TDK CeraPlas EK1250101 Series User manual

Operating Manual 2021
CeraPlas Exporer Kit
www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com

CeraPlas Explorer Kit
© TDK Electronics AG 2
1 Index of Contents
1 Index of Contents ........................................................................................................ 2
2 List of illustrations ........................................................................................................ 4
3 Identification................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Apparatus .............................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Manufacturer ......................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Information about the document management .................................................. 6
4 Notes to the user (developer) .................................................................................... 7
4.1 Purpose of the document ..................................................................................... 7
4.2 To whom the document is addressed (target group) ........................................ 7
4.3 Safety instructions for the operating manual...................................................... 7
4.4 Illustration of the components ............................................................................. 8
5 Basic safety instructions ............................................................................................ 11
5.1 Protective measures and safety instructions .................................................... 11
5.2 Intended use ........................................................................................................ 11
5.3 Reasonably foreseeable misapplication ............................................................ 11
5.3.1 Conversions or modifications ...................................................................... 12
5.3.2 Spare and wear parts ................................................................................... 12
5.4 Requirements for the operation of the application ............................................ 12
5.5 Risks in handling the application ........................................................................ 13
5.6 Residual risks ....................................................................................................... 13
5.7 Obligation of the user .......................................................................................... 15
5.8 Environmental conditions .................................................................................... 15
5.9 Behavior in case of error ..................................................................................... 15
5.10 Labeling of the application............................................................................... 15
5.10.1 Safety instructions (pictograms) .............................................................. 15
5.10.2 Marking, nameplate .................................................................................. 16
5.10.3 CE-marking ................................................................................................ 16
6 Application description ............................................................................................... 17
6.1 Application areas and description of function ................................................... 17
6.2 Advantages of the application ............................................................................ 17

CeraPlas Explorer Kit
© TDK Electronics AG 3
6.3 Structure of the application ................................................................................. 18
6.4 Technical data ...................................................................................................... 18
6.4.1 Mechanical data ............................................................................................ 18
6.4.2 Electrical data................................................................................................ 18
6.4.3 Environmental conditions ............................................................................. 18
7 Delivery, Assembly, Connection and Adjustment ................................................... 19
7.1 Delivery ................................................................................................................. 19
7.2 Assembly .............................................................................................................. 19
7.3 Power supply ........................................................................................................ 21
8 Operation and use ..................................................................................................... 22
8.1 Switching on/off .................................................................................................... 22
8.1.1 Switching on .................................................................................................. 22
8.1.2 Switching off .................................................................................................. 22
8.2 Operation of the TDK Explore Kit via button (without App) ............................. 23
8.2.1 Disinfection process flow ............................................................................. 24
8.3 Smartphone app .................................................................................................. 25
8.3.1 Installation and first steps ............................................................................ 25
8.4 Opening after operation ...................................................................................... 28
8.5 Charging the battery ............................................................................................ 28
9 Maintenance, cleaning and repair ............................................................................ 30
9.1 Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 30
9.2 Cleaning................................................................................................................ 32
9.2.1 Cleaning the surface of the application ...................................................... 32
9.3 Repair ................................................................................................................... 33
10 Troubleshooting and disposal ................................................................................ 34
10.1 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 34
10.2 Causes of failure .............................................................................................. 34
10.3 Disposal ............................................................................................................ 34
11 Index ......................................................................................................................... 36

