INFICON VGC401 User Manual

Operating Manual

Incl. EC Declaration of Conformity

Single-Channel Controller

VGC401

para

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Product Identification In all communications with INFICON, please specify the information on the product nameplate. For convenient reference copy that information into the space provided below:

Model:

PN:

SN:

V Hz W

Validity	This document applies to products with part number
	398-010.
	The part number (PN) can be taken from the product
	nameplate.
	This document is based on firmware number 302-519-E.
	If your unit does not work as described in this document,
	please check that it is equipped with the above firmware
	version (→ 49).
	We reserve the right to make technical changes without
	prior notice.
	All dimensions are indicated in mm.

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Intended Use	The VGC401 is used together with INFICON Transmit-
	ters (in this document referred to as gauges) for total
	pressure measurement. All products must be operated in
	accordance with their respective Operating Manuals.
Scope of Delivery	1×	Single-Channel Controller
	1× Power cord
	1× Rubber bar
	2× Rubber feet
	4×	Collar screws
	4×	Plastic sleeves
	1× CD-ROM (Operating Manuals)
	1×	EC Declaration of Conformity
	1×	Installation Manual

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Contents

Product Identification			2
Validity			2
Intended Use			3
Scope of Delivery			3
1	Safety		6
1.1		Symbols Used	6
1.2		Personnel Qualifications	6
1.3		General Safety Instructions	7
1.4		Liability and Warranty	8
2	Technical Data		9
3	Installation		13
3.1		Personnel	13
3.2		Installation, Setup	13
3.2.1		Rack Installation	13
3.2.2 Installation in a Control Panel			18
3.2.3 Use as Desk-Top Unit			19
3.3		Mains Power Connector	20
3.4		SENSOR Connector	22
3.5		CONTROL Connector	23
3.6		RS232 Interface Connector	25
4	Operation		26
4.1		Front Panel	26
4.2		Turning the VGC401 On and Off	27
4.3		Operating Modes	27
4.4		Measurement Mode	28
4.5		Parameter Mode	31
4.5.1		Parameters	34
4.6		Test Mode	47
4.6.1		Parameters	49
4.6.2		Test Programs	50
5	Communication (Serial Interface)		55
5.1		RS232C Interface	55
5.1.1		Data Transmission	55
5.1.2		Communication Protocol	57
5.2		Mnemonics Mnemonics	59
5.2.1		Measurement Mode	60
5.2.2		Parameter Mode	64
5.2.3		Test Mode	71
5.2.4		Example	75

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6	Maintenance	76
7	Troubleshooting	77
8	Repair	79
9	Accessories	79
10	Storage	80
11	Disposal	80
Appendix		81
A:	Conversion Tables	81
B:	Default Parameters	82
C:	Firmware Update	83
D:	Literature	86
E:	Index	89
ETL Certification		91
EC Declaration of Conformity		92

For cross-references within this document, the symbol (→ XY) is used, for cross-references to further documents listed under "Literature", the symbol (→ [Z]).

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1 Safety

1.1Symbols Used

Symbols for residual risks

Further symbols

1.2Personnel Qualifications

DANGER

Information on preventing any kind of physical injury.

WARNING

Information on preventing extensive equipment and environmental damage.

Caution

Information on correct handling or use. Disregard can lead to malfunctions or minor equipment damage.

The lamp/display is lit.

The lamp/display flashes.

The lamp/display is dark.

para

Press the key (example: 'para' key).

Do not press any key

Skilled personnel

All work described in this document may only be carried out by persons who have suitable technical training and the necessary experience or who have been instructed by the end-user of the product.

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1.3General Safety Instructions

Disconnecting device

Adhere to the applicable regulations and take the necessary precautions for all work you are going to do and consider the safety instructions in this document.

DANGER

DANGER: mains voltage

Contact with live parts is extremely hazardous when any objects are introduced or any liquids penetrate into the unit.

Make sure no objects enter through the louvers and no liquids penetrate into the equipment.

