Ideal Vacuum XGC-520 User manual

DCM-09232022 - V 1.2
Dual Capacitance Manometer
Gauge Controller (DCM)
USER MANUAL
Model XGC-520 (P1010127)

2019-2022 © Ideal Vacuum Products, LLC | [phone] | [email protected] | www.idealvac.com
DCM-09232022 - V 1.22
Ideal Vacuum Products warrants to the original purchaser this product to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of one (1) year from the original delivery date. The liability
of Ideal Vacuum under this warranty is limited to servicing, adjusting, repairing or replacing any
unit or component part which, at Ideal Vacuum’s sole discretion, is determined to have failed
during normal, intended use. This warranty does not cover improper installation, process related
damage, product used in any way other than dened in this manual, or any misuse, abuse,
negligence, accident, or customer modication to the product. Prior to returning any product, we
require that you contact us by phone or email to determine if the issue can be resolved quickly.
A technical support representative will try to resolve the problem. If we cannot resolve the issue
quickly, we will issue an RMA number and provide product return instructions.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR USE OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IDEAL
VACUUM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF
THE PRODUCT. THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF IDEAL VACUUM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE
PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
If you have any questions concerning the installation or operation of this equipment, or if you
need warranty or repair service, please contact us. Customer Service and Technical Support is
available weekdays, from 8am-5pm, Mountain Time.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Web: idealvac.com
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
At Ideal Vacuum we constantly strive to innovate and improve on existing products. Therefore,
specications and information are subject to change without notice. This publication may discuss
features that may not be available in certain revisions of the product. The Ideal Vacuum Logo
is a registered trademark and the slogan “Our Products Develop Tomorrow’s Technologies”
is a trademarks of Ideal Vacuum Products, LLC. Baratron is a registered trademark of MKS
Instruments. Swagelok and VCR are registered trademarks of Swagelok Co. Termite is a
trademark of ITB CompuPhase. Reference to products, trademarks and registered trademarks
owned by other manufacturers is made strictly for informative purposes and are the sole
properties of their respective owners.Copyright © 2019-2022, Ideal Vacuum Products, LLC. All
rights reserved.
WARRANTY

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty .......................................................................................................................................2
Customer Service and Support..................................................................................................2
Intellectual Property....................................................................................................................2
Safety............................................................................................................................................5
1. General Information ................................................................................................................6
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................6
1.2 Features...........................................................................................................................7
1.3 Specications...................................................................................................................7
1.4 Dimensional Drawings .....................................................................................................8
1.5 Panel Mounting ................................................................................................................8
1.6 Front Panel Display and Controls ....................................................................................9
1.7 Back Panel Power and I/O Connections........................................................................10
1.8 Ready-made Cables and Adapters ................................................................................10
1.9 Custom Sensor and Remote Cables .............................................................................10
1.10 Sensor Connector Pinouts (DB9)................................................................................... 11
1.11 RS-232 I/O & Relay Connector Pinouts (DB15) ............................................................ 11
2. Installation .............................................................................................................................12
2.1 Mount the Gauge ...........................................................................................................12
2.2 Electrical Connections ...................................................................................................12
3. Operation ...............................................................................................................................13
3.1 Principle of Capacitance Diaphragm Gauge Operation .................................................13
3.2 Navigating Menus and Setting Parameters ...................................................................15
3.3 Menu Flowchart .............................................................................................................16
3.4 Startup ...........................................................................................................................17
3.5 Changing Pressure Measurement Units ........................................................................18
3.6 Full Scale .......................................................................................................................19
3.7 Global Settings and Defaults .........................................................................................19
3.8 Channels, Relays, and Setpoints Overview...................................................................20
3.9 Programming Setpoints .................................................................................................21
3.10 DCM Adjustment ............................................................................................................23
3.11 Zeroing a Gauge ...........................................................................................................23
3.12 Calibrating a Gauge .......................................................................................................24
4. Remote Operation .................................................................................................................25
4.1 Available RS-232 Serial Commands..............................................................................25
4.2 Serial Command Usage.................................................................................................26
4.2.1 Status Query Commands....................................................................................26
4.2.2 Input Commands.................................................................................................28
4.2.3 Reset Commands ...............................................................................................30
4.2.3 Power Commands...............................................................................................30

