Oxford Instruments Mercury iTC User manual

Mercury iTC cryogenic environment controller
Issue 01 /November 2011 /Original Instructions
www.oxford-instruments.com
Oxford Instruments
NanoScience
Handbook
©2011. Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Limited. All rights reserved.

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Handbook
Mercury iTC
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PREFACE.............................................................................................................................................. 9
Use of this manual............................................................................................................................... 9
Customer support................................................................................................................................ 9
Health and safety information .......................................................................................................... 10
Intended users ................................................................................................................................... 10
Statement of intended use of the Mercury iTC ............................................................................... 10
Typographical conventions .............................................................................................................. 11
Disclaimers......................................................................................................................................... 11
Copyright notice ................................................................................................................................ 11
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 12
Acronyms, abbreviations and special terms................................................................................... 12
Revision history................................................................................................................................. 12
Certification compliance statements ............................................................................................... 13
1 HEALTH AND SAFETY ..................................................................................................... 15
1.1 Warnings ........................................................................................................................... 15
1.1.1 Protective ground ........................................................................................................... 15
1.1.2 High voltage hazard .......................................................................................................15
1.1.3 Maintenance and adjustment ......................................................................................... 16
1.1.4 Restrictions on use ........................................................................................................ 16
1.2 Cautions ............................................................................................................................ 16
1.2.1 Electrostatic caution ....................................................................................................... 16
1.2.2 Cooling caution .............................................................................................................. 17
1.3 Solid waste ........................................................................................................................ 17
2 OVERVIEW OF THE ITC ................................................................................................... 19
2.1 System description ........................................................................................................... 20
2.1.1 Temperature sensor circuits .......................................................................................... 21
2.1.2 Heater circuits ................................................................................................................ 21
2.1.3 Optional cooling circuit ................................................................................................... 21
2.1.4 Remote interfaces .......................................................................................................... 21
2.1.5 Display and touch-screen .............................................................................................. 21
2.1.6 Electrical power supply .................................................................................................. 22
3 USER INTERFACE ............................................................................................................ 23
3.1 Front and rear panel controls .......................................................................................... 23
3.2 LCD display and GUI ........................................................................................................ 23
3.2.1 Using the touch screen .................................................................................................. 23
3.2.1.1 Initiating actions.......................................................................................................... 23
3.2.1.2 Drop-down menus ...................................................................................................... 23
3.2.1.3 Scrolling...................................................................................................................... 24
3.2.1.4 Soft keypads .............................................................................................................. 25
3.2.1.5 Using arrows to adjust integer values ....................................................................... 27
3.2.1.6 Button labels............................................................................................................... 27
3.2.2 Common screen features ............................................................................................... 28
3.2.2.1 Home and Apply buttons ............................................................................................ 28
3.2.3 Home page .................................................................................................................... 28
3.2.3.1 Channel summary panel ........................................................................................... 29
3.2.4 Channel display configuration page ............................................................................... 30
3.2.5 Device pair configuration page ...................................................................................... 31
3.2.6 Sensor details pages ..................................................................................................... 32
3.2.6.1 Temperature Sensor Details page ............................................................................. 32

