Parker IOTA ONE Series User manual

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IOTA ONE

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
MANUAL – Before attempting to install or operate the unit, read and familiarize
yourself with all of the safety, installation, and operational instructions in this
manual. This manual contains valuable safety, operational, and troubleshooting
information and should be maintained for future reference.
WARNINGS – For personal safety and to insure correct operation of the unit,
know and follow all warnings. In particular, this instrument produces high voltage
spikes. Do not operate the instrument without a valve attached to the instrument
through the supplied cable. Do not connect or disconnect valve or valve cable
while the instrument is operating.
POWER SOURCES – Use only power sources that are within the specified limits
and which are capable of providing the specified power outputs for this unit.
GROUNDING – Make certain that the power source is properly grounded.
DISASSEMBLY – DO NOT attempt to disassemble the unit beyond what is
described in the User's Manual. Disassembly will expose high voltages that
could cause severe electrical shock.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Section 1 General Information
1.1 Scope
1.2 Purpose of equipment
1.3 Description of instrument
1.4 Specifications
1.5 Equipment supplied
1.6 Accessories required but not supplied
1.7 Optional test equipment
Section 2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking
2.2 Installation
2.3 Driver Settings
2.4 Connections
2.5 Checkout
Section 3 Operation
3.1 Front Panel controls and indicators
3.2 Operating modes
3.2.1 Internal one shot
3.2.2 Internal cycle
3.2.2.1 ON/OFF
3.2.2.2 Frequency
3.2.3 External one shot
3.2.4 External cycle
3.3 Memory save/recall
3.4 Remote operation
3.5 Operational notes and limits
Appendix A Differences Between IOTA ONE®Versions
Appendix B Remote Interface Communications Protocol
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 View of front panel with functions labeled
Figure 2.1 View of driver board with labeling of burst timing DIP switch and
hold in jumpers
Figure 3.1 Screen shot of the remote software GUI application

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SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 SCOPE
This manual describes the operation of the IOTA ONE®valve driver instrument,
Parker part number 060-0010-900. This instrument is similar in operation and
performance to the Parker part number 060-0001-900 instrument, but with
electronic displays, increased timing accuracy, and remote operation capability.
For those users familiar with the older 0001 version, Appendix A describes the
major differences between the two.
1.2 PURPOSE OF EQUIPMENT
The IOTA ONE®is a complete system for driving molecular beam pulsed
sources for laser spectroscopy experiments. Supersonic carrier gas pulses for
Helium, Argon, etc. can be controlled in place of “CW”, thus reducing the size
and cost of high vacuum systems. Synchronizing the gas pulse with the laser
pulse reduces the pumping size, increases the signal to noise ratio and lowers
the temperature. Molecules are cooled without changing to liquid and therefore,
higher peak intensities can be achieved due to the simpler spectra of cold
molecules. Less sample is used.
The IOTA ONE® can be rack mounted or used on a bench. Pulse duration
ranges in microseconds, milliseconds or minutes can be selected. Both ON
TIME and OFF TIME settings can be changed while running. The instrument is
capable of repetition rates up to 250 Hz; however, the valve may not operate
correctly at higher rates. The unit can be triggered both internally or externally
and has “one shot” capability. Both input and output logic-level (TTL) signals are
through the front panel BNC jacks.
1.3 DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUMENT
The front panel of the IOTA ONE® is depicted in Figure 1.1. Following is a
description of the controls, indicators, and connectors on the front panel:

