Prostat PRF-912B User manual

User Manual
PRF-912B
MINIATURE CONCENTRIC RING FIXTURE

PROSTAT® PRFͳ912B MINIATURE CONCENTRIC RING FIXTURE SET
SecƟon Topic Page
I. Introducon & Descripon 4
II. Cauons & Warnings 6
III. PRF-912B Micro Probe & PRV-913B Verifier Operaons 8
IV. Handling & Maintenance 11
V. Warranty Informaon 13
General Specificaons 14
Table of Contents
Copyright © 2012 by Prostat® Corporaon. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this
manual may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without wrien permission. For informaon contact
Prostat Corporaon, 1072 Tower Lane, Bensenville, IL 60106 USA
Prostat is the registered trademark of Prostat® Corporaon

4Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
I. IntroducƟon & DescripƟon
The PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Resistance
Fixture accurately measures surface resistance
of small areas. It consists of a PRF-912B Concen-
tric Resistance Fixture, shielded cable equipped
with BNC connectors, and a BNC to male banana
con¬nectors adapter. The oponal PRV-913B Dual
Verificaon Fixture is designed to confirm the
proper operaon of the PRF-912B and PRF-922B
Miniature Concentric Resistance Fixtures.
The PRF-912B is designed to work in conjuncon
with a precision wide range resistance instrument,
such as the Prostat PRS-801 Resistance System, and
an insulated test bed (e.g., PTB-920 or equivalent).
This instrument and fixture combinaon provides
direct surface resistance measurements in ohms,
generally in accordance with the ESD Associaon’s
S11.11 Surface Resistance test standard. To obtain
an esmate of ASTM D-257 Surface Resisvity in
ohms/square, simply mulply the PRF-912B fixture
measurement by 10, i.e., add one order of magnitude.
A. PRF-912B Concentric Resistance Fixture Descripon
This precision fixture is designed in miniature to approximate surface resistance measurements
typically obtained with the ESD Associaon’s ESD S11.11 Surface Resistance Standard fixture. The
PRF-912B, however, is approximately 1/10th the size of the S11.11 fixture. Based on its size the
PRF-912B is oen referred to as a “micro probe”.
1. The resistance measurement range of the PRF-912B fixture is 0.9 ohms at <10 volts to 1.0E+12
(1.0x1012 ) ohms at 100 volts.
2. The miniature concentric fixture consists of a spring loaded 0.10 inch (2.54 mm) diameter
center electrode surrounded by 10 each 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) diameter contact electrodes that
electrically form a connuous outer ring. (Figure 2) Contacts are pogo-pin type ATE quality
probes made of beryllium Copper coated with 60 microinch of hard Gold.
a. The PRF-912B’s center electrode is electrically separated from the outer ring contacts by
a high resistance dielectric (Teflon). The center electrode acts as a current sensor during
resistance measurements. It is connected to the negave (-) terminal of a wide range mea-
surement instrument via the RG-174 coaxial cable’s inner conductor, BNC coupler and dual
BNC/Banana adapter.
b. The outer ring contacts are electrically connected at a common point. They apply the test
voltage to the material under test during a resistance measurement. They are connected to
the posive (+) terminal of the wide range measurement instrument via the RG-174 coaxial
cable’s outer conductor, BNC coupler and dual BNC/Banana adapter.
c. The fixture’s total surface contact diameter is approximately 0.30 inches, and is ideal for
measuring surface resistance of small areas, 0.32 inches or larger.
Figure 1: PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Resistance
Probe.

