Mark A. Zondlo and David S. Bomse

Southwest Sciences, Inc., Santa Fe, New Mexico

Identification and Quantitative Measurements

of Chemical Species by Mass Spectrometry

NASA/CR—2005-213820

November 2005
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Mark A. Zondlo and David S. Bomse

Southwest Sciences, Inc., Santa Fe, New Mexico

Identification and Quantitative Measurements

of Chemical Species by Mass Spectrometry

NASA/CR—2005-213820

November 2005

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Glenn Research Center

Prepared under Contract NAS3–01164
Available from

NASA Center for Aerospace Information

7121 Standard Drive

Hanover, MD 21076

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22100

Trade names or manufacturers’ names are used in this report for

identification only. This usage does not constitute an official

endorsement, either expressed or implied, by the National

Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Available electronically at http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov
1. Background

Mass spectrometry is often known as the gold standard of analytical chemistry techniques. No

other method can provide a similar combination of general utility, response time, and detection

sensitivity. But, mass spectrometers have typically been large, heavy, and required large amounts

of power to operate. 

In 1999, Southwest Sciences began working with Mass Sensors (St. Louis, MO) to develop a

miniaturized version of a double-focusing type of mass spectrometer. Much of that work was

supported by NASA’s SBIR program. The analyzer portion of the Mass Sensors device – which

was, in turn, based on intellectual property licensed from the University of Minnesota – is small

enough to fit in the palm of one hand. It uses a combined magnetic and electrostatic fields to

generate mass spectra; the magnetic field acts as a momentum selector (which is actually a mass

analyzer) while the electrostatic field acts as an energy analyzer. Careful selection of the relative

strengths of the two types of fields improves mass resolution by reducing the effects of the

distribution of the ion kinetic energies. Although double-focusing mass spectrometers had been

known for nearly 50 years, the key innovation in the Mass Sensors instrument was a novel method

for constructing the elements used to generate the electrostatic field that nearly eliminated field

distortion at the sides of the mass analyzer. This made it possible to shrink the analyzer so that ion

trajectories filled nearly the entire open portion of the analyzer. Previous designs required the

analyzer to be substantially large than the ion path cross section in order to guarantee uniform fields

along the ion trajectories. 

The SBIR-funded work at Southwest Sciences showed the instrument to operate well at ion

masses from about 15 to 110 daltons. The mass spectral peaks had a Gaussian shape with a fixed

m/)m width that allowed straightforward deconvolution of overlapping mass peaks. The mass

spectrometer was equipped with a newly designed ion multiplier (Detector Technologies, Inc.) that

allowed operation at sample pressures up to 10-4 torr, or an order of magnitude larger than is possible

with conventional ion multipliers. This higher pressure operation further increased detection

sensitivity by increasing the number density of analyte gas in the ion source region. 

IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS

OF CHEMICAL SPECIES BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Final

Mark A. Zondlo and David S. Bomse

Southwest Sciences, Inc.

Santa Fe, NM 87505

NASA/CR—2005-213820 1
†

See G. E. Patterson et al., “Miniature Cylindrical Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer,” Analytical

Chemistry 2002, 74, 6145-6153 and L. S. Ritter et al., “Analytical Performance of a Miniature

The initial success of Southwest Sciences’ work with the Mass Sensors mass spectrometer

motivated the current project. A number of NASA programs – particularly space-borne and

microgravity drop tower experiments – would benefit from the availability of a compact, truly

portable, mass spectrometer. Potential applications ranged from monitoring crew physiology on

board the ISS by measuring gases in exhaled breath to detecting reaction intermediates during

microgravity combustion. Despite the successes of the SBIR-funded work, Mass Sensors was

unable to commercialize their mass spectrometer technology. Nearly all of the instruments suffered

from performance degradation – diminished ion signals, reduced mass resolution, or both – on a time

scale ranging from several hours to several days. This problem was attributed to deposition onto

the inner surface of the mass analyzer of pyrolysis products formed at the hot wire filament in the

ionizer. Performance could be restored by cleaning the analyzer, but the problem would recur on

the same short time scale. In some ways, the biggest unresolved question was why the instrument

that was used at Southwest Sciences in the Phase II SBIR project performed as well as it did for such

an extended time. 

Given their inability to produce reliable commercial instruments, Mass Sensors was unable to

When it became clear that Mass Sensors would not be able to meet the requirements of this

project, Southwest Sciences turned to other sources of miniature mass spectrometers. Several

vendors were offering devices intended, for the most part, as benchtop analytic instruments and used

quadrupole, time-of-flight, or ion trap technology. We selected the quadrupole mass spectrometer

manufactured by Ferran Scientific (San Diego, CA). Ferran’s technology was truly innovative. The

mass analyzer consists of a 4 × 4 array of quadrupole rods that form a set of 9 (a 3 × 3 array)

matched quadrupole filters operated in unison. The filter sits between a single ionization source and

Faraday cup detector that serve all nine quadrupole sections. The entire assembly – ion source,

quadrupole array, and Faraday cup – fits within a 12 cm3

 vacuum enclosure. An electronics head,

attached to the vacuum enclosure, measures 4.7 × 6.0 × 5.6 cm and weighs 100 g. The electronics

gm, and requires 1.5 A at 24 V DC. 

We selected the Ferran device over other newly developed quadrupole mass spectrometers (such

as the Stanford Research and Infinicon instruments) because the Ferran is smaller, can operate at

higher pressures, and uses less power. Similar concerns – particular the operating pressure and

electronics – helped rule out the ion traps and time-of-flight mass spectrometers. As mass

spectrometers get smaller, vacuum requirements become more important because the size, weight,

and power needs of the vacuum pumps exceed those of the mass spectrometers. For example, the

miniaturized cylindrical ion trap mass spectrometer developed by Prof. Graham Cooks at Purdue

University is roughly 1 cm3

, but the entire instrument including pumps, electronics, and computer

weighs 16 kg.†

 Much of the weight is due to the vacuum requirements. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 2

bring products to market and, ultimately, terminated their business in February 2004. 

Cyclindrical Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer, Analytical Chemistry 2002, 74, 6154-6162.

base unit (computer network interface or CNI in Ferran’s syntax) is 5.9 × 14.0 ×16.1 cm, weighs 

750
2. Physical Description of the Delivered System

Figure 2 - Photograph of the upper platform of the system

showing the mass spectrometer, vacuum system, and gas

chromatograph. There is room also for a carrier gas lecture

bottle. 

Figure 1. Photograph of the experimental setup. The top plate

contains the sampling system (column, needle, valves) and

turbomolecular pump while the lower plate contains the

electronics, controllers, and diaphragm pump. The entire

assembly plugs into one 120 V AC outlet.

NASA/CR—2005-213820 3

The instrument operates using 

120 VAC. Two uninterruptible 

power supplies (UPS) are included 

so that the user has a choice 

between operating time and UPS 

size and weight. 

The completed mass 

spectrometer system is a fullycontained, automated instrument 

consisting of a needle sampling 

inlet, a custom-designed, smallscale gas chromatograph and a 

miniature, quadrupole mass 

spectrometer. The system is 

mounted on a two-tier, anodized 

aluminum breadboard having 

overall dimensions 38×45.5×30.5 cm, 

Figs. 1 and 2. The upper tier 

supports the sample control valves, 

chromatograph, mass spectrometer 

and controller, and turbomolecular 

pump. There is also space for a 

lecture bottle of helium to be used 

as the chromatograph carrier gas. 

The bottom tier contains a roughing 

pump and control electronics for 

the sampling inlet, chromatograph 

heater, multiport valve, and 

turbomolecular pump. A laptop 

computer that controls the 

instrument and collects data is also 

included. 
3. Operation of the Delivered System

3.1 Mass Spectrometer

The Ferran Scientific Symphony quadrupole mass spectrometer, billed by the vendor as “the

world’s smallest mass spectrometer,” consists of three components. The micropole array (MPA)

is the actual mass spectrometer that sits inside the vacuum system. It is a miniature array of

quadrupole mass spectrometers designed to operate simultaneously (in parallel). Atoms and

molecules are ionized in a single Nier-type ion source following electron impact (EI). Electrons are

emitted from hot filaments located outside the field of view (main axis) of the quadrupole detector.

Using electrostatic lenses, ions are extracted, focused, and injected into individual quadrupole mass

filters. Ions with a specific mass-to-charge ratio are filtered by applying a combination of DC and

RF voltages of the poles forming a quadrupole of the array. Filtered ions in each quadrupole are

collected on individual Faraday type detectors. All individual detectors contribute to generate a

single current signal. A mass spectrum is generated by scanning both AC and DC voltages applied

on the poles of the Micropole. The MPA chassis includes a total of 16 rods and 11 electrical pins

all secured in a glass-to-metal structure and sealed in a high temperature oven. Operation at high

temperature avoids the type of contamination that plagued the Mass Sensors design.

The electrostatic lenses, apertures, and plates are made of photo-etched parts. The sensor

construction does not use ceramic parts to avoid the type of patch charging effects that are common

with other quadrupole mass spectrometers. 

The Ferran quadrupole can operate at one of two ionization settings: 70 eV and 43 eV. All of

the development work was done using 70 eV ionization. 

The second part of the Ferran mass

spectrometer is the spectra converter (SC),

the blue box that attaches to the MPA and is

shown in Fig. 3. The SC includes a pre-tuned

RF power supply and an electrometer. Using

a built-in guide pin, the SC is easily

connected and secured to the back of the

MPA with a connector latch. The

combination can be mounted in any

orientation. Ferran offers three different

sizes of MPA and three different spectra

converters. Specifications for the allowed

combinations of the micropoles and spectra

converters are listed in Table 1. The

combination used in the deliverable is

highlighted; it was selected to give the best

combination of mass range and resolution. 

