7 Diagnostics and
troubleshooting
7.1
Introduction
This section contains diagnostic information including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
7.1.1
Instrument initialization
EPROM-resident diagnostics
PC software diagnostic folders
Error log
Windows Registry
Information required when requesting assistance
Important information
You must use the methods described in this section when
working with the diagnostic facilities provided with the Varian 700ES Series instrument. All of the following points should be read
and understood to avoid the risk of damage to the instrument or
abnormal operation.
The DIP switches on the 80C32 controlled pwbs will alter the
operation of the instrument. Before attempting to use the
instrument for normal operation, ensure that all DIP switches are
set to normal run position and the instrument power switch is
turned off and on.
7.2
Instrument initialization
This section provides information about instrument initialization
routines which are started when the low power switch is turned
on or when a system reset is generated.
7.2.1
386EX Control Board (02 101689 90)
Application of low power to the 80C32 microprocessor on the
386EX control pwb produces an instrument system reset signal.
This signal resets the gas control and RF interface pwbs.
A system reset can be forced by pressing a switch on the 386EX
control pwb. During the reset, the 80C32 samples the state of
DIP switches SW2-2 to SW2-6, turns LEDs D20, D21, and D22
on and then performs a four second RAM test.
When the 386EX control pwb has initialized, all LEDs are turned
off, except for D20 which is flashed periodically. This indicates
that the RS-422 serial communications link is working properly.
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
When the instrument has finished initializing the seven-segment
LED will flash the firmware version to the first significant digit.
386EX control board: Normal startup sequence
LED
Duration
Comment
Decimal point only
1-2s
Reset
1
< 1s
Flash memory CRC test (boot block only).
2
< 1s
RAM test (all of RAM).
3
2-3s
Flash memory CRC tests
(main instrument firmware).
4
2s
All OK - waiting for PC-initiated flash
download. (FWUpdate.exe)
6
3s
Attempting to home the pre-optics mirror M1
X,Y (alternating)
forever
X, Y are the firmware version X.Y (eg. 1.0) X
will display while the pre-optics is initialized,
then the display will alternate X then Y to
show version number. X will be on longer than
Y.
(Boot Block)
386EX control board: Startup sequence if FWUpdate.exe running
LED
Duration
Comment
Blank
1-2s
Reset
1
< 1s
Flash memory CRC test (boot block only).
2
< 1s
RAM test (all of RAM).
(Boot Block)
Switch diagnostics 1, 2 and 11 (the normal
boot sequence is interrupted at this point).
3
2-3s
Flash memory CRC tests
(main instrument firmware).
4
< 2s
All OK - waiting for PC-initiated flash
download.
7
indefinite
In download mode, waiting for command from
the PC,
or returning version information to the PC.
8
< 60s
Erasing flash memory and downloading new
program.
9
< 3s
CRC test on new program.
0 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
All OK
indefinite
Main program CRC is bad: program cannot
execute.
Special Cases
6 (instead of 4)
Note: Following a successful download, the firmware will generate a reset and the
normal startup sequence will begin.
7-2
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Startup error codes:
386EX control board:
Boot block error codes (same as satellite board codes)
LED
Duration
Comment
0 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
OK – download completed
1 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Boot block CRC failure
2 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
RAM test failure
5 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Flash memory access failure
6 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Incompatible F/W (boot block or main
instrument) and H/W
7 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Flash memory programming failure
8 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Unable to execute instrument program
(internal F/W fault)
7.2.2
External Satellite Board (Boot Block Programmer)
The Boot Block Programmer is not part of the instrument. It is
used only to program the Boot Block of the flash memory on the
386EX control Board - see Section 13 for full details. The
sequence during initialization and the error codes are contained
in the following charts.
Satellite Board: Normal Programming Sequence
LED (satellite board)
Duration
Comment
-
< 1s
Reset
1
< 1s
Flash memory CRC test (satellite board copy
program only)
2
< 1s
RAM test (all of RAM)
6
< 1s
Flash memory CRC test (boot block image to
be copied)
7
1-2s
Erasing, programming and verifying boot
block
0 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
All OK
Publication date: 10/16/2006
7-3
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Satellite Board: Error Codes
7.2.3
LED (satellite board)
Duration
Comment
0 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
All OK - programming complete
1 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Satellite board copy program CRC failure
2 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
RAM test failure
4 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Boot block program image CRC failure
5 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Flash memory access failure
6 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Incompatible F/W (boot block or main
instrument) and H/W
7 (flashing rapidly)
until reset
Flash memory programming failure
Gas control pwb (02 101595 90)
The gas control pwb is reset by the system reset signal from the
386EX control pwb. During a reset, the 80C32 samples the state
of DIP switches SW1-2 to SW1-6, momentarily turns LEDs D4,
D5, D6 and D7 on and does a four second RAM test. The 80C32
then reads the state of the argon inlet pressure switch.
