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Element
Basic User
Guide
Rev. 1.0
May 1, 2015
Page 2
The Element detectors are manufactured by:
EDAX, a business unit of Ametek, Inc. Materials Analysis Division
91 McKee Drive
Mahwah, NJ 07430
USA
(201) 529 - 4880
edax.support@ametek.com
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Contents
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 High Voltages ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Electro Static Device (ESD) Warning ............................................................................................. 7
2.3 Not Hot Swappable ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Cooling .......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Radiation safety ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.6 Extending Detector Window Life .................................................................................................. 8
2.6.1 Do not allow the detector to come into close proximity or contact with high voltage
components .......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.6.2 Prevent particle contamination inside the sample chamber ................................................ 9
2.6.3 Proper care when using a compressed gas to vent the sample chamber ............................ 9
2.6.4 Avoid hitting the detector or inducing mechanical vibrations in the detector or window .. 9
2.6.5 Avoid touching the window ................................................................................................ 10
2.6.6 Leave the SEM in high vacuum mode ................................................................................. 10
2.6.7 Do not expose the detector to extreme temperatures ...................................................... 10
2.6.8 Do not expose the detector window to plasma ................................................................. 10
3 Installation and Environment Requirements ...................................................................................... 11
3.1 Power requirements ................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Space and Weight specifications ................................................................................................ 11
3.3 Environment requirements ......................................................................................................... 11
4 Basic Detector Operation .................................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Startup ........................................................................................................................................ 13
4.1.1 DPP Box Startup .................................................................................................................. 13
4.2 Detector Cooling ......................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.1 Element Notifier Detector Status. ....................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 Turn Detector Cooling On ................................................................................................... 14
4.3 Adding to company network....................................................................................................... 15
4.4 Light Element Operation ............................................................................................................. 16
4.5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............................................................................................. 16
5 Basic System Cabling ........................................................................................................................... 18
6 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 20
6.1 Remote Diagnostics .................................................................................................................... 20
6.2 Detector Problems ...................................................................................................................... 20
6.3 Boards inside the PC ................................................................................................................... 21
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Contents
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Introduction
Removing any of the instrument
covers, may pose a safety hazard as high
voltages may be exposed.
Do not attempt to use until fully
understanding its proper connections and
functions. Users should have a basic
understanding of the operation of the
system before operating.
1 INTRODUCTIO N
The detector is a sophisticated precision instrument.
Removal of any system’s covers must be done by
qualified EDAX Factory trained engineers or
representatives.
All User / Operator adjustments and calibrations are done within the Element software environment.
Users of the system should not attempt removing any covers or making any service adjustments.
Proceed with caution where the following label is found.
Please send feedback regarding this manual to:
edax.support@ametek.com
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Introduction
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Safety Precautions
2 SA FETY PRECA U T IONS
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure personal safety and to help protect the detector
system from potential damage.
2.1 HIGH VOLTAGE S
Exercise extreme caution where this label is found. High Voltage is present and can cause burn,
shock and/or cause serious injury.
There is circuitry in the detecting unit that generates high voltage (200 VDC) required to
bias the detector. Terminals carrying these voltages may be exposed when covers or panels are
removed.
2.2 ELECTRO STA T IC DEVICE ( ESD) WARNI N G
□ Use ESD handling precautions when handling the electronics. Static voltages as low as 60 volts
can destroy the state-of-the-art integrated circuits used in the system.
□ Always ground yourself to the equipment chassis before removing or replacing a printed circuit
board (PCB).
□ PCB repairs should always be performed on a conductive surface, with the technician grounded
(via a conductive wrist strap with a built in current limiting resistor) to this surface.
□ Use an antistatic bag when carrying PC boards.
2.3 NOT HOT SWAP P A BLE
The electronics are NOT hot swappable unless otherwise specified. The power to the system must
be turned off before inserting or removing any of the modules, boards or any of the interconnecting
cables. If this precaution is not taken, component will be damaged nearest to the connecting pins.