Figure 3 - Detail photograph of the spectra

converter (SC) on the Ferran Scientific

quadrupole mass spectrometer. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 4
The third portion of the mass spectrometer, the

Computer Network Interface (CNI), Fig. 4, includes the

power supplies, the control circuitry and the

communications board. All circuits are driven by an

internal microcomputer and embedded control software

(firmware). The CNI connects to a PC via RS-232, RS485, or TCP/IP serial interface, and to the SC using a

shielded cable. The CNI (and the rest of the mass

spectrometer) is powered by 24 V DC at up to 1.5 A. 

An RS-232 serial interface is used in the deliverable

for communication between the host laptop computer and

the CNI. The settings are 9800 baud, 8 data bits, no

parity, 1 stop bit, and XON/OFF flow control. Data

strings are terminated by a line feed character (decimal

13). Communications with the CNI entail reading

and/or writing a set of registers. 

Figure 4 - Computer Network

Interface (CNI) for the Ferran

Scientific quadrupole mass

spectrometer.

MPA MPA6-

1-2/45

MPA6-

11-2/45

MPA6-

5-2/6

MPA6-

7-2/65

MPA6-

5-2/100

MPA6-

1-4/300

SC SC6-18 SC6-18 SC6-14 SC6-14 SC6-11 SC6-07

mass

range

2-45 2 - 45 2 - 65 2 -65 2 - 100 4 - 300

resolution

(FWHM) 0.5 1.5 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.5

pmax

(torr) 1 × 10-3 1 × 10-2 5 × 10-3 7 × 10-3 5 × 10-3 1 × 10-3

Table 1 - Ferran Scientific Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers

NASA/CR—2005-213820 5
3.2 Gas Chromatograph

The custom gas

chromatograph uses a

micropacked, HayeSepQ,

Silcosteel ® column from Restek

(2 m long × 1 mm i.d. × 1.59 mm

o.d.). Silcosteel columns are

composed of stainless steel on the

outside but contain an inner

coating of silica. The silica

coating results in fewer

adsorption problems relative to a

stainless steel surface. The

stainless steel exterior provides

more rigidity and prevents

column breakage, traits

particularly desirable for drop

tower and space-borne

environments. The Silcosteel

column contains 100/120 mesh

adsorbents of HayeSepQ, an

adsorbent that shows excellent

separation for many organic

species. The fine mesh allows for

a large number of theoretical

plates, thereby allowing greater

separation of species eluting from

the column. We have also used

zero dead volume fittings where possible. Figure 5 shows chromatographs of mixtures of alkanes

(top) and alkenes (bottom) in helium carrier gas. 

The column is wrapped with thin (0.20

mm diameter), polyimide-insulated nichrome

wire. By passing a current through the

nichrome wire, the column can be resistively

heated in a fast manner. The total resistance

of the wire used to wrap the column is 452

Ohms, and thus currents of 0.25 A are used.

The column is supported 3 cm above the top

plate by three wires attached to posts. A fan

was placed 12 cm directly above the center

of the column for efficient and uniform

cooling. Figure 6 shows a plot of the

temperature response for warming the

Figure 5 - Chromatograms of 1000 ppm calibration mixtures

of alkanes (top) and alkenes (bottom) in helium. 

Figure 6 - Response of the column temperature to

rapid warming and cooling.

NASA/CR—2005-213820 6
†

See the Victrex web site: http://www.victrex.com/. 

column from ambient temperatures to 155 °C starting at 70 s. The initial heating rate is ~ 90°C min-

 The low thermal mass of the wire also allows for rapid cooling. At 410 s the heating stops, the

fan is started, and an exponential temperature decay is observed with a time constant of ~ 40 s.

Cooling the column to near ambient temperatures occurs within three minutes. Overall, the duty

cycle due to heating and cooling of the column is ~ 10 minutes. 

The column heater control and temperature monitoring are performed by a pair of PID

controllers (Omega CNi3222-C24). Two controllers are used because readout of the current

temperature is not possible during programmed temperature ramp. Hence, the second controller

simply provides a measurement of the instantaneous temperature. 

Gas sampling and introduction to the chromatographic column are controlled by a pair of

commercial, computer-driven valves, Fig. 7. Samples are drawn through a needle into a small

reservoir using a three-port PEEK valve. The valve normally connects the reservoir to the vacuum

pump so that the reservoir remains evacuated until a sample is acquired. Then, the valve switches

to admit gas through the sampling needle into the reservoir. Flow rates for typical sample durations

are limited by the conductance of the needle. PEEK was chosen because of its excellent chemical

and thermal stability†

. We found PEEK valves to leak under vacuum; but this is not a problem for

the sample inlet that is pumped continuously. In this case, the chemical properties of the valve are

more important than its vacuum characteristics. 

A ten-port, two-position, stainless steel and Nitronic 60 valve from Valco (P/N ET2C10UWT)

is composed of stainless steel, has ten ports for 1/16" tubing, and is used to direct the sample from

the reservoir to the chromatographic column. The valve is controlled by a 24 V DC microelectric

actuator that can be switched by a 5 V logic signal from the computer. The valve can withstand up

to 300 psi gas pressure and temperatures up to 330°C. The bores inside the valve are the same size

Figure 7 - Computer controlled valves used for sampling acquisition and for injecting the

sampled gas onto the chromatographic column. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 7

1

.
(0.75 mm) as the inner diameter of the tubing leading to the ports, thereby minimizing the amount

of dead volume in the sampling regime. Although not all ten ports are needed for the current

instrument design, the availability of additional ports for only a slight increase in cost allows for

greater adaptability in future applications as well as for redundancy if any of the ports become

unuseable in the future. 

3.3 Vacuum System

The delivered mass spectrometer system is equipped with a Pfeiffer Vacuum model TPD 011

turbomolecular pump backed by a Pfeiffer MVP 015-2 diaphragm pump. The turbomolecular pump

and controller are visible in the photograph in Fig. 2. The pump is one of a new generation of small,

lightweight turbo pumps, and has a nominal pumping speed of 10 liters sec-1 for N2 and 6 liters sec-1

for He with an ultimate pressure of better than 5 × 10-5 mbar (4 × 10-5 torr). It can tolerate a backing

pressure of up to 25 mbar (19 torr). Compression ratios are 3 × 106

 and 3 × 103 for N2 and He,

respectively. The pump requires 1 A at 12 V DC and needs no external cooling. It weighs 1.8 kg.

One end of the diaphragm pump is visible in the photograph in Fig. 2. Rough outer dimensions

for the MVP 015-2 diaphragm pump are 29 × 17 × 17 cm. The pump weighs 6.5 kg, draws 1.1 A

at 120 V AC (60 Hz), has a nominal pumping speed of 1.1 m3

 hour-1 at 60 Hz, and can achieve an

ultimate pressure of 4 mbar (3 torr), or a factor of 6 better than required for the TPD 011

turbomolecular pump. 

3.4 Software

The delivered instrument is operated by a program, LabMPA-final written in LabVIEW that

controls a sampling valve to acquire the analyte, transfers the sample onto the gas chromatograph

column, ramps the column temperature, measures the mass spectral ion intensities at a series of userdefined peaks, and records the data to disk in ASCII format. 

Communication between LabMPA-final running on the laptop computer and the mass spectrometer

system uses a PCMCIA plug-in card that contains a pair of RS-232 serial ports. This brings to three

the total number of serial ports. The computer’s built-in port (COM1) provides communication with

the Ferran Scientific mass spectrometer’s computer network interface (CNI). The two ports on the

PCMCIA card (COM4 and COM5) address a pair of PID temperature controllers (Omega model

CNi322-C24). One regulates the GC column temperature and the other reports the instantaneous

temperature back to the laptop. The program also accesses a National Instruments DAQCard-DIO24 PCMCIA plug-in card that uses 0 to 5 V logic signals to control the two valves and the column

cooling fan. 

Figure 8 shows the user interface that appears when the program is first opened. The major user

controls appear on the left-hand side of the panel. At the top, masses to scan, is the list of ion masses

that are acquired during each measurement. The next five items control the timing of the sampling

and gc operation. The last of the group, set point, is the target maximum temperature achieved by

the chromatograph. We identify this value as a “target” temperature, because the upper bound is

NASA/CR—2005-213820 8
constrained by thermal loss to the surroundings and so is affected by ambient air temperature,

humidity, and air currents. 

The central region of the panel, dominated by

the chromatogram plot area, provides the

measurement results as acquired including the

actual column temperature, the most recently

acquired ion signals (in torr partial pressure), and

the elapsed time in seconds. 

The right-hand region is used primarily for

debugging and to help the user examine raw signals

between the host computer and the Ferran

controller. 

Figure 8 - Front panel of the LabVIEW program used to control the mass spectrometer system

and collect and store the chromatographic data. 

Figure 9 - Detail of program front panel

showing the key timing and temperature

controls. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 9

Figure 9, shows the six major controls 

from the program main panel, and describes 

their use. This information is displayed 

graphically on a time line in Fig. 10. The 

setpoint temperature is a target value that, for 
the ambient air temperature, humidity, and

air currents. We have found it useful to set

a target above the maximum achievable

temperature since this drives the PID

temperature controller more strongly at the

upper end of the temperature cycle and

helps maintain a linear temperature ramp.

