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Products described in this manual are manufactured under international patents and one or more of the following U.S. patents: 5,142,483, 5,257,640, 5,331,838, 5,445,035. Other U.S. and international patents pending. DH Instruments, DH, DHI, molbox, molbox RFM, molbloc, molbloc-L, molbloc-S and CalTool are trademarks, registered and otherwise, of DH Instruments, a Fluke Company.
RFM behavior based on the symptoms of that behavior. Certain words and expressions have specific meaning as they pertain to molbox RFM. Section 8 is useful as a quick reference for exact definition of specific words and expressions as they are used in this manual.
SELF PROTECTION functions as well as a gas purge routine. molbox RFM provides a local user interface via a front panel key pad and display and includes advanced on-board functions. Remote communication capability is supported with RS232 and IEEE-488 interfaces.
1 Precision: Combined linearity, hysteresis, repeatability. 2 Stability: aximum change in zero and span over specified time period for typical molbox RFM and molbloc used under typical conditions. As stability can only be predicted, stability for a specific molbox RFM should be established from experience.
1 Precision: Combined linearity, hysteresis, repeatability. 2 Stability: Maximum change in zero and span over specified time period for typical molbox RFM and molbloc used under typical conditions. As stability can only be predicted, stability for a specific molbox RFM should be established from experience.
Precision: Combined linearity, hysteresis, repeatability. Stability: Maximum change in zero and span over specified time period for typical molbox RFM and molbloc used under typical conditions. As stability can only be predicted, stability for a specific molbloc and molbox RFM should be established from experience.
The front feet are extendible so that the unit can be inclined for easier viewing. The molbox RFM can also be mounted in a standard 19-in. rack mount using the optional rack mount kit (P/N 401465). For additional information, contact your DHI Sales Representative.
85 to 264 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 22 VA max. consumption. molbox RFM is always powered and active when power is supplied through the rear panel power connector. The front panel ON/OFF key controls a SOFT ON/OFF (see Section 3.3.3).
Care should also be taken to make sure that the pressure and flow supplied to the molbloc are always low enough to avoid over pressuring the molbox RFM RPTs (see Sections 1.2.2, 3.1.6). If a DUT upstream of the molbloc is operated at high pressure, a pressure reducing regulator should be connected between the DUT and the molbloc to ensure that even momentary high pressure spikes do not reach the molbox RPTs.
2.4.1 POWER UP Connect the molbox RFM power cable to an electric supply of 85 to 264 VAC (47 to 440 Hz). Observe the front panel display as molbox RFM initializes, error checks, calibrates its internal ohmic measurement system and goes to the main run screen (see Section 3.2). The top left side of the main run screen should display a flow value near zero or <BPR HI>.
MEASUREMENT function and service may be required. 2.4.4 LEAK CHECK It is recommended that a new molbox RFM be leak checked at start-up to assure that no internal leaks developed during shipping and handling. Run the molbox RFM on-board INTERNAL LEAK CHECKING function (see Section 3.4.5).
Most molbox RFM settings, such as gas, units, K factor, etc., are common to both molbloc-L and molbloc-S operation. Changes made to these settings while operating one type of molbloc will still be in effect when the other type of molbloc is connected.
BPR limits, when the molbloc-S downstream pressure is known: In actual operation, molbox RFM calculates the Re and BPR ratio and provides an indication of whether the BPR is adequate for measurements to be made.
RFM is equipped with a SOFT [ON/OFF] key and indicator LED on the bottom left hand corner of the front panel. The purpose of the SOFT ON/OFF key is to put molbox RFM into a dormant mode in which the display is turned OFF but power is still supplied and OVERPRESSURE functions are still active.
To determine if a molbox RFM is equipped with the microrange option, check the model number on the product label on the bottom of the molbox RFM case. If the model number includes a “-M”, the microrange option is installed.
3. OPERATION MAIN RUN SCREEN The molbox RFM MAIN run screen is its home display that is reached upon power up and from which other functions and menus are accessed. It is the top level of all menu structures. It indicates the current measured flow as well as a variety of additional information, if desired.
