Inficon VGC083A User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

E
emilyjenkinsAug 4, 2025
What to do if my Inficon Controller shows EMIS FAIL?
- G
  gbrownAug 5, 2025
  If the Inficon Controller displays 'EMIS FAIL', it means the desired emission current couldn't be established, possibly due to gauge contamination, the end of filament life, or the system pressure being too high. Try switching to a 4 mA or 10 mA emission current and repeatedly start the filament to clean it. If that doesn't work, switch to the second filament and degas. If the problem persists, the ion gauge sensor tube may need replacement. Also, ensure that the system pressure is reduced to an acceptable level.
M
Michelle OrtegaAug 10, 2025
What to do if Inficon VGC083A displays OVERPRESSURE?
- T
  Terri MirandaAug 10, 2025
  If your Inficon Controller shows 'OVERPRESSURE', it indicates that the calculated pressure exceeds the maximum setting for the emission current, or the system pressure is too high. To resolve this, you can switch to a 100 µA emission current, which allows operation at higher pressures. Alternatively, reduce the system pressure to an acceptable level.
T
Tanya CurryAug 17, 2025
What does F1 or F2 OPEN mean on my Inficon VGC083A?
- K
  kathleen64Aug 17, 2025
  If the Inficon Controller displays 'F1 or F2 OPEN', this indicates that either Filament 1 or Filament 2 is open, or there is a faulty electronics. You can try switching to the other filament or replacing the Ion gauge sensor tube. If that doesn't work, replace electronics.
S
Steven WilliamsAug 23, 2025
What to do if Inficon VGC083A Controller shows CONNECT IG COMM IO FAIL?
- M
  Monica HaynesAug 23, 2025
  If the Inficon Controller shows 'CONNECT IG COMM IO FAIL', it means the IG is not connected, the cable is faulty, or the internal PCB is not communicating. Ensure the IG is properly plugged in. If it is, try replacing the cable.
M
mooredavidAug 28, 2025
How to fix OVER TEMP error on Inficon Controller?
- D
  Danielle DavisAug 28, 2025
  If the Inficon Controller displays 'OVER TEMP', it means the ion gauge cable is longer than 50 ft. To fix this, reduce the cable length to less than 50 ft. or provide airflow around the VGC083.

Inficon VGC083A Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Inficon
Model	VGC083A
Category	Controller
Input Voltage	24 VDC
Communication Interface	RS485
Temperature Range	0 to 50 °C
Measurement Range	0 to 1000 mbar
Operating Temperature	0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)
Power Supply	24 VDC
Weight	1.5 kg

Summary

Product Identification and Validity

Product Identification

Specifies product identification details from the nameplate.

Validity

Lists applicable part numbers for the document.

Important User Information and Safety

General User Information

General guidance on safe application and limitations of the equipment.

Safety Warnings and Cautions

Identifies warnings for hazards and cautions for minor risks.

1 Introduction / General Information

1.1 VGC083A Overview

Introduces the VGC083A controller and its system components.

1.2 VGC083B Overview

Introduces the VGC083B controller and its system components.

2 Technical Data

Measurement Range and Display

Specifies measurement ranges, display types, and units.

Functionality and Control Features

Outlines operational capabilities, sensor control, remote signals, and setpoint relays.

3 Important Safety Information

General Safety Precautions

General warnings about voltages, servicing, modifications, and environmental exposure.

Service and Operation Safety

Safety measures for installation, grounding, operation, and handling damaged units.

Electrical Conditions and Hazardous Gases

Electrical safety, grounding, control, overpressure, and hazardous gas handling.

4 Installation

4.1 Mechanical Installation - Controller

Instructions for mounting the VGC083 controller using panel or rack mount.

4.1.3-4.1.4 Gauge Mounting

Guidance on mounting ionization and convection gauge heads, considering orientation and environment.

4.2 Electrical Installation and Grounding

Details on electrical installation, grounding, and connecting cables.

Connection Interfaces

Covers power, relay, analog I/O, digital I/O, and serial communication connections.

5 Operation - IG and CG

IG Emission Current and Degas

Settings for IG emission current, degas procedures, and filament selection.

