VPM-17 TriCAP™ ATM Transducer

Ultra-wide Measuring Range

9 decades from 1.0E-6 to 1333 mbar with Gas independent Measurement from 5E-3 to 1333 mbar

Novel Quad Sensor Combination

MEMS Pirani, Capacitance Diaphragm, Piezo Diaphragm and Barometric Combination

CDG Automatic Zero Adjustment

The CDG AutoZero function eliminates need for manual zero adjustment

Atmospheric Switch Functionality

Measurement Relative to Atmosphere Enable Precise Venting Control of Vacuum System

The VPM-17 TriCAP™ ATM transducer sets a new standard as an all-in-one measurement solution for a broad range of vacuum applications. Unlike other vacuum gauges, it provides a cost-effective, gas-independent measurement range from 5.0E-3 to 1333 mbar, along with Pirani heat-loss measurement capabilities down to 1E-6 mbar.

In vacuum applications where gas composition or type may vary, traditional gas-dependent Pirani gauges can lead to measurement inaccuracies. The TriCAP™ ATM transducer incorporates a precision capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG) sensor, eliminating gas dependency and ensuring accurate measurements even with changing gas properties.

In addition to vacuum measurement, the VPM-17 enables pressure measurement relative to atmospheric pressure, allowing accurate control of vacuum system venting.

Do you need another VPM-17 configuration?

We offer a large selection of different configuration, so if you didn't find the right configuration in our Buy Now store please go to our VPM-17 RFQ / Order page.

Rethink Vacuum Gauging ​

The TriCAP™ ATM is a true novel multi-sensor vacuum gauge and is the choice for performance upgrade of traditional Pirani gauge applications or a cost optimized all-in-one solution for applications where separate capacitance manometers and Pirani gauges are used.


VPM-17 range

CDG Automatically Zero Adjustment

The integrated heat-loss MEMS Pirani sensor extends the measurement range down to 1E-6 mbar and introduces an innovative automatic zero adjustment for the capacitance manometer, eliminating the typical need for manual zeroing in traditional capacitance diaphragm gauges. No manual push-button zeroing is needed—simply pump down to the auto-zero point, and the Capacitance Diaphragm Gauge adjusts automatically and is ready for accurate measurements.

Enabling Use in Demanding Applications

For applications where sensors may be exposed to corrosive or aggressive gases, the TriCAP™ is available with a conformal protective coating that acts as an effective barrier.


The TriCAP™ transducer series also offers an optional ceramic or Parylene protective layer to prevent corrosion or oxidation of sensor materials. Ceramic is highly corrosion-resistant and is widely used for vacuum sensor diaphragms in capacitance diaphragm gauges. Parylene, a specialized polymer with excellent corrosion-resistant and hydrophobic qualities, is ideal for medical applications such as lyophilization and sterilization.


In some vacuum processes, particulates can threaten vacuum gauges. For these applications, TriCAP™ transducers are available with a protective baffle that guards against macroscopic particles. When combined with protective coating options, the TriCAP™ transducers are designed to withstand demanding vacuum environments.


VPM-17 Transducer with Protective Baffle

Analog Output

A wide selection of analog output scaling options to emulate other vendors’ vacuum gauges and transducers is available. 

An optional secondary analog output enables external monitoring of both the full-range vacuum pressure and the pressure signal relative to atmospheric pressure.

The analog output voltage provides a signal for external readout or controls. The VPM-17 offers as standard a voltage output signal of 1VDC/decade mbar, Torr, or Pascal. 


 

VPM-5 Analog Output

Connect Digital

The RS-232 and RS-485 serial interfaces can be used to transfer pressure and temperature measurement data to external equipment.

The digital interface enables diagnostics, predictive maintenance, service, calibration, setpoint configuration, analog output scaling, and the acquisition of real-time vacuum pressure measurements for on-screen visualization. 

Complementary datalogging software available for easy PC interfacing.

Reliable Setpoint Relay Control

The three independent solid-state switch relays can be used to control external equipment, such as pumps, valves, and safety interlock circuits.


Unlike electro-mechanical relays, solid-state relays provide greater reliability and faster switching speeds, with arc-free contacts and no EMI (electromagnetic interference) during switching.


TriCAP™ relays are engineered for durability and are UL-listed, CSA-recognized, and EN/IEC 60950-1 certified, ensuring high confidence in controlling critical vacuum processes and high-cycle applications.

