Communication Interface Powers Thermal Mass Flow Controller Processing

Brooks Instrument has integrated its EtherCAT communication protocol with its GF40 and GF80 Series thermal mass flow controllers. EtherCAT helps enable network instrumentation for advanced process control and diagnostics capabilities.

EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an open, high performance ethernet-based fieldbus system designed for process control applications requiring short data update times with low communication “jitter.”

Other EtherCAT features include high-speed, time-synchronized communication to optimize process control; low implementation costs with no special master cards and cables required; more flexible topology supporting up to 65,535 nodes per segment for large scale installations; and auto configuration and location-specific diagnosis.

The GF40/80 combines flow repeatability, sub 1/sec flow control response time and Brooks MultiFlo technology, a powerful feature enabling users to optimize or reprogram the gas and range without having to remove the MFC from service.