BALZERS IKR020

Technical Specifications​

Cold-cathode ionization configuration: published measurement range approximately five times ten to the minus third mbar to ten to the minus tenth mbar, with some supplier data quoting alternate ranges such as five times ten to the minus first pascal to four times ten to the minus eighth pascal; verify against the installed gauge head.

Controller-only variants: supplier data list zero to one thousand thirteen mbar, stainless-steel body, M12 connection, less than five W power, minus twenty to plus sixty degrees Celsius, and plus or minus zero point five percent full-scale accuracy for certain part descriptions.

Other controller variants: RS232 only, zero to one thousand thirteen mbar, plus or minus zero point one percent reading plus one digit, less than three W, zero to fifty degrees Celsius, five to ninety-five percent noncondensing.

Cold-cathode functions: stable high voltage to gauge head, discharge-current measurement, and pressure calculation using the gauge calibration relationship.

Communication: RS232 on several controller variants; RS485 plus RS232 on certain cold-cathode controller descriptions.

Flange connection for gauge head: standard KF or CF according to head model and vacuum requirement.

Physical examples: approximately fifteen point eight centimeters by three point two centimeters by five point five centimeters and zero point six kilograms for one listed controller variant.

Functional Features​

Pressure readout in mbar, pascal, or other engineering units according to firmware and head configuration.

High-voltage supply and discharge monitoring for cold-cathode Penning-type heads.

Overrange, underrange, filament or discharge fault, and communication alarms where implemented.

Digital interface for PLC, SCADA, or laboratory data acquisition.

Calibration constants stored for the connected gauge head.

Application Scenarios​

Semiconductor process chambers and vacuum coaters using high-vacuum or ultrahigh-vacuum measurement.

Research vacuum systems, accelerators, and surface-science chambers with cold-cathode heads.

Industrial vacuum furnaces, leak-test stations, and thin-film deposition where the ordered IKR020 variant matches the pressure range.

General factory vacuum lines only when the controller range, sensor type, and accuracy class are confirmed.

Performance Parameters​

Cold-cathode measurement accuracy depends on gauge-head calibration, gas type, high-voltage stability, and discharge-current linearity.

Controller variants with wider mbar ranges provide different accuracy, temperature, and response values than cold-cathode UHV variants.

RS232 or RS485 update rate is determined by baud rate, controller firmware, and connected data system.

Stable flange sealing, clean vacuum chamber, and correct degassing procedure improve long-term repeatability.

Materials And Construction​

Controller enclosure: painted or stainless industrial housing according to variant.

Gauge head and flange: stainless steel with KF or CF fitting according to model.

Internal power supply, high-voltage stage for cold-cathode versions, current measurement circuit, microprocessor, and interface PCB.

Cable glands or M12/DB-style connectors according to ordered communication option.

Working Principle​

In cold-cathode configuration, the controller applies high voltage between cathode and anode in a Penning cell. Residual gas ions produce a discharge whose current relates to pressure through a calibrated nonlinear function. The controller measures discharge current, compensates for gas and head constants, and outputs pressure value through the display and communication interface. In general pressure-controller variants, the unit conditions the sensor signal, performs linearization, and transmits engineering values over the configured serial link.

Installation Requirements​

Mount the controller in a clean, dry cabinet with adequate ventilation and away from continuous condensation.

Connect the gauge head using the specified KF or CF flange, correct gasket, and torque procedure.

Clean sealing surfaces with suitable solvent; use no grease on vacuum seals unless the head manual explicitly permits it.

Connect RS232, RS485, or analog outputs using shielded cable with proper drain-wire grounding.

Match controller firmware, head type, and calibration constants before energizing the high-voltage stage.

Usage Precautions​

Do not assume one IKR020 data sheet fits every suffix; verify mbar, pascal, RS232, RS485, stainless, or cold-cathode details from the nameplate.

Avoid powering the cold-cathode high voltage with the gauge head exposed to atmosphere beyond permitted start conditions.

Prevent oil, solvent vapor, particles, and moisture from entering the gauge head.

Replace seals with compatible fluororubber, copper, or metal gaskets according to flange type.

Perform calibration and high-voltage inspection only with original BALZERS/Pfeiffer documented procedures.