When the gas control pwb has initialized, all LEDs are turned off,
except for D4 which is flashed periodically. This indicates that the
RS-422 serial communications link is working properly.
7.2.4
RF interface pwb (02 101498 90)
The RF interface pwb is reset by the system reset signal from the
386EX control pwb. During a reset, the 80C32 samples the state
of DIP switches SW1-2 to SW1-6, momentarily turns LEDs D4
and D5 on and does a four second RAM test.
IC9 is reset to ensure both the high voltage anode supply and
filament supplies are disabled during initialization.
When the RF interface pwb has initialized, D4 is flashed
periodically. This indicates that the RS-422 serial
communications link is working properly.
7.2.5
Peristaltic pump pwb (02 102029 90)
The Peristaltic pump pwb is reset by the system reset signal from
the 386EX control pwb via the Gas control pwb. A reset switch is
also provided to reset the device. During a reset, the MCU
samples the state of the jumpers to provide access to the various
diagnostic modes.
7-4
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.3
EPROM diagnostics
All four of the microprocessor-based pwbs (386EX control, gas
control, RF interface and Peristaltic pump pwbs) are fitted with
diagnostic switches/jumpers and LED’s.
The diagnostic tests invoked by the diagnostic switches/jumpers
test various functions of the instrument and should be used to
help you find and fix faults.
All switch driven, EPROM diagnostic tests will work when the pwb
has been removed from the instrument for bench testing. All that
is needed is the power supply connections to run the pwb. This
feature allows you to run the full range of diagnostic tests while
bench-testing the pwbs.
To run any of the diagnostic tests, select the required switch
combination and enable the reset function (turn on the low
voltage). Apply +5 VDC to the 80C32 microprocessor (if bench
testing), or create an instrument system reset at the 386EX
control pwb to start the test.
The tests will continue to cycle until the switches are returned to
the normal operating position and the pwb is re-intialized by a
system reset.
7.3.1
386EX control pwb
DIP switch settings are defined as:
•
•
Open
Closed
= logic 1
= logic 0
= High = O
= Low = CL
Switch SW1 generates a system reset on the 386EX control
board which resets all boards.
SW3 is a rotary switch which is normally set to zero and is
reserved for future use.
DIP switch SW2 on the 386EX control pwb performs two tests:
SW2 6 5 4 3 2 1
X CL CL CL CL O
Test X CL CL CL CL O/CL
Note
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Operation
Normal operation
IEEE communications time out
Check that SW1-1 on the gas control pwb is set to closed (normal
operating mode) upon the completion of all tests.
7-5
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Communications Test
The 386EX control pwb and PC software communicate by the
IEEE RS 488 parallel link. With SW2-1 set to open, the plasma is
automatically extinguished if the PC fails to communicate with the
instrument for a period of more than ten seconds. Set SW2-1
closed before power up to disable this feature. Setting SW2-1
closed will allow the plasma to stay on if the PC does not
communicate with the instrument for extended periods of time.
Note
Ensure that switch SW2-1 is set open when you have finished
testing.
Camera PWB simulator
The 386EX control pwb includes circuitry that simulates the
camera assembly. The simulator has been designed as a standalone test circuit that simulates camera pwb data and control
functions. The simulator tests the control board, including the
plug, the interconnecting cable, and the PC interface.
To connect and run the camera simulator:
1. Turn off the instrument and remove the covers from the right
side of the instrument to allow access to the camera and
386EX control board.
2. Disconnect the cable connecting the 386EX control board to
camera board at the camera board end.
3. Plug the now disconnected cable into the test plug, PL4, on
the 386EX control board. You may need to swing the 386EX
control board out to gain access.
4. Turn on the instrument.
5. Check LED’s D13 and D15 to D19 are lit. They indicate
relevant signals are passing through the camera cable and
can be used as a quick check of the cable and supplies.
6. Run the Varian 700-ES Series instrument PolyAlign software
and select the Location folder.
7. Press the “Read spectrum” button and view the echellogram.
8. If everything is working properly you should see a ramp
across both the left and right side of each DLA for the Varian
720/730-ES Series instruments, or a set of nested diamonds
for the Varian 710-ES Series instrument as shown below.