5
Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
3. The PRF-912B resistance fixture approxi¬mates the same
measurements obtained when using a standard ESD Associa
on Standard ANSI/ESD S11.11 concentric ring fixture.
4. Overall size of the PRF-912B is 0.50 inches in diameter by 5.9
inches (150 mm) long. (Figure 3) This opmal size and shape
make the fixture very comfortable and easy to handle. Its
outer housing is made of black anodized aluminum.
5. PRF-912B Standard accessories include protecve cover, one
RG-174 cable, a BNC/banana adapter and instrucons
6. Oponal accessories include the PRV-913B Dual Fixture Verifi
caon Reference, de-scribed below.
B. PRV-913B Dual Verificaon Fixture Descripon
1. Approximately 2 inches (50.8mm) square by 1.12 inches (28.5mm) thick, the PRV-913B consists of a
high quality black anodized housing and high resistance circuit board. One side of the PRV-913B circuit
assembly incorporates an array of ten (10) each 10 megohm precision (±1%) resistors in parallel, con-
necng the center pad to each of the ten peripheral trace pads. It provides a specific reference resis-
tance of 1.0x106ohms (<±2%) for the Concentric Ring side of the fixture.
The 2-Point Probe side of the fixture incorporates a 1.0x106ohms (<±1%) resistor connected across two
test pads.
2. Properly used, the PRV-913B insures that all PRF-912B & PRF-922B spring loaded test probes
make defined contact with the reference surface. It has the capability of providing a 1-megohm
(1.0x106ohm) reference measurement with a theorecal maximum total variance of 9.5x105
to 1.05x106ohms. Typical reference measurements range from 1.01x106to 1.03x106ohms, i.e.,
equal to or less than +3% error.
3. PRV-913B fixture contact surfaces consist of copper substrates, finished with nickel and hard
Gold plang.
Figure 2: Concentric Ring Configu-
raƟon
Contact
Diameter:
0.30 inches
Outer Ring
Contacts
Center Electrode
Figure 3: PRF-912B Profile with protecƟve covers removed
Overall Length without covers: 5.9 Inches (150 mm)

6Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
a. To accommodate the PRF-912B or PRF-922B center electrode a single
gold contact point is posioned at the center of the PRV-913B
Verificaon Test Surface.
b. The center posion is connected to the ten individual outer ring
race pads by the ten, 10 megohm resistors.
II. CauƟons & Warnings
As with any electrical device, use proper electrical precauons and measurement pracces to avoid
personnel shock. Read this manual in its enrety before aempng to use these products.
NOTE
This manual displays Cauons and Warnings alerng the user to hazardous operaon and ser-
vicing condions. CAUTION or WARNING headings throughout this publicaon flag this infor-
maon, where appropriate. Follow all Cauon and Warning instrucons at all mes.
A. Use of Measurement Power Supply
1. The PRF-912B is a high performance micro probed designed for use with a maximum input
voltage of 100 volts. As such, it is capable of delivering an annoying shock to any person touch-
ing the spring-loaded contacts when they are energized.
a. If used with the Prostat PRS-801 Resistance System, the current capability of the micro
probe instrument combinaon is limited to a very low, typically harmless level. However, a
disnct hazard exists in the operator’s reacon to a possible shock.
b. To avoid shock, operang personnel should not touch the electrodes, or any exposed me-
tallic parts of the PRF-912B fixture or cable assembly when power is applied to the probe.
CAUTION
To avoid electrical shock, Do Not Touch the fixture test electrodes, test bed, or exposed
metal BNC connecons when power is being applied to the probe.
c. The designed operang voltage limit for normal auding and laboratory measurements is
100 volts. Exceeding 100 volts greatly increases the risk of personnel shock hazards.
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum applied operang test voltage of 100 volts
Figure 4: PRV-913B Dual Verifica-
Ɵon Fixture