The disconnecting device must be readily identifiable and easily reached by the user.

To disconnect the controller from mains, you must unplug the mains cable.

Disconnecting device acc. to EN 61010-1

Communicate the safety instructions to all other users.

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1.4Liability and Warranty

INFICON assumes no liability and the warranty becomes null and void if the end-user or third parties

•disregard the information in this document

•use the product in a non-conforming manner

•make any kind of interventions (modifications, alterations etc.) on the product

•use the product with accessories not listed in the corresponding documentation.

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2 Technical Data

Mains specifications

Ambiance

Compatible gauges

Voltage	90 … 250 VAC
Frequency	50 … 60 Hz
Power consumption	≤30 VA
Overvoltage category	II
Protection class	1
Connection	European appliance connec-
	tor IEC 320 C14
Temperature
storage	–20 … +60 °C
operation	+ 5 … +50 °C
Relative humidity	≤80% up to +31 °C,
	decreasing to 50% at +40 °C
Use	indoors only
	max. altitude 2000 m NN
Pollution degree	II
Protection type	IP30
Number	1
Compatible types
Pirani	PSG	(PSG400, PSG400-S,
		PSG100-S, PSG101-S,
		PSG500, PSG500-S,
		PSG502-S, PSG510-S,
		PSG512-S, PSG550,
		PSG552, PSG554)
Pirani/Capacitive	PCG	(PCG400, PCG400-S,
		PCG550, PCG552,
		PCG554)
Cold cathode	PEG	(PEG100)
Cold cathode/Pirani	MPG	(MPG400, MPG401)
Hot cathode	BAG	(BAG100-S, BAG101-S)
Hot cathode/Pirani	BPG	(BPG400, BPG402)
	HPG	(HPG400)
Capacitive	CDG	(CDG025, CDG025D,
		CDG045, CDG045-H,
		CDG045D, CDG100,
		CDG100D, CDG160D)
TripleGauge™
Hot cathode/Pirani/
Capacitive	BCG	(BCG450)

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Gauge connection

Operation

Measurement values

Number	2 (parallel)
		Caution
	Do not connect more than one
	gauge at the same time.
SENSOR connector	15-pin D-Sub, female
	RJ45 (FCC68), female
	(pin assignment → 23)
Front panel	via 3 keys
HOST (remote control)	via RS232C interface
Measurement ranges	depending on gauge
	(→	[1] … [21])
Measurement error
gain error	≤0.02% FSr
offset error	≤0.05% FSr
Measurement rate
analog	100 / s
digital	50 / s (BPG, HPG, BCG,
	10 / s	CDGxxxD1))
		(BAG)
Display rate	10 / s
Filter time constant
slow	750 ms (fg = 0.2 Hz)
normal (nor)	150 ms (fg = 1 Hz)
fast	20 ms (fg = 8 Hz)
Pressure units	mbar, Pa, Torr, Micron
Zero adjust	for linear gauges
Correction factor	for logarithmic gauges
	0.10 … 10.00
A/D converters	resolution >0.001% FSr
	(The measurement values of
	BPG, HPG, BCG, BAG and
	CDGxxxD are transmitted
	digitally.)

1)CDG025D, CDG045D, CDG100D, CDG160D

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Gauge supply

Switching function

Switching function relay

Error signal

Error signal relay

Voltage	+24 VDC ±5%
Current	750 mA
Power consumption	18 W
Fuse protection	900 mA with PTC element,
	self-resetting after turning the
	VGC401 off or disconnecting
	the gauge
Number	1
Reaction delay	≤10 ms if switching threshold
	close to measurement value
	(for larger differences con-
	sider filter time constant).
Adjustment range	depending on gauge
	(→ [1] … [21])
Hysteresis	≥1% FSr for linear gauges
	≥10% of measurement value
	for logarithmic gauges
Contact type	floating changeover contact
Load max.	60 VDC, 1 A (ohmic)
	30 VAC, 2 A (ohmic)
Service life	108 cycles
mechanic
electric	105 cycles (at maximum load)
Contact positions	→ 24
CONTROL connector	9-pin D-Sub, male
	(pin assignment → 24)
Number	1
Reaction time	≤20 ms
Contact type	floating normally open contact
Load max.	60 VDC, 1 A (ohmic)
	30 VAC, 2 A (ohmic)
Service life	108 cycles
mechanic
electric	105 cycles (at maximum load)
Contact positions	→ 24
CONTROL connector	9-pin D-Sub, male
	(pin assignment → 24)