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.24
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 - Technical specications..............................................................................................7
Table 2 - Front panel feature descriptions.................................................................................9
Table 3 - Available ready-made cables and adapters .............................................................10
Table 4 - DCM DB9 sensor connector pinouts ........................................................................ 11
Table 5 - DB15 RS-232 I/O connector on back of DCM.......................................................... 11
Table 6 - Factory defaults........................................................................................................19
Table 7 - Remote serial commands.........................................................................................25
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 - Dimensional drawings...............................................................................................8
Figure 2 - Rails for panel mounting ...........................................................................................8
Figure 3 - Front panel features..................................................................................................9
Figure 4 - Back panel connectors ...........................................................................................10
Figure 5 - DB9 sensor connector on back of DCM ................................................................. 11
Figure 6 - DB15 RS-232 I/O connector on back of DCM ........................................................ 11
Figure 7 - DB15 male to breakout board adapter.................................................................... 11
Figure 8 - Simplied DCM installation .....................................................................................12
Figure 9 - Inside a capacitance diaphragm gauge ..................................................................13
Figure 10 - Display arrows ......................................................................................................15
Figure 11 - Navigation buttons ................................................................................................15
Figure 12 - Menu owchart .....................................................................................................16
Figure 13 - Power button.........................................................................................................17

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 5
SAFETY
Do not use the Dual Capacitance Manometer Gauge Controller to
measure the pressure of ammable gases. Under certain unusual
circumstances ignition leading to an explosion could occur.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Thank you for purchasing this equipment from Ideal Vacuum Products. We want you to operate
it safely.
hRead this manual before installing or operating this equipment.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in serious
injury or equipment damage.
hKeep this manual in a safe location for future reference.
hThis equipment should only be installed and operated by trained,
qualied personnel, wearing appropriate protective equipment.
hFollow all codes that regulate the installation and operation of this
equipment.
Do not use gauges with straight tubing and compression ttings
in a system that may develop positive pressures. The tube could
be rapidly forced out of the tting causing equipment damage or
injury to personnel.
Do not use the Dual Capacitance Manometer Gauge Controller in
the presence of toxic chemicals, such as organic solvents without
proper ventilation.

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.26
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Ideal Vacuum Products (IVP) XGC-520 Dual Capacitance Manometer Gauge Controller
(DCM) is an inexpensive solution for pressure readout of up to two Capacitance Diaphragm
Gauges (CDG’s). The IVP DCM controller provides enhanced accuracy with intelligently designed
features for simple user control and easy system integration.
The IVP DCM is designed to interface with the popular Baratron®CDG’s from MKS and can read
full scale absolute vacuum/pressure ranges from 20 mTorr (2 x 10-4 Torr) to as much as 10,000
Torr (1x104Torr). Because CDG’s measure absolute pressure, they are gas type and composition
independent. Lookup tables and conversion factors are not required.
The DCM controller can supply two gauges, heated or unheated, with dual polarity voltage (±15
VDC at 1A total).
The unit has two analog output relays, each of which can be assigned to either of the two gauge
channels, and programmed to energize when a setpoint is reached. This exibility allows the user
to easily set up automated tasks, such as valve activation or energizing a turbomolecular pump
when an appropriate backing pump pressure is achieved.
Pressure measurement units (Torr, mTorr, mBar or Pa) can be set individually for each of the two
gauges.
All user dened settings are stored in non-volatile memory and do not have to be re-entered every
time power is cycled.
Our DCM is conveniently housed in a compact 1/8-DIN extruded aluminum enclosure for benchtop
or rack panel mounting.
The brilliant, blue LCD display is easy to read and displays vital system and controller information
at a glance. The intuitive front panel membrane switch interface allows the user to access and
adjust all parameters quickly.
Remote communication and control is achieved by RS-232 serial terminal software. Connection
is made via the rear-mounted DB15 or USB-B connectors. A variety of sensor and serial cables
are available.
The DCM has a built in universal power supply which accepts an input of 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz
though its standard C14 receptacle. Included is a 2 meter long (6 ft.) 115 VAC input power cord
with US plug 5-15P to C13 Connector. For use in other countries, the user must supply a suitable
power cord.