Experimental results are written to disk

in ASCII format comma-delineated rows

and columns. In all cases, the first column

is the measurement time (relative to 0.0 at

the start of the run), followed by the

column temperature in °C. Then comes the

partial pressures in torr for the selected ion signals. The temporal resolution is determined by the

number of mass peaks measured because the Ferran computer network interface establishes a

minimum dwell time of 0.6 seconds per mass peak. The text box below is a portion of a data set

acquired when the instrument was being set up and demonstrated at NASA Glenn Research Center

methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, n-pentane, and n-hexane). 

The full data set is shown graphically in Fig. 11. The large mass 28 background and the noise

are due to some air contaminating the helium carrier gas. 

The LabVIEW program LabMPA-final automatically saves each chromatogram to disk using an

automatically generated filename AUTOSAVE_nnnnn.TXT where nnnnn is a number beginning with

00000 that is incremented to prevent duplicating files. The user is given the opportunity to rename

the autosaved file at the end of each run. 

Figure 10 - Timing diagram for the LabVIEW

program. 

time, temp, amu0028, amu0043, amu0057

1.0586E+1, 2.6600E+1, 8.3660E-6, 7.6010E-7, 6.3700E-7

1.3979E+1, 2.6600E+1, 6.8930E-6, 7.5580E-7, 6.1260E-7

1.8120E+1, 2.6500E+1, 6.4640E-6, 7.4810E-7, 6.3390E-7

2.2302E+1, 2.6500E+1, 6.1880E-6, 7.4990E-7, 6.2860E-7

2.6548E+1, 2.6500E+1, 6.2140E-6, 7.4610E-7, 6.2650E-7

3.0242E+1, 2.6500E+1, 5.9070E-6, 7.4630E-7, 6.2370E-7

3.4475E+1, 2.6600E+1, 6.0410E-6, 7.2740E-7, 6.3020E-7

3.8620E+1, 2.6600E+1, 5.8840E-6, 7.4380E-7, 6.3960E-7

NASA/CR—2005-213820 10

temperatures $190 °C, may be limited by

in August 2004. The demonstration used a calibration mixture of alkanes (1000 ppm each of
Figure 11 - Chromatographic and temperature data from

demonstration run. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 11
Appendix A

LabVIEW source code

NASA/CR—2005-213820 12
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0

loop counter

0.0

time

status

0

code

source

error out

STOP

stop

43

43

43

43

28

43

43

0

masses to scan

Read masses

1.0E-7

0.0E+0

1.0E-8

2.0E-8

3.0E-8

4.0E-8

5.0E-8

6.0E-8

7.0E-8

8.0E-8

9.0E-8

10.5 100.0 200.0 300.0 400.0 500.0 600.0 700.0 800.0 900.0 1002.0

mass 28

mass 43

mass 57

chromatgram

600

Ramp time (s)

2.00

Sample duration (s)

60

Sample time (s)

0.0

column T (deg C)

220.0

Setpoint

0

wait loop

status of scan

0

scan count

write statement output

end status

problem

0

Soak time (s)

100

ramp start

0

sequence

error found?

0

results

most recent data file:

NASA/CR—2005-213820 13
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COM1

masses to scan write statement output

Second part of initialization routine. Initiate serial communications with Ferran, format the array of selected masses, and tell Ferran to get started. 

XON/XOFF

LegPlots

Plot.Name

ActPlot

chromatgram mass %d

masses to scan (out)

Write mass ID's to the plot legend

1 [0..2]

error out

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write statement output

Read masses

end status

error out

status of scan

0

wait loop 0

initializing

First part of initialization routine. Clear the string indicators, error cluster, and wait loop counter. Update "status of scan"

error found?

problem

column T (deg C)

0 [0..2]

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time

column T (deg C)

Strings[4]

stop

STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP

0

Get measurement time,read temperature, andupdate label on STOP button.

2 [0..4]

0.00 0

0

Here's the important stuff.1. Construct the string arrays needed to program the Ferran and the gas collection/sampling system.2. Loop repeatedly to collect data. 

Ramp time (s)Sample duration (s)

Sample time (s)

0

Setpoint

ram

Soak time (s)

p start

0

problemend status

And done!3. Halt the mass scan and turn off the mass spec filament.4. Save data to disk in comma-delimited ASCII format.

100

350

Read starttime

most recent data file:

2 [0..2]

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status of scan starting new sequence

Strings[4]

stop

ABORTABORTABORTABORT

0

stop

True 

0 [0..4]

False 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 18
LabMPA-final.vi

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Page 5

Wait for Ferran to report having finished a mass scan

wait loop

status of scan

scan count

stop

error out

1 [0..4]

NASA/CR—2005-213820 19
LabMPA-final.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\ITD\LabMPA-final.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:18 PM

Page 6

sequence

Read masses

error found?

chromatgram

Key VI: Read and plot mass signals, set valves,set temperature.

Program

results

3 [0..4]

NASA/CR—2005-213820 20
LabMPA-final.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\ITD\LabMPA-final.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:18 PM

Page 7

loop counter

sto

status

p

error out

End of the outer loop. Update loop counterSTOP if user has pressed the stop button or  on error, else continue.

4 [0..4]

NASA/CR—2005-213820 21
DSB init communications and close all valves.vi

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Page 1

RI0002\r

RI1009\r

1212230

0

RT1002\r

16

1

Set all valves off

1

error in (no error)

error out

Ferran VISA Resource Name (out)

 Ferran VISA Resource Name (in)

baud rate (9600)data bits (8)parity (0:none)stop bits (10: 1 bit)flow control (0:none)

termination char(0xA = '\n' = LF) 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 22
DSB init priorities, start stop amus, MPA params.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB init priorities, start stop amus, MPA params.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:21 PM

Page 1

Initialize priorities, starting and stopping amu's, MPA parameters

WP

1

Set global priorities at zero, set selected mass priorities at 1

The above sub-VI formulates write strings from the array of masses; input parameters are the array, thedesired command string, the value to be written. In this case, it will make a string: "WP00xx,0001\r"where xx is the mass (array element) of interest.

WI0019,0000\r

WR0001,0.000E+00\r

WI0006,-001\r

\r

WI0017, %04d

\r

WI0018,

%04d

121212171200

0

12

1 [0..1]

find max, min of arrayvalues; set scan rangeregisters (I0017, I0018)

masses to scan (in)

VISA resource name (in) VISA resource name (out)

error in (no error)

masses to scan (out)

error out

0

0

NASA/CR—2005-213820 23
DSB init priorities, start stop amus, MPA params.vi

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Page 2

WR0005,5.226E+03\r

WI0015,030

WI0014,0001\rWI0028,0000\r

WR0007,5.890E+00\r

WR0006,8.000E+00\r

WR0009,1.002E+00\r

Initialize parameters for MPA: 70 eV, fast mode

WR0010,5.500E+04\r

WI0021,0007\r

WI0023,0000\rWI0012,0012\rWI0013,0020\rWI0004,0001\rWI0020,0000\r

WR0008,1.000E+00\r

171717171712121712121212121212

0

0 [0..1]

NASA/CR—2005-213820 24
DSB set up scan arrays and cluster.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB set up scan arrays and cluster.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:23 PM

Page 1

RA

17

makes arrayof 

0 0

The subVI to the below right formulates anarray of command strings from thearray of 

Sam

Sample duration (s)Ramp time (s)

ple time (s)

Setpointstart traSoak time (s)

p heater

ramp start

send to MS

Setpoint

Soak time (s)

Ramp time (s)

ramp start

send to MS

start He purge

Sample duration (s)

Sample time (s)

00.00000000.00

sampling params

error in (no error)

error out

masses to scan (in)

masses to scan (out)

byte count array

RA array

NASA/CR—2005-213820 25
DSB start scan.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB start scan.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:24 PM

Page 1

 Start scan 

121212122612

0

WI0001,0001\rRI0002\rRI0001\rRI1009\rRT1004\rRI1009\r

0

write statement output

VISA resource name

VISA resource name(out)

error in (no error)

error out

1

4

1

NASA/CR—2005-213820 26
DSB get cycle number error.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB get cycle number error.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:25 PM

Page 1

error in (no error)

error out abort?

status

5005

wait loop aborted

True 

False 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 27
arrayVISAwriteread.vi

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Page 1

error out

error in

appended array

Initialize VISA: Inputs an appended 

 statements

array of string expressions to write and outputs the values. The number of

bytes initially at the serial port is set to zero.

expected byte count

0

VISA resource name

output stringoutput array

NASA/CR—2005-213820 28
wait with error clusters.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\wait with error clusters.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:28 PM

Page 1

error in (no error) error out

milliseconds to wait

NASA/CR—2005-213820 29
DSB elapsed time.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB elapsed time.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:29 PM

Page 1

1000.00

start time ms (out)

start time ms (in)

elapsed time (secs)

NASA/CR—2005-213820 30
DSB get time and temperature.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB get time and temperature.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:30 PM

Page 1

time

temperature

start time ms (in)

start time ms (out)

COM4

X01

11

*01X01\r

1 [0..1]

error in (no error) error out

Use sequence structure to guarantee that time is measured firstthen temperature.