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Analog output

Number

1

Voltage range

0 … +10 V

Internal resistance

660 Ω

Measurement signal

depending on gauge

vs. pressure

(→

[1] … [21])

CONTROL connector

9-pin D-Sub, male

(pin assignment → 24)

Interface

Standard

RS232C

Protocol

ACK/NAK, ASCII with

3-character mnemonics,

bi-directional data flow,

8 data bits, no parity bit,

1 stop bit

RS232C

only TXD and RXD used

Transmission rate

9600, 19200, 38400 baud

RS232 connector

9-pin D-Sub, female

(pin assignment → 25)

Dimensions [mm]

106.2

285

91.2

ø3.5

204.5

2.5

103.6

78	84	67.3
para

Use	For incorporation into a rack or control panel or as desk-
	top unit
Weight	0.85 kg

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3 Installation

3.1 Personnel

Skilled personnel

The unit may only be installed by persons who have suitable technical training and the necessary experience.

3.2 Installation, Setup

3.2.1 Rack Installation

The VGC401 is suited for incorporation into a 19" rack or a control panel or for use as desk-top unit.

DANGER

DANGER: damaged product

Putting a damaged product into operation can be extremely hazardous.

In case of visible damages, make sure the product is not put into operation.

The VGC401 is designed for installation into a 19" rack chassis adapter according to DIN 41 494. For this purpose, four collar screws and plastic sleeves are supplied with it.

DANGER

DANGER: protection class of the rack

If the product is installed in a rack, it is likely to lower the protection class of the rack (protection against foreign bodies and water) e.g. the EN 60204-1 regulations for switching cabinets.

Take appropriate measures for the rack to meet the specifications of the protection class.

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Guide rail

Slide rails

In order to reduce the mechanical strain on the front panel of the VGC401, preferably equip the rack chassis adapter with a guide rail.

For safe and easy installation of heavy rack chassis adapters, preferably equip the rack frame with slide rails.

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Mounting height	Rack installation
Height 2 U	Height 3 U

Height 2 U rack chassis adapter

n Secure the rack chassis adapter in the rack frame.

The admissible maximum ambient temperature (→ 9) must not be exceeded neither the air circulation obstructed.

Rack chassis adapter

Height 2 U

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o Slide the VGC401 into the adapter …

Height 2 U

Height 3 U rack chassis adapter

… and fasten the VGC401 to the rack chassis adapter using the screws supplied with it.

For incorporation into a 19" rack chassis adapter, height 3, an adapter panel (incl. two collar screws and plastic sleeves) is available (→ 79).

n Secure the rack adapter in the rack frame.

The admissible maximum ambient temperature (→ 9) must not be exceeded neither the air circulation obstructed.

Rack chassis adapter

Height 3 U

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o

p

Mount the adapter panel as upper extension to the

front panel of the VGC401 using the screws supplied with the adapter panel.

Adapter panel (Height 2 U to height 3 U)

Slide the VGC401 into the rack chassis adapter …

Height 3 U

…and fasten the adapter panel to the rack chassis adapter using the screws supplied with the VGC401.

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3.2.2Installation in a Control Panel

DANGER

DANGER: protection class of the control panel

If the product is installed in a rack, it is likely to lower the protection class of the rack (protection against foreign bodies and water) e.g. according to the EN 60204-1 regulations for switching cabinets.

Take appropriate measures for the control panel to meet the specifications of the protection class.

