The EpiSoft control system comprises the EpiCAD software package integrated with the ControlFrame hardware interface unit.

The ControlFrame Interface Unit operates seamlessly with the EpiCAD control software to provide the interface between the host PC (running EpiCAD) and the deposition system. The ControlFrame comprises a "control" card (which communicates with a PCI-based card inserted into the computer over a high speed bus) and up to 17 "interface" cards that connect to the deposition system components. The control card manages distribution to and data access from the system interface cards, thus eliminating timing and other problems associated with PC-based real-time control. Each interface card has local intelligence, providing fast and efficient data transfer to the system components.

The ControlFrame is expandable by the user - cards can be added/subtracted - and the ease with which the software can be reconfiguring to match changing requirements provides "future-proofing" for your MBE system.

Key Features

• 3U 19" rack-mounting unit
• Accommodates main control card and up to 17 system interface cards
• Can be daisy-chained to provide "infinite" expansion capability
• Any combination of serial, digital and analogue cards can be accommodated, in any order, to match any system configuration
• Serial card include RS232, RS422, RS485 and dual versions (i.e. 2 ports on each card). All settings (baud, parity, etc.) are software selected.
• Analogue card include single channel, high speed input data capture, and 8/16 channels input/output cards. Voltage and current loop versions.
• Digital cards include 16-channel opto-isolated I/O, 32- channel TTL-level I/O and 12 and 24 relay outputs.