RFM™ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL molbox RFM has a SCREEN SAVER function that causes the display to dim if NO key is pressed for 10 minutes. Pressing a key restores full power to the display. The screen saver activation time can be changed or screen saving can be completely suppressed (see Section 3.6.5.1).
(see Section 4). 3.3.1 KEYPAD LAYOUT AND PROTOCOL Molbox RFM has a 4 x 4 keypad for local operator access to direct functions, function menus and for data entry. The Function/Data keys allow very commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the MAIN run screen by a single keystroke.
RFM is equipped with a SOFT [ON/OFF] key and indicator LED on the bottom left hand corner of the front panel. The purpose of the SOFT ON/OFF key is to put molbox RFM into a dormant mode in which the display is turned OFF but power is still supplied and OVERPRESSURE functions are still active.
3.4.1 PURPOSE To cause the flow value calculated by molbox RFM to be multiplied by a factor, K. Generally used to apply a test device’s gas correction factor used when a test device is calibrated with a gas other than its normal process gas.
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SF6 flow x 0.970 = equivalent SiH4 flow for the MFC The K function in molbox RFM allows a gas conversion factor to be entered by which flow values measured by molbox RFM will be multiplied. In this example, 0.970 would be entered as K so that the values indicated by molbox RFM when SF6 is flowing through the molbloc simulate the flow of SiH4 for that manufacturer's MFC.
3.4.2 [GAS] PURPOSE To specify the gas that is currently flowing through the molbloc so that molbox RFM uses the correct gas property values in its flow calculations. PRINCIPLE molbox RFM calculates the flow through a molbloc from: •...
The selected gas is always displayed in the upper right hand corner of the MAIN run screen. The gas selected on molbox RFM should always be the gas that is flowing through the molbloc. molbloc/molbox does not use K factors or gas conversion factors between gases.
It is different from the relative humidity value, which is usually expressed as a percentage. Typical values of W are between zero and 0.06. molbox RFM does not accept an entry for W greater than 0.1.
RFM can also display the measured flow in two different units of measure simultaneously (see Section 3.4.6.5). OPERATION The UNIT function is used to set the unit of measure of the molbox RFM flow display. To change the flow unit of measure press [UNIT]. 1sccm 2slm 3uccm...
Therefore, to accurately predict volume flow at another point in the system, molbox RFM must calculate volume flow based on the mass flow through the molbloc and the gas pressure and temperature at that other point, not at the molbloc.
The UNIT function provides a choice of six different flow units of measure. The units that are available by default are the six indicated in Section 3.4.3. However, molbox RFM supports many other units. These other units can be made available for selection by customizing the UNIT function.
(see Section 3.4.4.1). • PURGE function: To purge the molbloc connecting lines and molbox RFM internal volume of a first gas with a second gas by flowing the second gas through the molbox RFM (see Section 3.4.4.2). •...
RFM™ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL • AUTOZ function: To periodically offset the molbox RFM RPTs relative to a reference pressure value in order to compensate for possible changes in the RPT zero between full recalibrations (see Section 3.4.4.4). •...
3. OPERATION When the TARE function is activated, molbox RFM’s internal valves operate to pneumatically connect together the two absolute transducers, and both legs of the microrange option differential transducer if present, at the molbloc operating pressure. The user can select whether this pressure is the upstream or...
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RPT malfunction, molbox RFM checks the tare values before they are activated and displays warnings when appropriate. In the most extreme case, molbox RFM will not allow the tare value to be activated. The limits checked and their consequences are as follows:...
RPTs, and the average of the two readings is used as the measured molbloc upstream pressure. To take advantage of this RPT averaging, the molbox RFM must be in either BPR OFF or Auto BPR mode (see Section 3.6.9).
<2Purge> PURPOSE To purge the lines between the molbloc and the molbox RFM and the internal molbox RFM volumes of one gas with another gas by setting up an internal valving configuration in which gas flows through the molbox RFM.