For mounting the VGC401 into a control panel, the following cut-out is required:

105

91.2

78 69

M3 or ø 3.5

The admissible maximum ambient temperature (→ 9) must not be exceeded neither the air circulation obstructed.

For reducing the mechanical strain on the front panel, preferably support the unit.

nSlide the VGC401 into the cut-out of the control panel …

… and secure it with four M3 or equivalent screws.

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3.2.3Use as Desk-Top Unit

The VGC401 is also suited for use as desk-top unit. For this purpose, two self-adhesive rubber feet as well as a slip-on rubber bar are supplied with it.

nStick the two supplied rubber feet to the rear part of the bottom plate …

… and slip the supplied rubber bar onto the bottom edge of the front panel.

Select a location where the admissible maximum ambient temperature (→ 9) is not exceeded (e.g. due to sun irradiation).

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3.3Mains Power Connector

DANGER

DANGER: line voltage

Incorrectly grounded products can be extremely hazardous in the event of a fault.

Use only a 3-conductor power cable (3×1.5 mm2) with protective ground. The

power connector may only be plugged into a socket with a protective ground. The protecttion must not be nullified by an extension cable without protective ground.

The unit is supplied with a 2.5 m power cord. If the mains cable is not compatible with your system, use your own, suitable cable with protective ground.

The socket must be fuseprotected with 10 Amax

Disconnecting device acc. to EN 61010-1

If the unit is installed in a switch cabinet, the mains voltage should be supplied and turned on via a central power distributor.

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Grounding	On the rear of the unit, there is a screw which can be
	used to connect the unit to ground, e.g. using the
	grounding of the pumping station.

	Do not unfasten this
Ground screw	screw (internal
	ground protection)

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3.4SENSOR Connector

The VGC401 is equipped with two different gauge connectors.

Caution

Caution: one channel measurement unit

Connecting more than one gauge at the same time may lead to gauge destruction.

1 only at once

Make sure that there is never more than one gauge connected to the VGC401 at the same time.

Connect the gauge to one of the two SENSOR connectors on the rear of the unit. Use a screened 1:1 cable (electromagnetic compatibility). Make sure the gauge is compatible (→ 9).

DANGER

DANGER: protective low voltage

According to EN 61010, voltages exceeding 30 VAC or 60 VDC are hazardous.

Only connect a protective low voltage (SELV).

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Pin assignment

SENSOR

Pin assignment of the 8-pin RJ45 appliance connector:

8

1

Pin	Signal
4	Identification
1	Supply	+24 VDC
2	Supply common	GND
3	Signal input	(Measurement signal+)
5	Signal common	(Measurement signal–)

6Status

7HV_L

8HV_H

Pin assignment of the female 15-pin D-Sub appliance connector:

158

9 1

Pin	Signal
10	Identification
8	Supply for BPG, HPG, BCG and BAG
11	Supply for CDG
5	Supply common	GND
2	Signal input	(Measurement signal+)
12	Signal common	(Measurement signal–)
3	Status
1	Emission status
7	Degas
4	HV_H

13RXD

14TXD

15Screening = chassis

6, 9 not connected

3.5CONTROL Connector

This connector allows to read the measurement signal, to evaluate state of the floating switching function and error contacts, and to activate/deactivate the high vacuum measurement circuit (only for PEG cold cathode gauge and BAG ionization vacuum gauge).

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Connect the peripheral components to the CONTROL connector on the rear of the unit. Use a screened cable (electromagnetic compatibility).

				DANGER
		DANGER: protective low voltage
		According to EN 61010, voltages ex-
		ceeding 30 VAC or 60 VDC are haz-
		ardous.
		Only connect a protective low voltage
		(SELV).
Pin assignment
Contact positions
CONTROL	Pin assignment of
	the male 9-pin D-Sub			5	9
	appliance connector:			1	6
	Pin	Signal
	1	Analog output		0 … +10 VDC
	7	Chassis = GND
	5	HV_H on	+24 V
		off	0 V
		The control over this signal is placed superior to the key
		operation.
	4	Pressure below			Pressure above
	3				threshold or power
		threshold
	2				supply turned off
		Error signal
	9	No error			Error or power
	8				supply turned off
		Supply for relays with higher switching power
				Fuse-protected at 300 mA with PTC
	6	+24 VDC, 200 mA		element, self-resetting after power
				off or pulling the CONTROL con-
	7	Chassis = GND		nector. Meets the requirements of a
				grounded protective extra low
				voltage (SELV).