2.4 COOLING
Detector cooling
The detecting unit is cooled by the detecting unit body’s heat sink fins. No fans are used, just
ambient cooling. Be sure the detector body is not blocked or covered. Keep away from heat radiators or
other heat sources.
Analyzer cooling
The analyzer is cooled by multiple fans inside the analyzer. Be sure the fan speeds are properly set
in the bios, and that the fans are all operational. The components inside the analyzer may fail if used
with inadequate air cooling. See Figure 7.
DPP Box cooling
The DPP Box has components which can get very hot. The box should be kept away from any heat
sources for adequate operation.
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Safety Precautions
2.5 RADIATION SA F E TY
The electron microscope generates ionizing radiation when the electron beam is energized. The
detector is designed to have radiation leakage far less than the allowable level when properly
mounted with all covers and shielding in place.
EDAX warrants that its detectors and microscope interfaces when assembled and installed per EDAX
Engineers or Representatives, will provide Radiation Safety performance levels that will be in
compliance with the original Microscope design specifications.
Removal of any of the system's covers must be done by qualified EDAX Factory trained service engineers
or representatives. Opening covers or bypassing interlocks may expose users to radiation.
If the EDAX detector is removed from the microscope, it should be replaced by the original blanking port
cover provided by the microscope vendor.
Modification of covers or shielding or use of any other material than provided by EDAX or the
microscope vendor must be reviewed by a certified radiation expert and EDAX Inc. before use.
Caution: The radiation levels should be checked around the instrument after any service in
which covers or any radiation containment parts were removed.
2.6 EXTENDING D E TECTOR WI N DOW LIFE
Introduction
The detector is sealed with a very thin window to permit light element x-rays to easily pass through it.
When the window is damaged, this contaminates the atmosphere surrounding the X-ray detector which
in turn can degrade detector performance or cause detector failure. Damage to the window can be
caused by physical contact, excess vibration, exceeding pressure or temperature specifications, vapor
condensation, electrical discharge to the detector or other factors.
2.6.1 DO NOT ALLOW T HE DET E CTOR TO CO ME INTO C L O S E PROXIMITY O R CONT A CT
WI TH HIGH VO L T AGE COMP O N ENTS
Do not allow the detector to come into close proximity or contact with high voltage components inside the
electron microscope, e.g. the extraction grid of a video detector. This can lead to an unsafe electrical discharge to
the detector which may damage the window.
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Safety Precautions
2.6.2 PREVENT PAR T IC LE CONT A MINATION INSI D E T HE SAMPL E CHAMBER
Particulates inside the sample chamber have a tendency to become entrained in the gas flow while
venting the sample chamber. The gas flow during a chamber vent or increase in chamber pressure is
generally turbulent meaning that entrained particles can fly in all directions, including toward the
detector window. Particulates which impact the window can cause micro cracks compromising the
vacuum seal of the window. In more extreme situations, particles can fully penetrate the window
causing what is known as a “bullet hole”, which causes a larger leak in the detector. It is also possible to
dislodge particles from the sample via the electron beam. If these particles are charged, they may be
accelerated toward the detector, which is at ground potential.
Recommendations:
□ Always use particle free gloves when loading samples or working in the sample chamber.
□ Be certain that there are no loose particles on the sample before placing the sample in the
chamber. Sample surfaces, fractures and powdered samples stuck to an adhesive should be
cleaned with compressed air to ensure the surfaces are clean and free of loose particles.
□ Avoid venting the sample chamber too quickly. Specifically, do not exceed 10 cm/s gas velocity
into the chamber, as this can increase the risk of particle-induced detector window damage. This
may require a small aperture in the vent port or decrease in supply pressure if N2 purge is used
to reduce the gas velocity.
□ If there is a high risk of particulates becoming dislodged during some operation in the
microscope, fully retract the detector to minimize the risk of damaging the detector window.
2.6.3 PROPER CARE W H EN USING A COMPRESSED G A S TO VENT THE SAMPLE C HAMBER
Ensure that the gas pressure does not exceed 2 atm.
