration) will be displayed in the bottom right hand
corner of the main run screen. With MFC-CB, the text <Dn,c> (where n is the number of the active
MFC-CB channel and c is the number of the active MFC Switchbox channel.
When the MFC function is active, pressing [ENTER] from the main run screen or an MFC run screen
allows entry and execution of the MFC setpoint command.

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When the selected channel is associated with a ‘measure’ profile type, the control signal is sent to the
device on channel 1. This setpoint must be set in voltage and will set flows according to the range
specified in the profile for the device connected to channel 1. The measurements will be taken from the
selected channel using the profile associated with the selected channel to define the flow value.
If the profile for channel 1 indicates a current based MFC, then attempting to select a channel with a
‘measure’ profile type will result in the error message <Voltage mode needed on channel 1 control>.
Pressing the [ð] arrow key any time the MFC control function is active causes an instant display of
the current MFC profile summary allowing a quick check of the characteristics of the currently active
MFC profile. Pressing [ESCAPE] returns from MFC profile screen to the last run screen.
3.3 MFC PROFILES
MFC profiles are used by molbox1 or MFC-CB to configure the MFC function. MFC profiles define the
analog signal range of the MFC or MFM and the relationship between the analog signal range and the
flow range of the MFC or MFM. This information allows molbox1 or MFC-CB to operate with the correct
signal for the selected MFC and to convert the MFC or MFM analog signals to the corresponding flow or
% FS values, when desired.
MFC profiles are set up using [SETUP], <1MFC>. MFC profiles are stored by molbox1 and MFC-CB
under profile numbers. This is the same number that will be used to select the MFC profile when the
MFC function is activated using the MFC function key. Up to 26 MFC profiles can be defined and stored.
MFC profiles are designed to allow the user to set up the profiles of the MFCs that are typically used with
so that they can be conveniently recalled from a lookup table when needed.
MFC profiles #1 and #2 are default profiles for working with the MFC function directly in analog units
without an MFC flow range or units. Profile #1 is 0 to 5 V, Profile #2 is 4 to 20 mA. When the MFC
function is active with Profile #1 or #2 selected, the MFC units of measure will always be V or mA.
The UNIT function selects the molbox1 flow measurement unit.
3.4 UNITS OF MEASURE
When using the MFC Switchbox with molbox1
When the MFC function is active, the molbox1 flow units of measure will always be the units of measure
specified in the active MFC profile.
When the MFC function is active, the [UNIT] function key is for selection of the units of measure for the MFC
setpoint and output. The choices available are <V> or <mA> (depending on the active MFC profile's analog
range), % FS or flow. The % FS selection will cause MFC setpoint and output to be displayed in % FS of the
MFC which molbox1 will calculate using the definition of analog range and flow range contained in the MFC
profile. The <3flow> selection will cause MFC setpoint and output to be displayed in the flow units of the
MFC using the definition of analog range, flow range and flow units contained in the MFC profile.
When using the MFC Switchbox with MFC-CB
Units of measure are set using [UNIT]. If MFC profile #1 or #2 is active, the only units available are V,
mA or % FS. If an MFC profile that specifies a flow range (any profile >#2) is selected, the display unit of
measure may be a flow unit. See the MFC-CB Operation and Maintenance Manual for additional information.

4. MAINTENANCE, ADJUSTMENTS AND CALIBRATION
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4.1 OVERVIEW
The MFC Switchbox is completely controlled by the molbox1 or MFC-CB to which it is connected. When
the molbox1/MFC-CB is properly configured the control of the MFC Switchbox is completely transparent
to the user. The MFC Switchbox cannot distinguish a remotely controlled molbox1/MFC-CB from a
manually controlled one. For details of remote operation of the molbox1 or MFC-CB see that product’s
Operation and Maintenance Manual. The following remote commands for those products command
pertain directly to the use of the MFC Switchbox:
MFCCH
Purpose Read or set the MFC channel and output mode (voltage or current).
Syntax “MFCCH=channel, mode”
“MFCCH”
Defaults “MFCCH=1, v”
Arguments channel: The optional MFC Switchbox channel.
0 disables the MFC interface.
1 enables the optional MFC interface.
1 to 5 selects the MFC channel to use for optional MFC Switchbox.
mode: The MFC mode.
‘v’ Voltage control and measure mode. The selected channel will be used for
voltage setting and measuring.
‘mA’ Current loop control and measure mode. The selected channel will be
used for current loop setting and measuring.
‘ ‘ If this argument is not given, then the molbox will use the selected channel to
measure the voltage, and will always use channel 1 to set the voltage. This is
used to measure voltage MFM’s that are connected to channels 2..5 with an
MFC controlling on channel 1.
Remarks The MFC control output can be volts or current. An MFC Switchbox can be connected to the output
to switch between multiple devices.
Example Command:
Reply: “MFCCH=1, mA” Enables MFC for current “1, mA”
Command:
Reply: “MFCCH=3, V” Enables MFC on switchbox channel 3 for volts “3, V”
Command:
Reply: “MFCCH=0” Disables MFC interface (0 is used on molbox1 only) “0, V”
Errors ERR# 6:
ERR# 23:
ERR# 23:
Channel or mode arguments invalid
The MFC option is not installed (molbox1 only)
Channel greater than 1 and MFC Switchbox accessory is not installed
See Also This command in molbox1 or MFC-CB Operation and Maintenance Manual.

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5. MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
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5.1 OVERVIEW
There are no user maintainable parts or systems in the MFC Switchbox.

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6. TROUBLESHOOTING
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6.1 SYMPTOMS / CAUSES / SOLUTIONS
Table 1.Troubleshooting Checklist
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE SOLUTION
MFC doesn't appear to be
responding when the MFC Switchbox
is used.
MFC control cable not connected
between the switchbox and the MFC,
or it is incorrectly connected.
Check the MFC Cable connections.
MFC doesn't appear to be
responding when the MFC Switchbox
is used.
The MFC Switchbox is not correctly
connected to the molbox1. Check the connections.
MFC doesn't appear to be
responding when the MFC Switchbox
is used.
The MFC Switchbox power is not on. Power on the MFC Switchbox.
MFC connected to molbox1 doesn't
appear to be responding. MFC option not implemented. Check to see if this option was ordered and installed.
MFC connected to molbox1 doesn't
appear to be responding. MFC control function not active. Activate MFC control function.
MFC connected to molbox1 or MFC-
CB doesn't appear to be responding
correctly.
MFC control cable not connected or
incorrectly connected. Check MFC cable connection and MFC cable configuration.
MFC value and/or molbox1 flow
values appear incorrect. MFC profile does not correspond to MFC in use. Check MFC profile and select correct one.
MFC value and/or molbox1 flow
values appear incorrect. Incorrect or inadvertent use of K factor and/or gas selection. Check K factor and gas selection and correct if necessary.

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