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 7
1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1 - Technical specifications
PARAMETER MEASURE/TYPE
Number of Gauges Controlled Up to 2
Units of Measure Torr, mTorr, mBar, Pa (default = Torr)
User Selectable Pressure Ranges 10 (2x10-4 to 1x104 Torr) (default = 1000 Torr)
Maximum Pressure 104 Torr
Useful Measuring Range 4 decades
Numeric Display 2 digits after decimal. If value is > 1000 or
< 1.00, display switches to E notation
Audible Beeper On/off (default = on)
Voltage to Gauge(s) ±15 VDC
Max. Supplied Current to
Gauge(s)
1A combined
Input Voltage to controller 0-10 VDC for full measuring range of gauge
Setpoints 2 (default=off)
Setpoint Relays 2A @ 30VDC, >10 K Ω, NO/NC
Rear Panel Connections C14 power input wih 3A quick acting fuse
DB9-F, for sensor gauge(s)
USB-B for I/O serial communications
DB15-F, RS-232 I/O serial and relay outputs
Serial Communications 9600 baud
8-N-1, no hardware handshake
Operating Temperature Range 0 to 50° C
Enclosure Size 1/8-DIN
Input Power 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
1.2 FEATURES
hControls up to two (2) capacitive diaphragm sensor gauges (CDG)
hInterfaces with popular MKS Baratron sensor gauges with full scale measurement ranges from
20 mTorr to 10,000 Torr
hGas type and composition independent – no need for lookup tables and conversion factors
hCompact 1/8-DIN enclosure for benchtop or rack panel mounting
hBrilliant Blue LCD readout display
hIntuitive interface makes setting parameters quick and easy
hTwo setpoint output relays for automated control of other equipment
hUser selectable pressure units (Torr, mTorr, mBar, and Pa)
hSerial communication for remote control through DB9 and USB-B ports

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.28
1.4 DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS
Figure 1 - Dimensional drawings
1.5 PANEL MOUNTING
Standard 1/8 DIN enclosure panel cut out dimensions are 1.772” x 3.622” (45mm x 92mm).
Maximum panel thickness is 3/8” (10mm). To mount the DCM in a panel, unscrew the two 4-40
set screws at the back of the DCM Use a 0.050” hex wrench. Slide the rails out of the slots. Slide
the DCM through the front of the panel, back rst. Slide the two rails back into the slots. Replace
the set screws and tighten until the rails hold the DCM snug in the panel.
Figure 2 - Rails for panel mounting
side rail side rail
set screw set screw

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 9
1.6 FRONT PANEL DISPLAY AND CONTROLS
Table 2 - Front panel feature descriptions
ITEM No. DESCRIPTION
1 Ideal Vacuum part number
2 Power on/off button
3 Navigation buttons
4 Select/enter button
5 Navigation direction arrows
6 Menu item or value
7 Current pressure units
8 Gauge channel
9 Saved setpoint indicator
10 Relay on indicator
Figure 3 - Front panel features

