This controller manages the operation of a radio frequency (RF) generator.

The device contains a microcontroller that provides the human interface, controls the USB and LAN data interfaces, and executes several monitoring tasks. It also controls the digital-to-analog converter producing the supply voltage for the generator's end stage. Further, the device contains monitoring circuits of the generator and of the power supplies. They are based on analog-to-digital converters that measure the output amplitude, the generator's operating parameters, and the supply voltages.

To protect the RF generator and its power supply, the controller supervises all operation parameters. According to the measured values of the output amplitude, limiting values of generator's operation parameters are calculated. If the controller discovers that any one of the limits is exceeded, the device is deactivated immediately.

The device is monitored by an interlock loop that disables operation if it is opened. The interlock loop is typically connected to a vacuum controller, it should disable the device if the vacuum pressure exceeds a certain value above which discharges might occur.

The temperature of the generator and its power supply is measured and supervised. The temperature values are used to control the cooling fans. If the temperature rises above a predefined level, the generator and its power supply are disabled.

The actual settings of the output amplitude and other operation parameters are stored in a non-volatile memory and are automatically restored at the next device startup.

The generator controller is equipped with a USB and/or a LAN data interface. They allow to transfer measurement and settings data to or from the device and to control it remotely.

The interface can be used to remotely control the device by simple Windows™ programs. These utilities can also obtain hardcopies, i.e. save the current LCD contents to a bitmap file at the host computer. Alternatively, you may write your own user software based on the supplied software interface. Upon request, software interface for LabVIEW or other development systems is available. The USB interface can also be used to upgrade the firmware.

Devices containing this module: RF Generators RFG300-DLU

#Technical Data

Characteristics

• Control and monitoring of two symmetrical RF outputs
• Monitoring of generator supply voltage and heatsink temperature
• Monitoring of generator operating voltage and temperature
• Providing an interlock loop
• Supply voltage supervision
• Microcontroller: 16-bit RISC running at 16 MHz
• User-friendly graphical interface
• Non-volatile memory (FRAM) to permanently store device setting
• USB and LAN data interface

Human Interface

• Monochrome LCD display 128×64 pixels; pixel size: 0.5 mm, pixel color: yellow, background: blue, background illumination: white LED
• Keypad: 5 keys: 4× direction + 1× "enter"
• Rotary encoder: 24 positions per revolution, integrated press button, located beneath the LCD for general control
• Optional external shutdown button via the interlock loop

Digital Interface

• Interface parameters:
  • Data rate: 230.4 kBaud
  • Data bits: 8
  • Stop bits: 1
  • Parity: even
• USB interface according to USB 2.0 standard
  • Connector: USB receptacle type B
  • Data transfer rate: up to 12 MBit/s (Full Speed)
  • Effective data transfer rate: >10 kBit/s
• LAN interface according to Ethernet 10/100BaseT standards
  • Connector: LAN receptacle RJ-45
  • Data transfer rate: 10/100 MBit/s (Fast Ethernet)
  • Effective data transfer rate: >10 kBit/s

#Download

User Manual

Software

Firmware

Utilities