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Inficon IC6 - User Manual

Inficon IC6
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OPERATING MANUAL
IC6
Thin Film Deposition Controller
IPN 074-505-P1E
C
over
P
age

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • C
    Christopher TaylorAug 19, 2025
    Why Inficon IC6 Controller displays 'CoDep Not Calibr(ated)'?
    • W
      William WoodsAug 20, 2025
      If the co-deposited materials lack calibrated thickness values in the material setup for all active sensors, the Cross Talk calibration becomes uncalibrated. To resolve this, ensure that the Material parameter Cal Thickness values are entered for all active sensors, either manually or via automatic calibration. Alternatively, set the Layer parameter Co-Dep to No.
  • A
    Allison WiseAug 21, 2025
    What to do if Inficon IC6 displays 'Crystal Fail'?
    • S
      sheila81Aug 22, 2025
      The Inficon Controller shows 'Crystal Fail' when one or more active sensors fail to measure a crystal. This message clears from the numeric list when all sensors in use are functioning correctly, or when any sensor in use is good.
  • J
    jessica50Aug 23, 2025
    Why Inficon IC6 Controller displays 'Max Power'?
    • L
      Lucas GordonAug 25, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'Max Power' when the source power reaches the maximum power programmed for an active layer. This message disappears when the source power is reduced from the maximum power.
  • A
    Amanda HicksAug 26, 2025
    What does 'Min Power' mean on Inficon IC6 Controller?
    • J
      Joshua MartinAug 26, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'Min Power' when the source power reaches the programmed minimum power while in a rate control state. This message will not appear if the Minimum power is programmed for 0.0%. The message disappears when the source power is greater than the programmed minimum power or when the IC6 leaves rate control.
  • S
    Scott DoyleAug 27, 2025
    What does 'Crystal Switching' mean on Inficon Controller?
    • T
      Tyler HolmesAug 27, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'Crystal Switch(ing)' when a multi crystal sensor is switching to a new crystal. The message is replaced with Switcher Error message when the sensor switching has reached its next position.
  • R
    Robert DavisAug 29, 2025
    Why Inficon IC6 displays 'Carousel Open'?
    • J
      Jennifer LucasAug 30, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'Carousel Open' when the Crystal12 carousel is not detected as in place. This message disappears when the carousel is detected or when the sensor type is set to something other than Crystal12.
  • T
    Timothy GonzalesAug 31, 2025
    What does 'Control Delay' mean on Inficon IC6 Controller?
    • M
      Michael RiceSep 1, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'Control Delay' when the Delay option is set to Control and a material enters the control delay. The message disappears when the control delay is complete.
  • K
    Kevin StephensSep 2, 2025
    What is 'Transfer Delay' on Inficon IC6 Controller?
    • J
      Joseph BrownSep 3, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'Transfer Delay' when the Sensor Shutter delay for a transfer sensor is active. The message disappears when the transfer delay is complete.
  • M
    Michelle YoderSep 5, 2025
    What does 'RateWatcher Delay' mean on Inficon Controller?
    • R
      Richard WileySep 5, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'RateWatcher Delay' when RateWatcher is turned on and the active state is displayed. Only one state per material can be active at a time. The message disappears when RateWatcher is inactive or as the RateWatcher state changes.
  • B
    Brittney SnyderSep 6, 2025
    What does 'Soak Hold Pre Con' mean on Inficon IC6 Controller?
    • C
      Courtney CarlsonSep 6, 2025
      The Inficon Controller displays 'Soak Hold Pre Con' when a Soak Hold condition is active. The message disappears when the Soak Hold condition is no longer active.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction and Specifications

1.1 Introduction

Overview of the IC6 as a closed loop process controller for thin film deposition.

1.2 IC6 Safety

Details definitions of Notes, Cautions, Warnings, and general safety information.

1.3 How To Contact INFICON

Information on contacting INFICON for support, sales, and repair services.

1.4 IC6 Specifications

Comprehensive technical details including measurement capabilities, features, and physical properties.

