VPi-4 iVacSens™ OEM Vacuum Transducer

MEMS Pirani Sensor

Wide Range MEMS Pirani sensor for measurement from 1.0E-6 to 10 mbar

Corrosion Resistance

Optional Ceramic or Parylene sensor protection

Digital Interface

UART and RS-485 Digital Interface for System Integration

High level Integration

For direct integration and interfacing to Customer Equipment

The iVacSens™ Series vacuum transducer module is the world’s smallest wide-range, multi-function vacuum gauge module. It functions as a fully featured traditional vacuum transducer and comes pre-calibrated and ready for immediate use.

Designed for seamless integration into high-performance equipment operating under vacuum, the iVacSens™ is ideal for applications such as mass spectrometers and scanning electron microscopes.

The iVacSens™ leverages the proven, record-breaking SmartPirani™ MEMS heat-loss sensor, which delivers best-in-class performance, a wider measurement range, and higher accuracy compared to traditional wire Pirani gauges, convection gauges, and legacy MEMS Pirani sensors.

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Leading Vacuum Measurement Technology ​

The VPi-4 iVacSens™ features the record-breaking MEMS heat-loss Pirani sensor, capable of measuring pressures as low as 1.0E-6 mbar (7.5E-7 Torr).


VPi-4 range

All measurement values are accessible via UART or RS-485 digital interfaces, providing flexibility for integration into various systems.

Temperature parameters can be monitored to issue warnings or control signals, allowing equipment to shut down in case of overheating or to support predictive maintenance strategies.

Customized Solutions

The transducer module can be configured with custom setpoint switch values and other digital parameters to meet specific application requirements.

For OEM customers, Sens4 offers tailored solutions, including customized installation flanges, interfaces, digital protocols, and cabling, ensuring seamless integration into unique equipment designs.

Flexible Operation and Configuration

The iVacSens™ offers a variety of analog and digital operation modes, enabling seamless integration into customer equipment.

iVacSens vacuum transducer module
VPi-4 Schematic

Analog Voltage Output

The standard analog voltage output delivers a signal of 150 mV/decade, which can be connected to an external analog-to-digital converter for straightforward data acquisition.


Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART)

The UART interface connects directly to a host microcontroller, allowing digital acquisition of measurement data and configuration of the iVacSens™ transducer module.


RS-485 Interface

The RS-485 interface supports parallel connection of multiple iVacSens™ devices, with each transducer individually addressable. This standardized interface ensures easy communication with external systems and is compatible with the VPM-5 and VPM-7 SmartPirani™ transducer series.

Setpoint Control Outputs

Three independent setpoints provide digital signals at user-defined pressure thresholds. These setpoints enable the iVacSens™ to function as a pressure switch, controlling vacuum processes or ensuring adequate vacuum levels for devices like ion sources.


The setpoint function can also act as a safety interlock switch, enhancing operational safety in critical applications.


Getting Started

The iVacSens™ evaluation kit allows users to effortlessly assess its features and measurement performance before integrating it into their equipment.

The kit includes USB connectivity and evaluation software for convenient setup and data analysis.

The evaluation sensor module is pre-mounted on a DN16KF vacuum flange, ensuring easy installation onto a vacuum system.


Applications & Markets

The VPM-4 SmartPirani™ is engineered for accurate measurement and control in advanced vacuum processes, making it ideal for a broad spectrum of industrial and scientific applications. Additionally, the VPM-4 series offers a diverse range of configurations to cater to various application-specific needs.

PVD

PVD Coating

The VPM-5 with serviceable baffle protection enable use and longevity in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating applications. 

Fore-line 

The VPM-4 is suitable for measurement surveillance of fore-line vacuum. Setpoint relays can be programmed to provide control signals to external equipment. 

Space Simulation

Space Simulation

Measure vacuum gas pressure when simulating the harsh environment of space.  

H2 Vacuum

Hydrogen Supply

Measurement and surveillance of insulation vacuum in Hydrogen storage tanks and supply lines.

Semiconductor

Semiconductor

CVD, PVD, and foreline vacuum measurement in Semiconductor applications. Ceramic corrosion resistant sensors available. 

Mass Spectrometers

Mass Spectrometers

Take advantage of the low pressure measurement capability offered by the VPM-4 in mass spectrometer instrumentation.

Specifications & Downloads

Specifications

Specifications


Measuring range in mbar

1×10-6 to 10 mbar (7.5×10-7 to 7.5 Torr)

Measuring principle 1×10-6 to 10 mbar 

MEMS Pirani thermal conductivity

Accuracy 1×10-5 to 9.99×10-5

25% of reading

Accuracy 1×10-4 to 9.99×10-1 mbar

5% of reading

Accuracy 1.00 to 10 mbar

30% of reading

Hysteresis 1×10-3 to 10 mbar (ISO19685:2017)

1%

Analog output resolution

12 bit 

Analog output update rate

124 Hz

Response time (ISO 19685:2017)

<20 ms

Temperature compensation

+10 to +50 °C

Solid state relay set point range

5×10-6 to 10 mbar (3.75×10-6 to 7.5 Torr)

Setpoint high level

>2.9 VDC

Setpoint low level

<0.4 VDC

Setpoint output source and sink current

1 mA maximum

Environment conditions


Operating ambient temperature

-20 to +50 °C  (-58 to 122 °F)

Media temperature

-20 to +50 °C  (-58 to 122 °F)

Storage ambient temperature

-40 to +125 °C  (-40 to +257 °F)

Bake-out temperature (non-operating)

+120 °C

Maximum media pressure(3)

10 bar absolute

Mounting position

Arbitrary

Protection rating, EN 60529/A2:2013

IP40

Humidity, IEC 68-2-38

98%, non-condensing

Power supply


Supply voltage

3.3-18 VDC

Power consumption

25 mW (max) @ 3.3 VDC supply

95 mW (max) @ 18 VDC supply

Reverse polarity protection

Yes

Overvoltage protection

Yes

Internal fuse

100 mA (thermal recoverable)

Approvals


RoHS compliance

Directive EU 2015/863

​(1) Accuracy specifications are typical values at stable temperature after zero adjustment.

​(2) Viton® is a trademark of THE CHEMOURS COMPANY FC, LLC

​(3) Overpressure limits only applicable with using fittings rated to the specified

Specifications are subject to change without further notice

Datasheet

 VPM-5 Datasheet

User Manual

> VPM-5 Shortform manual

> VPM-5 Operation and Installation manual


3D Step files

> VPM-5-1X


Declaration of Conformity

> CE Declaration of Conformity 


ROHS

> RoHS statement


REACH


Reliability

> Reliability report

STEP files
> VPM-5-10xxxxx2 (DN16KF with 15 pin HD D-Sub)

> VPM-5-10xxxxx2 (DN25KF with 15 pin HD D-Sub)

> VPM-5-80xxxxx2 (DN16KF extended with 15 pin HD D-Sub)


Do you need assistance to find the right vacuum measurement solution?

Reach out today to the Sens4 team for questions, product recommendations or quote. Learn more about how we can help!

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VPM-7 SmartPirani ATM

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