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Figure 1.1 View of Front Panel Showing Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
“ON-TIME” Section
1. INDICATOR – A red LED that lights whenever the valve is open. Note that
the human eye may not respond to light pulses that are less than 3 milliseconds.
The LED is actually illuminated a few milliseconds longer than the valve is open
so that it can be seen. Because of persistence of vision, the LED may appear to
remain on for high repetition rates.
2. DURATION – A four-digit digital display indicates the “ON” (open) time of the
valve reading from 0001 to 9999. Up and down push-button switches below the
display permit the user to increment and decrement the value of each digit. Note
that the display automatically carries over to the next digit(s) when incrementing
past 9 and decrementing past 0.
3. RANGE – Four-position momentary switch/indicators determine the time
range for the “ON-TIME DURATION” switch: microseconds, milliseconds,
seconds, or minutes.
“OFF-TIME” Section
4. INDICATOR – A red LED that lights whenever the valve is closed. Note that
the human eye may not respond to light pulses that are less than 3 milliseconds.
The LED, therefore, may appear to be off during short off-time durations.
Likewise, for very high repetition rates, the LED may appear to remain on.
5. DURATION – A four-digit digital display indicates the “OFF” (closed) time of
the valve reading from 000.0 to 999.9. Up and down push-button switches below
On Indicator LED Off Indicator LED
Timing Error LED
Memory
Save/Recall
Power Switch/
Pilot Light
On Time Range
On Time Adjustments
Off Time Range
Off Time
Adjustments
Mode Select
External Trigger
and Indicator
Valve Jack
Remote Input

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the display permit the user to increment and decrement the value of each digit.
Note that the display automatically carries over to the next digit(s) when
incrementing past 9 and decrementing past 0.
6. RANGE – Four-position momentary switch/indicators determine the time
range (milliseconds, seconds, or minutes) or selects frequency mode for the
“OFF-TIME DURATION” switch.
OTHER CONTROLS, INDICATORS, AND CONNECTORS
7. ERROR – A red LED that lights when the operating parameters are set
outside allowable limits.
8. START -- This momentary contact push button switch starts action in the
INTERNAL mode by triggering a single pulse (ONE SHOT) or starting a series
of pulses (CYCLE).
9. STOP - This momentary contact push button switch stops any timing that
may be active and restores the valve to the OFF condition. If the instrument is
operating in a mode that is independent of timing (EXTERNAL CYCLE MODE),
this control will have no effect.
10. INTERNAL/EXTERNAL – These four momentary switch/indicators select
the operating mode and signal sources for the system.
11. INPUT (TTL) – This BNC jack allows the unit to be triggered from an
external source. The input signal should be low (0 volts) for off and high (+5
volts) for on.
12. SIGNAL – This green push button/LED serves two functions. As an
indicator, it illuminates to show a logic high on the external signal source. As a
control, it serves as an input that is active as a signal source. It is active when
depressed.
13. OUTPUT (TTL) – A logic high (TTL) output is provided at this BNC jack
whenever the valve driving circuit is active in any operating mode.
14. POWER – A retained action switch to control the AC power to the unit. The
face of this switch will illuminate when depressed if proper AC voltage is present
and the fuses are functional.
15. VALVE – This jack is the connection to the valve through the supplied valve
cable.
16. RS-232 – This jack is the RS-232 connection for remote monitoring and
control.

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17. SAVE -- This momentary push button saves the current settings of the
instrument to non-volatile memory. Upon power up, the instrument loads the
most recent SAVE settings.
18. RECALL – This momentary push button restores the most recent SAVE
settings to the instrument.
On the rear panel of the IOTA ONE® is a power input module with a standard
IEC detachable cord socket for the AC power cord. In addition this module
contains a drawer above the socket that houses the two 5 X 20 mm AC fuses.
AC power requirements as well as fuse size appear on the rear panel as well as
in section 1.4 (Specifications).
1.4 SPECIFICATIONS
Size: Standard 19-inch relay rack, 3U high by 10” deep excluding handles.
Weight: 11pounds.
Voltage input: 90 – 250 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz,
Power consumption: 160VA max.
Fuses (Qty 2): 5 x 20 mm glass cartridge, 2.0 A, 250 V
Power factor: 0.93 min
Operating temperature: 0 to +40 degrees C
Storage temperature: -20 to +60 degrees C
Humidity: 20 – 90 %, non-condensing
Shock and Vibration: As incurred in bench handling.
Logic-Level (TTL) output: one TTL unit load.
Logic-Level (TTL) input: compatible with standard TTL logic.
Valve Burst: 300 V max
Timing accuracy: 250 nanoseconds or 0.001%, whichever is greater.
Timing uncertainty (with respect to external trigger): 250 nanoseconds.
1.5 EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
The IOTA ONE® instrument is supplied with the following:
Power cord
Valve cable
IOTA ONE® remote software for PC
This operator's manual