7
Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
d. Only qualified instrument repair and test personnel should exceed the 100-volt opera-
on limit, and then do so only under controlled condiƟons using maximum precauƟons
against personnel shock.
e. Never, under any condions, exceed 500 volts during fixture test or repair.
B. Other Operaonal Precauons
1. Do Not Use the PRF-912B Micro Probe if it fails to funcon during its connuity inspecon test.
2. Do Not Use the PRF-912B Micro Probe if it becomes damaged in any way
3. Only Prostat Corporaon authorized, qualified repair personnel may open PRF-912B or PRV-
913B housing, terminal assemblies, or perform product repair. Unauthorized opening of fixture
or instrument housings, device tampering, or aempted repair will absolutely void product
warranty and completely absolve Prostat Corporaon, its employees, suppliers and representa-
ves of any responsibility, liability, or other, whatsoever.
WARNING
Unauthorized opening of fixture or instrument housings, device tampering, or aempted re-
pair will absolutely void product warranty and completely absolve Prostat Corporaon of any
responsibility, liability, or other, whatsoever.
4. Do Not Touch Electrode Surfaces. Electrodes will become contaminated with skin oils and
salts, and may become damaged or rendered inaccurate.
5. Do Not Use Or Store PRF-912B or PRV-913B In Damp Environments. Always store devices with
protecve caps in place in a dry environment, preferably at ≤20% Relave Humidity.
CAUTION
Storage or use of these instruments, fixtures and devices in damp or wet condions may
cause damage to electrical circuits, and contact surfaces, which may effect performance or
increase the possibility of personnel shock or arc discharge.
6. Do not use these fixtures and devices in combusble or explosive environments.
WARNING
Improper handling and use of energized circuits may cause arc discharge, which in turn may
cause the ignion of combusble materials or fumes. Do not use exposed energized circuits in
flammable areas.
7. Do not aempt to measure energized materials, items or circuits with the PRF-912B
8. The PRF-912B is a precision fixture to be operated by experienced personnel familiar in the use
and handling of devices employing energized power supplies.

8Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
9. Do Not Drop or cause mechanical damage to these devices.
III. PRF-912B Micro Probe & PRV-913B Verifier OperaƟons
A. PRF-912B Setup
1. Connect measurement cable to PRF-912B
a. Remove black rubber protecve cover from PRF-912B’s BNC
connecon.
b. Aach shielded cable to the probe’s BNC connecon (Figure 5).
2. Connect measurement cable to Dual Banana BNC Converter (Figure 6).
3. Once the cable and BNC adapter are installed the PRF-912B is ready for connuity test, verifi-
caon and use
4. To use, connect dual banana converter to wide range, resistance instrument with ¾ inch termi-
nal spacing. Flange side of dual banana should be connected to the Posive (+) power terminal.
NOTE
To remove BNC connecons, apply slight pressure and twist connector counter clockwise
B. Confirming Proper BNC Connecons, Connuity & High Resistance Tests
The following confirms proper connecons by checking connuity of the micro probe against a
metal plate, then confirms its ability to measure high resistance.
1. To confirm general setup and funcon of the PRF-912B, place the electrodes against a clean
metal surface. For example, the plated metal side of the Prostat PTB-920, Dual Surface Test
Bed.
Figure 5: Connect shielded cable to PRF-
912B’s BNC fixture
Figure 6: PRF-912B with Cable & Banana
Coverter
BNC Connector

9
Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
a. Hold the PRF-912B vercally, and apply pressure to slightly compress the electrodes, mak-
ing posive contact with the metal surface.
b. Acvate the wide range, resistance instrument to obtain a measurement.
(1) In the case where the Prostat PRS-801 is the measurement instrument, it should
measure approximately 1.0 ohm, or less.
(2) With other instruments, they should provide a LOW resistance indicaon. For
example, <103ohms when using the ESD Check ESI-870 Resistance Indicator, or <104
ohms when using the PRS-801 Resistance Meter.
2. Repeat the above procedure using the clean insulated surface (Black, labeled side) of the PTB-
920, or an insulated acrylic plate.
a. Hold the PRF-912B vercally, and apply pressure to compress the electrodes, making posi-
ve contact with the insulated surface.
b. Acvate the wide range, resistance instrument to obtain a measurement.
(1) In the case where the Prostat PRS-801 is the measurement instrument, it should
measure 1.0x1012 ohms, or greater.
(2) With other instruments, they should provide a HIGH resistance indicaon. For
example, 1012 or >1012 ohms when using the ESD Check ESI-870 Resistance Indicator
(3) or approximately 1011 ohms when using the PRS-801 Resistance Meter
C. PRF-912B Verificaon Using the PRV-913B
1. Connect the BNC/banana adapter to the wide range, resistance mea surement instru-
ment. Flange side of dual banana should be connect ed to the Posive (+) power
terminal. This applies test voltage to the 10 outer ring electrodes.
2. Remove PRF-912B Probe Cover (Figure 8).
3. Posion PRF-912B vercally into the PRV-913B Verifier with its spring loaded pin elec-
trodes making direct contact with the Verifier’s gold plated test segments.
4. Depending on your resistance instrument select either 10V or 100V
test voltage.
5. Measure PRF-912B probe resistance while posioned in the PRV-
913B Verifier. Resistance should be 1.0x106ohms ±1%.
D.Basic Measurements Using the PRF-912B Micro Probe
1. Place material to be measured on an insulated test bed, the clean
insulated surface (Black, labeled side) of the PTB-920, or an insulated
acrylic plate.
Figure 7: Remove Probe Cover