RFM and/or the system to which it is connected for leaks. PRINCIPAL molbox RFM is used both as a tool to accurately measure unknown flow values and as a calibration standard to calibrate other devices by comparison. Leaks within the molbox RFM pneumatic circuit can cause erroneous flow measurements.
OPERATION Press [TARE] and select <3leak check>, <1molbox>. If the molbox RFM has a microrange option, microrange RPT <1active> or <2bypassed> must be selected to proceed (see Section 3.1.5). The next display is:...
RPT reading. Leak check count down in seconds. molbox RFM counts down for 60 seconds while monitoring the ratio of the two pressures and then determines whether an internal leak was present. A significant leak in a pressure isolation valve or a bypass valve between the two channels will cause the ratio between the two pressures to vary.
Failures in the system leak check do not normally indicate defects in the molbox RFM or molbloc itself. The molbox leak check is used to identify molbox RFM failures.
(downstream of the molbloc and the DUT if the molbloc/molbox is being used to test another device). Using the molbox RFM display to read the pressure set the pressure to the normal operating pressure. FOR SYSTEMS WITH MASS FLOW CONTROLLERS (MFCs):...
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3. OPERATION After 30 seconds, if the stability check is not passed, molbox RFM displays: Leak is too large to • If the pressure was not stable: continue • Temp change was too If the molbloc temperature change was too great: great to find leaks •...
RFM™ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL To run the leak test, select <1run>. molbox RFM actuates internal valves to connect the upstream and downstream RPTs together, so they are both measuring an equal system pressure. (see Figure 10). 1. High Isolation: Open 2.
3.4.4.4 <4AutoZ> PURPOSE To offset the molbox RFM absolute reference pressure transducers (RPTs) relative to a reference value in order to compensate for possible changes in RPT zero between full recalibrations. Improper use of the AutoZ function can cause out of tolerance pressure measurements.
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PRINCIPAL AutoZ Purpose and Principle The main component of the change over time of the molbox RFM RPTs is change in zero or offset, independent of span. Offsetting or “rezeroing” molbox RFM RPTs relative to a reference between recalibrations allows measurement uncertainty specifications to be maintained with less frequent full calibrations.
• Select <2view> to view the current values of P for the two RPTs. offset should be zero when the molbox RFM is new or has just been calibrated. offset • Select <3edit> to edit the values of Poffset. The value of P is always displayed and entered in Pascal (Pa).
When AutoZ is run, the molbox RFM internal valves are actuated to connect both molbox RPTs to the Hi port on the molbox RFM rear panel (see Figure 21 in Section 5.2.4.1). Be sure the Hi port is fully open to atmosphere when running AutoZ.
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RFM and the RPMx RS-232 interfaces must be set up properly (see Section 3.6.6.1). If, the molbox RFM is unable to locate an RPM ON COM2 when running AutoZ by COM2, it times out after 6 seconds and displays an error message.
RFM™ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL If molbox RFM is able to communicate with an RPMx on its COM2 port, the display is: Real time reading (without head correction) of upstream (1, Hi) RPT in unit of measure on line 2.
RPTs, depending on which BPR mode is used (see Section 3.6.9). When molbox RFM is in a valve state called BPR OFF, the molbloc-S downstream pressure is not measured and both RPTs are used to measure the molbloc-S upstream pressure.
3. OPERATION 3.4.6 [DISPLAY] PURPOSE To select, from a variety of choices, the information that is displayed in the molbox RFM main run display. PRINCIPLE molbox RFM supports a variety of ADVANCED FLOW MEASUREMENT functions that are generally displayed on the second (bottom) line of the molbox RFM display. In summary, the...
Pressing [+/-] toggles between the MAIN run AVERAGE screen and the instantaneous values AVERAGE screen. The instantaneous AVERAGE screen is: Instantaneous flow value at molbox RFM’s normal integration rate. Countdown in seconds until completion of on- * 101.59 sccm...
Press [ENTER] to start totalizing. The elapsed time counter starts and the total mass or volume begins to accumulate. Totalizing continues until the set totalize period is complete. When the totalizing period is complete, molbox RFM sounds three beeps and displays the totalizing complete screen in which the total flow or volume and elapsed totalizing time are frozen with totalizing time NOT flashing.
