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Chapter 1 introduction, 4 digital i/o – INFICON SID-142 Thin Film Deposition Controller User Manual

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Chapter 1

Introduction

1-3

The six SoftKeys provide easy access to the common operating functions. A single
tabbed dialog box provides all of the settings required for a thin film process. Material
parameters, sensor/source setup, pre/post conditioning, and error conditions are all
visible on a single screen. Process settings, numeric data, and graphical displays are
displayed during all phases of deposition.

The SQS-142 software stores process parameters in a Microsoft Access compatible
database. This provides virtually unlimited access to desktop tools for building and
analyzing thin film processes.

1.4 Digital I/O

Digital I/O for the SID-142 is provided through an inexpensive, external, programmable
logic controller (PLC). This allows the PLC, and the associated I/O wiring, to be placed
in a convenient location in a wiring cabinet. A single, serial communications cable runs
to the SID-142 computer. The PLC provides electrical isolation, fail-safe operation, and
extensive I/O processing capabilities through its ladder logic programming.