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3.2.6.2 Generic Sensor Adjustment page............................................................................... 33
3.2.6.3 Level Meter Sensor Details page................................................................................ 34
3.2.7 Plot Configuration page .................................................................................................. 36
3.2.8 Plot page ........................................................................................................................ 37
3.2.8.1 Adjusting the plot scaling............................................................................................ 37
3.2.9 Control Loop Configuration page ................................................................................... 38
3.2.10 Gas Flow Configuration page ......................................................................................... 40
3.2.11 PID Table Editor page ....................................................................................................41
3.2.12 General Settings tab ....................................................................................................... 43
3.2.12.1 Display Settings tab....................................................................................................44
3.2.12.2 Card settings tab ........................................................................................................ 45
3.2.12.3 RS232 Settings tab .................................................................................................... 46
3.2.12.4 Ethernet Settings tab ................................................................................................. 47
3.2.12.5 ISOBus Settings tab ................................................................................................... 48
3.2.12.6 GPIB Settings tab .......................................................................................................48
3.2.12.7 Clock Settings tab....................................................................................................... 49
3.2.12.8 Cal Update settings tab ............................................................................................. 50
3.2.12.9 F/W Update settings tab ............................................................................................ 51
3.2.12.10 EngMode tab ............................................................................................................. 52
3.2.12.11 Factory Settings tab ................................................................................................... 53
3.2.13 Alarm Logs page ............................................................................................................ 54
3.2.14 Heater configuration page .............................................................................................. 55
3.2.15 Sweep Table page .........................................................................................................56
3.2.16 Save File pages .............................................................................................................. 57
3.2.17 Load File pages .............................................................................................................. 58
4 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................... 59
4.1 Main components .............................................................................................................59
4.1.1 User interface ................................................................................................................. 60
4.1.2 Motherboard ................................................................................................................... 60
4.2 iTC connections ................................................................................................................ 60
4.2.1 Electrical power connection ............................................................................................ 60
4.2.2 Temperature sensor inputs ............................................................................................ 60
4.2.3 Outputs ........................................................................................................................... 60
4.2.4 Heater and sensor connections ...................................................................................... 61
4.2.4.1 Connecting thermocouples......................................................................................... 61
4.2.5 Communications interfaces ............................................................................................ 61
4.2.5.1 Serial RS232 interface ............................................................................................... 62
4.2.5.2 Oxford Instruments NanoScience ISOBUS ............................................................... 63
4.2.5.3 USB interface.............................................................................................................. 63
4.2.5.4 Ethernet interface .......................................................................................................63
4.3 Daughter boards ............................................................................................................... 63
4.3.1 Expansion slots .............................................................................................................. 64
4.3.2 Positioning daughter boards ........................................................................................... 64
4.3.2.1 Interconnecting heater and temperature-sensor boards ............................................ 65
4.4 Overview of temperature measurement ......................................................................... 66
4.4.1 Measurement principles ................................................................................................. 66
4.5 Types of temperature sensor ........................................................................................... 66
4.5.1 Thermocouples ............................................................................................................... 68
4.5.2 Resistance and diode sensors ....................................................................................... 68
4.5.3 Calibration for different sensors ..................................................................................... 68
4.6 Circuit descriptions .......................................................................................................... 69

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4.6.1 Temperature measurement circuit ................................................................................. 69
4.6.1.1 Description of voltage measurement mode................................................................ 69
4.6.1.2 Description of constant current measurement mode.................................................. 70
4.6.1.3 Description of constant voltage measurement mode ................................................. 71
4.6.1.4 Calibrating the temperature measurement circuit ..................................................... 73
4.6.2 Heater circuit .................................................................................................................. 74
4.6.2.1 Description of the heater circuit.................................................................................. 74
4.6.2.2 Calibrating the heater circuit....................................................................................... 75
5 GETTING STARTED .......................................................................................................... 77
5.1 Checking the electrical supply ........................................................................................ 77
5.2 Mounting the equipment .................................................................................................. 77
5.3 Connecting electrical power ............................................................................................ 78
5.3.1 Connecting the heaters and sensors ............................................................................. 78
5.3.2 Connecting the data interfaces ...................................................................................... 78
5.3.2.1 Connecting the ethernet interface (if required)........................................................... 78
5.3.2.2 Connecting the RS232 serial interface (if required) ................................................... 78
5.3.2.3 Connecting ISOBUS (if required) ............................................................................... 78
5.3.2.4 Connecting the GPIB (if required) .............................................................................. 79
5.3.3 Connecting the auxiliary port (if required) ...................................................................... 79
5.3.4 Connecting the level-meter (if required) ......................................................................... 79
5.4 Powering up the unit for the first time ............................................................................ 80
5.4.1 Setting the date and time ............................................................................................... 80
5.4.2 Configuring the inputs ....................................................................................................81
5.4.2.1 Configuring the sensor details.................................................................................... 81
5.4.2.2 Using a generic calibration-file ................................................................................... 81
5.4.3 Configuring a heater ......................................................................................................82
5.4.4 Configuring the heater control loop ................................................................................ 83
5.4.4.1 Configuring manual heater control ............................................................................. 83
5.4.4.2 Configuring automatic heater control ......................................................................... 83
5.4.5 Configuring a gas valve ................................................................................................. 84
5.4.5.1 Configuring manual control of the gas valve .............................................................. 84
5.4.5.2 Configuring automatic control of the gas valve .......................................................... 85
5.5 Testing the inputs and outputs ....................................................................................... 85
5.5.1 Testing the temperature sensor inputs .......................................................................... 85
5.5.2 Testing the heater output ............................................................................................... 85
5.5.3 Configuring remote interfaces ........................................................................................ 85
6 BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................. 87
6.1 Configuring the LCD display ........................................................................................... 87
6.2 Changing a setpoint .........................................................................................................87
6.2.1 Changing a heater setpoint ............................................................................................ 87
6.2.2 Changing a gas-flow setpoint ......................................................................................... 87
6.3 Using the sweep function ................................................................................................ 87
6.3.1 The purpose of the sweep function ................................................................................ 87
6.3.2 Programming a sweep ................................................................................................... 88
6.3.3 Loading a sweep ............................................................................................................ 88
6.3.4 Starting a sweep ............................................................................................................ 88
6.3.5 Stopping a sweep ..........................................................................................................89
6.4 Using the plot function .....................................................................................................89
6.4.1 Configuring a plot ........................................................................................................... 89
6.4.2 To remove a trace from the plot ..................................................................................... 90