Recommendations:
□ Release any latching mechanism that is designed to keep the chamber door closed.
□ Make certain that the chamber door will open normally when the chamber reaches atmospheric
pressure.
□ Avoid venting the chamber too quickly as this can cause unsafe pressure-induced vibrations on
the window. See recommendations in section 2.6.2 above.
2.6.4 AVOID HITT I NG THE DET ECTOR OR IN D UC ING MECHAN I CAL VIBRAT I ON S IN T H E
DETECTOR OR WINDOW
The detector window can be ruptured by excessive physical vibration or shock.
Recommendations:
□ Be careful not to run samples into the EDS detector.
□ Close the sample chamber door gently.
□ Do not pull the sample chamber door open while venting the sample chamber. This may lead to
unsafe pressure fluctuations inside the sample chamber which could damage the detector
window.
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Safety Precautions
2.6.5 AVOID TOUCHI N G THE WI N DOW
Recommendations:
□ Exercise extreme caution when working near the detector window. The collimator provides a
physical barrier to protect the window. Do not work with tools near the window.
□ If it is necessary to remove the collimator, the collimator should be removed and installed by a
trained technician so as not to touch the window or stress the end cap tip.
□ Do not direct pressurized gas or liquid streams at the detector window, for example in an
attempt to clean the window.
□ If necessary to clean the microscope chamber, retract or remove the detector using extreme
caution not to bump the detector tip or collimator.
2.6.6 LEAVE THE S E M IN HIGH VACUUM MODE
When not in use, If possible, leave the SEM in High Vacuum mode instead of in low vacuum or wet mod e.
2.6.7 DO NOT EXPOSE T HE DE T ECTOR TO EXT R EME TEMPER A TURES
Be mindful of conditions which may cause vapor condensation on the window or may cause the
temperature at the window to exceed manufacturer’s specifications. This may occur during a
microscope chamber bake or operation of a heat stage.
Recommendations:
□ If there is a possibility that the sample may emit vapors while in the sample chamber, especially
vapors acidic or alkaline in nature, fully retract the EDS detector to minimize the risk of
condensation on the detector window.
□ Take care when using a heating stage to follow manufacturer’s guidelines. Prior to using the
heat stage, confirm the EDS detector window type and temperature specifications as well as the
heat load on the EDS window during operation of the heating stage.
2.6.8 DO NOT EXPOSE T HE DE T ECTOR WINDO W T O PLASMA
We recommend you do not expose the detector window to a plasma generated by a plasma cleaner.
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Installation Requirements
Component
Rating
Workstation Power
550 watts (maximum); 100-240 Volts
Monitor
55 watts (typical) ; 100-240 Volts
Detector
20 watts (max) (< 10 w typ.) ; 100-240 Volts
Parameters
Operating Conditions
Temperature
0C to 35C
Humidity
0% to 85% RH, non-condensing
Barometric Pressure
525 to 800 mm of Hg
Air Velocity
0 to 0.5 m/sec
3 INSTALLAT I ON AND ENVIRO N ME NT REQUIREMEN T S
3.1 POWER REQUIRE M E N TS
Table 1 - Power requirements
3.2 SP ACE AND WEI GHT SPE C IFICATIONS
Workstation dimensions: 17.7 x 6.7 x 18.0 in (44.9 x 17.0 x 45.7 cm)
Workstation weight: 33.0 lb. (14.97 kg)
Detector Body dimensions 1.75 (W) x 4.0 (H) x 3.25 in (L) (45 x 105 x 82 mm)
Detector Weight 5 lb. (2.2 kg)
3.3 ENVIRONMENT R EQUIREMEN T S
Table 2 - Environment requirements / Operating conditions
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Installation Requirements
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Basic Operation
Det Power
Det Signal
Windows Login:
User: Administrator
Password: apollo
Element Login:
User: Administrator
Password: apollo
Power
switch
4 BASI C DETECTOR OPERATION
4.1 ST ARTUP
A minimum EDS configuration consists of a PC Workstation with an Ethernet and USB connection for the
detector and DPP Box, with its external power supply.