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.210
1.9 CUSTOM CABLES
If you are making your own sensor cables, follow these guidelines:
hUse only quality, metal braided, fully shielded, cables between the controller and gauge(s).
hFoil or spiral shielded cables perform worse than braided, and signal degradation may occur.
hCables must be properly grounded at both ends.
hConnectors must have a metal case or be fully shielded.
hThe cable’s shield must contact the case on its entire circumference.
hThe shield wire must be grounded before the signal wires exit the connector.
hThe ground wire should be the absolute minimum length within the connector.
1.7 BACK PANEL POWER AND I/O CONNECTIONS
The back of the DCM has the power, communication, and sensor gauge connections. The DCM
has a built-in universal power supply rated for 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. The DCM accepts a
C13 plug. The RS-232 I/O (multi purpose) connector is a 15 pin D-Sub. It is used for both serial
communication and for the two analog relay outputs. The USB-B connector is used for remote
serial communications and for software updates. The 9 pin D-Sub connector is used to connect
the CDG sensor gauges.
Figure 4 - Back panel connectors
1.8 READY-MADE CABLES AND ADAPTERS
PART # DESCRIPTION
P102063 Sensor cable, connects two gauges to DCM,10 ft., DB9 -M to two DB15-F
P102061 Sensor cable, connects two gauges to DCM, 10 ft. DB9-M to two DB9-F
P1011364 Serial cable, connects remote computer to DCM, 10 ft., DB15-M to DB9-F
P1012796 USB cable, connects remote computer to DCM, 10 ft. USB-A to USB-B
P1012800 DB15-M to terminal block breakout for splitting out relays and RS232 cables
Table 3 - Available ready-made cables and adapters

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 11
PIN # DESCRIPTION
1 Gauge channel 1 signal
2 Gauge channel 2 signal
3 Gauge channel 2 signal return
4 +15 Volts gauge 1
5 +15 Volts gauge 2
6 -15 Volts gauge 1
7 -15 Volts gauge 2
8 Gauge channel 1 signal return
9 Power common & signal ground
Figure 5 - DB9 sensor
connector on back of DCM
Table 4 - DCM DB9 sensor connector pinouts
1.10 SENSOR CONNECTOR PINOUTS (DB9)
PIN # DESCRIPTION
1 Relay a, NC
2 Relay a, common
3 Relay a, NO
4 Relay b, NC
5 Relay b, common
6 Relay b, NO
7 Tx RS-232 signal out
8 Rx RS-232 signal in
9 Ground, RS-232 common
10 Not used
11 Channel 2 buffered analog signal, 1K output
12 Not used
13 Reserved
14 Not used
15 Channel 1 buffered analog signal, 1K output
Table 5 - DB15 RS-232 I/O connector on back of DCM
1.11 RS-232 I/O & RELAY CONNECTOR PINOUTS (DB15)
Figure 6 - DB15 RS-232 I/O
connector on back of DCM
Connector pinouts are shown looking at the female connector on the back of the DCM.
Connector pinouts are shown looking at the female connector on the back of the DCM.
To make it easier to wire relay and serial cable connections, we recommend using a DB-15 male
to terminal block breakout board adapter (P1012800).
Figure 7 - DB15 male to
breakout board adapter

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.212
2. INSTALLATION
2.1 MOUNT THE GAUGE
Connection of a sensor gauge to the DCM is straightforward. First, mount the capacitance
diaphragm gauge mechanically into your system:
1. Follow all instructions for installation that were provided with your gauge(s).
2. Although CDG gauges will function in any orientation, it is best to mount the gauge vertically
with the inlet port facing down. Port-down vertical mounting helps keep the diaphragm clean
by allowing any foreign matter which enters the port to fall away from the diaphragm. It also
keeps condensation from collecting on it.
3. For threaded port connections (e.g., VCR or 1/8” MPT), make sure to properly tighten the
tting. Use appropriate thread sealant on 1/8” NPT threads and tighten to hand-tight.
4. Isolate the CDG from vibration as much as possible.
2.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
1. Properly ground the gauge and controller.
2. Connect the sensor cable between the CDG and the DCM.
3. Plug in the DCM’s power cord.
4. Press the Power button on the DCM.
To minimize a possible ground loop which could affect the
performance and stability of the system, the ground of the DCM
and the gauge(s) should be the same (chassis ground).
Figure 8 - Simplified DCM installation
When using two gauges, they must both have the D-Sub connector
(9 or 15 pins), unless a custom cable is made. Heated and non-
heated gauges may be mixed.