7-6
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Varian 720/730-ES series loopback echellogram
Varian 710-ES series loopback echellogram
Publication date: 10/16/2006
7-7
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.3.2
Gas control pwb
The diagnostic tests are selected by the DIP switch SW1.
O = switch open
CL = switch closed
X= switch open or closed (don’t care)
Test
*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
CL
O
CL
CL
CL
CL
CL
CL
CL
CL
CL
CL
CL
SW1 Switch Positions
2
3
4
5
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
CL
O
O
O
CL
O
CL
CL
CL
O
O
CL
CL
O
CL
CL
CL
O
O
CL
CL
O
O
CL
CL
O
O
CL
CL
O
O
CL
CL
O
O
O
CL
O
O
CL
CL
Test Description
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
System reset disable (normal operation)
System reset enable
LED D4-D7 Gray code test
8031 serial port test
SV1 to SV7 & igniter simultaneous
SV1 to SV6 sequence
SV9-10-8-11 sequence
Peristaltic pump at 25RPM & MFC at 1SLPM
RAM test
8031 Ports 1&3
IC14 input latch - HI nibble
IC14 input latch - LO nibble
Peristaltic pump & MFC ramp
Test 1 - System reset enable
Allows the Gas Control pwb to be reset externally, via OP1, from
the 386EX control pwb.
Test 2 - LED D4-D7 Gray code test
Cycles LEDs D4 to D7 in a Gray code pattern
Test 3 - 8032 serial port test
IC7 outputs a pulse train on pin 11 (TXD)
Test 4 - SV1 to SV7 & igniter simultaneous
Simultaneously activates the solenoid valves controlling plasma
and auxiliary gas flows (SV1 to SV7) and the igniter.
LEDs D4 to D7 on the Gas Control pwb, and LEDs D1 to D8 on
the Gas Box Interconnect pwb, are ON when the solenoid valves
and igniter are ON.
Test 5 - SV1 to SV6 sequence
Activates the solenoid valves SV1 to SV6 in sequence. Each
solenoid is activated for around 1 second, at which time the
corresponding LED (D1 to D6) on the Gas Box Interconnect pwb,
is ON. LEDs D4 to D7 on the Gas Control pwb are ON for 6
seconds, OFF for 1 second.
7-8
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Test 6 - SV9-10-8-11 sequence
Activates solenoid valves SV9-SV10-SV8-SV11, in sequence.
Each solenoid is activated for around 1 second, at which time the
corresponding LED (D9 to D12) on the Gas Box Interconnect
pwb is ON. LEDs D4 to D7 on the Gas Control pwb are ON for 3
seconds, OFF for 1 second.
Test 7 - Peristaltic pump at 25RPM & MFC at 1SLPM
Sets the peristaltic pump speed to 25rpm (TP13=2.45V) and the
MFC flow rate to 1SPLM (TP18=3.3V). LED D5, D6 & D7 reflect
MFC status.
LED D4 ON
LED D5 ON
LED D6 ON
LED D7 ON
pwb is 02.10595.00
MFC not connected
MFC HIGH FLOW (TP19 ≥ 4V)
MFC LOW FLOW (TP19 ≤ 2.7V)
Test 8 - RAM test
Performs a simple test of the RAM, IC12. All LEDs OFF indicates
that the RAM is OK
Test 9 - 8031 Ports 1&3
Writes a series of test value to ports P1 (P1.0 to P1.7) and P3
(P3.0 to P3.5) of IC7. Data sequence is 00, 55, AA, FF at 1/2
second intervals. Note that the LEDs D4 to D7 are driven by port
P1.
Test 10 - IC14 input latch - HI nibble
Continuously reads input latch IC14 and displays the high four
bits on LEDs D4-D7. A high logic level at the input of IC14 turns
the corresponding LED ON.
LED D4 ON
LED D5 ON
LED D6 ON
LED D7 ON
Publication date: 10/16/2006
IC14 pin6 HI
IC14 pin7 HI
IC14 pin8 HI
IC14 pin9 HI
LOW argon pressure
LOW nebuliser pressure
MFC HIGH FLOW
MFC LOW FLOW
7-9
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Test 11 - IC14 input latch - LO nibble
Continuously reads input latch IC14 and displays the low four bits
on the LEDs D4-D7. A high logic level at the input of IC14 turns
the corresponding LED ON.