10 Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
2. Posion the PRF-912B vercally directly over test
area and lower it unl the spring loaded center
electrode makes direct contact with the material
under test.
3. Apply sufficient pressure on the probe unl the
center and outer spring loaded electrode are par-
ally compressed while in contact with the test
material.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Adjust probe pressure to insure that the electrode springs are controlling the probe’s con-
necon with the material’s surface and that the springs are not fully compressed against
their stops. This will insure reproducible measurements.
4. Select appropriate instrument test voltage and iniate resistance measurement. ESD Associa-
on S11.11 test voltage guidelines for measuring packaging materials are as follows:
a. For material resistance measurements of less than 1.0x104ohms, use <10 volts.
b. For measurements of 1.0x104to <1.0x106ohms, use 10 volts.
c. For measurements greater than 1.0x106ohms, use 100 volts
NOTE: For opmal performance and accuracy, use the Prostat PRS-801 Resistance System
in its AUTOMATIC Mode (either Default Mode 1 [Ohms], or Mode 2 [Exponenal 1.0EXX/
Ohms] display). AUTOMATIC Mode will control test voltage, resistance range adjustment
and electrificaon period automacally.
Figure 8: Insert PRF-912B Fixture into PRV-
913B Verifier and Measure Verifier Resis-
tance

11
Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
IV. Han-
dling
&
Maintenance
1. Store the PRF-912B in a clean, dry environment with both BNC and Probe covers installed for
environmental and mechanical protecon.
2. Periodically, remove all spring-loaded test pins. Clean the spring-loaded test probes and Teflon
mounng disk with a soluon of laboratory grade isopropyl alcohol and a lint-less cloth, or
laboratory quality swab. Allow components to dry thoroughly be fore re-assembling.
a. Remove each test probe individually by grasping it firmly then pulling
it straight out of its socket.
b. Inspect each probe for damage, then clean with the alcohol soluon.
If a probe is damaged, i.e., bent, does not compress smoothly, or has
deep surface scratches, replace it with a new probe of the same size
and characteriscs. (Contact Prostat Corporaon, Customer Service
for spare replacement probes.)
c. Clean and dry the Teflon mounng disk twice to insure cleanliness
d. Carefully re-install the spring-loaded test probes, and fully re-seat
them in their sockets
Figure 9: Measurement IllustraƟons Using the Prostat PRF-912B Fixture
Figure 10: Remove Spring-Loaded
probe electrode by grasping firmly
and pulling straight out of its
socket.
Pull straight out

12 Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
3. Aer cleaning, perform Connuity, High Resistance and Verifier checks.
A. PRV-913B Dual Verificaon Fixture
1. Store the PRV-913B in a clean, dry environment.
2. Periodically, clean and dry the gold fixture contact segments twice with a soluon of laboratory
grade isopropyl alcohol and laboratory quality swab.
V. Warranty InformaƟon
Figure 12: View of PRF-912B Spring-Loaded
Test Pins, Socket & Teflon MounƟng Disk
Figure 13: Insert Test Probe into its Socket
and Press Firmly to fully seat