1.5 Unpacking and Inspection

Procedures for safely removing the IC6 from its packaging and inspecting for shipping damage.

1.6 Parts and Options Overview

Details base configurations, pre-installed options, and optional accessories for the IC6.

1.7 Initial Power-On Verification

Steps for performing a preliminary functional check of the IC6 before formal installation.

Chapter 2: Installation and Interfaces

2.1 Location Guidelines

Recommendations for properly installing the IC6 for optimal performance and longevity.

2.2 Avoiding Electrical Interference

Guidelines for minimizing electrical noise and ensuring proper shielding and grounding.

2.3 Connecting the Controller

Information on connecting power and signal interfaces to the IC6 and owner equipment.

Chapter 3: Operation

3.1 Front Panel Controls

Identifies and describes the functions of all controls located on the IC6 front panel.

3.2 Rear Panel Interfaces

Outlines the various interfaces and connectors available on the rear panel of the IC6.

3.3 Displays

Explains the different display screens for monitoring and programming processes.

3.4 Process Description

Explains how the IC6 allows sequential deposition control and co-deposition features.

3.5 State Descriptions

Explains the various states of operation for the IC6, including conditions and relay contact status.

3.6 Special Features

Highlights special features like Crystal Switching, Source/Crucible Selection, Auto-Z, and Auto Tuning.

Chapter 4: Sensor & Source Set-Up

4.1 Sensor Set-Up Introduction

Overview of the IC6 sensor measurement capabilities and configuration process.

4.2 Source Set-Up Introduction

Overview of configuring the six source control channels of the IC6.

4.3 DAC Output Selection Rules

Rules governing the use of DAC outputs for rate control or recorder functions.

Chapter 5: Material Set-Up

5.1 Introduction

Information on storing and defining parameters for up to 32 materials.

5.1.2 Material Definition

Process for defining materials, including chemical formula, density, and Z-Ratio.

5.1.3 Material Screen Source Page Parameters

Parameters related to source configuration for each material, including power limits and recorder settings.

5.1.4 Material Screen Sensor Parameters Page

Parameters for selecting sensors, tooling factors, and multipoint averaging for material control.

5.1.7 Deposit Page Parameters

Parameters for controlling deposition rate, time limits, and final thickness actions.

Chapter 6: Process Set-Up

6.1 Process Set-Up Introduction

Overview of storing parameters for up to fifty processes, each with up to 200 layers.

6.3 Curr(ent) Proc(ess) Page

Shows the layer sequence for the current or last edited process.

6.4 Process Layers 1 - 10 etc.

Details how to define and edit layer parameters within a process.

6.5 Special Layer Parameter Features

Covers features like Skip Deposit for controlling layer processing.

Chapter 7: General Parameters

7.1 General Set-Up Overview

Overview of top-level parameters that define the controller's system-level activities.

7.2 General Screen Process Page

Details parameters for Active Process, Layer to Start, Auto Start Next, and Max Concurrent Layer.

7.4 COMM Page Parameters

Settings for datalogging, RS-232, and Ethernet communication parameters.

7.7 TEST Page Set Up

How to enable and configure the software-controlled test mode for operation verification.

7.8 LOCK Page Code Set-up

Setting up program and file access codes to prevent unauthorized parameter changes.

Chapter 8: Digital I;O

8.1 Digital I;O Screen

Overview of the Digital I/O screen for configuring inputs and outputs on I/O boards.

8.2 All Input Page

Displays all assigned input names and indicates active inputs with darker font.

8.3 All Output Page

Displays all assigned output names and indicates active outputs with darker font.

8.4 I;O Board Page

Details the mapping of names and output types for each I/O board.

Chapter 9: Logic Statement Set-Up

9.1 Logic Statement Overview

Explains how to use programmable logic capabilities to control processes without operator intervention.

9.2 Editing the Logic Statements

Steps for accessing and editing logic statements, including viewing groups and individual statements.

9.3 IF Event Definitions

Lists and explains various event conditions that can be used in the IF part of a logic statement.

9.4 THEN Action Definitions

Lists and explains various actions that can be triggered by the THEN part of a logic statement.

