RF systems

RF Power Generators and Impedance Matching Networks

Complete RF Power Generation System with Automatic Impedance Matching Network, Matching Network Controller-Power Supply and all Necessary Interconnect Cables

Complete RF Power Generation System


Complete Power Generation Systems

A 13.56 MHz power generator packaged in a 19" 1/2 rack configuration and a separate impedance matching network are provided. This allows the matching network to be located as close to the sputtering source or plasma load as possible. This is highly desirable and minimizes many problems like high reflected power, power cable overheating and burn-throughs and other unsafe conditions. Short cables are good. The impedance matching network provides the user with a broad tuning range. The impedance matching network is configured to enable it to match a wide range of impedances. The RF generator allows precise control from the front panel or via a rear panel analog or optional RS-232 interface. Power and tuning (capacitor) adjustment are accomplished either through knobs on the manual tuning network (forward and reflected power are read on the power generator front panel) or adjusted and read on the automatic matching network controller front panel or on the users sytem controls through the analog or optional RS-232 interface.

A set-point potentiometer allows the operator to set and vary Forward/Incident RF Power. Digital meters display Forward and Reflected/Reflectant Power developed on the source. The external control interface on the back of the unit allows the power generator to be controlled by the user's programmable controller or computer. LED indicators provide visual indications of the status of safety and functional interlocks. The power generation system incorporates high efficiency switch mode power supplies and solid-state technology. They are very robust and can accept 30% reflected power before they operate in fold-back mode.


300 watt and 600 watt 13.56 MHz packages - economically priced


Automatic and manual impedance matching networks available


19" 1/2 rack mount power generator, separate matching network


Complete - all necessary interconnect cables provided


Easy to read digital displays - user friendly controls


RS-232 and analog communication capability


Air cooled


CE, CSA and UL compliant



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Switching systems

DC/RF Power Supply Switches

Low-cost switching modules allow one or two RF or DC power systems to be remotely switched between multiple sputtering sources for flexible R&D operation and reduced power-supply count. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Ion_DC_-_Two_Power_Supply


Complete Power Generation Systems

These modules provide an easy way to remotely switch the output of one or two power systems between two sputtering sources per power supply. This provides a cost-effective approach in many R&D environments. They can replace the need for multiple separate power supplies at considerable cost savings. In the case of multiple sputtering sources using RF power, it is best that an individual impedance matching network be provided for each source, with the power switch located between the RF power generator and the impedance matching network. This ensures the individual load represented by each sputtering source can be optimized for different target materials and varied states of erosion. If the switch is located after the output of a single impedance matching network, it is likely that the network will have to be adjusted to compensate for significantly different loads (ie - metal target on one source and a dielectric target on the second source). High quality vacuum relays are used in the switches instead of open frame relays. Vacuum relays are preferred because they are more robust and provide reliable long-term operation.

The user must provide the necessary 24 VDC (< 1 amp) signals needed to operate the relays from a PLC or computer control system. An optional 1/2 rack remote controller is available. The controller comes with a 10' control cable.


Low cost method to sequentially run multiple sputtering sources using a single DC or RF power supply


2, 3 or 4 output models


2 power supply input models allow two power supplies to be connected to a single switch


Vacuum relays provide robust, reliable switching

RF_Switch_0006

Optional Remote Controller

Two Input Switch

Switch_Pattern_Schematic-1_Input

One Power Supply Switched Between Up to 4 Outputs

One RF and One DC Power Supply (or two of each type) Connected to Switch Allows Two Outputs per Power Supply. Both Power Supplies Can be Run Simultaneously.

Specifications

Power Rating
3 to 5000 watts
Input Connector(s)
Female HN standard
Output Connectors
Female HN standard
Size
6.50” x 7.50” x 2.00”
Weight
3 pounds

Technical Considerations

Operation

Turn off the power supply before changing the power output selection. These switching modules are not interlocked and therefore the user will need to ensure that the relays are not "hot-switched" as extreme damage to the relays will occur. This type of damage is not covered under warranty.
Output Power Cable Length

We suggest that you use a maximum RG-393 cable length of 36" [915mm] when using RF power supplies. This length will limit the amount of lost RF power (as heat) and maximize the power transfer to the sputtering source. DC magnetron power supplies should use cable lengths of 8-10' [2.5 - 3 meters].
Coaxial Cable Types

RF Power: RG-393 should be used. Do not used RG-400 unless the power level is below 100 watts.

DC Power: RG-8/U should be used.
Matching of Different RF Sputtering Cathode Impedance

Each user will require a somewhat different RF matching configuration based upon cable lengths, target materials and overall process conditions. A typical single sputtering source/impedance matching network combination is optimized to match just the connected source. If the user changes target materials (i.e. sputtering a metal and then changing to a dielectric), then the matching network may require adjustment of the series inductor (changing the tap setting) or in some cases the addition of fixed shunt capacitance. Always refer to the matching network instruction manual for specific information relating to setting up the match.
* Limits on Maximum Power Rating Due to Connector Types

The vacuum relays used in the switch are conservatively rated for 5kW service. However, of the three most common connectors used (HN, UHF and N), only HN connectors have a sufficiently high voltage rating (5000V Peak) to guarantee the 5kW rating. Depending upon where switches with UHF (500V Peak) or N (1500V Peak) connectors are located (at the output side of the matching network or in-between the power generator and the matching network) in RF systems or simply the connector type when used just with DC power supplies, the maximum power rating will be lower. Consult the factory for your specific situation.
RF filters

DC Pass/13.56 MHz RF Blocking Filters

These filters protect DC power supplies and control systems from RF interference and damage when RF power is present in the sputtering environment. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

DC Pass RF Blocking Filter

Description

Simply put, if you will run an RF power supply simultaneously with a DC magnetron power supply, you need one of these. This filter is required to be installed on the output of the Ion™ series power supplies when 13.56 MHz RF power is present in the sputtering environment ( including substrate bias and heaters in addition to RF power to one or more sputtering sources). Its use results in keeping the RF energy inside the “process” instead of leaking out and radiating. Radiation of RF energy may cause coupling to adjacent system cabling and interference with the connected hardware. The filter allows low-frequency (DC) < 1 MHz to pass from the DC power supply to the sputtering source while at the same time preventing RF power from interfering with or damaging DC or AC power supplies. The filter uses a “Pi” topology and ferrite cores. This is a somewhat more expensive, but much more reliable design compared to “L” topology without a ferrite core. Ferrite cores improve the stability, sensitivity and reliability of the filtering function. Plainly stated – the filter is more effective. Note that the orientation of the filter is important. The capacitor must always be on the power supply side (“output”) to ensure process stability. Input and output are defined as follows: Output: Toward Plasma Load Input: Toward DC or AC Power Supply


Protects DC Power Supplies and Control Systems from Damage & Interference


Filters RF from DC Components


Low Frequency DC (<1 MHz) Passes Through Without Interference


3 watts to 4 KW from 1 to 13.56 MHz


Connects at Output of DC Power Supply


CE, CSA & UL Compliant



Specifications

Part Number
00002374
Frequencies Attenuated
1 to 13.56 MHz
Power Rating
100 to 4000 watts RF (4A @ 1000V)
Input Connector
Female HN standard (Female UHF (SO 239) or N optional)
Output Connector
Female HN standard (Female UHF (SO 239) or N optional)
Size (L x W x H)
6.50” x 3.50” x 3.00” (165.10 mm x 88.90 mm x 76.20 mm)
Weight
1.9 pounds (861 grams)


Interface

Ion_DC_-_RF_Blocking_Filter