CeraPlas Explorer Kit
© TDK Electronics AG 4
2 List of illustrations
Figure 4-1, Explore Kit container ............................................................................................ 8
Figure 4-2, Explore Kit components ....................................................................................... 8
Figure 4-3, control unit .......................................................................................................... 8
Figure 4-4, control unit plug .................................................................................................. 8
Figure 4-5, CeraPlas element (plasma generator) .................................................................. 8
Figure 4-6, CeraPlas element (plasma generator, detail of the front side) .............................. 8
Figure 4-7, filter extension box .............................................................................................. 9
Figure 4-8, filter extension box plug ...................................................................................... 9
Figure 4-9, filter extension ..................................................................................................... 9
Figure 4-10, container cover with seal ................................................................................... 9
Figure 5-1, nameplate ....................................................................................................... 16
Figure 7-1, container cover with seal ............................................................................... 20
Figure 7-2, cover with snap-in function ............................................................................ 20
Figure 7-3, close cover tightly ........................................................................................... 20
Figure 7-4, container completely closed .......................................................................... 20
Figure 7-5, insert the control unit ..................................................................................... 21
Figure 7-6, press tightly to contact ................................................................................... 21
Figure 7-7, locking mechnism at the filter unit ................................................................ 21
Figure 7-8, locking mechnism at the control unit ............................................................ 21
Figure 8-1, TDK control unit LED: green ......................................................................... 23
Figure 8-2, TDK control unit LED: red ............................................................................. 23
Figure 8-3, TDK control unit LED: blue ............................................................................ 24
Figure 8-4, Ozon concentration in PPM .......................................................................... 25
Figure 8-5, State Diagram ................................................................................................. 25
Figure 8-6, QR code (example) ........................................................................................ 25
Figure 8-7, App Step 1 ...................................................................................................... 26
Figure 8-8, App Step 2 ...................................................................................................... 26
Figure 8-9, App Step 3 ...................................................................................................... 26
Figure 8-10, App Step 4 .................................................................................................... 26
Figure 8-11, App Step 5 .................................................................................................... 26
Figure 8-12, App Step 6 .................................................................................................... 26
Figure 8-13, App Step 7 .................................................................................................... 27
Figure 8-14, App Step 8 .................................................................................................... 27
Figure 8-15, App Step 9 .................................................................................................... 27
Figure 8-16, App Step 10 .................................................................................................. 27
Figure 8-17, App Step 11 .................................................................................................. 27
Figure 8-18, App Step 12 .................................................................................................. 27
Figure 8-19, to remove the control unit, pull out firmly .................................................. 28

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© TDK Electronics AG 5
Figure 8-20, remove the control unit ................................................................................ 28
Figure 8-21, open the cover (step 1) ............................................................................... 28
Figure 8-22, open the cover (step 2) ............................................................................... 28
Figure 8-23, charging with the USB-cable....................................................................... 29
Figure 8-24, plug-in power supply with CE-mark ............................................................ 29
Figure 9-1, inner side of the filter unit with holes for ozone neutralization ................... 30
Figure 9-2, two holes for ozone neutralization (suck in) ................................................ 30
Figure 9-3, four holes for ozone neutralization (blow out) ............................................. 30
Figure 9-4, external opening of the filter unit .................................................................. 31
Figure 9-5, protective cover of the control unit ............................................................... 31
Figure 9-6, locks of the cover ........................................................................................... 31
Figure 9-7, seal of the cover ............................................................................................. 31
Figure 9-8, socket of the filter unit .................................................................................... 31
Figure 9-9, plug of the control unit ................................................................................... 31

CeraPlas Explorer Kit
© TDK Electronics AG 6
3 Identification
3.1 Apparatus
Apparatus CeraPlas Explore Kit
Apparatus designation TDK Explore Kit
Series-number e.g. EK1250101xxx see Figure 5-1, nameplate
Year of manufacture 2021
3.2 Manufacturer
Manufacturer TDK Electronics GmbH & Co OG
Street Siemensstraße 43
Location 8530 Deutschlandsberg
Contact www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com/en/2910748/products/product-
catalog/cold-plasma-technology/ceraplas-explorekit
3.3 Information about the document management
Document Number Operating_instruction_ExporerKit_CeraPlas_1-
2021_#.docx
Version/revision V1.0
Creation date 11.03.2021
Last modification 25.04.2021
Valid from 26.04.2021
This apparatus, which is precisely designated under the identification data, is
subsequently referred to in these operating instructions as apparatus, device,
development kit or Explore Kit.

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© TDK Electronics AG 7
4 Notes to the user (developer)
This development kit is not a finished apparatus or appliance regarding the european
marketing regulations and is therefore not intended for the end-user but for the
developer in the context of product development or the TDK technical marketing.
4.1 Purpose of the document
This operating instruction
 describes the assembly, function, operation, cleaning and troubleshooting of the
Explore Kit and
 provides important information for safe handling of the appliance.
Please read this document carefully before use and pay particular attention
to the safety instructions.
Keep this document in a safe place until disposal. It also contains
information for cleaning and troubleshooting.
4.2 To whom the document is addressed (target group)
This document is intended for the users (see section 4 Notes to the user (developer))
of the Explore Kit. The contents of this document must be made available to the users,
understood and implemented.
4.3 Safety instructions for the operating manual
Safety instructions are identified by a pictogram and a signal word:
Icon Meaning
Imminent risk to the life and health of persons (serious injury or death)!
Possible imminent risk to the life and health of persons (serious injury
or death)!
Possibly dangerous situation (slight injuries or damage to property)!
Commitment to a special behavior or activity for safety-compliant
handling!
Application tips and particularly useful information and advice!
Read the operating instructions!

