Innovation for successInnovation for success

Success in industrial technologyVacuum gauge controller for precise measurementsINFICON AG, Liechtenstein

“To us, outsourcing doesn't mean simply implementing technical specifications, but also working as a team across companies. This cooperation as partners allowed us to create an absolute top-quality product for our customers.”INFICON AG

As outsourcing partner of INFICON AG, Cicor is taking over the production of a vacuum gauge controller for vacuum sensors, including the mechanical design, software and electronics development and complete manufacture of the controller.

INFICON is a leading provider of innovative measurement technology, sensor technology for critical processes and cutting-edge process control software aimed at increasing the productivity and quality of sophisticated vacuum processes in highly specialized sectors – products that are of crucial importance in the detection of gas leaks in the area of refrigeration/air conditioning technology and automobile production. They are also essential for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end customers in the manufacture of semiconductor chips and thin films (e.g. for flatscreens, solar cells, magnetic and optical storage media, optical and decorative layers, and architectural glass). Other areas of application for vacuum technology include life sciences, research, aerospace and defense, food packaging, heat treatment, sterilization, and laser-cutting techniques. INFICON continues to use its expertise to offer unique products for the analysis of toxic hazardous substances. The main applications for these products are in rescue services as well as civil and environmental protection. INFICON has world-leading production facilities in the USA and Europe with local branches in China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Innovative vacuum gauge controller offering superior accuracy and reliability

Life cycle management

Quality management

Development Industrialization

After-sales Production

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standards for Industry 4.0

INFICON's vacuum gauge controllers combine maximum precision and reliability with user friendliness. They can easily be integrated in systems as well as act as a central display for several measurement points throughout the entire area under vacuum. The vacuum gauge controllers are mainly used in laboratory technology and in coatings for the semiconductor industry.

In order to make their application and in-tegration in production as easy as possible, the devices are available with a range of connections (USB, Ethernet, etc.) enabling complete networking between the control-lers and other devices. Measurement values can be monitored and analyzed directly in the network thanks to the devices' Ethernet connection, while the fi rmware can be updated via USB connection or a computer application. The devices are thus perfectly equipped for Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The vacuum gauge controllers are available with measurement connections for one, two or three sensors. The illuminated display, which is easy to read from a distance of up to ten meters, indicates each channel and up to six integrated set points indepen-dently. This guarantees optimum process measurement and monitoring. Each channel can be used independently or combined with other channels.

Product developmentLayoutMechanical designTest developmentRedesign

Test conceptValidationNPILogistics modelProcurement

PrototypingAssemblySystem assemblyPlastic injection moldingToolmaking

WarrantyRepair servicesMaintenanceModifi cationObsolescence management

Modular assembly in a compact design

“As the outsourcing partner, we support our customer in the development of theproduct, the mechanical design, the optimum choice of material and production,through to the selection of appropriate packaging, logistics and product approval.”Cicor

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Cicor developed a modular assembly for INFICON's control units, which enables the individual components to be used through-out the entire product range. The result is a cost-optimized, innovative solution based on close cooperation from the requirement, conception and approval phase to mechani-cal, software and electronics development and industrialization, to production, com-plete box building and logistics.

As an expert in electronics, Cicor developed the electronics and software for INFICON using IBM Rational Rhapsody, a modern UML (Unifi ed Modeling Language) tool, to develop the software and UML to describe the software architecture and design. These models were then used as a basis

for generating the fi rmware. Cicor devel-oped the complete device using state-of-the-art software development and from a Design for Manufacturing aspect. Based on its comprehensive expertise in design and construction, Cicor created the bases for the device's mechanical parts, including the extruded enclosure, aluminum die cast front panel and back panel, as well as its assembly. The specifi cation and mechanical construction of the display was defi ned by Cicor and implemented in close collabora-tion with the display supplier. To ensure the packaging of the device is safe, it was tested in accordance with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) packaging specifi cation.