NASA/CR—2005-213820 31
DSB get time and temperature.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB get time and temperature.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:30 PM

Page 2

Make time stamp

0 [0..1]

NASA/CR—2005-213820 32
VISAwritereadMAZ.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\

VISAwritereadMAZ.vi

Last modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PM

Printed on 12/20/2004 at 4:31 PM

Page 1

expected byte count on read

VISA resource name

write buffer ("")

error in (no error)

return count on write

return count on read

read buffer

error out

5001

Incorrect number of bytes written

50

5

5002

expected byte counts not read

10

NASA/CR—2005-213820 33
DSB clear buffer.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB clear 

buffer.vi

Last modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PM

Printed on 12/20/2004 at 4:32 PM

Page 1

Instr

Bytes at Port

read buffer

50

False 

Loop Count

Max Tries

error in (no error)

error out

5000

Buffer not cleared

reference dup VISA resource name

Number of Bytes at Serial Port at start

 True 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 34
DSB do one big data cycle.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB do one big data cycle.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:34 PM

Page 1

Status

sequence (out)

carrier flow valve

sample valve

to mass spec valve

Read masses

values

error found?

(X and Y arrays)

error in (no error)

error out

old data (in) new data (out)time

sequence (in)

end?

temperature

sampling params

VISA resource name (in)expected byte countappended array statements

to GC/MS

NASA/CR—2005-213820 35
DSB parse data array with errors.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB parse data array with errors.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:35 PM

Page 1

data string array

error in (no error)

error out

start character

expected byte count

values

error found?

%e

5001

Size mismatch

False 

status

status

True 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 36
DSB read and convert mass intensities.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB read and convert mass intensities.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:36 PM

Page 1

Read the mass strings

Read masses values appended array statements

expected byte count

VISA resource name (in)

error in (no error)

error out

VISA resource name (out)

old style ?

7

extracts the valuesfrom the strings

status

 True 

error found?

NASA/CR—2005-213820 37
DSB read and convert mass intensities.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB read and convert mass intensities.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:36 PM

Page 2

 False 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 38
DSB valve controls, etc.vi

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Page 1

needle

FAN

POS a

1

1

0

0

0

2

4

1

POS b

8

0

"Individual" 

se

Status

quence (in)

sampling params

time

sequence (out)

error in (no error) error out

end?

NASA/CR—2005-213820 39
DSB valve controls, etc.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB valve controls, etc.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:37 PM

Page 2

1

0

1

"Prep", Default 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 40
DSB valve controls, etc.vi

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Page 3

1

2

1

"Sample" 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 41
DSB valve controls, etc.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB valve controls, etc.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:37 PM

Page 4

1

5

1

"Analysis" 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 42
DSB valve controls, etc.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB valve controls, etc.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/20/2004 at 4:37 PM

Page 5

"Program" 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 43
setpointtohex.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\setpointtohex.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:39 AM

Page 1

Setpoint

.

4

5

concatenated string 2

%05.1f

2

0.00

8.00

NASA/CR—2005-213820 44
DSB stop scan.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB stop scan.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:40 AM

Page 1

Stop scan

Data Set (out)

Apparently, the I0027 commandis important, even thoughit was never set to a valueof one (1) in the first place.

Makes a dialogue box of the result of the write commandso the user can confirm that the filament is indeed off.

WI0001,0000\rWI0027,0000\rWI0001,0000\rRI1009\rRI1008\r

0

121212121200

0

3

7 Filament\sstatus:\s\sB\sis\son\r

 2 

2 7

Mode:\s\sidle\r

 0 

4 9

#\sfilaments\savailable:\s\s

2

end status

16

11.00

COM5

*01W0D61\r*01W1101\r*01Z02\r

0

7770

0

Data Set (in)

error in (no error)

error out

Ferran VISA resource name

1

problem?

NASA/CR—2005-213820 45
DSB stop scan.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB stop scan.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:40 AM

Page 2

Mode:\s\sscan\r

 1 

Mode:\s\sunknown\\r

 2, Default 

Filament\sstatus:\s\soff\r

 0 

Filament\sstatus:\s\sunknown\r

 3, Default 

Filament\sstatus:\s\sA\sis\son\r

 1 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 46
DSB update data arrays.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB update data arrays.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:41 AM

Page 1

Make array of time, pressure

1

0

(X and Y arrays) Multi Plot Bundle

2

Pair the arrays ofeach mass readingto the time array

time stamp

temperature

old data (in) new data (out)

m/z signals

error in (no error) error out

NASA/CR—2005-213820 47
DSB generate autosave file name.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB generate autosave file name.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:42 AM

Page 1

default name

default extension

_

%05d

.

concatenated string

error out

file size (bytes)

status

\ path

NASA/CR—2005-213820 48
DSB auto write data to file.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB auto write data to file.viLast modified on 12/21/2004 at 9:43 AMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:43 AM

Page 1

amu

error in (no error)

error out

Data Array mass list ,

%.4e

Write a one-linefile header 

Then save datain 'spreadsheet"format of comma-delimitedcolumns

 False 

file path (out) default name

default extension

This VI first saves the data to disk in a comma-delimited ASCII format.The file is written after a file name is generated automatically usingthe default naming convention of AUTOSAVE_nnnnn.TXT wherennnnn starts at 0 and is incremented for each successive new file.The user is prompted to rename the file, if desired. Note that therenaming consists of copying AUTOSAVE_nnnnn.TXT to the newname (or path) and then deleting the starting file. If no action is taken, the auto-saved file remains on disk until it ismanually deleted or moved by the user using Windows tools. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 49
DSB auto write data to file.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB auto write data to file.viLast modified on 12/21/2004 at 9:43 AMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:43 AM

Page 2

 True 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 50
writesetpoint.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\ITD\writesetpoint.viLast modified on 12/21/2004 at 9:45 AMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:45 AM

Page 1

Setpoint

*01W01

\r

*01Z02\r

error out

error in (no error)

7 7

VISA resource name

Convert setpoint value to hexidecimal.

Adds the write statement (*01W01) to the hexidecimal value and ends it with a carriage return.

This VI writes a setpoint temperature to the Omega temperature controller in COM5 (default).

NASA/CR—2005-213820 51
DSB rename saved data file.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\DSB rename saved data file.viLast modified on 10/29/2004 at 1:54 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:46 AM

Page 1

rename data file

new file

 autofile path (in)

file path (out)

False 

error in (no error)

error out

True 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 52
sampling.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\sampling.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:47 AM

Page 1

time

1

8

1 3

2 [0..2]

True 

sequence in

0

sequence out

input cluster

Setpoint

Soak time (s)

Ramp time (s)

ramp start

send to MS

start He purge

Sample duration (s)

Sample time (s)

NASA/CR—2005-213820 53
sampling.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\sampling.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:47 AM

Page 2

0

False 

1

5

1

0 [0..2]

1000.00

1 [0..2]

NASA/CR—2005-213820 54
heliumpurge.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\heliumpurge.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:47 AM

Page 1

time

1

33

1

1

True 

sequence in

1

sequence out

Setpoint

Soak time (s)

Ramp time (s)

ramp start

send to MS

start He purge

Sample duration (s)

Sample time (s)

input cluster

0

False 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 55
opentoMS.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\opentoMS.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:48 AM

Page 1

time

1 1

1

13

True 

sequence in

2

sequence out

cluster

Setpoint

Soak time (s)

Ramp time (s)

ramp start

send to MS

start He purge

Sample duration (s)

Sample time (s)

0

False 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 56
starttempramp.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\starttempramp.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:49 AM

Page 1

time

1

True 

sequence in

3

sequence out

cluster

Setpoint

Soak time (s)

Ramp time (s)

ramp start

send to MS

start He purge

Sample duration (s)

Sample time (s)

error in (no error)

error out

0

False 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 57
endprogram.vi

C:\WPDocs\Contracts\C01-07 (NASA ITD mass spec)\ITDlaptop\Ferran_MPA.llb\endprogram.viLast modified on 8/31/2004 at 2:08 PMPrinted on 12/21/2004 at 9:50 AM

Page 1

time

1

1

16

1

True 

sequence in

4

cluster

Setpoint

Soak time (s)

Ramp time (s)

ramp start

send to MS

start He purge

Sample duration (s)

Sample time (s)

sequence out

Boolean

0

False 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 58
Appendix B

Ferran Scientific communications protocols

NASA/CR—2005-213820 59
CHAPTER THREE 

Programming Reference

Introduction 

Programming the System is accomplished by writing to registers in the CNI (or CNI) module. 

These registers are organized into banks of registers. The current values of various registers can 

be read by performing Read requests. Likewise, the current values of various registers can be 

changed by performing Write requests. 

Here is a summary of the five banks and their general functions. 

SYSTEM BANKS 

Bank 

Letter Bank Name Description 

A AMU Pressure The AMU pressure bank stores the current partial 

pressures measured for each AMU. 

P AMU Priority Stores numbers which express the relative priority of 

each AMU. Setting values in this bank allows 

increasing or decreasing the System’s response time to 

various AMU’s. 

I Integer Status Stores all System status and control registers that are 

best expressed as nonfractional numbers. 

N Analog 

Pressures 

Stores each data point collected during the last AMU 

scan. It is the information from this bank that gets 

accumulated and processed into the results seen in Bank 

A. WARNING: Obtaining information from this bank 

requires a magnitude more RS-232 (or RS-485) 

communications between the Master and the System. 

Reading information from this bank is not 

recommended unless it is completely necessary. 

R Real Status Stores all System status and control registers that are 

best expressed as numbers in scientific notation. 

T Text Status Stores all alphanumeric information. For example, the 

System’s model number and serial number can be read 

from this bank. In addition, this back stores the current 

error message. 