F 99.24 default when FREEZE DISPLAY is first activated). Pressing [ENTER] causes the current flow measured by molbox RFM to be captured and displayed. If the flow measurement unit is changed while the FREEZE DISPLAY is active, the FREEZE value defaults back to zero.
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Automatic microrange ON is indicated by an <m> in the microrange status character of the main run screen. If molbox RFM is not equipped with the microrange option, a 5 second message indicates that the microrange option is not installed.
EEPROM each time it powers up. However, if the molbloc connected to the molbox is changed without turning the molbox RFM OFF and back ON, the new molbloc and the previous molbloc’s calibration information will continue to be used.
3.4.9 [RES] PURPOSE To set the resolution of molbox RFM’s display of the flow through the molbloc and other flow display and entry values. PRINCIPLE The resolution with which the flow measured by molbox RFM is displayed can be adjusted. This feature can be used to reduce the resolution when lower precision measurements are being made and additional digits might confuse or distract the operator.
(e.g., quantities shown by the [DISPLAY] functions). [SETUP] PURPOSE The [SETUP] key accesses a menu of commonly used molbox RFM functions and features that do NOT have direct function keys. These functions include: <1flowU> To customize the flow unit choices available under [UNIT] (see Sections 3.5.1 and 3.4.3).
<2presU> PURPOSE To select/change the unit of measure in which molbox RFM displays pressure values. OPERATION To set the unit of measure in which molbox RFM displays pressure values, press [SETUP] and select <2presU>. Pressure unit type: The display is:...
(see Section 3.1.3). PRINCIPLE molbox RFM continuously monitors the rate of change of flow through the molbloc to which it is connected and compares this rate to the stability limit to make a Ready/Not Ready determination (see Section 3.1.3). The STABILITY function allows the stability limit to be adjusted by the user to increase or decrease the stability required for a Ready (<*>) condition to occur.
3.5.6 <6ADJ> PURPOSE To apply adder (FA) and multiplier (FM) coefficients to the flow measured by molbox RFM. PRINCIPLE The ADJ function gives the user the capability to adjust mass flow readings made by molbox RFM. This is accomplished by setting an adder and a multiplier.
(See section 3.6.2). [SPECIAL] PURPOSE The [SPECIAL] key accesses a menu of molbox RFM functions and settings that are less commonly or not normally used in regular operation. These functions include: <1reset> Access and execute various reset options (see Section 3.6.1).
Reset clears settings that the user may have made, and should be used only to restore the molbox RFM to a known state. molbox RFM will go through its reboot routine after any type of reset is executed.
3.6.1.3 <3COM> OPERATION/PURPOSE To access Reset - Com, press [SPECIAL] and select <1reset>, <3com>. Reset - Com clears and sets to default the molbox RFM communications ports (see Section 3.6.6). This includes: • COM1 and COM2 Baud rate: 2 400...
PRINCIPLE molbox RFM’s front panel user interface provides the means to access all molbox RFM u s e r d e f i n e d d a t a , s e t t i n g s a n d f u n c t i o n s i n c l u d i n g c a l i b r a t i o n d a t a .
• OPERATION molbox RFM is delivered with NO active password so access to the User Level menu is open. The user level is set to <1Low>. User levels can be changed freely until a password has been created. RESET functions (see Section 3.6.1) do not affect the password setting.
<1change user level 2edit password> screen. The first field, <nnnn>, is the serial number of the molbox RFM, followed by a second field, <xx>, that counts the number of times that a secondary password has been used. The second field increments each time a secondary password is used.
Other menus can be observed but the MAIN run screen can not be accessed and no molbox RFM internal valves can be operated. To return the molbox RFM to normal operation, it must be turned OFF and back ON or press [ENTER] from the overpressure screen.
PRINCIPLE molbox RFM provides audible feedback by a brief “beep” when a valid key press is made. Invalid key presses are indicated by a descending two tone “blurp”. The frequency of this valid key press beep may be selected from three choices or all keypress sounds may be suppressed.
