INFICON MDC-361C Thin Film Deposition Controller - Manual (Page 11)

1. INTRODUCTION
This supplement is to be used with the MDC-360C Manual. Its intention is to point out
the differences between the MDC-360C and the MDC-361C. Information supplied
herein is either a replacement or addition to the MDC-360C Manual.
The MDC-361C Deposition Controller was designed for users who want to interface to
the controller solely through a computer. The MDC-361C is a black box version of the
MDC-360C Controller, meaning an MDC-360C with all of the front panel displays and
keys removed. The users can either create their own computer software for a custom
interface or purchase INFICON's DCM-250 computer software to provide complete
computer control of the deposition process.
The key point to emphasize here is, since the MDC-361C is a black box, there is no user
interface on the front panel. All functions are provided through the computer interface.
2. COMPUTER INTERFACES
The MDC-361C is equipped standard with an RS-232 serial interface through a 9-pin D-
Sub located on the rear panel. Optionally, RS-485 and IEEE-488 interfaces are available.
Refer to Section 10 of the MDC-360C Manual for details on communication protocol of
these interfaces.
3. DISPLAY DESCRIPTION
Minimal indicators are provided on the MDC-361C front panel. There are four LED’s
displaying the data exchange status between the MDC-361C and the computer. Also,
there are four indicators displaying the MDC-361C’s status. The front panel indicators
are described below.
3.1 RS-232/RS-485 INDICATORS
RTS (Request to Send)
Indicates the host is permitting the MDC-361C to transmit data.
TxD (Transmit Data)
Indicates data being transmitted from the MDC-361C to the host. This LED will briefly
flash each time the 361C sends data to the host.
RxD (Receive Data)
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