Gamma Vacuum SPCe User manual

SMALL PUMP CONTROLLER
(SPCe) USERS MANUAL
PN 900026, Rev E
ISO 9001:2015 Certied

2
GENERAL INFORMATION
The DIGITEL SPCe is an intelligent, programmable ion pump power
supply, which features a LCD display and soft-keys for navigation.
It requires an external 24V DC power supply—an external mains
adapter is available to permit operation from 85 to 260V AC, 50 or
60Hz. It is ¼ rack and 2u high with an optional half rack or full rack
mount kit.
The SPCe can be controlled two ways: directly from the front panel
or remotely through serial or Ethernet ports. The serial port supports
RS-232/422/485 protocols.
Individual model specification information is located on our website
at: www.gammavacuum.com
WARNING: Do not use unauthorized parts.
Such parts may compromise safety. Contact
Gamma Vacuum with any questions.
Read this entire manual and follow installation
instructions. Failure to do so may cause injury and/or
may void warranty.
APPROVALS
Gamma Vacuum Small Pump Controllers (SPCe) are shown to meet
the EEC Low-Voltage Directive and Electromagnetic Compatibility
approvals:
• EN 61326-1
• EN 616326-2-1
• Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
WARNINGS
WARNING:
SHOCK HAZARD. CAN
CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
REMOVE POWER BEFORE
SERVICING.
ALERTE:
RISQUE DE CHOC. PEUT
CAUSER DES BLESSURES
OU LA MORT. RETIRER LA
SOURCE D’ALIMENTATION
AVANT LE SERVICE.
警 告：
点 検・修 理 の 際 は
必ず全ての 電 源を
お 切 りくださ い 。
使用者 が感電した
り 、死 亡 、ま た は
重傷を負う危険が
あります。
安全 警告:
触电危险。触 电可
能导致受伤或死亡。
请于维修前去掉电
源。
ADVERTENCIA:
PELIGRO POR DESCARGA. PUEDE
CAUSAR LESIÓN O INCLUSO LA
MUERTE. RETIRE Y DESCONECTE
LA FUENTE DE ALIMENTACION
ELECTRICA, ANTES DE PROCEDER
AL SERVICIO DE REPARACIÓN,
MANTENIMIENTO O REVISION
INTERNA.
ACHTUNG:
GEFAHR ELEKTRISCHER
SCHLÄGE. VERLETZUNGS- ODER
LEBENSGEFAHR. TRENNEN
SIE ALLE ELEKTRISCHEN
ANSCHLÜSSE VON DER
SPANNUNGSVERSORGUNG
BEVOR SIE ARBEITEN AN DEM
GERÄT AUSFÜHREN.
WARNING:
HEAVY OBJECT. TO AVOID
MUSCLE STRAIN OR BACK
INJURY, USE LIFTING AIDS
AND PROPER LIFTING
TECHNIQUES WHEN
REMOVING OR REPLACING.
ALERTE:
OBJET LOURD. POUR
EVITER UNE TENSION
MUSCULAIRE OU UN MAL
DE DOS, UTILISER DES
AIDES ET DES TECHNIQUES
DE LEVAGE APPROPRIEES
POUR L’ENLEVEMENT OU LE
DEPLACEMENT.
警告:
大 変 重 い 装 置 で す。
筋挫傷、背部損
傷等を防ぐ為、移
動や移設の際は適
切な技術や補助機
器 等 を 使 用してく
ださい。
安全 警告:
重物。为避免肌肉
拉伤或背部受伤，
当移动或归位时请
使用起重设备以及
适当的起重技术。
ADVERTENCIA:
OBJETO PESADO. PARA EVITAR
UN SOBRE-ESFUERZO MUSCULAR
O DAÑO FÍSICO, UTILIZE LA
AYUDA DE ELEVADORES Y
TÉCNICAS APROPIADAS PARA EL
MANEJO DE OBJETOS PESADOS,
CUANDO LO TRANSPORTE,
DESPLAZE O CONSIDERE
REEMPLAZARLO.
ACHTUNG:
SCHWERES OBJEKT.
ZUR VERMEIDUNG VON
MUSKELZERRUNGEN ODER
RÜCKENSCHÄDEN BEIM
TRANSPORT GEEIGNETE
HUBVOR-RICHTUNGEN UND
HEBETECHNIKEN VERWENDEN.
WARNING:
READ AND UNDERSTAND
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
BEFORE USING THIS
MACHINE. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS COULD
RESULT IN INJURY OR
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
ALERTE:
LIRE ET COMPRENDRE LE
MANUEL D’OPERATION
AVANT D’UTILISER CETTE
MACHINE . NE PAS SUIVRE
LES INSTRUCTIONS
D’OPERATION PEUT CAUSER
DES BLESSURES OU DES
DEGATS A L’EQUIPEMENT.
警 告：
この 装 置を 使 用さ
れる前に必ず取扱
説明書を熟読し理
解した上でご使用
く だ さ い 。取 扱 説
明書の 通り操作を
しなかった場合、
装 置 が 損 傷 、破 損
することがありま
す。
安全 警告:
在使用这台机器前，
请务必阅读并理解
“操作员手册
（ 指 南 ）”。如 果
未能遵循操作步骤
说明 ，将 可 能 导致
设备的损坏。
ADVERTENCIA:
LEA, ESTUDIE, Y ENTIENDA BIEN
EL MANUAL DE OPERACION,
ANTES DE USAR ESTA
MAQUINARIA. UNA FALLA POR
NO SEGUIR LAS INSTRUCCIONES
OPERATIVAS, PUDIERA RESULTAR
EN DAÑO O PERJUICO DEL
EQUIPO.
ACHTUNG:
LESEN UND VERSTEHEN SIE
DIE BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG
BEVOR SIE DAS GERÄT IN BETRIEB
NEHMEN. FEHLBEDIENUNGEN
KÖNNEN ZU VERLETZUNGEN
FÜHREN ODER DIE AUSRÜSTUNG
BESCHÄDIGEN.

