RS-232 Operation

Introduction. The command set of the EPS310 has been designed to provide the
user with outstanding process flexibility. In addition to basic on and off commands,
there are a wide range of reporting, configuration, and control commands. All
EPS310 commands, except SO, WF, WR and WT can be used in immediate
(direct) mode, via RS-232.

High voltage control commands. The following commands control, and adjust
parameters related to, the high voltage output.
Command Description
CF Set high voltage compliance off
CN Set high voltage compliance on
OF Turn high voltage output off
ON Turn high voltage output on
NP Set output voltage to negative polarity
PP Set output voltage to positive polarity
SB Set output voltage back to previous setpoint
SC Set high voltage compliance window
SH Shunt the high voltage output terminals
SV Set high voltage setpoint
SI Set overcurrent trip point
SO Set high voltage output level
SV Set high voltage setpoint
TP Toggle polarity


Status information commands. The following commands provide status
information about the unit, operating parameters or program condition.
Command Description
I1 Return the output current in the E1 lead
I2 Return the output current in the E2 lead
ID Return software version
MI Measure current at terminals (E1 + E2)
MV Measure volts at terminals (E1 + E2)
RC Return compliance value
RI Return overcurrent trip point
RM Report maximum output voltage limit (factory setting)
RP Return program status
RS Return status
RV Return voltage setpoint
V1 Return out voltage in the E1 lead
V2 Return out voltage in the E2 lead


Substrate Detector Control. The EPS310 includes a proprietary programmable
substrate detector. The user adjustable parameters allow the EPS310 to accurately
detect a variety of substrates, including semiconductor wafers, glass photomasks
and dielectric substrates.
Command Description
DF Turn the substrate detector off
DG Set substrate detector gain/sensitivity
DH Set substrate detector high threshold
DL Set substrate detector low threshold
DN Turn the substrate detector on
DZ Set substrate detector offset/zero
RA Return substrate detector analog value
RG Return substrate detector gain/sensitivity value
RH Return substrate detector high threshold value
RL Return substrate detector low threshold value
RZ Return substrate detector offset/zero value


Digital output control. The EPS310 provides the user with two digital output bits
which can be used to emulate mechanical clamp interfaces or be used for any other
required function. The bits are identified as “Auxiliary Output Bit 1” and “Auxiliary
Output Bit 2.”

The user can set the auxiliary output bits to the preferred state throughout a program.
Both bits are cleared (set to the off state) at power-on or reset. Each output can
source or sink (jumper selectable) 500 mA at up to 30 VDC.
Command Description
CX 1 Clear auxiliary output bit 1
CX 2 Clear auxiliary output bit 2
SX 1 Set auxiliary output bit 1
SX 2 Set auxiliary output bit 2


T1, T2 and T3 timer commands. The timer commands allow the user to reset,
load, start and display the timer data. The EPS310 has three process timers.

Timer 1 (T1) is a user programmable timer that can be used as a general purpose
countdown timer, when used in conjunction with the WT command. The resolution
of T1 is one second. It has a maximum time period of 59 minutes and 59 seconds.

Timer 2 (T2) tracks the period the high voltage has been on, since timer 2 was last
cleared, using the C2 command. Timer 2 can be used as a chuck or chamber
preventative maintenance timer. The resolution of T2 is one second. It has a
maximum time period of 59,999 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.

Timer 3 (T3) is the OEM high voltage on timer. This timer cannot be reset and can
be used by the manufacturer for MTBF information. The resolution of T3 is one
minute. It has a maximum time period of 59,999 hours and 59 minutes.
Command Description
C1 Clear timer 1
C2 Clear timer 2
R1 Read timer 1
R2 Read timer 2
R3 Read timer 3
RT Reload and start timer 1
ST Set timer 1


Program Control Commands. The EPS310 allows the user to develop and store
complex chuck and dechuck algorithms using the proprietary scripting language and
the following program editing and flow control commands.
Command Description
AB Aborts the current program
CA Clear all programs
CP Clear current program
LP List current program
Pn Select program 'n'
RP Return program status
RR Resume program (after a WR command)
WT Wait for timer 1 to expire
WF Wait for high-voltage off command
WR Wait for resume command
XP Execute program



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All rights reserved. Last Update: 18 Nov 2004 1300

Email: johnk@grippingpower.com