Start up the system as follows:
1. Power on the PC Workstation. The default Windows Login from the EDAX Factory
is:Administrator, password: apollo.
2. Power on the detector using the switch on the small DPP Box.
Then launch the Element software. By default, there is an Administrator login set up for Element
software.
Figure 1 – DPP Box
4.1.1 DPP BOX STA R T UP
Check that the light on the pushbutton lights up when powered on. If the light does not come on, check
that the power supply is plugged into an AC outlet. There is a Green LED that will flash at the Ethernet
connection on the DPP box when it is connected to the Network board in the PC after the PC has started
The detector communication is normally established within a couple of minutes after the PC has started.
There is a Green LED that will flash at the Ethernet connection on the DPP Box when connected to the
Network board in the PC. This should be flashing rapidly (i.e. 10 flashes) /sec and continuously.
The Element software needs the TeamKey.edx license key file in the root of the C:\ drive in order to run.
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Basic Operation
Cooling Button
Status
Action
Cooling On
[Green]
Detector is cold
Clicking on this Cooling On button will turn off the cooling
and the button changes to Cooling Off.
Cooling Off [Red]
Detector is warm
Clicking on this Cooling Off Red button will stay Red until
both the HV and Cooling LED become steady Green. Then
the button will change to Cooling On and turn Green.
There are 3 cooling states for the detector. Cooling LED:
Red – Warm, no cooling applied.
Yellow – Cooling is in progress, the detector should reach
the proper operating temperature in a minute or two.
Green – Cooling has reached the recommended value, the
detector is ready to collect spectral data.
4.2 DETECTOR C O O L ING
By default, detector cooling is “Off” until it is started by the user. When the cooling is started, in the
Element software, the detector should cool down in about 2 minutes.
4.2.1 ELEME N T NOTIFIE R DETECT O R STATUS.
When TEAM Element starts, it will automatically start the Element Notifier cooling utility in the system
tray as seen below. Left click on the Red dot/Green dot to control the detector cooling. The dot changes
color when cold vs warm. Click on the Cooling On button to start cooling.
□ The following window will be displayed:
Figure 2 - Element Notifier in the System Tray to turn Detector Cooling On
Figure 3 - Element Notifier showing cooling off
4.2.2 TURN DETECT O R COOLING ON
Click on the Cooling On button in the Element Notifier to start or to stop detector cooling. The button will change
states when it is clicked on. (Cooling control is done through the USB connection.)
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Basic Operation
4.3 ADDING TO C O M P ANY NET W O R K
Care must be taken if the EDAX computer is added to a company network, the detector and its
Network Interface Card (NIC) IP information are NOT CHANGED. Changing any of the detector
networking configuration may cause the system to stop functioning.
EDAX service engineers will require Administrator login privileges to service the system.
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Basic Operation
4.4 LIGHT ELEME N T OPERAT I ON
1. Check that the geometry is correct when collecting spectra. For example, an incorrect tilt used,
giving an incorrect Take Off Angle, will affect the Quant results. You can also correct this after
the data has been collected by editing the spectra file parameters.
2. Check that you are using a well-defined peak when quantifying. Avoid using peaks that are
“buried” in the background.
3. Use one of the longer amp times when specifically looking for light energy elements. They
typically provide better light element performance.
4. Use low accelerating voltage when specifically looking for light energy elements.
3. Make sure the samples are flat and homogeneous when possible.
4. Collect for sufficient time to improve the statics when the peaks are very small, for example
when looking at Boron.
4.5 FREQUENTLY A S K E D QUESTI O N S (FAQ)
Q1. Should I leave the detector powered on all of the time?
A1. In most laboratory conditions (stable power, temperature controlled), leaving the detector powered
on all of the time is fine.
Q2. Should I leave the detector cold all of the time?
A2. The detector will reach operating temperature in about two minutes, so it does not need to be left
cooled when not in use. It is okay to leave the detector cold when the microscope chamber is left under
vacuum. There is a user preference option to automatically turn the cooling off after inactivity, in case
the user prefers to turn the cooling off automatically.