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 13
3. OPERATION
3.1 PRINCIPLE OF CAPACITANCE DIAPHRAGM GAUGE OPERATION
A capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG) is an electro-mechanical sensor that can measure both
pressure and vacuum. It translates changes in pressure into an electrical signal which is linear
and proportional to the pressure.
Vacuum or pressure is
introduced through an inlet
tube into a closed chamber
on the system side of the
gauge. A round, elastic metal
diaphragm is exposed to the
gas whose pressure is to be
measured.
On the back side of the
diaphragm is a closed high
vacuum (reference) chamber.
Two concentric electrodes,
mounted in a xed ceramic
disk, face the back side of the
diaphragm. The reference side
is permanently evacuated,
its vacuum maintained with
a chemical getter pump (for
absolute manometer gauges).
The diaphragm and each of
the xed electrodes make
up the two conductors of a
capacitor.
The diaphragm is deected
towards or away from
the xed electrodes with
changing absolute pressure,
independent of gas type or
composition.
The diaphragm deection
causes a capacitance
difference between the two electrodes since the distance to the diaphragm is now different for each
of them. The measured capacitance imbalance is converted into an amplied DC output voltage
signal by the gauge’s onboard electronics, whose power is supplied by a connected controller.
A precise 0 to 10 VDC signal, scaled to the full measuring range of the gauge, is output to the
controller. The controller translates the voltage signal into pressure units which are displayed on
the controller screen. Different diaphragm materials and thicknesses set the gauge to a specic
pressure measuring range.
Chemical Getter
Pump
(Absolute Manometer)
Reference Side
High Vacuum
Chamber
Electronics
Span
Pot
Linearity
Pot
Pot
Zero
Pot
Sensor
Capsule
Ceramic
Disk
Deflected
Diaphragm
Diaphragm
Baffle Outer
Electrode
Inner
Electrode
Inlet Tube
Connected
to System
Figure 9 - Inside a capacitance diaphragm gauge

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.214
Capacitance diaphragm gauges are among the fastest and most accurate vacuum pressure
measurement sensors because very small capacitance changes can be accurately and quickly
measured. Accuracy is generally within 0.25% to 0.50%. They are often used in the rough vacuum
measurement range in process applications where the gas composition and concentration can
change rapidly. CDG’s, due to their robust construction and materials, are resistant to corrosive
gases. Since a CDG measures direct force applied from the vacuum pressure, its pressure
measurement is independent of the gas-type. This eliminates the need for lookup tables and gas
conversion calculations. These gauges offer short warm up times, great signal stability, and fast
recovery from atmosphere which reduces process cycle times.
CDG’s are, however, susceptible to process applications which generate materials that could
deposit on the diaphragm surface. In order to keep the diaphragm clean and free of process
debris, CDG’s are preferably mounted vertically, port-down, and a bafe is often installed directly
between the sensor’s vacuum inlet and the diaphragm. Heated CDG models are available which
help keep process gases from condensing inside the gauge tube and on the diaphragm.

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 15
Arrows on the LCD screen indicate the available navigation options and mimic the four navigation
arrow buttons (Figures 10 and 11). The center button is the SELECT/ENTER button.
Use these rules to move about the menus:
hThe LEFT arrow button always moves you to a higher tier in the heirarchy.
Pressing the LEFT arrow button moves you to the left on the owchart. New settings are
not saved unless the SELCT/ENTER button is pressed. (See SELECT/ENTER below).
The RIGHT ARROW button always switches the gauge Channel.
The channel can be toggled if there is a right arrow on the screen.
“CHn” on the owchart means Channel 1 or 2, whichever is currently selected.
hThe UP and DOWN arrow buttons let you scroll through the available options on the same
hierarchy level.
hThe center SELECT/ENTER button has a dual function:
1. Pressing the SELECT/ENTER button always takes you to the next deeper
hierarchy level (if there is a lower level).
Pressing the SELECT/ENTER button moves you to the right on the owchart.
Or,
2. Pressing the SELECT/ENTER button saves a value or selection you have made.
A “SAVED!” screen message conrms that the new value or selection has been stored.
After a save, you are automatically returned to the originating sub-menu (i.e., Units,
Full Scale, Setpoints, etc.).
3.2 NAVIGATING MENUS AND SETTING PARAMETERS
Figure 10 - Display arrows
Familiarize yourself with the Menu Flowchart (Figure 12, next page).
Figure 11 - Navigation buttons

