INFICON SID-242 Thin Film Deposition Controller - Manual (Page 10)

Chapter 1 Introduction
1-3
The six SoftKeys provide easy access to the common operating functions. A single
tabbed dialog box provides all of the settings required for a thin film process. Material
parameters, sensor/source setup, pre/post conditioning, and error conditions are all
visible on a single screen. Process settings, numeric data, and graphical displays are
displayed during all phases of deposition.
The SQS-242 software stores process parameters in a Microsoft Access compatible
database. This provides virtually unlimited access to desktop tools for building and
analyzing thin film processes.
The SQS-242 software can be controlled from another computer using the RS-232 or
Ethernet command protocol.
1.4 Digital I/O
Digital I/O for the SID-242 is provided through an inexpensive, external, programmable
logic controller (PLC). This allows the PLC, and the associated I/O wiring, to be placed
in a convenient location in a wiring cabinet. A single, serial communications cable runs
to the SID-242 computer. The PLC provides electrical isolation, fail-safe operation, and
extensive I/O processing capabilities through its ladder logic programming.