LED D4 ON
LED D5 ON
LED D6 ON
LED D7 ON
IC14 Pin2 HI
IC14 Pin3 HI
IC14 Pin4 HI
IC14 Pin5 HI
MFC not connected
VAC sense (PL4 Pin6)
?
VAC option (PL4 Pin1)
Test 12 - Peristaltic pump & MFC ramp
The peristaltic pump slowly ramps down from full speed to zero
speed, as TP13 ramps down from 4.9V to 0V (10 seconds). The
MFC slowly ramps up from 0 SLPM to 1.5 SLPM, as TP18 ramps
up from 0V to 5.0V (in 10 seconds).
7.3.3
RF interface pwb
There are three functions assigned to DIP SW1 on the RF
interface pwb:
0= Open, 1= Closed
SW1
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
123456
000000
111111
101111
110111
Operation
Normal operation
Local reset
LED test
80C32 serial port test
RF Interface Test 2
This test is included in all microprocessor-driven pwbs. When it is
enabled, the test cycles LEDs D3, D4, D5 and D6 in a Gray code
pattern.
RF Interface Test 3
This test is included in all microprocessor driven pwbs. When it is
enabled, the 80C32 outputs a pulse train at the TXD output. Set
DIP switch 3 closed position and use an oscilloscope to sample
TXD on pin 11 of IC1.
7-10
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.3.4
Peristaltic pump pwb
There is a major and a minor set of diagnostic modes for the
Peristaltic pump pwb. The major diagnostic mode is sensed from
the jumper settings immediately after hard reset (or power up)
and locked in until the next reset (or power down).
The minor diagnostic mode is continuously sensed and acted on
in the context of the major diagnostic mode.
During diagnostics, the LEDs may be used differently from
normal operation as described below.
Major Mode
Minor Mode
Mode
Jumper 2
Jumper 1
Jumper 2
Jumper 1
open
open
open
open
00
open
open
open
inserted
01
open
open
inserted
open
02
open
open
inserted
inserted
03
open
inserted
x
x
1X
inserted
open
open
open
20
inserted
open
open
inserted
21
inserted
open
inserted
open
22
inserted
open
inserted
inserted
23
inserted
inserted
inserted
inserted
inserted
inserted
open
open
inserted
open
inserted
open
30
31
32
inserted
inserted
inserted
inserted
33
Description
Normal Operation.
Normal Indications.
Normal Operation.
Supply Voltage
(3 digits) shown on red LED.
Normal Operation.
Control Frequency
(up to 3 digits) shown on red
LED.
Normal Operation.
Normal Indications.
not implemented, don’t use
Motor Drivers off,
PWM operating
60sec @ 15 RPM,
40sec @ 50RPM
40sec @ 15 RPM,
60sec @ 50RPM
4sec @ 15 RPM,
6sec @ 50RPM
Motor Speed = 15rpm
Motor Speed = 50rpm
Motor Speed = 5rpm
Motor Drivers off,
PWM operating
Operating Indicators
LED’s on the Peristaltic pump pwb are provided for diagnostic
purposes. The jumpers share the IO pins with the LEDs. The
jumpers are scanned in turn and monitored to detect the
presence of a jumper.
Publication date: 10/16/2006
7-11
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Below is a description of LED’s during normal operation (not in
diagnostics mode).
Red LED
After reset, the red LED flashes the Firmware Version
once and then remains off.
If the red LED keeps flashing an error has been
detected and the flashing represents a 2 digit error
code which is cycled continuously.
Yellow LED
Intensity:
With the frequency input below the turn-on threshold,
the LED is dimly illuminated (25% duty cycle) – this
indicates that the motor is off and the µC's timer
function works properly. With the frequency input above
the turn-on threshold, the LED is brightly lit and the
motor is energized and running.
Flicker:
If the LED shows a single flicker, approx once per
second, then the firmware has detected the small motor
(3-channel pump). If the Led shows a double flicker,
approx once per second, then the firmware has
detected the large motor (4-channel pump). The single
or double flicker is present regardless of the intensity.
Green LED
This is the Water Flow Indicator. The actual flow
detection and reporting is done in hardware without any
MCU involvement. The MCU merely indicates the state
of the Water Flow through the green LED.
No water flow detected:
If the LED flashes briefly once every 2 seconds
(approx) then no water flow has been detected and the
brief flash indicates that the LED and µC function
correctly.
