INFICON MPI-16 Crucible Indexer - Manual (Page 11)

MPI-16 & MPI-16H POCKET INDEXERS
General Description 1-1
1 General Description
1.1 Purpose
The MPI-16 Pocket Indexer allows for automatic or manual control of multi-pocket beam
sources that have a 4:1 gear reduction. It utilizes a stepper motor and is capable of
accurately indexing a very wide assortment of crucibles. Automatic control is easily
achieved by connecting the MPI-16 to a Deposition Controller, such as the INFICON
MDC-360. Manual control is also made simple by connecting the MPI-16 to the optional
Remote Panel. A Safety Interlock relay ensures that the e-beam supply is not active
during pocket rotation.
1.2 Features
The MPI-16 is rich in features and was designed to be the most flexible, powerful, and
intuitive crucible indexer of its kind. There are two versions of the indexers, the MPI-16
(Standard) and MPI-16H (High Torque). Except for the torque and speed, the two
versions have the same functions. The following list summarizes their main
characteristics.
1.2.1 Indexing
Both MPI-16 and MPI-16H can be configured to index up to 16 individual pockets.
Specifically, it can be set for use with 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16 pocket positions, as well as
circular (continuous trough) pockets. Up to two banana (partial trough) pockets of any
length may be specified. UHV (Ultra-High Vacuum) crucibles are also supported. The
MPI-16 can be set to Fast rotation mode, which uses a “smart” algorithm to select the
shortest path to the target pocket (this setting can be overridden, however, by explicitly
specifying clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation).
1.2.2 Speed
1.2.2.1 MPI-16 Speed
While searching for a target pocket, the MPI-16 output shaft rotates at a fixed speed of 16
RPM. While on a Circular or Banana pocket, the output shaft sweeps through the
specified region at a speed that is set by via the remote inputs, the remote panel or on the
indexer. The speed may be set to any one of eight settings, which fall between 0.125
RPM and 16 RPM.
1.2.2.2 MPI-16H Speed
Unlike the standard version, the MPI-16H output shaft rotates at the speed that is set by
the remote inputs, the remote panel or on the indexer, whether it was searching for a
target pocket, or sweeping on a Circular or Banana pocket. The speed may be set to any
one of eight settings, which fall between 0.125 RPM and 16 RPM.
1.2.3 Torque
As mentioned earlier, there are two versions the indexer, the standard torque MPI-16 and
the high torque MPI-16H. In both versions, the indexers normally run in Low Current
mode to save power and reduce heat. They will only switch into higher torque mode, as