Televac AN 3000: MX Series Replacement of MP Series Active Gauges

Description

The MX series of active gauges was designed as a direct replacement for the MP series of active gauges. This document describes how an MX can be used to replace an MP. Note that the MX series provides significant benefits over the MP series in performance, price, and appearance.

General Comparison Chart

The following chart compares the general features of the MX2A, MX4A, MP2AR, and MP4AR:

Feature MX2A MX4A MP2AR MP4AR
Range 1*10-4 to 1000 Torr 1*10-4 to 1000 Torr 1*10-3 to 20 Torr 1*10-3 to 1000 Torr
Orientation Any (1*10-4 to 20 Torr)
Vertical (20 to 1000 Torr)
Vertical Any Vertical
Cost (1 lowest, 4 highest) 1 2 3 4
Analog Outputs 7 user selectable 7 user selectable 2 factory set 3 factory set
Communications RS-485 RS-485 None None
Response Time < 2 seconds < 1 second < 2 seconds < 1 second
Accuracy (1 best, 4 worst) 2 1 4 3

Analog Outputs

An MP includes up to three options for analog output behavior, they are the following:

  1. Log
  2. Linear
  3. Non-linear

An MX includes seven options for analog output behavior, they are the following:

  1. Log
  2. Linear 1
  3. Linear 2
  4. Linear 3
  5. Linear 4
  6. Linear by decade
  7. Non-linear

The relationships between the analog outputs of the MP and MX:

MP2AR Output MX2A Equivalent Output
Linear Linear 4
Non-linear None

 

MP4AR Output MX4A Equivalent Output
Log Log
Linear Linear 4
Non-linear Non-linear

On an MP, the analog output behavior is chosen by jumpers and pin selection. This process is considerably simplified on an MX and can be done using the front panel or through RS-485 communications. Here is an example showing how you could switch the output of an MX to Linear 4 in order to match the Linear output of an MP:

  1. Navigate to the Measurement Screen
  2. Press SEL four times, the screen will read “Analog Out”
  3. Press ENT to unlock the screen
  4. Press DOWN three times, the screen will read “Linear 4”
  5. Press ENT to save the change

Wiring Connections

MP and MX connector comparison:

MP Connector MX Connector
D-sub 9 pin D-sub 15 pin

Power connections:

Connection MP Pin MX Equivalent Pin
Power (+) Pin 3 Pin 8
Power (-) Pin 4 Pin 15

Analog output connections:

Connection MP Pin MX Equivalent Pin
Log/Linear Analog Output (+) Pin 5 Pin 9
Non-linear Analog Output (+) Pin 7 Pin 9
Analog Output (-) Pin 8 Pin 1

Set point connections:

Connection MP Pin MX Equivalent Pin
Set Point Relay NO Pin 1 Pin 4
Set Point Relay NC Pin 2 Pin 3
Set Point Relay C Pin 6 Pin 11

Overall pin diagram comparison:

Calibration

Calibration points on an MP are adjusted using pots. Calibration points on an MX are adjusted using the front panel or RS-485 communications.

MP2AR and MX2A Calibration Points

Calibration Point MP2AR MX2A
Zero Yes Yes
10 Torr No Yes
760 Torr (Atmosphere) No Yes

MP4AR and MX4A Calibration Points

Calibration Point MP4AR MX4A
Zero Yes Yes
1 Torr No Yes
760 Torr (Atmosphere) Yes Yes

Additional calibration points on an MX allow for more accurate measurements than an MP.

Display

There are a variety of differences between the displays of an MP and an MX:

Description MP Display MX Display
Type 3 character 7-segment LED 256×64 color OLED
Location Top Front
Readable Distance 3 m (10 feet) 3 m (10 feet)

The higher display resolution on an MX allows access to features through the front panel. This is not possible on an MP.

Set Points

An MX includes two set points while an MP only has one. Additionally, the ratings on MX set points are much higher than the ratings on an MP set point:

Description MP MX
Set Points 1 2
Type Relay Relay, Open Collector
Relay Contact Rating 0.5 A @ 24 VDC 2 A @ 220 VDC (250 VAC)
Open Collector Rating None 2 A @ 60 VDC

MX Series Additional Benefits

Many modern systems incorporate digital communications for increased accuracy and ease of use. While an MP does not include any digital communications, an MX comes standard with RS-485 communications. RS-485 is addressable allowing multiple MX units to be connected to the same bus, reducing wiring requirements. Additionally it provides the ability to remotely adjust features of an MX without requiring access to the front panel.

Related Products

MX2A Thermocouple Active Vacuum Gauge

MX2A Thermocouple Active Vacuum Gauge

• 1*10-4 Torr up to 1000 Torr
• Easy-to-read color OLED display
• Sensors easy to replace

MX4A Convection Active Digital Vacuum Gauge

MX4A Convection Active Vacuum Gauge

• 1*10-4 Torr to 1000 Torr
• Sensors easy to replace
• Contamination resistant