DATE function to set your local time and date. 3.6.5.4 <4ID> PURPOSE To view or edit the molbox RFM user ID and to view the molbox RFM serial number. PRINCIPLE molbox RFM has a factory programmed serial number that is included on the product label on the bottom of the case and can be viewed in the introductory screen.
COM1 sends a message to COM2. COM2 sends a message to COM1. In each step, molbox RFM checks the message received at the receiving COM port. If the receiving COM port times out or receives an incorrect message, that step of the test fails.
The IEEE-488 port address can be defined from 1 to 31. The default address is 10. The molbox RFM sends a line feed (<LF>) and asserts the EOI line at the end of all transmitted messages. It looks for a line feed and/or assertion of the EOI line to terminate incoming messages (see Section 4.2.2).
MICRO function (see Section 3.4.7). PRINCIPLE The molbox RFM microrange option (if present) improves molbox RFM flow measurements below 10 % FS of the measurement range. See Section 1.2.4.1.1 for a complete description of microrange principles. The differences between automatic microrange and manual microrange...
In this case, it is useful to make a head correction to the pressure measured by the molbox RFM in order to predict the pressure actually applied at a different height.
PRINCIPLE When molbloc-S elements are used with molbox RFM, the RPT which is normally used to read molbloc downstream pressure, may be pneumatically connected to either the molbloc-S nozzle’s upstream or downstream pressure, by molbox RFM internal valving. The two RPTs are used to simultaneously measure upstream pressure when possible to minimize the uncertainty on molbloc-S upstream pressure measurement by averaging the two RPT readings.
RPTs upstream. As an alternate to operator switching between BPR ON and BPR OFF, molbox RFM has a BPR mode called AUTO that uses on-board logic to determine when to turn BPR ON and OFF. In BPR AUTO mode, the molbox uses cues based on flow and pressure changes, stability, and proximity to the Reynolds number-based BPR limits to determine when to switch between the BPR ON and BPR OFF valve states.
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(calculated from empirical testing of molbloc-S choking ratios, see Section 3.1.2), then, once the flow is stable within 0.5 % of reading for 3 seconds, molbox RFM switches to BPR OFF valve state and begins live averaging of the two RPT pressure values.
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In Auto mode, when the valves are in BPR OFF state, flow is calculated from the average of the two RPT pressure readings as in BPR OFF mode. When the molbox RFM valves switch to the BPR ON valve state in Auto mode, the tare can no longer be dynamically calculated because the two RPTs are not measuring the same pressure.
Sending a command to the molbox RFM will place it into remote mode. The remote indicator in the lower right hand corner of the molbox RFM front panel will light when the molbox RFM is in remote mode. It will also flicker when a command is received.
RS232 INTERFACE To establish RS232 communications a standard “pin to pin” DB-9F to DB-9M RS232 cable must be used to connect the host COM port to molbox RFM COM1. The interface settings of both ports must be the same. molbox RFM supports an independent RS232 self-test to verify that the molbox RFM RS232 ports are operating correctly and the interface cable being used is valid.
4.3.1 COMMAND SYNTAX All molbox RFM commands are ASCII strings. The user must wait for the molbox RFM to reply before sending another command. An exception to this is the use of any of the IEEE STD. 488.2 Common Commands via the IEEE-488 interface (these common commands are shown first, and always start with an asterisk, “*”).
Read or set the molbox RFM ID. Read or set the “K” factor. KFACT(=) Start a molbox RFM or system leak check cycle or check if a cycle is complete. LEAKCK(=) Enable the front panel controls if in remote and go to local.
4.3.3 ERROR MESSAGES The molbox RFM will always reply to a command. If the command is incorrect or contains invalid data, an error number will be returned in the form “ERR# n” where n is an integer number that represents a specific error.
RFM™ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL Table 22. Error Messages REPLY DESCRIPTION ERROR “The molbox RFM is in high security level and cannot accept remote commands” ERR# 0 “OK” ERR# 1 “molbloc flow is too great” ERR# 2 “Text argument is too long”...