The details of each of these banks are described later. The next section describes the protocol 

used to read and write information into these banks. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 60
Format of the Packets 

This section covers the general format for all communication between the System and a 

Master. There is only one difference in protocol between CNI Module's operating in RS-485 

mode versus RS-232 mode: The network mode requires transmitting characters in 9 bits instead 

of the normal RS-232 mode of 8 bits. This difference is also discussed in the following section. 

Send Packets 

There are two types of packets to send to the System: a Read Request and a Write Request 

packet. 

 Read Request: 

 RL####[:AAAA][;Comment]{CR} 

 Write Request: 

WL####,DATA[:AAAA][;Comment]{CR} 

 where: 

L is replaced by a character which stands for the desired bank: 

A AMU Pressure bank 

P AMU Priority Control bank 

I Integer Status/Control bank 

R Real Status/Control bank 

T Text Status bank 

#### The number of the register to read or write within the bank 

selected. Remember that all numbers must be right justified. 

 :AAAA An optional parameter which can be used as a 

packet sequence number. Each letter A stands for an ASCII letter or 

number. If the Master uses this option in a command, the System will send 

back a colon (:) followed by the exact four characters that it received. In 

effect, this can act as a packet sequence number that the Master can use to 

manage packets received.

 ;Comment An optional parameter which both sides can use to 

contain comments. In general, the comment should not be used by either 

side because it lowers communications speed. If register I0005 is set to 1, 

then the System will include comments for all errors. 

 ,DATA A parameter that contains the information to write 

into the bank. Note that each bank stores a specific type of information: 

Integer (4 digit integer), Real (#.###E+##), or Text (ASCII text). 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 61
Receive Packets 

There are two types of packets that a Master can receive: an Error packet and an Answer 

packet. 

 Error packet: 

EL####,eeee[:AAAA][;Comment]{CR} 

 Answer packet: 

 AL####,Response[:AAAA]{CR} 

 where: 

 eeee The error number.

 L#### The bank and register where the operation 

occurred. 

 ;Comment A brief error message. By default, 

the System doesn't send error messages. But, setting the register I0005 

to 1 will enable error messages to be placed in this area. Please see the 

information on I0005 in the Details of Banks section for more 

information.

 ,Response A reading of the register read or 

written. Normal responses are #### for integer variables, and 

#.###E+## for real numbers.

NOTE: After the System performs a write, it will send a response in the same format as a 

response to a read. This allows the external program to confirm that the correct write took place. 

Protocol of the CNI Module when in RS-485 mode 

This section discusses the difference between the normal RS-232 mode and the RS-485 mode 

of the Computer Network Interface Module. 

Four-Wire RS-485 Cable 

The System CNI Modules use a four wire RS-485 cable. Two of the wires are transmutation 

lines from the Master. The other two wires are transmission lines from all of the CNI's that are 

on the cable. 

Token-Type Protocol 

To allow several CNI's to transmit on the same communications lines, a "token"-type protocol 

was established. In this protocol, all CNI's on the lines listen for a special address character that 

identifies to which CNI the Master is communicating. When a CNI receives its address, it 

automatically turns on its RS-485 transmitter and begins to listen for any commands that are 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 62
placed on the network. At the same time, all other CNI's disable their transmitters and continue 

to wait for the special address character. 

9-Bit Serial Protocol 

To help speed this process and to minimize interruptions to CNI's that are not part of the 

current "conversation", a 9 bit serial protocol was adopted. In this protocol, the UART of the 

Master (and the UARTS of all of the CNI's) enable a special 9 bit serial mode. (As opposed to a 

normal 8 bit serial mode.) In this mode, the normal 8 bits are transmitted plus an extra bit that 

the programmer can switch. This extra bit is used to mark whether a character is a special 

address character or a normal one. 

Special vs. Normal Characters 

When a 9 bit character's ninth bit is set to a 1, all CNI's use the other 8 bits as an address. 

When the 9th bit is set to a 0, the remaining 8 bits are read normally. For example, here is a 

sample message that the Master may send to the network lines: 

2WI0001,0001{CR} 'Tell CNI at 2 to turn on scan mode 

 AI0001,0001{CR} 'CNI at address 2 responds 

The number 2 (that is in bold) is the only character that is sent with its ninth bit set. This 

command tells the CNI at address two (2) to turn on scan mode. The CNI that has its 

Configuration Switches set to address 2 will turn on its transmitter when it receives the 2. It will 

also receive the WI0001,0001 command and will respond. This CNI continues to keep its 

transmitter on and continues to receive and respond to commands sent by the Master to the 

network. The Master does not have to send the address character until it wants to address a 

different CNI. 

In contrast, all other CNI's that receive the address 2 will turn off their transmitter (if they had 

it on), and will not receive or respond to the WI0001,0001 command. These CNI's will 

remain "dormant" until another special address character (a 9 bit character with the extra bit set) 

with their address is received. 

NOTE: The word dormant refers to their transmitters being off. The CNI's will still continue 

to run normally in the mode that they were placed in. For instance, the Master could send the 

following sequence of packets: 

2WI0001,0001{CR} 'turn on scan mode for CNI at address 2 

AI0001,0001{CR} 'CNI 2 responds to the command 

3WI0001,0000{CR} ' "turn on" idle mode for CNI at address 3 

AI0001,0000{CR} 'CNI 3 responds to the command 

4WI0001,0001{CR} 'turn on scan mode for CNI at address 4 

AI0001,0001{CR} 'CNI 4 responds to the command 

The CNI that is at address 2 will turn on Scan Mode and will continue to run in Scan Mode 

even after the address 3 and address 4 are sent. Also note that the response packets from the 

CNI's are completely normal and do not include a network address. (They will be transmitted in 

9 bits however.) 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 63
WARNING: If you set the Configuration switches so that two or more 

CNI's have the same address, they will all turn on their transmitters 

and garble each others' responses. 

One final note, the Master should not send a new address to the network until a CNI has 

finished responding to its last given command. Doing so can cause the response to be garbled. 

Details of the Banks 

General Notes 

All of the information that an external program needs to read or write is contained in a 

register of one of the banks. These sections detail what each of the registers control or report. 

Before continuing, there are a few notes to point out about register numbers and reading from 

or writing to register numbers that don't exist. 

• All register numbers are four digits long. Register numbers for some of the banks have 

their first digit coded. (The Integer, Real and Text banks are examples.) A 1 as the first 

digit means the register is READ ONLY. A zero or any other number means that it can 

be written to or read from. For example, bank T, the Text Status Bank, has a register 

1001 that stores the manufacturer's name. This register, because its first digit is 1, is read 

only. 

• When you read from or write to a register that doesn't exist, you will receive a 

communications error message. Depending on how you write your communications 

software, this can lead to a lock-up. As a short explanation, you may write software that 

unintentionally asks for an AMU that doesn't exist. The Micropole firmware will 

respond with a communications error. Your software may be designed to retransmit the 

packet if any communications errors occur. This, of course, causes the firmware to send 

the same communications error. This process could then repeat forever. You can write 

some error checking code to make sure that your software does not do this. See registers 

I1005 and I1006 for information on the System's capabilities. 

AMU Pressure Bank (BANK A) 

The AMU pressure bank stores the current partial pressure (in Torr) of each of the AMU’s the 

System has measured. The registers are read only. Register number one (1) corresponds to 

AMU number one (1). The System does not report partial pressures of fractional AMU’s. (See 

the Analog Pressure Bank for more information.) 

General Format: 

 RA####{CR}

Example: 

RA0040{CR} 'Read the partial pressure of AMU 40.

NASA/CR—2005-213820 64
AA0040,1.231E-03{CR} 'a possible response to the command to read Ar 

(AMU 40) 

Read requests of an AMU number that is beyond the abilities of the analyzer will get a zero 

response or an error message. To help the external software, the minimum and maximum 

AMU's can be obtained by reading registers I1005 and I1006. 

All registers in this bank default to 0.000E+00 Torr upon power up, reset or when the System 

is first changed to a non-idle mode. 

AMU Priority Bank (BANK P) 

This bank roughly controls the amount of time spent on each AMU that the MPA can 

measure. Each of the registers represents one AMU and contains an integer from 0 to 2. The 

System scans registers (AMU) with 2's twice as often as AMU’s marked with 1's. AMU's 

marked with 0 receive no scanning whatsoever. 

You can increase the scan speed of the System significantly by setting the priority of the 

gases that you are not interested in with a 0. 

Here are some examples: 

WP0040,0002{CR} 'Make AMU 40 a higher priority 

 AP0040,0002{CR} 'AMU 40 now has priority 2. 

WP0006,0000{CR} 'Do not scan AMU 6 

 AP0006,0000{CR} 'AMU 6 has priority 0 and won’t be scanned 

This bank defaults to values of 1 when the System is powered up or reset. You can change 

the values of all of the registers in this bank with a single write to register I0020. Please see the 

appropriate section for more information. 

Integer Status Bank (BANK I) 

This bank controls the various options of the System. It also contains information that is most 

conveniently stored as an integer. The power up and reset values of the register are indicated 

with the word default in parentheses. 

CHART OF BANK I REGISTERS 

Register 

Number Name Description/Value 

I0001 Device Mode 0 = Idle (default) 

1=Scan Mode (continuous) 

2=Leak Detection Mode 

3=Calibration Mode (not yet available) 

4=Scan and Hold Mode 

6=Jump Scan 

9999=Internal Test Mode. Used for factory testing of the CNI. DO 

NOT PUT THE SYSTEM INTO THIS MODE: System can be 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 65
CHART OF BANK I REGISTERS 

Register 

Number Name Description/Value 

damaged. 

