Structured Materials Industries Inc(SMI) of Piscataway, NJ, USA, which provides chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, components, materials, and process development services, has announced three updated products for process control systems: CVD Computer-PLC Control System Hardware, the CVD PLC/PAC Digital Control System Distribution Box, and the CVD PLC/PAC Analog Control System Distribution Box.
The three instruments, together with SMI’s Smart Control System Software, constitute a complete process control system for a wide range of applications, including CVD/MOCVD (metal-organic chemical vapor deposition) systems, atomic layer deposition (ALD) systems, and other thin-film of chemical process systems. The firm says that the hardware provides a simple and direct process control hardware and cabling interface for any process.
The CVD Computer-PLC Control System Hardware’s core consists of an industrial computer and an industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable automation controller (PAC). The PLC interfaces to SMI’s powered (±15VDC) Analog Distribution Module and to its Digital Control Distribution Module, both of which are rack-mounted platforms that provide up to 48 channels of analog I/O plus 24VDC power per channel, 64 channels of digital output and 32 channels digital input distribution in a standard package - both are expandable. Supporting the assembly are an industrial-grade monitor, keyboard with track ball mouse or track pad with pointer, and an industrial power outlet strip. A UPS system is optional.
The CVD PLC/PAC Digital Control System Distribution Box is a rack-mount platform that provides up to 64 channels of digital output and 32 channels digital input distribution. Digital output voltage is +24VDC (current sinking) for typical operation of electro-pneumatic valves, solenoid contractors and equivalent devices. Digital input (sink/sourcing) provides for event triggering or interlock/alarm function to any control system. The +24VDC supply also provides power for the output opto-isolated sections of the PLC or PAC.
The CVD PLC/PAC Analog Control System Distribution Box is a rack-mount platform that provides up to 48 channels of analog I/O distribution per box. The unit provides cable access from the PLC or PAC and to the hardware with integrated ±15VDC power for discreet devices such as mass flow controllers (MFCs), pressure controllers, pressure sensors, and liquid flow meters. Also included is a +24VDC supply to power the output opto-isolated sections of the PLC or PAC.
SMI has also announced an updated series of components for CVD, MOCVD, ALD, PVD and PLD researchers: the Standard & Custom Filaments & Heating Assemblies for Oxidizing or Reducing CVD, MOCVD and Related Environments. The firm says the components provide an economical solution to diverse heating problems. Designed for oxidizing and reducing environments, the heating assemblies span the temperature range from room temperature to 2400°C. The components can be highly customized and have been used in diverse applications and configurations, the firm adds. The heating elements are suitable for static and rotating disc reactors and have also been configured for tape and in-line type systems.
Finally, SMI has launched a series of components for CVD, MOCVD and ALD researchers: CVD, MOCVD & ALD Completely Dis-Assemble-Able Bubblers and Sublimators. The firm says that the components provide an economical, reusable and self-cleanable all-metal (to atmosphere) precursor reservoir for use with CVD, MOCVD and ALD systems. The units can easily be taken apart, the firm adds. Also, if an individual component needs to be replaced, this can be done so without throwing away the rest of the assembly. Custom sizes can be fabricated to order.