Q3. The software displays a message that the detector temperature is not changing, or a
communication problem with the detector. What should I do?
A3. In this case, power off the detector using the switch on the small black power “brick” for the
detector then reboot the PC. Then power the detector back on after Windows has started.
Q4. How often should I calibrate?
A4. Many labs only calibrate their systems during a regularly scheduled service preventative
maintenance visit. The detector will need to be calibrated in some cases when then spectrum peaks do
not match the blue line modeled peaks. For this case, a calibration will bring the peaks into alignment
with the modeled line. In other cases, labs may want to set a regular calibration schedule any time from
weekly to monthly.
Q5. What count rate should I use to calibrate?
A5. We recommend using a copper and aluminum sample with a primary beam at ≥ 20 kV. Adjust the
sample position so both Copper and Aluminum can be seen on the same screen. Set the position so the
Copper and Aluminum Kα peaks are similar in height, but with the Al peak larger than the CuK peak by
20 to 50%. Set the beam conditions so the Dead Time is ≤ 40% as you should use during normal use.
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Basic Operation
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EDAX PC
Dual Port NIC
(PCIe)
2735.171.31099
IP 192.168.0.101
IP ###.###.###.###
SYNC (panel)
5335.007.31700
SG-3 (PCIe)
5335.007.31400
DPP Box
4035.075.00990
IP 192.168.0.100
Ethernet cable 2435.072.44045R
Sync cable 4035.008.10900
Ferrite
5 V Power
Supply
2735.075.31149R
IEC 2435.072.44052R or
US 2435.072.44053R
SEM PC
IP ###.###.###.###
Microscope
5V Power
4035.008.11340
50 Ω BNC Signal
2735.171.30915
Element
Detector
USB Port
USB Cable 2735.171.31153
MAINS
Ethernet cable
Beam Control Interface cable – Microscope Model Dependent – 4035.008.#####
Monitor
MAINS
MAINS
USB Port
DVI
For
Touchscreen
For Column control
and/or Network
Ground Cable Kit 4035.075.00920
Cable 4035.008.11270
100-240V
100-240V
100-240V
Printer
(optional)
MAINS
100-240V
5V
J6
J4
Basic System Cabling
5 BASIC SYSTEM C ABLING
Figure 4 - Typical System Connections
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Basic System Cabling
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Troubleshooting
Should be Green
Common fix
Power PC Off
Power Detector OFF
Check cable connections
Power PC Back ON
Power the Detector ON
6 TROUBLESHOOTI N G
6.1 REMOTE DIAG N OSTICS
When possible, it may be useful to use a remote access program such as Teamviewer
to diagnose the system before an on-site visit. Remote access will allow an EDAX
engineer to examine log files, diagnose system operation and allow service-level
updates and adjustments to the detector. Using clues from remote diagnostics will
allow parts to be ordered in advance for an on-site visit if an on-site visit is required.
6.2 DETECTOR P R O BLEMS
The detector is connected, and communicates with the software with a network connection. It is
possible a spontaneous computer glitch can cause a loss of communication with the detector. A typical
Element software login may show a RED indicator for the EDS hardware, as shown below, or display a
message about DPP service failing to start:
In this case, power off the detector using the switch on the sDPP Box (see page 13) then reboot the PC.
Then power the detector back on when Windows has started.
If the detector shown in the Advanced Properties is not an Element detector, it could also be an
indication of loss of communication with the detector.
Power off the detector using the switch on the DPP Box for the detector.
Reboot the PC.
Then turn the DPP Box power back on.
Figure 5 – TEAM Element Login - RED Hardware Status
Figure 6 – Element Detector in Softwre
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Troubleshooting
SG-3 Board
Network Board
Sync Panel
Air Flow
Fan
Air Flow
Fan
Internal Sync cable
Power Supply
Hard Drive
6.3 BOARDS INSID E THE PC
Figure 7 - Boards inside the analyzer (HP Z230)
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