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6.4.3 To exit the plot ................................................................................................................ 90
6.5 Configuring external interfaces ....................................................................................... 90
6.5.1 Configuring the ethernet interface (if required) ............................................................... 90
6.5.2 Configuring the RS232 serial interface (if required) ....................................................... 91
6.5.3 Configuring the GPIB (if required) .................................................................................. 91
6.5.4 Configuring the USB interface (if required) .................................................................... 91
6.5.5 Enabling remote control of the iTC ................................................................................. 91
6.5.6 Enabling local control of the iTC ..................................................................................... 92
6.6 Re-configuring sensors and heaters .............................................................................. 92
6.6.1 To clear a panel configuration ........................................................................................ 92
6.6.2 Re-configuring a sensor ................................................................................................. 92
6.6.3 Re-configuring a heater .................................................................................................. 92
6.6.4 Re-configuring a control loop ......................................................................................... 92
6.7 Changing control-loop parameters ................................................................................. 93
6.7.1 Entering PID parameters manually ................................................................................ 93
6.7.2 Creating a PID table ....................................................................................................... 93
7 REMOTE OPERATION ...................................................................................................... 95
7.1 Notes on instrument addresses ...................................................................................... 95
7.2 Communication protocols for RS232 and GPIB ............................................................ 95
7.2.1 Commands and responses ............................................................................................ 96
7.2.2 Numeric parameters ....................................................................................................... 96
7.3 Control via ISOBUS ..........................................................................................................96
7.4 GPIB interface ................................................................................................................... 97
7.4.1 Switching between RS232 and GPIB operation ............................................................. 97
7.4.2 Sending commands via the GPIB .................................................................................. 97
7.4.3 Accepting responses via the GPIB. ................................................................................ 98
7.4.4 Status byte and use of a serial poll ................................................................................ 98
7.4.4.1 RQS bit ....................................................................................................................... 98
7.4.4.2 BAV bit........................................................................................................................ 98
7.4.4.3 MAV bit ....................................................................................................................... 98
7.4.4.4 Status byte update rate............................................................................................... 99
7.4.5 Use of the service request line ....................................................................................... 99
7.4.6 Use of the device clear function ..................................................................................... 99
7.4.7 Use of the interface clear function .................................................................................. 99
7.4.8 Non-implemented features of the GPIB ......................................................................... 99
7.4.9 Compatibility with IEEE-488.2 ...................................................................................... 100
7.4.10 Writing a reliable GPIB control program ....................................................................... 100
7.4.10.1 Timeouts................................................................................................................... 100
8 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 101
8.1 Six-monthly maintenance .............................................................................................. 101
8.1.1 Cleaning the touch-screen ........................................................................................... 101
8.1.2 Calibrating the temperature-sensor circuits .................................................................. 101
8.1.3 Unscheduled maintenance ........................................................................................... 101
9 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................... 103
9.1 Fault-finding features of the iTC .................................................................................... 103
9.1.1 The alarm-logs ............................................................................................................. 103
9.2 Troubleshooting information ......................................................................................... 103
10 COMMAND REFERENCE GUIDE ................................................................................... 105