Filament Selection and Over-Temp

Choosing filaments, venting, and over-temperature shut down conditions.

5.6 Convection Gauge (CG) Initial Setup

Steps for initial setup, including setting zero and atmosphere.

6 Setup and programming

6.1 Power-Up & 6.2 Front Panel Display

Initial power-up sequence and explanation of front panel display elements.

6.3 User Interface & 6.4 Factory Defaults

User interface overview, navigation, and summary of factory default parameters.

6.5.1 SETUP UNIT Configuration

Configuration of units, info, alternate gauge types, calibration, and status settings.

6.5.2 ION GAUGE Programming

Programming parameters for Ion Gauge, including emission, degas, sensitivity, and trip points.

6.5.3 CONVEC GAUGE Setup

Setting zero and atmosphere for convection gauges CG1 and CG2.

6.5.4 RELAYS Configuration

Configuration of setpoint relay assignments, trip points, and delay times.

6.5.5 Analog Output Configuration

Configuring analog output types, scaling, and calibration for IG and CG.

6.5.6 SERIAL COMM & 6.5.7 DISPLAY Config

Configuration for serial communication and OLED display settings.

7 Analog Output Charts & Equations (Nitrogen/Air Only)

7.1 IG-CG1 0.5-7V Analog Output

Charts and formulas for IG-CG1 0.5-7V analog output.

7.2 IG LOG N-10 Analog Output

Charts and formulas for IG LOG N-10 analog output.

7.3 IG LOG N-11 Analog Output

Charts and formulas for IG LOG N-11 analog output.

7.4 IG LOG N-12 Analog Output

Charts and formulas for IG LOG N-12 analog output.

7.5 IG 1.8-8.7V Analog Output

Charts and formulas for IG 1.8-8.7V analog output.

7.6 IG LINEAR Analog Output

Charts and formulas for IG LINEAR analog output.

7.7 CG1/CG2 1-8V Analog Output

Charts and formulas for CG1/CG2 1-8V analog output.

7.8 CG1/CG2 0-7V Analog Output

Charts and formulas for CG1/CG2 0-7V analog output.

7.9 CG1/CG2 NON-LIN Analog Output

Charts and formulas for CG1/CG2 NON-LIN analog output.

7.10 CG1/CG2 LINEAR Analog Output

Charts and formulas for CG1/CG2 LINEAR analog output.

8 Using the Gauge with Different Gases

8.1 IG Display Correction Factors

Correction factors for IG display when using gases other than N2/air.

8.2 Convection Gauge Display Effects

How different gases affect convection gauge readings and precautions.

8.3 Analog Output Correction Factors

Applying correction factors to analog outputs for different gases.

8.3.1 IG Analog Output Correction Factors

IG analog output correction factors for selected gases and example calculations.

8.3.2 IG-CG1 0.5-7V Analog Output Correction Factors

Factors for IG-CG1 0.5-7V analog output, split by IG and CG ranges.

8.3.3 Convection Gauge Analog Output Correction Factors

Correction factors for CG analog outputs for different gases.

9 Communication Protocol (Serial Interface)

9.1 Device Specific Serial Communication Info

Serial communication capabilities and supported protocols.

9.2 INFICON RS232/RS485 Protocol Summary

Notes and summary of INFICON RS232/RS485 command protocol.

9.3 INFICON RS232 and RS485 Command Protocol Summary

Detailed command syntax and response examples for INFICON RS232/RS485 protocol.

9.4 RS232 GP 307 and 358 Protocol

RS232 protocol specifications for GP 307 and 358 controllers.

9.5 RS485 GP 307 and 358 Protocol

RS485 protocol specifications for GP 307 and 358 controllers.

10 Service

10.1 Calibration & 10.2 Troubleshooting

Calibration info, troubleshooting IG operation, error messages, and research screen diagnostics.

10.6 Maintenance

General maintenance recommendations and cleaning procedures.

11 Repair

12 Accessories

13 Storage

14 Disposal

EU Declaration of Conformity

Related product manuals

Inficon VGC083A User Manual

Table of Contents