I0002 Reset Device 0=No (default) 1=Perform full reset. All registers are returned to their 

power-up defaults 

I0003 Degas Mode 0=Degas Off (default) 1=Degas On. e Energy Mode and the filament 

emission is turned to High. 

I0004 Electron 

Energy Mode 

0=Low, 42V (default) 1=High, 68V (Not Available) 

I0005 Verbose Error 

Messages 

0=No error message text sent. (default) 1=All error messages will be 

followed by text describing the error. NOTE: You can get the error 

message text by reading the T1005 or T1007 register. 

I0006 Auto Range 

Mode 

not used. Reserved for future 

I0007 Leak 

Detection Gas 

not used. Reserved for future. 

I0008 Calibration 

Gas 

not used. Reserved for future. 

I0009 Automatic 

Shutoff 

Period 

0=Automatic shutoff deactivated. (default) Any other number written 

here activates the automatic shutoff. If you read this register, it will 

return the number of minutes left before shutoff. 

I0010 Continue 

Scan 

1=Put In Hold 0=Release From Hold (default) Used only with Scan Once 

and Hold. After every scan, the System sets this register to a one (1). 

The System doesn't begin another scan until a zero (0) is written here by 

the Master. 

I0012 Electrometer 

Speed Select 

not used. Reserved for future 

I0013 Range switch 

Speed select 

not used. Reserved for future. 

I0014 AMU Cal 

Speed select 

1 = Fast; 1 = Medium; 5 = Slow; 10 = VSlow 

I0015 Analyzer 

EmissM 

This is a MPA calibration factor. It should not be changed from the 

value that the factory has given. 

I0016 Autozero 

mode 

0=enabled 1=disabled not used. Reserved for future. 

I0017 Start scanning 

at AMU 

0=Start scanning at the minimum AMU the System can measure 

(default) A non-user number is treated as the first AMU to measure in a 

scan. 

I0018 End scanning 

at AMU 

0=End scanning at the maximum AMU the System can measure (default) 

A nonzero number is treated as the last AMU to measure in a scan. 

I0019 Total Pressure 

Mode 

0=off (default) 1=on 

I0020 Set Priority 

Bank 

Sets the priority bank to the value written here. 

I0021 Version Acceptable power level 6,7,8, and 9 (no check) 

I0022 CNL I/O Logic Function Enabler 

I0023 Force 0=Automatic(default); 1=Filament A; 2=Filament B 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 66
CHART OF BANK I REGISTERS 

Register 

Number Name Description/Value 

Filament 

I0024 # of Samples 

for OSC mode 

I0025 Mux Position 

for OSC mode 

I0026 User 

Specified # of 

points / AMU 

I0027 Hold Filament 

ON 

0=off (default) 1=on 

I0028 Hold More 

Point 

Scanning 

0=Fast; 1=Medium, Slow, VSlow 

I0029 Dwell Time Reserved for future. 

I0030 E. Multiplier Reserved for future. 

I0031 Load 

NOVRAM 

Reserved for future. 

I0032 Low Gain 

Mode 

Lock Electrometer in VFast Scan. Reserved for future. 

READ ONLY REGISTERS 

I1001 Error Code 0=No errors occurred. (default) Any other number represents an error. 

See the section on Error Codes for more information. The text of this 

error is stored in register T1005. 

I1002 Scan Time not used. Reserved for future. 

I1003 Scan Counter This register counts the number of scans that have occurred. This gets 

updated at the end of each scan and can be used to tell when a scan has 

been completed 

I1004 Last AMU 

Processed 

not used. Reserved for future 

I1005 Lowest AMU Lowest AMU that the System can measure using the SC and MPA 

connected. WARNING: This register is valid only when an SC is 

connected to the CNI or CNI. (Defaults to 0 if no SC connected.) 

I1006 Highest AMU Highest AMU that the analyzer can measure using the SC and MPA 

connected. WARNING: This register is valid only when an SC is 

connected to the CNI or CNI. (Defaults to 0 if no SC connected.) 

I1007 Maximum 

Number of 

Filaments 

Total number of filaments on the MPA. 

I1008 Number of 

Usable 

Filaments 

Number of filaments on MPA that are available for use. 

I1009 Filament 0=All filaments are off 1=Filament A is in use 2=Filament B is in use 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 67
Status 

I1010 Number of 

Electrometer 

Ranges 

Not used. Reserved for future. 

I1011 Communicati

ons Error 

Code 

0=No Errors. (default) Any other number represents an error code. See 

the section on Error codes for more information. The text of this error is 

stored in register T1007. 

I1012 Pressure 

Threshold 

Trip Status 

No used. Reserved for future. See R0004 for more information. 

I1013 Current AMU 

Reading 

This register stores the AMU numbers that are currently being scanned 

by the System. 

I1014 SC Code Resistor Code 

 

Real Status Bank (BANK R) 

This bank contains the various configuration options of the MPA. It also contains 

information that is most conveniently stored as a real number. 

CHART OF BANK R REGISTERS 

Register 

Name Name Description/Value 

R0001 Manometer 

Span, 

Volts/Torr 

0=No manometer connected (default) A zero (0) written here means that 

the manometer will not be read or used for filament protection. 

Otherwise, the span of the manometer as expressed in Volts/Torr is stored 

here. 

R0002 Manometer 

Zero Offset 

0=No manometer zero offset (default) This stores the zero offset of the 

manometer, expressed in Torr. the System will then subtract this number 

from all readings of the manometer. 

R0003 Pressure of 

Calibration 

Gas 

Not Used. Reserved for future. 

R0004 Threshold 

Trip Pressure 

Not Used. Reserved for future. 

R0005 Analyzer 

Sensitivity 

Factor 

611 (default) 

The Sensitivity calibration factor provided by the factory for the 

Micropole Analyzer currently connected to the System. 

R0006 Analyzer Ion 

Adjust 

12 (default) 

The Analyzer ion calibration factor provided by the factory for the MPA 

currently connected to the System. 

R0007 Analyzer AC 

Adjust 

6.6 (default) 

The Analyzer AC calibration factor provided by he factory for the MPA 

currently connected to the System. 

R0008 User 

Sensitivity 

Adjust 

1.000 (default) 

A multiplier for sensitivity of the analyzer. If the System reports a 

Nitrogen peak of 1 mTorr when it should read 2 mTorr, a two (2) can be 

written here to adjust the reported sensitivity. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 68
CHART OF BANK R REGISTERS 

Register 

Name Name Description/Value 

R0009 Analyzer 

AMULOC 

1.000 (default) 

The calibration factor provided by the factory for the Micropole currently 

connected to the System. 

R0010 Analyzer 

TSense Adjust 

6000 (default) 

The calibration factor provided by the factory for he Micropole currently 

connected to the System. 

R0011 Electron 

Energy 

Reserved for future. 

R0012 Calibration 

Frequency 

Reserved for future. 

READ ONLY REGISTERS 

R1001 Total N2 

Equiv 

Pressure 

Reading 

The current reading of total pressure. Only updated when total pressure 

mode is on. See 10019 for more information. 

R1002 Manometer 

Reading 

 The current reading of the manometer, in Torr 

R1003 Lowest 

Detectable 

Pressure 

The lowest pressure the System can detect, in Torr. 

R1004 Highest 

Detectable 

Pressure 

The highest pressure the System can detect, in Torr. 

R1005 Highest 

Pressure 

Before 

Shutdown 

If the pressure exceeds this value, the System will turn off the filaments 

and return to the idle mode. 

R1006 SC 

Temperature 

(C) 

Obsolete. Was used for CNI’s to report current temperature of the SC 

Module. 

R1007 Max SC 

Temperature 

Allowed 

Maximum rated temperature for the SC Module. 

R1008 Fil. A ON 

Time 

0.1h Granularity 

R1009 Fil. B ON 

Time 

0.1h Granularity 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 69
Text Status Bank (BANK T) 

This bank stores information and messages about the System. It also contains information 

that is most conveniently stored as a text. 

CHART OF BANK T REGISTERS 

Register 

Number Name Description/Value 

READ ONLY REGISTERS 

T1001 Manufacturer’s 

Name 

Contains the name of the factory that created the CNI Module. 

T1002 CNI’s (or CNI’s) 

Model Number 

Contains the CNI Modules’ model number. 

T1003 Serial Number of 

CNI (or CNI) 

Not Used. Reserved for future. 

T1004 Firmware Version Contains the Firmware version number. 

T1005 Last Error Message This will have the last error message. (Note: Communications 

errors are not recorded here.) 

T1006 SC’s Model Number Contains the model number of the SC that is currently connected 

to the CNI Module. 

T1007 Last 

Communications 

Error 

This will have the last communications error message. 

T1008 SC S/N Reserved for future. 

T1009 MPA Model Reserved for future. 

T1010 MPA S/N Reserved for future. 

Analog Pressure Bank (BANK N) 

This bank stores the actual point-by-point readings of the System. The registers are read only 

and their contents are an (X,Y) pair of coordinates for the data point read. Unlike Bank A, the 

register number refers to the number of the data point and not the number of the atomic mass 

unit. 