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10.1 Nomenclature used in this section ............................................................................... 105
10.2 SCPI and legacy command sets .................................................................................... 105
10.3 SCPI command messages ............................................................................................. 105
10.3.1 SCPI protocol conventions ........................................................................................... 105
10.3.2 Command structure ..................................................................................................... 106
10.3.3 Verbs ............................................................................................................................ 106
10.3.4 Nouns ........................................................................................................................... 106
10.3.4.1 System commands................................................................................................... 107
10.3.4.2 Addressing a temperature sensor ............................................................................ 108
10.3.4.3 Addressing a heater controller ................................................................................. 110
10.3.4.4 Addressing a level meter sensor .............................................................................. 110
10.3.4.5 Addressing an auxiliary I/O daughter board ............................................................ 112
10.3.4.6 Addressing a control loop ........................................................................................ 113
10.3.5 Invalid responses ......................................................................................................... 113
10.4 Legacy command messages ......................................................................................... 113
11 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................... 115
11.1 Physical specification .................................................................................................... 115
11.2 Electrical power supply .................................................................................................. 115
11.3 Sensor inputs .................................................................................................................. 115
11.4 Heater outputs ................................................................................................................ 116
11.5 PC interfaces ................................................................................................................... 116
11.6 Electrical isolation .......................................................................................................... 117
11.7 Environmental specifications ........................................................................................ 117
12 THEORY OF CONTROL LOOPS .................................................................................... 119
12.1 General information on control loops .......................................................................... 119
12.2 General information on temperature control loops ..................................................... 119
12.2.1 Open loop operation .................................................................................................... 120
12.2.2 On-Off control .............................................................................................................. 120
12.2.3 Proportional control ...................................................................................................... 121
12.2.4 Proportional control with integral action ....................................................................... 122
12.2.5 Proportional control with integral and derivative action ................................................ 123
12.2.6 North American terminology ........................................................................................ 123
12.2.7 PID tables .................................................................................................................... 124
12.2.7.1 PID table operation................................................................................................... 124
12.2.7.2 Entering a PID table ................................................................................................. 124
12.3 Theory of gas-flow control ............................................................................................. 125
12.3.1 Overview of gas control ............................................................................................... 125
12.3.2 Manual control of the gas flow ..................................................................................... 125
12.3.3 Automatic control of the gas flow ................................................................................. 125
12.3.4 Heater target tables ..................................................................................................... 126
13 TEMPERATURE SENSOR DAUGHTER BOARD ........................................................... 127
13.1 Overview of the temperature sensor board ................................................................. 127
13.2 Installing a temperature sensor board ......................................................................... 127
13.2.1 Fitting the board ........................................................................................................... 127
13.2.2 Connecting the sensor ................................................................................................. 128
13.2.3 Configuring the temperature sensor board .................................................................. 128
14 HEATER DAUGHTER BOARD ....................................................................................... 129
14.1 Overview of the heater board ........................................................................................ 129

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14.2 Installing a heater board ................................................................................................ 129
14.2.1 Fitting the board ........................................................................................................... 129
14.2.2 Connecting the heater .................................................................................................. 130
14.2.3 Configuring the heater board ........................................................................................ 130
14.2.4 Configuring the control loop. ........................................................................................ 130
15 AUXILIARY I/O DAUGHTER BOARD ............................................................................. 131
15.1 Description of the auxiliary I/O board ........................................................................... 131
15.1.1 Auxiliary I/O board functions ........................................................................................ 131
15.1.2 Gas-flow control using a motorised needle-valve ......................................................... 131
15.2 Installing an auxiliary I/O board ..................................................................................... 132
15.2.1 Fitting the board ........................................................................................................... 132
15.2.2 Connecting to the auxiliary I/O board ........................................................................... 133
16 LEVEL-METER DAUGHTER BOARD ............................................................................. 135
16.1 Description of the level-meter board ............................................................................ 135
16.1.1 Principles of operation ..................................................................................................135
16.1.1.1 Operation of the board with a helium-level probe..................................................... 135
16.1.1.2 Operation of the board with a nitrogen-level probe .................................................. 136
16.1.1.3 Explanation why different methods are used for the two liquids............................... 136
16.2 Installing the level-meter board ..................................................................................... 136
16.2.1 Fitting the board ........................................................................................................... 136
16.2.2 Connecting the sensor ................................................................................................. 137
16.3 Configuring the level-meter board ................................................................................ 138
16.3.1 Configuring a liquid-helium sensor ............................................................................... 138
16.3.2 Configuring a liquid-nitrogen sensor ............................................................................. 139
16.4 Specification of the level-meter board .......................................................................... 140
17 GPIB DAUGHTER BOARD .............................................................................................. 141
17.1 Description of the GPIB daughter board ...................................................................... 141
17.2 Installing a GPIB board .................................................................................................. 141
17.2.1 Fitting the board ........................................................................................................... 141
17.2.2 Connecting to a GPIB board ........................................................................................ 142
GLOSSARY ....................................................................................................................................... 143
Acronyms and abbreviations.......................................................................................................... 144

