Leading Vacuum Measurement Technology
The VPM-4 SmartPirani™ Lite transducer delivers exceptional performance, setting new benchmarks in vacuum measurement by expanding the usable measurement range of thermal conductivity vacuum gauges down to the 1E-6 decade.
The SmartPirani™ Lite extended measuring range enables its use in areas traditionally dominated by hot cathode ionization gauges or cold cathode ionization gauges. The SmartPirani™ Lite is optimized for low-range measurement performance and has an upper measurement range of up to 10 mbar (7,5 Torr).
The SmartPirani™ transducer series also includes the full-range VPM-5 SmartPirani™, which offers gas-independent measurement from 2 to 1333 mbar, and the VPM-7 SmartPirani™ ATM, which additionally provides an atmospheric switch function.
Enabling Use in Demanding Applications
For applications involving exposure to corrosive or aggressive gases, the SmartPirani™ is available with a conformal protective coating that serves as an effective shield.
The SmartPirani™ transducer series now offers optional protective barriers made of ceramic or Parylene to guard against corrosion and oxidation of sensor materials. Ceramic is a highly corrosion-resistant material, widely used in vacuum sensor diaphragms for capacitance diaphragm gauges. Parylene, a unique polymer, provides exceptional corrosion resistance and hydrophobic properties, making it ideal for medical applications such as lyophilization and sterilization.
In vacuum processes where particulates may damage gauges, the SmartPirani™ transducers are available with a protective baffle to block macroscopic particles. Combined with the protective coating options, these new SmartPirani™ transducers are specifically designed to perform reliably in challenging vacuum environments.
Measure and Control Advanced Vacuum Processes
The VPM-5 SmartPirani™ is engineered for best-in-class measurement and control of vacuum gas pressure. Several output options provide more than just a pressure measurement signal.
Analog Output
The analog output voltage provides a signal for external readout or controls. The VPM-4 offers as standard a voltage output signal of 1VDC/decade mbar, Torr, or Pascal.
Furthermore, it can also be user configured or ordered preconfigured with a large selection of other analog output options that enables drop-in replacement of gauges from other vendors.
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.
Reliable Setpoint Relay Control
The three independent solid-state switch relays can be used for external control of pumps, valves, safety interlock circuits, and other external equipment.
Compared to electro-mechanical relays, solid-state relays offer superior reliability and faster switching times while providing arc-free contacts and generating no EMI (electromagnetic interference) when switching.
The SmartPirani™ relays are designed to last and are UL-listed, CSA-recognized, and EN/IEC 60950-1 certified for maximum confidence when used to control critical vacuum processes and high-cycle applications.
Other Vendor Compatibility
The VPM-4 SmartPirani™ transducer offers pin compatibility, analog voltage pressure signal emulation, and digital protocol emulation for seamless integration with vacuum transducers and transmitters from other manufacturers.
These emulation capabilities facilitate the effortless upgrade of traditional wire Pirani transducers, convection gauges, and legacy micro-Pirani transducers, enabling users to transition to next-generation vacuum technology without modifying cabling or system software.
By replacing legacy vacuum gauges and transducers, the VPM-4 SmartPirani™ delivers both cost savings and improved measurement performance across various applications.
Additionally, the emulation features ensure compatibility with controllers and display units from other vendors.
Connect Digital Through Supply Voltage Line
Traditionally, other vendors' transducers equipped with FCC68/RJ45/8P8C and Hirschmann connectors do not offer digital communication. The novel S4-Connect interface enables access to the digital core of the VPM-4 transducer through digital communication over the power supply line.
The S4-Connect USB communicator enables easy configuration of transducer settings, diagnostics, and adjustment of calibration.
Customized Settings
The VPM-4 transducer can be supplied with a custom configuration tailored to specific application needs, ensuring seamless integration and immediate functionality upon installation. Pre-configured options include measurement range, vacuum pressure units, setpoint settings, and output signal scaling.
Each customized product is assigned a unique part number, simplifying future reordering and ensuring consistency.
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 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
Measure vacuum gas pressure when simulating the harsh environment of space.
Hydrogen Supply
Measurement and surveillance of insulation vacuum in Hydrogen storage tanks and supply lines.
Semiconductor
CVD, PVD, and foreline vacuum measurement in Semiconductor applications. Ceramic corrosion resistant sensors available.
Mass Spectrometers
Take advantage of the low pressure measurement capability offered by the VPM-4 in mass spectrometer instrumentation.