3
UNPACKING THE CONTROLLER
Inspect for any obvious damage
If the SPCe is damaged in any way, a claim should be filed with the
carrier immediately and notification given to Gamma Vacuum.
If equipment must be retuned for inspection or repair, obtain
authorization from Gamma Vacuum prior to shipping. Contact
Gamma Vacuum for authorization and return instructions.
Check the equipment received
Ensure that all items shipped have been received. If any items are
missing, notify the carrier and Gamma Vacuum. Save all packaging
material for inspection.
SAFETY NOTICES
1. To avoid personal injury, do no perform any installation or service
unless qualified to do so. Installation should be performed by
qualified, authorized personnel who have experience working with
voltages greater than 50 volts.
2. Do not open the SPCe case under any circumstances. There are
no serviceable parts inside the SPCe, and voltages over 5000V
are present. In the event that the SPCe requires attention, return it
to Gamma Vacuum.
3.Do not disconnect the high-voltage cable with the power on.
After turning off the SPCe, allow at least one minute before
disconnecting electrical equipment.
4. Do not operate the SPCe without a proper electrical ground or
near water. The SPCe may be damaged and its safety reduced, if
it is operated outside specifications.
5.In the event that this unit is not used in accordance with its
intended purpose of controlling an ion pump, safety and
protection requirements are subjected to change and not specified
by the manufacturer.
INSTALLATION
NOTES:
• The SPCe can be mounted in a standard 19 in. (48.3 cm) rack or
used as a free-standing unit.
Optional 19-in. Rack Adapter Kit (part 310057) and
Half-Rack Adapter Kit (part 360242) are available.
• When installing, make sure the rear power cord is accessible.
• Maintain a 2.52 in. (64 mm) clearance behind controllers for
cable bend radius and proper airflow.
• Maintain a .125 in. (3 mm) gap between vertically mounted
controllers. This gap is designed in the rack mount kit, and they
can be mounted directly above or below each other.
• Position the control so that the power plug can be reached to
disconnect power.
CAUTION: This equipment uses a high voltage,
detachable power supply cord. Do not
replace with inadequately rated supply
cords.
CAUTION: Remove all metal jewelry prior to working
with any potential electrical hazards.
Required Items
You will need the following items to install the controller:
1. A 3-wire, detachable, universal input power cable (included).
2. A high voltage (HV) cable for each pump (ordered separately).
3.A safety ground cable for each pump.
Installation Procedure
1. Place the controller in its location and secure as necessary.
2. Connect the safety ground cable to the pump and the safety
ground stud at the SPCe rear panel.
3.Connect the high voltage cable to the ion pump and the high
voltage connector on the SPCe rear panel (J501).
4. If you have the optional SAFECONN feature, an additional
connector is part of the HV cable. Connect it to the SAFECONN
connector (J401).
5.Verify input voltage requirements, and then connect the
detachable universal input power adapter cable to the input
power receptacle on the SPCe rear panel.
6.Connect the power adapter mains cable to A/C power source.