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.216
123.45 Units
Full Scale
Brightness
Torr
mTorr
mBar
1000 Torr
100 Torr
10 Torr
2 Torr
1 Torr
100 mTorr
50 Torr
20 mTorr
10,000 Torr
Buzzer
Chn
Settings
Reset
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
Chn
5000 Torr Chn
RAChn
RBChn
Units
Adjust DCM Chn
Units
+/- Value
RaChn Units
LowRbChn +/- Value
RaChn Units
HighRbChn
+/- Value
Calibrate
Zero
Units
Chn
Chn
+/- Value
Cal Units
ChnMF+/- Value
Clear?
Zero
Chn
High
Medium
Low
On
Off
No
Yes
Pa Chn
Set?
Zero
Chn
Cal
MF V
V
Relay A
Relay B
RbChn
Units
RaChn
RbChn
Units
RaChn Set Ch1
RbChn
Units
RaChn
Set Ch2
RbChn
Units
RaChn
Disable A
+/- Value
RaChn Units
LowRbChn +/- Value
RaChn Units
HighRbChn
+/- Value
Set Ch1
RbChn
Units
RaChn
Set Ch2
RbChn
Units
RaChn
Disable B
SetPoints
RaChn
RbChn
Units
3.3 MENU FLOWCHART
Figure 12 - Menu flowchart

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 17
3.4 STARTUP
After the gauge is physically mounted, sensor cable(s) and a power cord are connected, turn on
the DCM by pressing the power button below the screen.
The screen shows N.C. (Not Connected) if no sensor gauge or a faulty gauge or cable is connected
to the DCM. The display also shows N.C. if the pressure is too low for the gauge to reliably resolve
(<0.01% of full scale value). See Sec. 3.11, p. 23 for more information about zeroing the gauge.
The screen below indicates that one of these conditions exists on channel 2.
Press the right arrow button to switch to the other channel. Below the screen now shows that the
gauge on channel 2 is at 234 mTorr (rough vacuum).
The Ideal Vacuum splash screen will appear, then show the rmware version number.
After initializing, the DCM shows gauge pressure in the center of the home screen. The current
Channel is displayed in the bottom right of the screen. Below, the DCM example shows that the
gauge on Channel 1 has a pressure reading of 760.00 Torr (ambient atmosphere at sea level).
Figure 13 - Power button
If the system pressure is above the full scale of the gauge, the
DCM will display the gauge’s full scale value. See Sec. 3.6, p. 19 for
more information about setting the gauge’s Full Scale value.

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.218
The Units parameter allows a user to see gauge pressure measurements in Torr, mTorr, mBar or
Pa. Below is an example of how to change the controller’s pressure units from Torr to mBar for a
gauge on Channel 1. Each gauge can show a different pressure unit.
1. Start at the home screen. The current pressure of the gauge on Channel 1 is 760.00 Torr.
3.5 CHANGING PRESSURE MEASUREMENT UNITS
2. Press the SELECT/ENTER button to go to the Units screen.
3.Press the SELECT/ENTER button again to go to the pressure unit (Torr) screen.
4.Press the DOWN arrow button (twice) until the mBar screen appears.
5.Press the SELECT/ENTER button. The selection is Saved! into memory.
6. The screen reverts to Units, the originating sub-menu (second tier in the owchart).
7. Press the LEFT arrow button to go back to the home screen (rst tier in the owchart).
The Channel 1 pressure now reads in mBar.