9.5 Logic Statement Example

A step-by-step example of creating a logic statement for process automation.

Chapter 10: Remote Communications

10.1 Remote Communication Configuration Overview

Describes how to remotely control, program, or interrogate the IC6 using a command set.

10.2 Physical Connections

Details the available hardware ports for data communication: RS-232C and optional TCP/IP.

10.3 Message Format

Explains the structure of commands and responses for remote communication protocols.

10.4 Communication Commands

Lists and describes the various query, update, status, and action commands for remote control.

Chapter 11: Applications

11.1 Multiple Sensor Deposition Control

Explains how to use multiple sensors for monitoring and controlling deposition processes.

11.2 Trend Analysis

How to output rate and thickness information from sensors to DAC outputs for analysis.

11.3 IC6 Cygnus Emulation

Features of the IC6 that support Cygnus applications in OLED manufacturing.

11.4 IC6 Four & Six Layer (Cygnus Emulation) Configuration

Guidance on configuring the IC6 for simultaneous multi-layer or co-deposition processes.

Chapter 12: Maintenance and Calibration Procedures

12.1 Importance of Density, Tooling and Z-Ratio

Explains how density, tooling, and Z-Ratio are crucial for accurate thickness measurements.

12.2 Determining Density

Step-by-step procedure for determining the film's bulk density value.

12.3 Determining Tooling

Procedure for calculating the tooling factor to account for material flow differences.

12.4 Laboratory Determination of Z-Ratio

Method for determining Z-Ratio values, including direct measurement and formula calculation.

12.5 AutoTuning

Feature for automatically characterizing system response and optimizing control loop parameters.

12.6 Determining Cross Talk Calibration For Co-Deposition

Feature to eliminate interference between sensors in co-deposition processes.

12.7 Source Maintenance

Procedures for toggling shutters, rotating crucible indexers, and adjusting source power.

12.8 System Status

Shows installed option boards and firmware versions for system diagnostics.

Chapter 13: Counters & Timers

13.1 Introduction

Overview of the IC6's counters and timers for customizing logic statements and process control.

Chapter 14: USB Storage

14.1 File Handling (USB)

Information on using the USB port for configuration files, screen captures, and data logs.

14.3 Configuration Files

How to save and retrieve IC6 configurations to a USB storage device.

14.4 Data Logs

Details on how data log files are generated, named, and stored on the USB device.

14.5 Screen Captures

How to capture and save screen images to the USB device, including file naming and deletion.

Chapter 15: Troubleshooting, Status and Error Messages

15.1 Status Messages

Lists status messages with designators for Material, Source, or Sensor, and their remote encodings.

15.4 STOP messages

Explains causes of STOP messages and their designators for Material, Source, or Sensor.

15.5 Transient Messages

Temporary messages displayed as conditions occur, removed by key press or new message.

15.6 Input Error Messages

Error messages for invalid parameter entries, indicating input errors with color changes.

15.7 Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom/Cause/Remedy charts to help diagnose and resolve IC6 operational issues.

15.8 Replacing the Crystal

Procedures for replacing crystals in various sensor types like Front Load, Cool Drawer, and Sputtering.

15.9 Crystal Sensor Emulator

Using the Crystal Sensor Emulator for diagnosing measurement system problems and specific diagnostic procedures.

Chapter 16: Measurement and Control Theory

16.1 Basics

Fundamental principles of quartz crystal microbalance operation and measurement.

16.1.3 Z-match Technique

Explanation of the Z-match equation and its use in calculating deposition Z-Ratio.

16.1.6 Auto-Z Theory

Theoretical basis for the Auto-Z feature and conditions under which a crystal may be 'unable to Auto-Z'.

16.1.7 Control Loop Theory

Principles of control loop theory, including PID models and Auto-Tune for process optimization.

Appendix A: Material Table

A.1 Introduction

Represents the content of the IC6's material library, listed alphabetically by chemical formula.

Inficon IC6 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandInficon
ModelIC6
CategoryController
LanguageEnglish

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