An (X,Y) pair that has X=0 marks the end of the data points for the scan run. Otherwise, the 

X value is the AMU number in the format of ###.#. The Y value is the partial pressure (in Torr) 

measured at the AMU X. Here is an example: 

RN0001{CR} 'give me the data point number 1 

AN0001,002.4,1.120E-03 'partial pressure read at AMU 2.4 

To use this bank, you need to keep reading data points until you encounter one that has an X 

value of 0.For this reason, the length of the packet, and the number of data points in a typical 

scan, it is NOT recommended that you read this information. See the Optimization of Results

section of this manual for more information. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 70
Appendix C

Ferran Scientific data sheet

NASA/CR—2005-213820 71
Symphony MicropoleTM Mass Spectrometer System

♦ Faster Scan Rates (600 ms / amu) 

♦ 10-10 Torr Limit of Detection 

♦ 10 parts per billion Sensitivity 

♦ 43 eV or 70 eV Ionization Energy Settings 

♦ 2x10-8 atm.cm3

/s Minimum Detectable He Leak Rate 

♦ New PlasmaGuard Extends Sensor Life 

Affordable Gas Measurement, Control and Analysis 

New

FSInc. March - 2002 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 72
Page 1 http://www.ferran.com 

Symphony Symphony is the world’s smallest complete mass spectrometer system. The small size, low cost, and component interchangeability provide the user with a set of powerful features and unique advantages. The mix-and-match feature is 

crucial for easy upgrade, troubleshooting, and replacement. In 

addition, the ability to operate at higher pressures (mTorr 

range) without sacrificing UHV measurement capabilities translates into a two-fold advantage: measuring gaseous concentrations directly using an open source and reducing or eliminating additional vacuum pumps. Since the vacuum pumping requirements are less stringent, Symphony Symphony systems can be 

packaged together with various sample introduction methods 

in the form of portable instruments for field applications. 

At the heart of the Symphony is an enhanced 

version of the MicropoleTM (U.S. Patent. 

5,401,962) mass analyzer, the PlasmaGuard. 

Its breakthrough design using a miniature array 

of quadrupole mass filters revolutionized the 

world of mass spectrometry. The Micropole 

offers a similar or greater sensitivity than conventional mass spectrometers, but in a fraction 

of the volume. Its fabrication (U.S. Patent. 

5,857,890) uses cutting edge technologies such 

as highly accurate photo etched components 

and proprietary glass-to-metal seals. The mass 

production of these sensors translates into a 

lower manufacturing cost. Connected to the 

PlasmaGuard is a state-of-the-art miniature, 

low power, high frequency power supply. Since 

these units are factory pre-tuned, they are interchangeable. The sensors are pre-calibrated 

against transfer pressure standards in order to 

provide direct absolute total and partial pressure measurements (in Torr). Through a computer interface, the instrument is controlled using MS Windows compatible software 

(WinMPA). Automatic, around the clock data 

acquisition in different formats is built-in for fast 

access to the information required from the 

mass spectrometer. 

♦ Small Size 

♦ Low Cost 

♦ Interchangeable Components

♦ Pre-calibrated, Pre-tuned Sensors 

♦ High Pressure Operation

♦ Easy-to-use

QUADRUPOLE 

Array Concept 

Operation of a Single Quadrupole of the Micropole 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 73
Symphony Components: 

Introducing the PlasmaGuard or shielded Micropole (SMPA) Page 3 

Micropole and PlasmaGuard Analyzers: 

The Micropole (MPA) is a miniature array of quadrupole mass spectrometers 

designed to operate simultaneously (in parallel). Atoms and molecules are 

ionized in a single Nier-type ion source following electron impact (EI). Electrons are emitted from hot filaments located outside the field of view (main 

axis) of the quadrupole detector. Using electrostatic lenses, ions are extracted, focused, and injected into individual quadrupole mass filters. Ions 

with a specific mass-to-charge ratio are filtered by applying a combination of 

DC and RF voltages to each quadrupole in the array. Filtered ions in each 

quadrupole are collected on individual Faraday type detectors. All individual 

detectors contribute to generate a single current signal. A mass spectrum is 

generated by scanning both AC and DC voltages. A MPA chassis includes a 

total of 16 rods and 11 electrical pins all secured in a glass-to-metal structure. The structure is sealed in a high temperature oven. The electrostatic 

lenses, apertures, and plates are made of highly accurate photo etched 

parts. The sensor construction does not use ceramic parts as is the case 

with conventional quadrupoles. Therefore, no charging effects are observed. 

The Symphony system features a more robust version of the Micropole: 

the PlasmaGuard. It is encapsulated in a stainless steel case for easy 

handling. The analyzer is also protected by a mesh, on the vacuum fitting, 

designed to extend the lifetime of the sensor in harsh environments such as 

plasma processes. Each MPA/PlasmaGuard sensor is delivered with a set of 

six calibration parameters generated at the factory for fast and easy operation. Two ionization energy settings are built into the Symphony system: 

70 eV and 43 eV. While 70 eV is standard, 43 eV setting is used to avoid 

spectral interferences from doubly charged ions. For example, the water 

peak at (m/e = 18 amu) is free from 36Ar++ interferences since, 43 eV is just 

below the second ionization potential of 36Ar. 

Spectra Converter (SC): 

The SC includes a pre-tuned RF power supply and a extremely sensitive electrometer circuitry. Using a built-in guide pin, the SC is easily connected and 

secured to the back of the MPA/PlasmaGuard with a connector latch. The 

combination can be mounted in any orientation. MPAs/PlasmaGuards and 

SCs are interchangeable for fast and easy replacement, upgrade, and troubleshooting. 

Computer Network Interface (CNI): 

The SC is connected to the CNI using a shielded cable. The cable is immune 

against surrounding electronic noise from other equipment. The CNI includes 

the power supplies, the control circuitry and the communications board. All 

circuits are driven by an internal microcomputer and embedded control software (firmware). The CNI is directly connected to a PC via RS232, RS485, or 

TCP/IP serial interfaces. For multiple sensor installations, an RS232/RS485 

converter is on board. The CNI is powered by a 24 VDC power supply. 

Computer Network Logic Interface (CNL): 

In addition to the CNI circuitry, the CNL includes a board with digital Input/

Ouputs and analog output capabilities. A standard Capacitance Diaphragm 

Gauge (CDG) connection is also available. The additional circuitry enables the 

user to implement fault detection scenarios using custom decisions based on 

the data acquired. Automatic operation using external triggers is easily set. 

Connecting a CDG or other equivalent gauge to the CNL to work in conjunction 

with the RGA allows the user to implement warning, automatic operation, and 

sensor protection features. 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 74
Page 4 Catalog Available OnLine 

 

Micropole and PlasmaGuard Analyzers (MPA and SMPA): 

- Dimensions: see drawing 

- Weight: 100 g 

- Twin-Filament Electron Impact Ion Source 

- Filaments: Y2O3/Ir (standard), ThO2/Ir, W 

- 9 Miniature Quadrupole Mass Filters 

- Mass Filters: 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 mm Long 

- Faraday Cup Detector 

- Max. Bake out Temperature: 350 oC 

- Max. Operating Temperature: 150 oC 

- UHV Compatible: < 10-9 atm.cm3

/sec Rate 

- Mounting Flange: mini-Conflat (standard), NW/KF16 

Spectra Converter (SC): 

- Dimensions: see drawing 

- Weight: 200 g 

- RF Power Supplies: 7, 11, 14, or 18 MHz 

- Factory Pre-Tuned 

- Interchangeable with any MPA/SMPA Analyzer of the Same Type 

- Connector Latch for Mounting in Any Orientation 

Computer Network Interface (CNI): 

- Dimensions: see drawing 

- Weight: 750 g 

- Power Requirements: 24 VDC, 1.5 A 

- RS232 (50 ft Max.), RS485 (3000 ft Max.) Interfaces 

- RS232/RS485 Converter 

- Selectable Baud Rates: 9600, 19600, 38400 

- Up to 8 Units can be Daisy-Chained 

- Built-in standard connections to heated and non heated Capacitance Diaphragm 

Gauges (See TRIO Brochure) 

Computer Network Logic Interface (CNL):

- Dimensions: see drawing 

- Weight: 1 kg 

- Power Requirements: 24 VDC, 1.5 A 

- RS232 and RS485 Interfaces 

- RS232/RS485 Converter 

- Selectable Baud Rates: 9600, 19600, 38400 

- Up to 8 Units can be Daisy-Chained

- 8 Open Collector Logic Input/Outputs 

- Standard Connector for non Heated CDGs 

- 2 Pneumatic Valve Actuators 

- Optional 3 Analog Outputs (0-1V) 

Accessories (See Catalog/Price List for Part Numbers): 

- 24 VDC Power Supply (35 and 65 W) 

- Micropole Cable (1, 10, 15, 25 ft max.) 

- RS232 Cable (6, 10, 25, 50 ft Max.) 

- RS485 Cable (1- 3000 ft Max.) 

- RS232/RS485 Converter 

- Isolation Valves (manual and Pneumatic) 

- Flange Adapters and Mounting Kits 

- Grounding Strap (3 ft max.) 

Symphony Specifications: 

MPA 

CNL 

CNI 

SC 

SMPA 

Micropole Docking Station for 5 

Sensors (PAC-05): multi-chamber 

solution where power supplies, 

driving electronics, and wires are 

enclosed in a single platform. 

Ferran Scientific Inc. 

11558 Sorrento Valley Rd. 

San Diego, CA 92121 

Ph: (858) 792-2332 

Fax: (858) 792-0065 

Web Site: http://www.ferran.com 

E-mail: sales@ferran.com 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 75
Page 5 

(1) Maximum Operating Pressure Minimum Detectable Partial Pressure are specified for molecular Nitrogen 

(2) X specifies the vacuum flange type: C for 1.33” Conflat and K for NW/KF16

Symphony Options: 

Ordering Information: A desired mass range requires specifying a combination of MPA/SMPA and SC. Please contact the Sales department for prices and delivery 

For turnkey solutions, please 

refer to the Quartet brochure 

available on Ferran.com. The 

Quartet system, AC line powered, includes Symphony

components, data display and 

control monitor. 