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.2 19
3.6 FULL SCALE
The Full Scale parameter is where the maximum measuring pressure of the sensor gauge is
entered into the DCM. The correct full scale pressure of the gauge must be selected or the DCM
will show incorrect pressure readings and setpoints will be off.
The DCM’s full scale gauge options are in Torr only, since the full scale pressure of capacitance
diaphragm gauges is most often specied in Torr.
Setting the gauge’s Full Scale is similar to setting the Units parameter:
1. At the Home screen, press SELECT/ENTER. The Units screen appears.
2. Press the DOWN arrow button to go to the Full Scale screen.
3. Press SELECT/ENTER.
4. Press the UP or DOWN arrow button to scroll through the available full scale choices.
5. When the correct full scale value is displayed, press SELECT/ENTER.
6. The selected full scale pressure is SAVED!
7. Press the LEFT arrow button to go back to the home screen.
3.7 GLOBAL SETTINGS AND DEFAULTS
The DCM has several useful global parameters, chosen in the Settings menu:
hScreen brightness: Three levels are available: Low, medium, and high.
hBeeper On/Off: Whether the beeper sounds when a navigation button is pressed.
hReset: Erases all user dened parameters and resets the DCM to factory defaults.
PARAMETER FACTORY DEFAULT
Pressure Units Torr
Full Scale 1000 Torr
Setpoints Off
Calibrate Multplying Factor = 1.00
Zero Additive Factor = 0.00
Screen Brightness Medium
Button Beeper On
Table 6 - Factory defaults
When reconguring a system, or preparing a new experiment,
always unplug, then reset the DCM.
If system pressure is too low for the gauge to reliably resolve, the
screen displays: N.C. If the pressure is above the full scale of the
gauge, the DCM will display the gauge’s full scale value.

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DCM-09232022 - V 1.220
3.8 CHANNELS, RELAYS, AND SETPOINTS OVERVIEW
A channel is dened as the conduit through which sensor gauge information is sent to the DCM.
The DCM has two channels, Channel 1 (Ch 1) and Channel 2 (Ch 2). Each channel may have
a corresponding sensor gauge. The DCM displays the gauge pressure on the selected channel.
The DCM has two output relays, designated Relay a (Ra) and Relay b (Rb), which provide
switching for external system components, such as solenoid operated valves or other automated
process controls. Each relay is capable of supplying up to 60W (2A@30 VDC).
The relays are activated and de-activated when user dened pressure thresholds (setpoints) are
reached. Each relay is programmed with a low and high pressure value such that:
hWhen the pressure drops below the low value, the relay is energized.
hWhen the pressure rises above the high value, the relay is de-energized.
A setpoint is correctly programmed only when both the low and high threshold values are
dened and saved. This allows the user to have considerable control of hysteresis. Like all other
parameters, setpoints are stored in non-volatile memory so they don’t need to be re-entered every
time power is cycled. See Section 3.9, p.21 for specic instructions on programming setpoints.
Either or both relays can be assigned to either channel. For example, if both relays are assigned
to Channel 1, then two vacuum components (i.e., valves) could be activated using just one sensor
gauge. Or, one valve could be opened while another is closed (one valve normally open, one
normally closed). Alternatively, in a two sensor gauge system, Relay a could be assigned to one
setpoint, and Relay b assigned to another. The DCM’s channel/relay mapping exibility allows the
user to automate a system for their unique process requirements.
After a setpoint is programmed, the relay and assigned channel are indicated on the left side of
the screen. Below, setpoints for both relays have been saved and assigned to Channel 1.
If a setpoint is not properly saved, then that relay/channel indicator will not appear. Below, only
Relay a has been correctly input and stored. Here, Relay a is now assigned to Channel 2.
To provide the operator with real-time useful system information, an energized relay is indicated
with a square to the left of the relay/channel indicator. Below, the (low) setpoint thresholds for both
relays have been reached and the screen shows that both relays are energized.