The analog output (pin 1) differ from the displayed value by no more than ±50 mV.

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3.6RS232 Interface Connector

Pin assignment

RS232

The RS232C interface allows for operating the VGC401 via a HOST or terminal. It can also be used for updating the firmware (→ 83).

Connect the serial interface to the RS232 connector on the rear of the unit using your own, screened (electromagnetic compatibility) cable.

DANGER

DANGER: protective low voltage

According to EN 61010, voltages exceeding 30 VAC or 60 VDC are hazardous.

Only connect a protective low voltage (SELV).

e.g. PC

VGC401

Screening Screening

RXD 2 TXD

TXD 3 RXD

GND 5 GND

(Minimum configuration)

Screening

Pin assignment		1	6
of the female		5	9
9-pin D-Sub
appliance con-
nector:
Pin	Signal		Pin	Signal
2	TXD		1	not connected
3	RXD		4	not connected
5	GND		7	not connected
6	DSR		Chassis = screening

8CTS

9GND

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4 Operation

4.1 Front Panel

Measurement value in floating point or exponential format or status messages

Warning/error

(flashing)

Switching function status

Pressure

unit

para

Upper threshold

Lower threshold

para

Operator keys

Offset value ≠ 0

Correction factor ≠ 1

High vacuum measurement circuit activated

(PEG, MPG, BAG, BPG402 and BCG only) Degas activated ( BPG, BCG and BAG only)

Parameter mode activated

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4.2Turning the VGC401 On and Off

Turning the VGC401 on

Turning the VGC401 off

Make sure the VGC401 is correctly installed and the specifications in the Technical Data are met.

The power switch is on the rear of the unit.

Turn the VGC401 on with the power switch (or centrally, via a switched power distributor, if the unit is incorporated in a rack).

After power on, the VGC401 …

•automatically performs a self-test

•identifies the connected gauge

•activates the parameters that were in effect before the last power off

•switches to the Measurement mode

•adapts the parameters if required (if another gauge was previously connected).

Turn the VGC401 off with the power switch (or centrally, via a switched power distributor, if the unit is incorporated in a rack).

Wait at least 10 s before turning the VGC401 on again in order for it to correctly initialize itself.

4.3Operating Modes The VGC401 works in the following operating modes:

•Measurement mode

for displaying measurement values or status messages (→ 28)

•Parameter mode

for entering or displaying parameters (→ 31)

•Test mode

for running internal test programs (→ 47)

•Program transfer mode

for updating the firmware (→ 83)

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4.4 Measurement Mode The Measurement mode is the standard operating mode of the VGC401. Measurement values and status messages as well as the gauge identification are displayed in this mode.

Measurement mode	Parameter
	mode

>10 s

Measurement value

Gauge identification

Power on

Test mode

>5 s

>5 s

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Turning the gauge on and off

	Available for:
	Pirani		(PSG)
	Pirani/Capacitive		(PCG)
	; Cold cathode		(PEG)
	Cold cathode/Pirani		(MPG)
	; Hot cathode		(BAG)
	Hot cathode/Pirani		(BPG, HPG)
	Capacitive		(CDG)
	Hot cathode/Pirani/Capacitive		(BCG)
	para	Ö Press key >1 s:
		The gauge is
		turned off.
			is dis-
		played instead of
		the measurement
		value.
		Ö Press key >1 s:
		The gauge is
	para	turned on. A status
		message may be
		displayed instead

of the measurement value:

Pressure p
Measurement	range

The high vacuum measurement circuit of these gauges can be activated in both, the Measurement and the Parameter mode (→ 43).

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