CeraPlas Explorer Kit
© TDK Electronics AG 8
4.4 Illustration of the components
The Explore Kit consists of a few components, which are shown and listed below:
Figure 4-1, Explore Kit container
Figure 4-2, Explore Kit components
Figure
4
-
3
,
c
ontrol
u
nit
Figure
4
-
4
,
c
ontrol
u
nit
p
lug
Figure 4-5, CeraPlas element (plasma generator)
Figure 4-6, CeraPlas element (plasma generator, detail of
the front side)

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© TDK Electronics AG 9
Figure 4-7, filter extension box Figure 4-8, filter extension box plug
Figure 4-9, filter extension Figure 4-10, container cover with seal

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© TDK Electronics AG 10
4.4.1.1 Naming of the components
The most important components and parts are shown and named below.
N
um
ber
C
omponents
1
Control unit with:
 On/Off button on the top
 Status LED
 Connector
 USB-C charging port
 CeraPlas element (plasma generator)
2
Filter extension with:
 Connector
 Ozone destruction unit
 Ozone measuring unit
3 Container:

Sealed lid
4 USB-C charging cable
5 Cover with seal
Table 1, Components and elements
1
3
2
2
1
3
4
5

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© TDK Electronics AG 11
5 Basic safety instructions
5.1 Protective measures and safety instructions
No special protective measures are required for the operation of this apparatus,
however, the safety instructions and residual risks as well as the intended use and
reasonably foreseeable misuse must be taken into account.
The user must read and understand these instructions in full (see, among other things,
section 5.6 Residual risks and 5.7 Obligation of the user) and comply with the
requirements addressed to the user and familiarize himself with the residual risks
posed by the apparatus.
5.2 Intended use
This development kit is not a finished apparatus or appliance regarding the european
marketing regulations and is therefore not intended for the end-user but for users
(developers) during a development process (see section 4 Notes to the user
(developer)).
This device (apparatus) is not intended for the end-user!
The TDK Explore Kit is a demonstrator unit for exploring dry disinfection processes
using the CeraPlas technology. Whereby, the kit includes a filter extension unit and an
Android app which allows to define its own decontamination process. Only use the
device for the intended purposes. Misuse may restrict apparatus liability.
Intended use also includes:
 observance of all instructions in this operating manual
 observance of the installation instructions
 the correct behavior in the event of malfunctions
 the exclusive repair by the manufacturer in case of possible malfunctions
 use only in proper condition
5.3 Reasonably foreseeable misapplication
Any use other than that specified under Intended use (see section 5.2 Intended use)
or which goes beyond this is considered improper use!
For damage resulting from improper use the user bears sole responsibility,
 the manufacturer assumes no liability whatsoever.
Risks may occur if the device is not used as intended!

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© TDK Electronics AG 12
This apparatus must not be used by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience
and knowledge.
Not intended use includes for example:
 Use by the end-user
 Filling the container with non-approved parts/objects e.g. containers with
flammable substances
 Use of non-approved accessories
 Use by untrained and/or unauthorized users
 Repair and maintenance by non-specialized personnel
 Use of the device other than that defined (use in accordance with the operating
instructions)
 Overloads, overstressing of any kind - bypassing safety precautions
 Dismantling of covers, etc.
 Use in an environment that is not appropriate, e.g. explosion hazard area
 Any changes made to the device without the written consent of the manufacturer
 Use of spare parts other than those intended, etc.
 Inadequate maintenance
5.3.1 Conversions or modifications
In case of unauthorized conversions and modifications to the apparatus, any liability
and warranty by the manufacturer expires! This also applies to changing settings.
Therefore, do not make any changes or additions to the TDK Explore Kit without the
consultation and written consent of the manufacturer!
5.3.2 Spare and wear parts
The use of Spare and wear parts from third-party manufacturer can lead to risks. Only
use spare and wear parts approved by the manufacturer.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage resulting from the use of spare and
wear parts or auxiliary materials not approved by the manufacturer.
5.4 Requirements for the operation of the application
The user of this apparatus is not the end-user, but an appropriately trained employee
of a development company.
With the help of this development kit, development companies should develop and
manufacture a product which complies with the applicable marketing regulations and
is intended for the end-user.

