The IGC3 features......

• Precision HV/UHV ion gauge…
• Pump Down/Vent control…
• Multi-step Bakeout control…
• Timer Function (e.g. TSP)…
• Intelligent Analogue Output…
• 7 Trips and 2 digital inputs…
• Full process interlocking…
• …in a 19" 1U format

The VG Scienta IGC3 ion gauge-based process vacuum controller combines the functionality of several vacuum system controllers into a single easy to use unit, reducing hardware, wiring and cost.

IGC3 combines the latest microprocessor technology with simple, well-established ion gauge power supply design to ensure ease of use, stability and reliability.

Electrical and Mechanical

The IGC3 is housed in a 1U 19” rack mounting unit making for simple mechanical installation. All electrical connections via standard plugs and sockets:

• 1U 19” rack mounting
• Bright VFD display
• User-defined unit naming for ease of identification
• Intuitive 5 button touch panel interface sets all parameters
• Universal “QM” ion gauge connector
• Digital I/O via standard male DB25 connector
• Analogue output via standard mini-jack connector
• RS232/422/485 serial communications via 2x standard RJ45 connector simplifies daisy-chaining

Ion Gauge

Suitable for all HV/UHV ion gauges:

• Emission current settings of 0.1, 0.3, 0.7, 1, 3, 7 and 10mA. User definable min/max. Auto-range mode automatically selects appropriate emission for pressure range
• 7 degas levels between 2 and 33W
• User set ramp/soak degas programme
• Sensitivity 1.0 – 99.0
• Supports 2 filaments. Ir/W/Thoria
• User-defined filter response

Trip Outputs

• 4 change-over relays: 1A @ 24Vdc/0.5A @ 115Vac.
• 3 open collector outputs: 150mA @ 24V
• Assignable to ion gauge, bakeout, timer etc. or comms driven (e.g. valve Option Slots)

IGC3 has 2 user-configurable “option” slots which can accommodate:

• Pirani boards. Monitor backing pressure. Supports system pump-down
• Type K thermocouple amplifier. Supports on/off system bakeout control with integrated pressure and external interlocking
• 2 Digital Inputs

• 2 opto-isolated digital inputs
• Provide user-defined external interlock protection of ion gauge, bakeout, pump-down etc.

Pump-Down

• Pump-down a system to user-defined parameters. Auto start of ion gauge with up to 9 attempts
• Vent ion gauge protection

Bakeout

• Ramped temperature control of heaters for gentle bakeout heating/cooling
• Up to 6 steps of up to 99.9hours each
• Fully pressure and interlock protected

Timer

• Timed operation of external devices (e.g. TSP)
• Pressure and interlock protected

Analogue Output

• Sensitivity and emission corrected
• User-definable voltage output range; can be configured for inverted operation
• User-defined pressure range; ideal for pressure/flux monitoring where output can be tailored to match range of interest

Communication

All aspects of IGC3 can be controlled “manually” from the front panel or using serial comms (e.g. from process control software).

• Native MODBUS protocol allows full floating point resolution data transfer. Grouping frequently needed and related parameters together provides optimised data throughput
• "Enhanced" MODBUS allows data to be written to and read from in a single data message, doubling data throughput
• Multi-drop RS232, RS422/485 interfaces as standard. Up to 16 IGC3’s using RS422/485. Up to 8 IGC3’s to a standard PC port using the multi-drop RS232
• Other protocols available

PART CODE TABLE