4
OPERATION
Front Panel
LED Indicators and LCD Display
LEDs indicate the status of the main power, high voltage, and the set
point. The LCD displays operation parameters, messages, and menu
options.
During ion pump operation, the screen displays voltage, current,
and pressure. One of these three values is displayed larger than the
other two; this can be changed by pressing the left and right arrow
keys.
Soft Keys
• Main Power: Turns on and off the controller.
• High Voltage: Enables high voltage when pressed and held for
1-2 seconds.
• OK and arrow keys: Open and navigate the configuration menus,
and commit changes.
NOTE: Some keys may be disabled by a serial command when the
controller is connected to a computer or terminal.
High Voltage Operation (Quick Start)
Prior to starting the ion pump, confirm the following:
• The controller and connected ion pumps are grounded with a
redundant grounding wire.
• The high voltage cable is attached to the controller and the ion
pump.
• The controller’s high voltage output has the correct output polarity
for the ion pump (positive voltage for diode pump and negative
voltage for triode pump).
Evacuate the Vacuum System
1. Rough pump down to 1x10-4 Torr or less (the lower the better). See
Rough Pump manual for details.
2. Ensure contaminants do not exist in the system.
3.If an ion pump is used or has been exposed to atmospheric
pressure, it may be necessary to bake the pump into the roughing
pump to achieve the best pressure. See the Operation section in
the Pump manual for details.
Starting the Ion Pump
1. If the ion pump size has not been entered into the System Menu,
enter the ion pump size. The SPCe will not start until the ion pump
size has been entered.
2. Press and hold High Voltage on the front panel for
1-2 seconds.
Stopping the Ion Pump
Press High Voltage on the front panel to disable high voltage.

5
DISPLAY MENU
Operation parameters, messages, and menu options are shown on
the LCD display.
Display During Ion Pump Operation
When the ion pump is in operation, the SPCe displays voltage,
current, and pressure.
Accessing Main Menu Settings
The Main menu categories are: System, Output, Supply,
Communications, Serial, Ethernet, Configuration, Diagnostics, and
SPC.
To access and navigate the Main menu:
• Press OK to access the Main menu.
• Press the left and right arrow keys to navigate through the Main
menu.
• Press the up and down arrow keys to navigate through the drop-
down menus.
• Press OK to select the highlighted menu item.
System Information Menu (Sys)
Size
The Size parameter must be set prior to high voltage operation.
Setting the correct pump size allows the controller to properly
monitor power delivered to the ion pump and calculate pressure.
Pressure is calculated using the following current-to-pressure
calculation:
• Amps = Current reading in Amps
• volts = Voltage reading in volts (SPCe is variable)
• Units = Conversion factor (Torr = 1, mbar = 1.33, Pascal = 133)
• Cal Factor = MPCe/LPCe programmed calibration factor
(typically set to 1)
• Pump Size = The size of the ion pump is liters per second (l/s)
Units
The Units parameter changes the displayed unit of measurement for
pressure. It can be changed to display in Torr, mBar, or Pascal. (Torr
is the default.)
Pressure =
(0.066 x Amps x (5600/volts) x Units x Cal Factor)
Pump Size