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© TDK Electronics AG 13
Users of this development kit or apparatus:
 Product developers
 Test engineers
 Maintenance engineers and technical marketing
The following requirements and conditions are imposed on the persons using this
application:
 Knowledge of the control and its function
 Reading and taking note of the operating instructions
 Developer must not be mentally impaired
 Use of this document and thus compliance with the described safety instructions
The TDK Explore Kit may need to be cleaned and repaired if necessary,
see section 9 Maintenance, cleaning and repair.
5.5 Risks in handling the application
Improper operation of the TDK Explore Kit may result in risks and impairments:
 for the user during maintenance, cleaning and repair
 to the application itself
 to other material assets
The basis for the safe and trouble-free use of the TDK Explore Kit is knowledge of the
safety and operating instructions in this manual.
These operating instructions must be freely accessible to those
persons who carry out maintenance, cleaning and repair!
5.6 Residual risks
The TDK Explore Kit is built and manufactured according to the state of the art,
nevertheless, there may be residual risks when handling, which are listed below:
Residual risks and notes to be observed:
 Read and follow this manual before using the Explore Kit!
 Before each use of this product, make sure that it is in proper condition
and that it is not damaged!
 In the event of a malfunction, the product must not be put back into
operation until it has been repaired by the manufacturer!

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© TDK Electronics AG 14

In principle, have repairs carried out by the manufacturer only! The
manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by the intervention of
unauthorized persons!
 When using the apparatus during maintenance, repair and
troubleshooting it is possible to cut yourself through sharp edges!
 Do not use the device if wiring and components are damaged (burns
may occur)!
 Use the device in such a way that there is no risk of tripping or falling!
 When shipping, the device must be packed accordingly!
 Regulations for shipping lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries
in/ with devices must be taken into account!
 The product must be disconnected from the voltage source for
maintenance and repair work or for similar activities where hazards can
arise!
 Make sure that the application does not affect medical implants!
 The device must not be covered during operation and no heat must
build up, even during the charging process!
 Do not use the apparatus if high voltage sources are touchable!
 Do not use the apparatus if optical radiation may escape!
 If the device is opened before the ozone neutralization is completed,
harmful ozone can escape!
 The device must not be carried or transported during operation!
 Objects and parts that are easily flammable must not be disinfected
with this device!
 After disinfection there may be residues of oxidizing reactive material!
 Check that the apparatus is in good working order and be sure to
inspect the container, lid and seal for damage!
 This device must not be used in potentially explosive areas!
 Before cleaning and repair, make sure that the apparatus must be
disconnected from energy supply source!
Caution – Ozone Emission!
Under no circumstances may the device be operated without the cover!
Dangerous amounts of the reaction gas ozone (O3) may be produced
during device operation.
Ozone rates can exceed 80 mg/h inside the container.
Please note that these concentrations may cause a hazard if directly
inhaled.
If a characteristic chemical odour is noticeable around the container,
switch off the system and ventilate the affected area.
If the apparatus is no longer needed, it must be disposed of properly
based on local legal and regulatory requirements (see section 10.3
Disposal)!

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© TDK Electronics AG 15
5.7 Obligation of the user
All persons who use this apparatus undertake in advance to:
 have read and understood these operating instructions and
 properly carry out the activities associated with this apparatus!
Please address any open questions to the manufacturer, see section 3.2
Manufacturer!
5.8 Environmental conditions
The application is designed for use (see section 6.4.3 Environmental conditions) in a:
 temperature range between + 5 °C and + 45 °C
 humidity below 60 %
 (see also section 5.2 Intended use)
5.9 Behavior in case of error
If errors are found in the application, the apparatus must no longer be used and, if
necessary, the manufacturer must be contacted (see section 10.1 Troubleshooting).
Repairs may only be carried out by the manufacturer!
5.10 Labeling of the application
5.10.1 Safety instructions (pictograms)
Observe all warnings and safety instructions attached to the application!
Disposal!
A notice is attached to the nameplate of the
application, informing the user that this apparatus
must not be disposed based on local legal and
regulatory requirements.
Indoor!
A notice is attached to the nameplate of the application,
informing the user that this apparatus may only be used
indoors!
Read the
operating
instructions!
A note is attached to the device, which requests the
user to read these operating instructions!

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© TDK Electronics AG 16
5.10.2 Marking, nameplate
The following marking (nameplate) is fixed on the TDK CeraPlas Explore Kit
Figure 5-1, nameplate
5.10.3 CE-marking
The CE-marking indicates conformity with applicable EU Directive(s) concerning the
apparatus that require CE-marking.
This development kit is not a finished apparatus or appliance regarding the European
marketing regulations and is therefore not intended for the end-user and therefore the
CE-marking is not affixed to the Explore Kit.
We do not declare that this development kit called TDK CeraPlas
Explore Kit conforms to CE-marking!