4.3.4.1 IEEE STD. 488.2 COMMON AND STATUS COMMANDS The molbox RFM supports a set of commands that are common to all instruments conforming to IEEE Std. 488.2 protocol. Though defined by the IEEE-488.2 standard, they also apply to molbox RFM RS232 (COM1) communications. These commands make it easy to perform basic functions for any device that supports them.
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Syntax “∗OPC” “∗OPC?” Remarks This command enables the molbox RFM to set the OPC bit in the standard event status register when it has completed all pending functions. The query replies with a “1” when all functions are complete. Since the molbox RFM does not support overlapping commands, this command has no practical use.
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Resets the molbox RFM settings to factory settings. Syntax “∗RST” Remarks This command sets the molbox RFM settings to factory settings which is equivalent to pressing [SPECIAL] on the front panel and selecting <5Reset>, 1sets. This does not affect the communications settings.
(as if the “∗RST” program message was executed), and the ∗TST query returns a ‘1’. If the molbox RFM passed the test on power up OR if the ∗TST query was used at least once since the unit was powered up the reply is ‘0’.
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Syntax “ABORT” Remarks This command should be used to ensure that molbox RFM is in a known state. The tare, purge, and leak check cycles put the RFM into a condition where it is not usable for normal flow measurement, so the “ABORT” command should be used before general operation of the unit begins if the previous state of the unit is not known.
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Remarks The next available measurements are replied. This can take up to 1 second, since the molbox RFM waits for the next flow measurement before replying. The reply starts with the flow ready information. Then the flow value is given in the current flow units.
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The number of stop bits. This may be ‘1’ or ‘2’. Defaults “COM1=2400,E,7,1” “COM2=2400,E,7,1” Remarks The COM1 port is used to communicate to the molbox RFM. When the COM1 port configuration of the molbox RFM is changed, the command reply will be sent at the old COM1 settings, subsequent...
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RPT. The pressure returned by this command is the differential pressure value that is being used by molbox RFM to calculate flow. Depending on the microrange setting, this can be the tare adjusted difference between the 2 absolute RPTs, the tare adjusted microrange RPT, or a combination of the two.
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Syntax “FR” Remarks The next available flow value is read in the current flow units. This can take up to 1 second, since the molbox RFM waits for the next flow measurement before replying. The reply also contains ready information.
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The flow unit used to display the measured flow. Remarks The flow unit displayed can be changed using this command. The flow unit must be supported by the molbox RFM. The flow unit protocol is the same as the front panel flow unit definitions. Example Command: “FUNIT=SLM”...
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Remarks The user defined ID label can be used to allow the user to “tag” the molbox RFM with a unique identifier. This ID is stored in non-volatile memory and cannot be erased by a power failure, system fault or reset.
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4. REMOTE OPERATION LEAKCK(=) Purpose Starts a molbox RFM or system leak check cycle or checks if a cycle is complete. Syntax “LEAKCK=type(,microrange)” “LEAKCK” Arguments type: “BOX” starts a leak check cycle on the molbox internal circuit. molbox must prepared for the leak check by setting pressures and venting ports before the leak check is executed.
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Remarks The AUTOMATIC and MANUAL MICRORANGE functions control the way that the microrange option is used in the molbox RFM. The command in it’s query form can also be used to tell if the microrange option is installed in a molbox RFM.
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The external molbloc header data includes the serial number, range, calibration date, and PRT calibration data. This data is stored in the molbloc, and is downloaded to the molbox RFM on power up. The data for the active molbloc is returned in a single,...
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PRTs. Example Command: “OHMS” Reply: “107.075 Ohms, 107.079 Ohms” Errors ERR# 42: There is an error in the molbox RFM PRT measurement. See Also 3.2.5, “TEMP”, “STDRES” PCAL(=) Purpose Read or set the user RPT calibration adjustments (PA, PM). Syntax “PCAL=upadder, upmult, dnadder, dnmult, ( mradder, mrmult)”...