Total Process Monitoring and 

Control Solution 

♦ SMPA-5-2/65C: PlasmaGuard (5 mTorr Upper 

Pressure limit, 2-65 Amu mass range, mounted on 

mini Conflat Flange) 

♦ SC6-14: 14 MHz Spectra Converter 

♦ CNL-06: Computer Logic Interface 

♦ PS-03: 24 VDC Power Supply 

♦ CA-06-XX: SMPA Shielded Cable 

♦ CA-02-YY: RS232 Cable 

♦ Control Software (WinMPA2002) 

♦ VG-1A (1 Torr CDG; See TRIO Brochure) 

♦ V12: Optional Pneumatic valve 

 

 Contact Sales Offices for Prices 

XX: Cable Length = 6, 10, 15’ 

YY: Cable Length = 6, 10’

Shipping Information: 

Weight ............................................................ 5 kg Approx. 

Packaging Dimensions .................................... 45x40x10 cm 

For Miniature, low cost, 

reliable CDGs, please refer 

to the TRIO brochure 

available on Ferran.com . 

Mass Range (amu) 2-45 2-45 2-65 2-65 2-100 4-300 

Resolution FWHM (amu) 0.5 1.5 0.8 0.9 1 1.5 

Maximum Operating Pressure1 (Torr) 1x10-3 1.1x10-2 5x10-3 7x10-3 5x10-3 1x10-3

Minimum Detectable Partial Pressure1 (Torr) for 

Slow Scan Updates 

10-10 10-10 10-10 10-10 10-10 10-10

Fastest Scan Updates / amu (sec) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 

Minimum Detectable He Leak Rate (atm.cm3/ sec) 2x10-8 2x10-8 2x10-8 2x10-7 2x10-8 2x10-8

PlasmaGuard (SMPA) SMPA-1-2/45-X2 SMPA-11-2/45-X SMPA-5-2/65-X SMPA-7-2/65-X SMPA-5-2/100-X SMPA-1-4/300-X 

Micropole Analyzer (MPA) MPA6-1-2/45-X MPA6-11-2/45-X MPA6-5-2/65-X MPA6-7-2/65-X MPA6-5-2/100-X MPA6-1-4/300-X 

Spectra Converter (SC) SC6-18 SC6-18 SC6-14 SC6-14 SC6-11 SC6-07 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 76
Page 6 http://www.ferran.com 

WinMPATM Control Software: 

Table Mode 

Trend Mode 

Analog Scan 

Histogram 

Leak Mode 

Deviation Graph 

Multi-chamber Control 

Symphony Symphony is controlled using WinMPA, a Windows application developed by Ferran Scientific Inc. In 

addition to the communication protocols, WinMPA includes data acquisition, display, and file handling capabilities. When executed for the first time, WinMPA performs a three-step configuration procedure. 1. ANALYZER CONFIG.: consists of entering the calibration parameters of each MPA/SMPA. The parameters of 

the analyzer are stored under a name (e.g. serial number) specified under NEW ANALYZER. 2. SYSTEM 

CONFIG.: a SYSTEM comprises a MPA/SMPA, a SC, and CNI/CNL. Under NEW SYSTEM, the model and 

the serial number of the SC and CNI/CNL are entered. The MPA/SMPA is selected from a pull-down menu 

showing all analyzers configured under ANALYZER CONFIG. 3. COMM CONFIG. consists of linking a 

SYSTEM to a communication port of the PC. After setting the baud rate, the serial interface (RS232 or 

RS485) is selected. For multiple sensor applications, each SYSTEM has an address (0 through 32). A 

SYSTEM STATUS window enables the user to control, open graphs, save data, and generate process 

recipes for each SYSTEM independently. 

- Compatible with Windows XP, 2000, Me, NT 4.0, 95/98, 3.1/3.11 

- PC Requirements: 66 MHz, 16 MB RAM. Higher specifications 

are required for multiple analyzer installations. 

- Embedded demo mode 

- Capture of all data all the time in temporary files 

- Automatic 24/7 data capture and file naming 

- Binary and ASCII data file formats 

- Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) links with spread sheet software. 

- Optional TCP/IP protocol 

- Data display in multiple, simultaneous BAR, TREND, ANALOG, 

TABLE, and DEVIATION graphs. 

- Torr, Pascal, Bar, and PPM Units. 

- Linear and Logarithmic Scales 

- LEDs to show status of Input/Outputs 

- Monitor and display signals from complementary gauges such as 

CDGs. 

- Custom warnings following drifts from set tolerances 

- Storage of process control recipes 

- Statistical process control (SPC) incorporated into recipes 

- Deviation graphs showing drifts from “ideal” runs 

- Event-driven full automated operation and data storage 

- Jump/Continuous Scans with or without Total Pressure measurement 

- Pre-set scan speed mode and graph recipes 

- Sensor accumulated hours of operation 

- Helium leak mode with progressive display graph and audible 

warning 

WinMPA Highlights 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 77
Enhancing Productivity in Manufacturing Facilities Page 7 

Symphony Symphony

Typical Applications Typical Applications 

Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing: 

♦ Photoresist detection 

♦ Moisture & contaminant detection in wafer 

Handling chambers of cluster tools 

♦ Wet clean recovery after PM cycles 

♦ Leakback test and leak troubleshooting 

♦ Process monitoring and control 

♦ Tool diagnostics and characterization 

General Residual Gas Analysis: 

♦ Vacuum diagnosis from UHV to low vacuum 

♦ Troubleshooting leaks 

♦ Monitoring and control of contaminants 

♦ Helium leak detection 

Space Research: 

♦ Hazardous gas detection 

♦ Life support and leak detection onboard Space 

Station 

♦ Planetary and moon Exploration: Mars, Europa 

R&D: 

♦ Multi-sensor deployment 

♦ Remote operation 

♦ Particle accelerators 

♦ Synchrotrons 

Industrial Vacuum Coating: 

♦ Vacuum and optical coating 

♦ Vacuum furnaces 

♦ Glass coating 

♦ Preventive maintenance 

♦ Cryogenic pumps performance 

Environmental Monitoring: 

♦ Detection of volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs) 

♦ Abatement monitoring 

♦ Oceanography applications 

NASA/CR—2005-213820 78
Phone: (858) 792-2332 

Fax: (858) 792-0065 

E-mail: sales@ferran.com 

Http://www.ferran.com 

11558 Sorrento Valley rd. 

San Diego, CA 92121 

U.S.A 

Since it was founded in 1989, Ferran 

Scientific Inc. has established itself 

as the world leader in miniature, low 

cost pressure measurement and gas 

analysis. Using patented innovations 

in vacuum technology, Ferran Scientific Inc. was able to respond to 

pressing needs for affordable in-situ 

gas instrumentation. Upon its introduction, the Micropole mass spectrometer has enjoyed world wide 

acceptance and success as one of 

the technological breakthroughs in 

30 years of quadrupole mass filter 

designs. The Micropole continues to 

be a workhorse in affordable mass 

spectrometry with an impressive installed base in a variety of industries. The Micropole, in its newly released Symphony system, is the 

world’s smallest complete mass 

spectrometer system. These consumable sensor type instruments 

have provided lower cost of ownership in numerous applications. Using 

its expertise in miniaturization and 

mass production employing cutting 

edge technological tools, Ferran Scientific Inc. is able to manufacture 

instruments such as mass spectrometers and pressure gauges for a 

wide range of usage. The interchangeability of sensors and electronics adds an unprecedented plugand-play concept for easy troubleshooting, upgrade, and replacement. The company’s turnkey solutions enable the user to minimize 

the installation time and rapidly extract gas pressure and analysis information. 

Affordable Gas Measurement, Control and Analysis

NASA/CR—2005-213820 79
This publication is available from the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information, 301–621–0390.

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Available electronically at http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov

November 2005

NASA CR—2005–213820

E–15178

WBS–22–101–42–02

NAS3–01164

85

Identification and Quantitative Measurements of Chemical Species by

Mass Spectrometry

Mark A. Zondlo and David S. Bomse

Mass spectrometers; Gas analysis; Gas chromatography; Quadrupoles

Unclassified -Unlimited

Subject Category: 35

Southwest Sciences, Inc.

51570 Pacheco Street, Suite E–11

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

Project Manager, Karen J. Weiland, Exploration Systems Division, NASA Glenn Research Center, organization code

PTO, 216–433–3623.

The development of a miniature gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system for the measurement of chemical species

of interest to combustion is described. The completed system is a fully-contained, automated instrument consisting of a

sampling inlet, a small-scale gas chromatograph, a miniature, quadrupole mass spectrometer, vacuum pumps, and

software. A pair of computer-driven valves controls the gas sampling and introduction to the chromatographic column.

The column has a stainless steel exterior and a silica interior, and contains an adsorbent of divinylbenzene that is used to

separate organic species. The detection system is based on a quadrupole mass spectrometer consisting of a micropole

array, electrometer, and a computer interface. The vacuum system has two miniature pumps to maintain the low pressure

needed for the mass spectrometer. A laptop computer uses custom software to control the entire system and collect the

data. In a laboratory demonstration, the system separated calibration mixtures containing 1000 ppm of alkanes and alkenes.