6
Setpoint
• On Point: The Setpoint relay will activate when the pressure is
equal to or above this pressure.
• Off Point: The Setpoint will deactivate when the pressure is equal
to or below this pressure.
• The Off Point pressure must be equal to or greater than the On
Point.
• When the Off Point value is set to 0.1e-10, the Off Point value
will be ignored, and once the Setpoint is active, the Setpoint will
remain active independent of the pressure thereafter.
• Error: The Setpoint will turn on when the SPCe has an error
condition.
Factor
The calibration factor is a variable used in the current-to-pressure
calculation. The default value is one. Changing this value will have
a linear relationship with respect to pressure. This setting can be
changed, for example, when calibrating the SPCe pressure to a
known gague pressure.
Pressure is calculated using the following current-to-pressure
calculation:
• Amps = Current reading in Amps
• volts = Voltage reading in volts (SPCe is variable)
• Units = Conversion factor (Torr = 1, mbar = 1.33, Pascal = 133)
• Cal Factor = MPCe/LPCe programmed calibration factor
(typically set to 1)
• Pump Size = The size of the ion pump is liters per second (l/s)
High Voltage Output Menu (Output)
NOTE: If an asterisk (*) is present, a pump size has not been
entered into the controller.
Voltage
The Voltage parameter sets the output voltage. It can be set in the
range of 3000 to 7000 VDC. For ion pumps at 5 l/s or less, the
default voltage is 5000 VDC. For ion pumps larger than 5 l/s, the
default voltage is 7000 VDC.
NOTE: The default voltage for ion pumps at 5 l/s or less but with
5 KV feedthrough is 7000 VDC.
Current
The Current parameter sets the output current. The maximum current
output is limited based on the size of the ion pump programmed into
the controller. The default is 2 mA per l/s.
Pressure =
(0.066 x Amps x (5600/volts) x Units x Cal Factor)
Pump Size

7
Foldback Voltage Feature
With the Foldback feature enabled, the SPCe will reduce the voltage
once a specified pressure is reached. The specified pressure can be
set in the range of 1x10-5 to 1x10-12 Torr. The default is 9x10-9 Torr.
The Foldback voltage can be programmed in the range of 3000V to
6900V, done in 100V increments. The default voltage is 3500V.
Pressure or Current Output Setting (Monitor)
The SPCe can be monitored via the miscellaneous I/O port (J1).
This parameter determines the pressure or current output. Selectable
values are:
• Pressure: Logarithmic
• Current: Logarithmic
• Current: 1VDC per 1nA
• Current: 1VDC per 10nA
• Current: 1VDC per 100nA
• Current: 1VDC per 1uA
• Current: 1VDC per 10uA
• Current: 1VDC per 100uA
• Current: 1VDC per 1mA
• Current: 1VDC per 10mA
• MidiVac Emulation
The logarithmic output calculates the log base 10 of the selected
measurement (current or pressure) and adds an offset in order to
make the voltage output positive. (The Log base 10 of a number less
than 1 is negative.) When logarithmic output is selected, an offset
must also be specified. The higher the offset value, the higher the
output.
Supply Menu (Supply)
Arc Detection (Arc)
Arc detection provides protection for the ion pump by lowering high
voltage during arcing. The default setting is off.
Power Loss Recover (Auto HV)
The software contains a power loss recovery feature to restart the
system if the system was turned off due to a power failure.
• Disabled (default option): If input power is disrupted, the controller
will not power up when input power is restored.
• Enabled: If HV is on and input power is disrupted, the controller
will power up and will turn on HV when input power is restored.
If HV is off and input power is disrupted, the controller will power
up, but it will not turn on HV when input power is restored.
• Power: If the input power is disrupted, the controller will power up,
but will not turn on the HV when input power is restored. This is
independent on the HV on/off state.
Normally, when DC power is applied to the SPCe, the SPCe does
not start until the Power button is pressed. In the case where power
loss recovery criteria are satisfied (see above), the SPCe will turn on
when DC power is applied and start high voltage.
High Voltage Enable (HVE)
This parameter controls the high voltage on/off via the HVE interlock
signal. When enabled, the SPCe is controlled by a signal on the
miscellaneous I/O port (J1) connector. If the signal is High, high
voltage will enable.
• Disabled (default option): Pin 8 on the J1 misc. I/O connector on
the rear panel does not have a function.
• Intrlock: Pin 8 serves as the interlock function. Logic high
(+3.3VDC to +12VDC) on this pin enables HV to be turned on
by the user, but does not turn on HV automatically. Logic low
disables HV operation—user cannot turn on HV.
• On/Off: Pin 8 serves as the on/off switch function. Logic high
turns on HV. Logic low turns off HV.