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Page 9
PREFACE
Original Instructions
PREFACE
Welcome to the Operator’s Handbook for the Oxford Instruments NanoScience Mercury iTC cryogenic
environment controller unit. The Mercury iTC is a high performance laboratory temperature controller,
with a number of features specifically intended for use in cryogenic applications.
This Operator’s Handbook provides all the information necessary for the safe and proper installation
and operation of the Mercury iTC.
Use of this manual
This manual provides operating and service information for the Oxford Instruments NanoScience
Mercury iTC cryogenic environment controller.
Chapter 1 to Chapter 5 provide essential information that must be read and understood before
operating the Mercury iTC for the first time.
Customer support
Oxford Instruments NanoScience has global customer support facilities that provide a coordinated
response to customer’s queries. All queries are recorded on our support database and are dealt with
as quickly as possible. If we are not able to answer the query immediately, we will contact you
promptly.
Before contacting a customer support facility, please ensure that you have referred to the appropriate
section of this manual.
Please direct all queries through your nearest support facility (see below) and have the following
details available:
You can contact us at the telephone numbers and email addresses listed on the last page of this
handbook.
System type Mercury iTC
Serial number
Contact information Your name, the name of your company, and how we can contact you.
Details of your query The nature of your problem, part numbers of spares required, etc.

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Mercury iTC
Page 10
PREFACE
Original Instructions
Health and safety information
The iTC contains hazardous areas. Before working with the Mercury iTC, all personnel must read and
become thoroughly familiar with the information given in Chapter 1. In particular, users must read,
understand and strictly observe all:
Warning notices
Caution notices
Safety labels and markings on the equipment
For ease of reference and rapid response in an emergency, this handbook must be safely kept in close
proximity to the Mercury iTC.
Intended users
Users of the Mercury iTC must have received adequate training on its safe and effective use before
attempting to work with the equipment. Please contact Oxford Instruments NanoScience for
information on training requirements and training courses that are available.
Training requirements vary from country to country. Users must ensure that training is given in
accordance with all applicable local laws and regulations.
If any user of the equipment has not been directly trained by Oxford Instruments NanoScience, ensure
that they understand the safety issues associated with the equipment, and that they consult relevant
personnel for guidance when operating the equipment.
Statement of intended use of the Mercury iTC
The Mercury iTC has been designed for environmental control in a laboratory environment. The
equipment has been designed to operate within the process parameter limits that are outlined in this
manual.
The Mercury iTC is intended to be installed, used and operated only for the purpose for which the
Mercury iTC was designed, and only in accordance with the instructions given in this manual and
other accompanying documents. Nothing stated in this manual reduces the responsibilities of users to
exercise sound judgement and best practice.
It is the user's responsibility to ensure the system is operated in a safe manner. Consideration must be
made for all aspects of the system's life-cycle, including, handling, installation, normal operation,
maintenance, dismantling, decontamination and disposal. It is the user's responsibility to complete
suitable risk assessments, to determine the magnitude of hazards.
The installation, use and operation of the Mercury iTC are subject to laws in the jurisdictions in which
the equipment is installed and in use. Users must install, use and operate the equipment only in such
ways that do not conflict with said applicable laws and regulations.
If the equipment is not installed, used, maintained, refurbished, modified and upgraded as specified by
the manufacturer, then the protection it provides could be impaired. Any resultant non-compliance,
damage, or personal injury would be the fault of the owner or user.
Use of the equipment for purposes other than those intended and expressly stated by Oxford
Instruments NanoScience, as well as incorrect use or operation of the equipment, may relieve Oxford
Instruments NanoScience or its agent of the responsibility for any resultant non-compliance, damage
or injury.