VPM-5 Setpoint Control

Other Vendor Compatibility 

The VPM-17 TriCAP™ ATM transducer is available with pin compatibility, analog voltage pressure signal emulation, and digital protocol emulation with vacuum transducers and transmitters from other vendors.

These emulation features enable quick, seamless performance upgrades of legacy micro-Pirani transducers, allowing a transition to next-generation vacuum transducers without changing cabling and system equipment software.

The VPM-15 TriCAP™ will provide enhanced measurement performance in many applications when replacing legacy vacuum gauges and transducers.

The other vendor emulation also provides compatibility with other vendors' controllers and display units.


Customized Settings

The VPM-17 transducer can be delivered with a custom configuration to match specific application requirements and work for a specific equipment installation out of the box. Examples of pre-configured options include measurement range, vacuum pressure unit, setpoint configuration, and output signal scaling.

Customized products will be assigned a unique part number for easy and straightforward future reordering.



Applications & Markets

The VPM-17 TriCAP™ is designed for reliable measurement and control of advanced vacuum processes and is suitable for a wide range of applications in industry and science. A wide selection of VPM-15 configurations is available to meet different requirements across various applications.

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-5 in mass spectrometer instrumentation.

PVD

PVD Coating

The VPM-17 with serviceable baffle protection enable use and longevity in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating applications. 

Furnace Vacuum Applications

Furnace

Measure and control vacuum during vacuum heat treatment. Optional baffle and coating protection available for industrial applications.

Space Simulation

Space Simulation

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

Specifications & Downloads

Specifications


Measuring range in mbar

1E-6 to 1333 mbar (7.5E-7 to 1000 Torr)

Measuring principle 1E-6 to 1E-3 mbar 

MEMS Pirani thermal conductivity

Measuring principle 1E-3 to 5E-3 mbar

Blended MEMS Pirani / CDG 

Measuring principle 5E-3 to 3.99 mbar

Capacitance Diaphragm Gauge (CDG)

Measuring principle 4 to 5.99 mbar

Blended CDG / Piezo Diaphragm

Measuring principle 6 to 1333 mbar

Piezo Diaphragm

Accuracy 1E-5 to 9.99E-5 mbar

25% of reading

Accuracy 1E-4 to 9.99E-3 mbar

5% of reading

Accuracy 1E-2 to 799 mbar

0.5% of reading

Accuracy 800 to 1099 mbar

0.25% of reading

Accuracy 1100 to 1333 mbar

0.5% reading

Barometric measurement range

300 to 1200 mbar

Barometric accuracy

+/- 0.5 mbar

Atmospheric referenced pressure output range

- 1333 to + 1333 mbar

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

1%

Hysteresis 10 to 1333 mbar (ISO19685:2017)

0.1%

Analog output resolution

16 bit (150 μV)

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

5E-6 to 1333 mbar (3.75E-6 to 1000 Torr)

Solid state relay contact rating

50 V, 100 mArms / mADC

Solid state relay approvals

UL Recognized: File E76270

CSA Certified: Certificate 1175739

EN/IEC 60950-1 Certified

Environment conditions


Operating ambient temperature

-20 to +50 °C

Media temperature

-20 to +50 °C

Storage ambient temperature

-20 to +80 °C

Bake-out temperature (non-operating)

+80 °C

Maximum media pressure(3)

4 bar absolute

Mounting position 

Arbitrary (4)

Protection rating, EN 60529/A2:2013

IP40

Humidity, IEC 68-2-38

98%, non-condensing

Power supply


Supply voltage

12-30 VDC

Power consumption

350 mW (max)

Reverse polarity protection

Yes

Overvoltage protection

Yes

Internal fuse

100 mA (thermal recoverable)

Materials


Enclosure

SS 1.4307 / AISI 304L / Aluminum 6061

Vacuum Process flange (media wetted)

SS 1.4401 / AISI 316

Vacuum exposed materials (media wetted) Standard version

316 Stainless steel, Kovar, glass, silicon, nickel, aluminum, SiO2, Si3N4, AI2O3, gold, Viton®, low out-gassing epoxy resin, solder, RO4305, vitreous silica

Vacuum exposed materials (media wetted) Parylene protected version

316 Stainless steel, Viton®, Parylene

Vacuum exposed materials (media wetted) Ceramic protected version

316 Stainless steel, Viton®, Aluminum oxide ceramic (AI2O3)

Process leak tightness

<1·10-9 mbar·l/s

Approvals


CE

EMC directive 2014/30/EU

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

(4) After change of orientation zero adjustment may be required


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

> VPM-5-1111111 STEP file

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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