6 Application description
This device uses a plasma generator to produce active oxygen for interacting with the
items in the container. Active oxygen (Ozone) is a gaseous disinfectant that breaks
down to oxygen after it is generated. This active oxygen is the main part of the gas for
odour reduction and disinfection. For effective application a higher active oxygen
concentration is necessary to take effect. The safety features of the demonstrator
ensure to get the active oxygen contacting only the items and not the user during the
operation cycle.
The filtering extension uses active filter material (Cerulite 200) to reduce the active
oxygen concentration and convert it back to oxygen after the application. The filtering
extension is designed to contain active oxygen within the container by preventing any
opening during operation and reducing the active oxygen concentration before
opening.
6.1 Application areas and description of function
The TDK Explore Kit is a demonstrator unit for exploring dry disinfection processes
using the CeraPlas technology. Whereby, the kit includes a filter extension unit and an
Android app which allows to define its own decontamination process. Only use the
device for the intended purposes. Misuse may restrict apparatus liability.
The plasma generation is based on TDK´s CeraPlas Evaluation Kit 2 including driving
stage for CeraPlas element and shows one of the possible ways to use the CeraPlas
technology, in this case for disinfection application.
The default functions of the state machine of the TDK´s Explore Kit is based on
following steps:
Phase 1: Start-up – Generation
1. Starting procedure and self-check
2. For safety reason locking of the lid to prevent opening during the operation
3. Plasma generation with ozone creation for the utilisation in the container
Phase 2: Treatment
4. Maximised reaction between ozone and items in the container
Phase 3: Finishing phase – Ozone neutralisation
5. For safety reason ozone reduction process by filter and pump units
6. Unlocking of the lid
7. Ending procedure of the decontamination and finishing the process
6.2 Advantages of the application
This electrical apparatus is used exclusively as a development kit to develop a product
for disinfection based on this Explore Kit with CeraPlas technology (dry disinfection).
CeraPlas Explorer Kit
© TDK Electronics AG
17

6.3 Structure of the application
Components:
Control unit
Container
Filter extension
USB-C charging cord
QR Code for downloading the Android application
Operating instructions
6.4 Technical data
6.4.1 Mechanical data
Data
length x width x height: 354 x 260 x 158 mm
weight: 2000 g
Table 2, mechanical data
6.4.2 Electrical data
Data
Supply voltage: battery: 3.7 V DC (2200 mAh)
Plug-in power supply: 5 V DC, 1 A not included in scope
of delivery
Power consumption/Power: Charging the battery: 5 V, up to 1 A (up to 5 W)
Generation of ozone: 24 V, 0.1 A (2.4 W)
Destruction: 5 V, 0.2 A (1 W)
Ozone measurement: 5 V, 0.2 A (1 W)
To enable the longest possible battery lifetime the power
consumers, like servo, pump, CeraPlas are never
simultaneously operated at the same time. Therefore,
the total current is always less than 4 A fuse.
Operating time per battery charge: about 2 h
Ozone performance: < 80 mg/h
Typical ozone concentration: 200 ppm (after approx. 15 minutes of operation)
Maximum ozone concentration:
500 ppm
Table 3, electrical data
6.4.3 Environmental conditions
Data
Temperature range:
Explore Kit: +5 °C to +45 °C
CeraPlas: 0 °C to +60 °C
Battery: 0
°C to
+
45 °C
Humidity: Up to 60% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Table 4, environmental conditions
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© TDK Electronics AG
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7 Delivery, Assembly, Connection and Adjustment
The TDK Explore Kit is manufactured, inspected, and functionally tested by TDK.
7.1 Delivery
The TDK Explore Kit is shipped in appropriate packaging and contains the following
parts:
Control unit
Container
Filter extension
USB-C charging cord
QR Code for downloading the Android application
Operating instructions
7.2 Assembly
First steps:
oRemove the device from the packaging
oUse an external plug-in power supply and the USB-C cable to charge the
control unit completely before first use (over night)
oUnplug the power supply and remove the USB-C cable from the charging
port
oPut some dry items in the container
oClose the lid
oConnect the control unit with the filter extension through the opening of
the lid
oA green LED indicates that the TDK Explore Kit is ready
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© TDK Electronics AG
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Figure 7-1, container cover with seal Figure 7-2, cover with snap-in function
Figure 7-3, close cover tightly Figure 7-4, container completely closed
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© TDK Electronics AG
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