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Page 11
PREFACE
Original Instructions
The system must only be used with all external panels fitted.
Typographical conventions
For clarity and ease of explanation, the following typographical conventions are used in this manual:
Modes of operation are expressed in upper case, italic letters. Thus:
AUTO, MANUAL, SERVICE.
On-screen objects in the graphical user interface (GUI) are expressed in bold letters.
Thus:
manual button, Position panel, Forward field.
The names of on-screen windows and panels in the GUI are expressed with upper-
case initial letters. Thus:
AMU Service Util panel.
The names of physical controls are expressed in bold letters enclosed in arrow
symbols. Thus:
<Alt> key (on the PC keyboard, <ON> button.
Keys to be pressed in sequence are expressed thus:
<Crtl> <S>.
Keys to be pressed simultaneously are expressed thus:
<Crtl> + <S>.
Directory paths are expressed thus:
C:\name\name\name.
Disclaimers
Oxford Instruments NanoScience assumes no liability for use of this document if any unauthorised
changes to the content or format have been made.
Oxford Instruments NanoScience´s policy is one of continued improvement. The Company reserves
the right to alter without notice the specification, design or conditions of supply of any of its products or
services. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate
and up to date, errors may occur. Oxford Instruments NanoScience shall have no liability arising from
the use of or reliance by any party on the contents of this manual and, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, excludes all liability for loss or damages howsoever caused.
This manual is provided without warranty of any kind, either implied or expressed, including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Copyright notice
You may make hard copies of this manual for your organisation´s internal use in connection with the
system with which it was supplied, provided that the integrity of the manual is maintained and this
copyright notice is reproduced. Other than as permitted above, you may not reproduce or transmit any
part of this document, electronically or mechanically, without the prior written permission of Oxford
Instruments NanoScience.

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PREFACE
Original Instructions
Acknowledgements
The following tradenames and trademarks that appear in this manual are the property of Oxford
Instruments NanoScience:
Mercury iTC cryogenic environment controller
All other tradenames and trademarks that appear in this manual are hereby acknowledged.
Acronyms, abbreviations and special terms
A GLOSSARY of acronyms, abbreviations and special terms is given at the end of this manual.
Revision history
This is issue 01 of the Mercury iTC Handbook, as shown in the footer at the bottom of each page.
The changes made to this document and a summary of previous issues are listed in the table below.
Always use the latest issue of the manual.
Revision Affected page(s) Summary of changes
01 All pages. First edition of the Mercury iTC Handbook.

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PREFACE
Original Instructions
Certification compliance statements
The Mercury iTC cryogenic environment controller complies with the following standards and
certifications:
EN61010.1: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use.
EN61326: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use: EMC
requirements.
CE
UL
CSA
China Restriction of Hazardous Substances
Signed:
Jim Hutchins
Managing Director
Oxford Instruments NanoScience Limited

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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Original Instructions
1 HEALTH AND SAFETY
This chapter describes all health and safety considerations relating to the Oxford
Instruments NanoScience Mercury iTC cryogenic environment controller.
The following safety precautions must be observed during the operation, service and
repair of this instrument.
1.1 Warnings
Before you attempt to install or operate this equipment for the first time, please make
sure that you are aware of the precautions that you must take to ensure your own safety.
1.1.1 Protective ground
The equipment must be connected to an electrical ground. The ground wire (green/
yellow) in the equipment power-cable must be connected to the electrical ground
system of the installation.
Only use extension cords that have a protective ground conductor.
Do not disconnect the protective ground connection inside or outside the equipment.
Do not connect external electrical circuits to the equipment if its protective ground is
disconnected.
There is an ground pillar on the rear panel, identified by a symbol. Connect the
grounds of any external equipment to this pillar.
1.1.2 High voltage hazard
This equipment contains high voltages. Isolate this equipment before removing and
covers. To isolate this equipment, switch off the external AC electrical supply, and
disconnect and remove the external supply cable from the wall-socket.
The AC electrical supply is considered to be the disconnect device for the equipment.
Do not restrict access to the AC electrical supply-socket at any time. The AC electrical
supply-socket must remain accessible for disconnection of the equipment.
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
Danger of death or serious injury.
Switch off the external AC electrical supply and disconnect and
remove the external supply cable, before maintaining this
equipment or removing any covers.
HAUTE TENSION
Danger de mort ou de blessure grave. Sectionner l'alimentation
électrique C.A. externe puis déconnecter et retirer le cordon
d'alimentation externe avant d'effectuer toute maintenance de cet
équipement ou d'en retirer les capots.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Original Instructions
1.1.3 Maintenance and adjustment
Only qualified and authorised persons must service or repair this equipment.
Under no circumstances must the user adjust or repair this equipment while the
electrical power supply is connected.
Ensure that the equipment is disconnected from the AC electrical power supply before
the covers are removed or fuses are removed or fitted. It is NOT sufficient to switch off
the <1 0> switch on the rear panel or the <On/Off> button on the front panel.
The equipment contains capacitors that may remain charged after AC electrical power is
removed. Discharge all capacitors before starting work.
1.1.4 Restrictions on use
The equipment is not suitable for use in explosive, flammable or hazardous
environments.
The equipment does not provide protection against the ingress of water. The equipment
must be positioned so that it will not be exposed to water ingress.
1.2 Cautions
1.2.1 Electrostatic caution
This equipment contains electrostatic sensitive devices (ESSD). Use ESSD protective
procedures in accordance with BS CECC00015 Part 1 and American National Standard
EIA-541-1998 when installing or maintaining this product.
Caution
ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE EQUIPMENT
This equipment contains electrostatic sensitive devices (ESSD). Use
approved ESSD procedures when installing or maintaining this product.
ÉQUIPEMENT SENSIBLE AUX DÉCHARGES ÉLECTROSTATIQUE
Cet équipement contient des dispositifs qui sont sensibles aux
décharges électrostatiques (ESSD). Utiliser des procédures ESSD
homologuées lors de l'installation ou de la maintenance de ce produit.