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1.6 ACCESSORIES REQUIRED BUT NOT SUPPLIED
To operate the IOTA ONE® instrument, a Parker valve must be ordered
separately. No additional equipment is required.
In the event of abnormal operation, the instrument should be put into the hands
of a qualified technician to troubleshoot the problem.
1.7 OPTIONAL TEST EQUIPMENT
In order to use the external logic-level (TTL) input, an external pulse generator or
push-button switch will be required. If an automated test setup is to be used, this
input can be exercised directly from a computer-controlled logic source.
In order to use the external logic-level (TTL) output, an oscilloscope or other
monitoring equipment will be required. If an automated test setup is to be used,
this output can be monitored directly through a computer-controlled logic input or
a data logging device.
In order to use the remote monitor and control feature, a PC with a COM port will
be required. If an automated test setup is to be used, the remote monitor and
control functions can be accessed through an RS-232 port implemented in the
automated equipment. A standard DTE/DCE RS-232 cable is required to
connect the instrument to the remote equipment.

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SECTION 2
INSTALLATION
2.1 UNPACKING
Before unpacking the IOTA ONE® , examine the packing container and notify the
shipping carrier of any damage. Unpack the contents of the container carefully
and take inventory of the contents. Save the container and the packing material
in the event that the instrument needs to be returned to the factory for servicing.
The following items should be inventoried:
IOTA ONE® instrument
Power cord
Valve cable
IOTA ONE® remote software for PC
This operator's manual
In addition to these items, a valve will be included in the packing container if one
was ordered with the instrument.
2.2 INSTALLATION
The IOTA ONE® instrument is designed to operate in a bench-top environment or
mounted in a standard 19” relay rack. Rack mounting flanges with standard-
spaced holes are provided for rack-mounting. To mount the instrument in a rack,
use standard rack hardware. Rear support of the instrument is not required.
2.3 DRIVER SETTINGS
The IOTA ONE® embodies a high performance valve driver that reduces the
turn-on time of the valve by applying a short high voltage burst to overcome the
inductance inherent in the valve coil. Following the high voltage burst, the driver
reduces the voltage to the valve to a value that is lower than the rated voltage of
the valve, but is sufficient to hold it open. This reduces valve heating and
improves closing response time. Both the time of the burst and the hold in
voltage can be set by the user using the following procedure:
2.3.1 Turn the unit off and disconnect the power cord to insure that no
dangerous voltages are present inside the instrument.
2.3.2 Remove the top cover by taking out the two screws on the back panel and
sliding the cover to the rear.

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2.3.3 The instrument is factory set for a burst pulse length of 180 microseconds.
To change the burst pulse length, find the 8-position DIP switch as designated on
Figure 2.1. The base (minimum) length is 50 microseconds. Setting one or
more of the DIP switches OFF adds to this base time setting. The values of the
switches are as follows:
Switch # Value
(microseconds)
1 100
2 100
3 100
4 80
5 40
6 20
7 10
8 5
Figure 2.1
Locations of Burst Timing DIP Switch and Hold In Jumper on Driver Board
The standard setting has switches 1, 6, and 7 OFF for a total pulse length of 180
microseconds. This setting has been found to be sufficient to operate most pulse
valves consistently. Valves having an orifice larger than 1.0 mm and/or operating
at higher pressure differentials (greater than 100 PSIG) may require a longer
Burst Timing Dip Switch
Hold in Jumper
Pilot light Connector
IRF 840 4001 IRF 540