8
Battery Mode (Battery)
Disables or enables battery mode.
• Disabled (default option): The input power voltage must be in the
+22 to +26VDC range in order to run HV.
• Enabled: The input power voltage can be outside this range.
Communications Mode (Comm)
RS Protocol
This parameter allows protocol selection for remote
communications. The available options are listed below.
Mode
There are three user input modes to the SPCe. They are changed
by selecting Mode on the Comm menu. Select the type of
communication for the controller.
• Local: The controller only accepts change commands made
via the keypad. The controller will accept read only commands
via serial/Ethernet. It will not, however, accept write/change
commands via serial/Ethernet.
• Remote: The controller will accept all serial and Ethernet
commands. When remote mode is activated, the keypad is
locked. To unlock the keypad, press and hold down arrow key.
Note, when keypad is unlocked, the communication mode is set
to full. To lock the keypad, press and hold down arrow key or set
communication mode to remote. Message “Keypad locked” is
shown on the screen.
• Full: The controller will accept all commands from the keypad and
serial/Ethernet.
Address
This parameter is used to set the SPCe serial address. The default
value is 5.
Handshaking
This parameter is used to set serial handshaking. The default value is
set to disabled.
Serial Parameters Menu (Serial)
SW Protocol
This parameter chooses the command set used for remote
commands.

9
Baud Rate (Baud)
This parameter is used to set the serial baud rate of the SPCe. The
default value is 115200.
Parity
This parameter is used to set the parity party check of the SPCe. The
default value is None.
Data Bits
This parameter is used to set the serial data bits of the SPCe. The
default value is 8.
Data and Stop Bits
This parameter is used to set the stop bits of the SPCe. The default
value is 1.
Ethernet Parameters Menu (Ethnt)
DHCP & IP Address (Addr)
The SPCe is capable of acting as a DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol) client. When enabled as a DHCP client, the
SPCe will obtain needed network information from a DHCP server.
When DHCP is disabled, the user may change the SPCe Ethernet
address. Currently IPv4 is the only supported format.
Subnet Mask(Mask)
When DHCP is disabled, the user may change the Ethernet subnet
mask.
Gateway (Gatewy)
When DHCP is disabled, the user may change the SPCe Ethernet
gateway address.
MAC Address (MAC)
This screen shows the controller’s MAC address.

10
Configuration Menu (Config)
Contrast
This function is used to adjust the contrast of the display. Use the
arrow keys to adjust the screen contrast.
Pump Name
This parameter allows the pump name to be changed. Use the up
and down arrows to cycle through letters, numbers, and symbols.
Use the left and right arrow keys to move the selector.
LCD Timeout
The SPCe’s LCD back light can be dimmed to extend the life of the
display. By enabling this parameter, the back light is dimmed after
a specified amount of time has passed since the last key press. This
feature is off by default.
Diagnostics Menu (Diag)
Zero Offset Calibrate Supply (Calibrate)
Prior to operating an ion pump, the controller should be calibrated
to account for electrical noise in the system. This provides a more
accurate current measurement given all site-specific parameters
that may be different than those observed during production. When
initiated, the controller goes through the calibration steps on screen
for reference. Click OK when calibration process is completed.
Fowler-Nordheim Field Emission Analysis (FEA)
Analyzing the emission current of an ion pump allows for more
accurate pressure readings. This analysis is done using the Fowler-
Nordheim method. Based on this calculation, the SPCe will
recommend that a hi-pot be conducted on the ion pump.
High Pot (Hi Pot)
This feature operates the ion pump in a high-pot mode where
the pump voltage can perform in the range of 10.5kV for hi-pot
cleaning of an ion pump. The ion pump will attempt to reach a
preset voltage up to 10.5kV.