Handbook
November 2011 /59-UMC0071 /Issue 01
Mercury iTC
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Original Instructions
1.2.2 Cooling caution
Internal components in this equipment are air-cooled. Ensure that the side and rear
ventilation spaces are not obstructed.
If the iTC is mounted in a rack, ensure that the rear of the rack is open. Site the rack at
least 30 cm from a wall or other obstruction, to ensure adequate airflow around the unit.
1.3 Solid waste
The lithium battery on the motherboard will become solid waste if it has to be replaced.
Dispose of this item according to local and national regulations.
Caution
EQUIPMENT VENTILATION
If the Mercury unit is to be rack mounted, to ensure an adequate airflow
around the unit it is important that the back of the rack is open and the
rack is not placed less than 30 cm from a back wall.
Lorsque le Mercury est monté en rack, s'assurer que le rack est ouvert à
l'arrière et se trouve au minimum à 30 cm du mur afin de garantir une
circulation d'air suffisante.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY
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Mercury iTC
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OVERVIEW OF THE iTC
Original Instructions
2 OVERVIEW OF THE ITC
The Integrated Temperature Controller (iTC) is a high-performance laboratory
temperature-controller designed for use in cryogenic applications. The unit
accommodates up to eight optional daughter boards to allow additional features to be
added.
Most commonly the unit is used to control the temperature of a sample whose properties
are being investigated. The sample contains a sensor monitoring its temperature (see
Section 2.1.1), a method of cooling the sample to cryogenic temperatures, and an
optional heater for temperature control (see Section 2.1.2.). The iTC is usually
configured to control the application of heat to a cooling medium, as this method
provides better control than adjusting the refrigeration process. The unit can also control
sample cooling by fitting an auxiliary I/O board, which can control the flow of gas in a
continuous-flow cryostat.
The iTC is a microprocessor based instrument and is controlled by an operating
program (software) contained in flash memory. The software version number is
indicated by a two-part number (e.g. 1.01). The first digit of this number indicates the
major version of the software, and the second two digits indicate minor revisions.
The basic iTC includes a single input channel for one temperature sensor. An additional
8 sensor inputs can be added (to a total of 9 inputs). The unit can detect short-circuit
inputs, open-circuit inputs, and inputs that are shorted to ground. The heater output is
disabled if a faulty sensor is detected.
The basic iTC includes a single 80 W heater output. An additional three 80 W heater
outputs can be added (to make a total of 4 outputs, each of 80 W).
An optional port can be added to drive a stepper motor. This is commonly used to
control the motorised valve in a continuous-flow cryostat, a variable-temperature insert,
or an AutoGFS transfer-syphon.
An optional board can be added to monitor and control the level of cryogen in a
reservoir. The additional board has inputs for helium-level and nitrogen-level probes.
The iTC contains non-volatile flash-memory, and it retains its configuration when
electrical power is removed.

Handbook
November 2011 /59-UMC0071 /Issue 01
Mercury iTC
Page 20
OVERVIEW OF THE iTC
Original Instructions
2.1 System description
Figure 2-1 is a block diagram of the iTC.
Figure 2-1 Block diagram of the iTC