13
Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
Prostat Warranty
Prostat Corporaon expressly warrants that for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase,
that Prostat instruments will be free from defects in material (parts) and workmanship (labor). If
Prostat receives noce of such defect during the warranty period, Prostat will replace at its ex-
pense such parts that it determines to be defecve. Any defecve part must be returned to PROS-
TAT postage prepaid with proof of purchase date.
Warranty Exclusions – THE FOREGOING EXPRESS WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
PRODUCT WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. The express warranty will not
apply to defects or damage due to accidents, neglect, misuse, alteraons, operator error, or failure
to properly maintain, clean, or repair products. Limit of Liability – in no event will PROSTAT or any
seller be responsible or liable for special, incidental, or consequenal losses or damages, under
any legal theory including but not limited to contract, negligence, or strict liability.
Fulfillment by Prostat of its express warranty obligaons described above will be purchaser’s
exclusive remedy and will be Prostat’s and seller’s limit of liability for any breach of warranty or
otherwise.
F. Shipping of Warranty Returns
1. Obtain a Return Materials Authorizaon (RMA) number and shipping address from Prostat
customer service. Pack the instrument carefully and ship it prepaid and insured to the proper
desnaon provided by Prostat’s customer service department.
2. For detailed shipping instrucons and Return Materials Authorizaon (RMA), contact:
Prostat Corporaon
1072 Tower Lane
Bensenville, IL 60106
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
C. Shipping Non-Warranty Items
1. Any Prostat product returned for non-warranty repair or calibraon requires a Return Materi-
als Authorizaon (RMA) number and should be packaged and shipped as described above, and
as directed by Prostat’s customer service department.
2. The following informaon must be included with the returned product:
a. Descripon of the problem
b. Customer’s Purchase Order Number & Prostat’s Materials Authorizaon (RMA) number
c. Name, telephone number and fax number of individual contact who can provide more
informaon regarding the problem and related applicaon(s).
d. Complete return address.
PRF-912B & PRV-913B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set SpecificaƟons

14 Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring
Physical Dimensions: Length: 5.9 inches (150mm) without probe cover. 6.5 inches (165mm) with probe
cover. Probe diameter 0.5 inches (12.7mm). Probe cover outer diameter 0.63
inches (16mm).
Probe Weight: 1.5 ounces (43 grams)
Finish: Black anodized
Dielectric Material: Teflon
Contact Dimensions: Inner (Center) Contact Probe: 0.1 inches (2.54mm)
Outer Contact Probes: Ten each 0.06 inches (1.59mm) diameter at 0.258 inches
(6.56mm) bolt circle.
Minimum Sample 0.32 inches (8.2mm) diameter
Size:
Probe Spring 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)
Force/Test:
Probe Total Travel: 0.3 inches (7.8mm)
Connecon: BNC with outer source and inner sense connecons
Cable: RG-174 coaxial cable equipped with insulated BNC couplers, and BNC/Banana
adapter for connecon to Prostat PRS-801 Resistance System.
Power: Not applicable. Fixture powered by resistance instrument.
Warranty: Prostat Corporaon, Limited one year
PRV-913B Dual Verificaon Fixture
Dimensions: 2.0 in x 2.0 in x 1.12 in (50.8mm x 50.8mm x 28.5mm)
Weight: 5.29 ounces (150 grams)
Finish: Black anodized
Contact Pads: Copper substrate with nickel and hard gold plang
Resistors: ±2% precision, 10-megohm resistors, total of 10 (Concentric Ring Side)
±2% precision, 1 each 10-megohm resistor (2-Point Side)
Power: Not applicable. Powered by PRF-912B during test

15
Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
NOTES

16 Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
NOTES

17
Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
NOTES

18 Rev. A / November 2005
PRF-912B Miniature Concentric Ring Fixture Set
NOTES

PROFESSIONAL STATIC CONTROL PRODUCTS
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Prostat Corporaon
Specificaons are subject to change without noce.
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