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"READYCK=1" command when the molbox RFM is in a Not Ready (NR) condition, the reply will be "READYCK=0". If you set READYCK=1 when the molbox RFM achieves a Ready (R) condition, you can use READYCK later to determine if a Not Ready (NR) condition has occurred.
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Read the serial number of the molbox RFM. Syntax “SN” Remarks Each molbox RFM is serialized. This serial number is also imprinted on the product label on the bottom of the molbox RFM and is displayed in the power up introductory screen. Example Command: “SN” Reply: “SN”...
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Reynolds number of 1 200 allowed for a valid measurement. A “b” will appear if the molbox RFM is busy with a tare, leak check or purge cycle which does not allow normal operation.
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Syntax “TARE” Remarks The user should set the molbox RFM valves to the tare condition (see “TARESETUP”) and check the tare conditions before taring the internal transducers (see “TARESET”). The returned data will allow the user to determine if the current conditions will allow a valid tare.
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RFM™ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL TARESETUP(=) Purpose To prepare the molbox RFM to be tared and to return the unit to normal operation after a tare has been completed. Syntax “TARESETUP=mode “TARESETUP” Defaults “TARESETUP=OFF” Arguments mode: “OFF” Allows normal operation of the molbox RFM.
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999 to 999 Pa). Remarks “TARESET” will automatically tare the molbox RFM only if the tare results are within the limits given (see the “TARE” command). Use the “TARESETUP” command to prepare the unit to be tared, and the “TARE” command to check if conditions are valid.
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RFM™ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL Purpose Read the molbox RFM version. Syntax “VER” Remarks The software version of the molbox RFM can be read. This is useful for checking for the presence of the molbox RFM and for reference purposes. Example Command: “VER”...
The status system includes the status reporting system which reports general molbox RFM events. The user can select which molbox RFM events will cause a status change event. These events are then reported to the status system (bit7 and bit3 of the status byte register), which also must be configured for the STATus subsystem to generate the service requests described in Section 4.4.1.
Indicates that the SRQ line of the IEEE-488 interface has been asserted by the molbox RFM. This bit is cleared when a serial poll is performed on the molbox RFM, and is a part of the status byte register when read using a serial poll.
4.4.1.2 STANDARD EVENT REGISTER The molbox RFM contains an 8 bit Standard event register that reflects specific molbox RFM events that are not RPT dependent. Enabled events in this register will set or clear the ESB bit of the status byte register.
For rapid assistance in specific situations and other troubleshooting information, see Section 6. molbox RFM is covered by a limited one year warranty. Unauthorized service or repair during the warranty period is undertaken at the owner's risk and may cause damage that is NOT covered under product warranty and/or may void the product warranty.
• One to measure molbloc downstream pressure If molbox RFM is equipped with the microrange option (see Section 3.1.5), it also has a third low differential RPT. To calibrate an RPT, pressures from a pressure standard are applied to the RPT at ascending and descending pressure points over the RPT range.
For information on preventing access to calibration information, see Section 3.6.2. A new molbox RFM is delivered with user PA and PM values set to zero (0) and one (1) respectively for all RPTs. This does NOT mean that the molbox RFM has NOT been calibrated.
• Accuracy of ± 2 Pa (0.0003 psi) or better, if best molbox RFM accuracy is to be obtained. A lower accuracy standard may be used but molbox RFM accuracy may be degraded from published specifications proportionally.
For information on preventing access to calibration information see Section 3.6.2. PURPOSE To read the output of molbox RFM RPTs in calibration mode; view and edit the calibration coefficients and calibration date. PRINCIPLE The molbox RFM CAL function contains all of the functions needed to perform RPT calibrations in one menu area.
<4cal>, <1pressure>. Select RPT: 1upstrm The display is: 2dnstrm 3micro The <3micro> option is not present if the molbox RFM does not have the microrange option (see Section 3.1.5). Select the desired RPT and then select <1run>. Selecting <3micro> causes a warning message to appear concerning possible overpressure of the microrange RPT.