Sophisticated product approval for specifi c markets The Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) Listed Mark confi rms that a product has been tested by an accredited, independent testing laboratory and meets the relevant safety standards and minimum require-ments also for sale in North America, too. Thanks to Cicor's support, the vacuum gauge controllers met all the requirements for product approval. Moreover, the devices needed to meet international standard IEC 610610-1 (Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use), a feat achieved thanks to Cicor's comprehenisve expertise in indus-trial and medical technology and extensive experience in meeting standards and certi-fi cations. Cicor coordinated and completed the product certifi cation process on behalf of the customer in closed collaboration with external laboratories.

Cicor – a partner that delivers added value

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Production processes compatible across locationsCicor works with integrated production and quality assurance processes, identi-cal or compatible production facilities, test systems and standard ERP software (SAP). This allows an optimum choice of produc-tion sites, simple relocation of production and rigorous cost control. Prototypes can be manufactured and tested in close prox-imity to their development in Bronschhofen, with the serial production of the complete product range taking place in Romania. Fol-lowing final assembly, the completed device is packaged together with its manual and documentation for the end customer.

Test engineeringThe modular assembly of this product family also enabled Cicor to provide a cost-efficient solution for the testing equipment. Despite the multitude of connections, the entire product range could be tested using a single testing system. Furthermore, the testing system was set up in a way that allows a simple expansion to include additional measurement channels.

Vendor-managed inventory (VMI)As a complete outsourcing partner, Cicor also offers support for tailored logistics concepts. This requires flexibility and close cooperation. As the supplier, Cicor assumes responsibility for INFICON's inventory to ensure short delivery times. The calculation of deliveries is based on consumption figures and forecasts made available to Cicor online by INFICON.

The path to innovative solutions

The Cicor solution Complete mechanical, electronics and software development

Mechanical design (extruded enclosure, aluminum die casting, front plate, back plate, assembly)

Display specification and mechanical construction Firmware development using IBM Rational Rhapsody Development of PC tools in .NET using VisualStudio EMC tests Product certification in accordance with IEC 610610-1, ETL testing Variant management of various brands Prototyping in Switzerland Serial production incl. box building in Romania Specification and testing of packaging in accordance with the ISTA

standard Specific device characteristics:

Very bright vertical alignment LCD Ethernet interface Firmware upgrades via USB and computer application High analog resolution of measurement channels

The benefits

For INFICON AG

Connectivity (USB, Ethernet, IoT) Cost-optimized mechanical and electronics design Everything from a single source, from development to

finished product and product approval Reliable, certified manufacturing processes Easy communication (video conferences) and proximity to

the customer Coordinated logistics concept

For the end customer

Display with good contrast and readability Connectivity (USB, Ethernet, IoT) Robust, high-quality housing Safety in operation in accordance with IEC 61010 Easy software update via USB Highly accurate measurements

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The challenge Customer-specific products Cost-optimized design Large product range covering various brands Modular assembly for the whole product family State-of-the-art display technology Good readability at distances of up to ten meters Laboratory equipment standard IEC 610610-1 ETL product certification for North American market Use of latest technology standards Logistics concept – rapid deliverability Flexibility

The requirements Development expertise

Electronics and software development Mechanical design Experience in working with international standards Proximity to prototyping and production Own production

Prototyping and series production Test engineering Industrialization Logistics Local partnerships with global reach

cicor.com

Contacts Cicor

EuropeElectronic SolutionsSwisstronics Contract Manufacturing AG Industriestrasse 8 9552 Bronschhofen I SwitzerlandTel. +41 71 913 73 73Fax +41 71 913 73 74info-europe@cicor.com

AmericaCicor Americas Ltd.185 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite #410 Cambridge MA 02138 | USATel. +1 617 576 2005Fax +1 617 576 2001info-americas@cicor.com

AsiaCicor Asia Pte Ltd.45 Changi South Avenue 2#04-01 Singapore 486133 SingaporeTel. +65 6546 16 60Fax +65 6546 65 76info-asia@cicor.com

Head officeCicor Management AGLeutschenbachstrasse 958050 Zurich I Switzerland Tel. +41 43 811 44 05 Fax +41 43 811 44 09 info@cicor.com