To view or edit PA and PM calibration coefficients (see Section 5.2.1.1) and the calibration date for each Reference Pressure Transducer (RPT). Capability to view and edit the values of the reference resistors used by molbox RFM’s ohmic measurement system (see Section 5.3) is also provided here. This capability is normally used only by a DHI Authorized Service Provider.
(see Section 5.2.4.1). Apply the calibration pressures (generally 20 % increments ascending and descending) for the RPT(s) recording the pressure applied by the standard and the molbox RFM RPT(s) reading(s) at each calibration point. The standard calibration range for the upstream and downstream absolute RPTs is 70 to 550 kPa absolute (10 to 80 psia).
RFM reads the correct corresponding temperature when that resistance is connected. Reference resistors mounted in a molbloc simulator for easy connection to molbox RFM using the normal molbloc connection cable can be purchased from your DHI Sales Representative (molbloc simulator, 107 Ω, P/N 401232).
OPERATION To verify the molbox RFM ohmic measurement system proceed as follows: Connect a molbloc simulator P/N 401232 to the molbox RFM and initialize it as if connecting a molbloc (see Section 2.3.3). Press [P&T] and then [+/-] to display the molbox RFM temperature measurement.
Check that top cover mounted cooling fan operates when molbox RFM is powered. To open the molbox RFM case, remove the pop-off screw covers on the top of the case. Then remove the four case screws. Lift OFF the cover taking care NOT to damage the electrical leads that connect the molbox RFM main board to the cover mounted cooling fan.
UP (HI) and DOWN (LO) rear panel ports and bypass the two ports together. If molbox RFM is equipped with the microrange option, a fourth (3-way) solenoid valve puts the microrange differential RPT into and out of service (bypassed or not bypassed).
COM ports for reading RPTs. 5.6.1.9 COOLING FAN The cooling fan is mounted to the molbox RFM top cover and connected to the main board. It is a 5 V brushless DC fan, max. air flow 0.13 m3m (4.6 cfm). Page 147...
Before assuming that unexpected behavior is caused by a system defect or breakdown, the operator should use this manual and other training facilities to become thoroughly familiar with molbox RFM operation. This troubleshooting guide is intended as an aid in identifying the cause of unexpected molbox RFM behavior and determining whether the behavior is due to normal operation or an internal or external problem.
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BPR below the BPR limit at the current Reynolds numbers. 3.1.2, 1.2.4.2.1. Pressure indicated by molbox RFM never There is a leak in the molbox RFM Find and correct leak. Consider using becomes stable. and/or in the system to which it molbox RFM LEAK CHECK functions.
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Turn on microrange option. (3.4.7) the low end of the range. microrange but the option is not Flow indication appears to be incorrect by molbox RFM needs to be correctly Tare molbox RFM. Be sure to tare a constant offset amount.
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RPTs; check value. defective; RPT calibration is bad; calibration of RPTs; leak check molbox there is a leak inside molbox RFM RFM. (5.2 and 3.2.4.3.1) causing a differential pressure. Leak check does not indicate pass/fail in Improper expectation for Normal molbox RFM operation. molbloc-S molbloc-S operation.
7. APPENDIX CONVERSION OF NUMERICAL VALUES molbox RFM performs all internal calculations in SI units. Numerical values input or output in other units are converted to SI immediately after entry and back to other units just before output as needed.
7. APPENDIX WARRANTY STATEMENT Except to the extent limited or otherwise provided herein, DH Instruments, a Fluke Company (DHI) warrants for one year from purchase, each new product sold by it or one of its authorized distributors, only against defects in workmanship and/or materials under normal service and use. Products which have been changed or altered in any manner from their original design, or which are improperly or defectively installed, serviced or used are not covered by this warranty.
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K Factor DUT. Microrange An optional molbox RFM feature which improves flow measurement resolution and accuracy under 10 % of FS of the molbloc. Includes a low differential RPT and valve to put the RPT into and out of service.
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User Level Level of security that can be set to prevent access to certain molbox RFM functions. Volumetrically based mass flow units of measure with a user set reference temperature.