Water flow adequate:
If the LED flickers quickly and brightly then water flow
has been detected. In this state, the flicker indicates
that the LED and MCU function correctly. The flicker
rate has no relationship to the rate of water flow – the
flicker rate is fixed in firmware.
Serial Port
If Jumper 3 was present at reset, then the Firmware
Version, Motor detection ADC counts, calculated Motor
Inductance values and subsequent motor selection
(“M1” or “M2”) are sent to the serial port.
Serial port settings:
1 start, 8 data, 1 stop bits, no parity, 38400 bps.
7-12
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Error Codes
Identifier
Code
Description
ERROR_PB2_STUCK_LOW
12
PUMP_EN stuck in logic low
ERROR_PB2_STUCK_HIGH
13
PUMP_EN stuck in logic high
ERROR_PD3_STUCK_LOW
14
phase-2 (cosine) stuck in logic low
ERROR_PD3_STUCK_HIGH
15
phase-2 (cosine) stuck in logic high
ERROR_PD5_STUCK_LOW
16
phase-1 (sine) stuck in logic low
ERROR_PD5_STUCK_HIGH
17
phase-1 (sine) stuck in logic high
ERROR_PD6_STUCK_LOW
18
phase-3 stuck in logic low
ERROR_PD6_STUCK_HIGH
19
phase-3 stuck in logic high
ERROR20_NO_MOTOR
20
no motor detected
ERROR21_PHASE1_OPEN_CIRCUIT
21
no current in winding 1 detected
ERROR22_PHASE2_OPEN_CIRCUIT
22
no current in winding 2 detected
ERROR23_PHASE3_OPEN_CIRCUIT
23
no current in winding 3 detected
ERROR25_PHASE_IMBALANCE
25
current difference exceeds 50% of current
average
ERROR26_PHASE1_SHORT_CIRCUIT
26
excessive current in winding 1 detected
ERROR27_PHASE2_SHORT_CIRCUIT
27
excessive current in winding 2 detected
ERROR28_PHASE3_SHORT_CIRCUIT
28
excessive current in winding 3 detected
Morse Code
The Firmware Version, error codes and some other numeric
indications are given in international Morse code. This minimises
the number of flashes that need to be counted, allows for multi
digit indications and is quite easy to learn.
Morse code digits always consist of 5 flashes per digit. There are
short and long flashes, the pause between flashes within a digit
are the same as the duration of a short flash. The pause between
digits is longer.
Hint: It is only necessary to either count the short or the long
flashes and to remember if the short flashes were before or after
the long ones.
Morse Code
Digit
•
1
•
•
•
•
•
2
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4
Example: Error Code “17”
would be idicated in Morse
code like this:
•
5
•
•
•
6
•
•
7
•
•
8
•
9
3
1
‡‡‡
7
0
Publication date: 10/16/2006
7-13
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4
PC software diagnostics
This section contains information on the diagnostic facilities
provided in the Varian 700-ES Series instrument software.
The software diagnostics are grouped as:
•
•
•
General access folders - the same as Instrument setup
General diagnostics folders
Service-only diagnostic folders
The general access folders are common with the Instrument
Setup page, and all users have access to these folders from the
Instrument setup page. They include the
Status folder,
Details folder,
Wavelength Calibration folder,
Ignition folder,
Echelle folder,
Torch Align folder
Autosampler folder and
Log folder.
No password is required for these folders. These folders have
been made available to all users to aid in instrument fault
diagnosis over the phone.
7-14
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
The general diagnostic folders include all the general access
folders, which are not password-protected, and three additional
folders,
Quick folder,
Gasbox folder and
Optics folder,
These folders are password-protected. They are accessible from
the Instrument Setup page. To enable them, click on the
flashlight icon and enter the password wallaby.
Publication date: 10/16/2006
7-15
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
The Service-only diagnostic folder (or extended diagnostics)
includes all the general access folders, which are not passwordprotected, and the three additional general diagnostics folders as
well as the
RF folder.
The RF folder is further password-protected. To enable this
folder, click on the key icon in the top right corner of the
diagnostics screen and enter the password virgil.
7-16
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4.1
Diagnostics toolbar
The diagnostics page has a toolbar with various functions:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Functions:
1. Continuous refresh.
The status of the instrument is cyclically updated. Many
parameters will be greyed out and inaccessible when in this
mode.
2. Single update.
The status of the instrument is updated once when you click
on this icon.
3. Apply.
The instrument is updated with any changed parameters
when you click on this icon. Any time you change parameters
on the diagnostics folders you must click on this icon to
implement the change.
4. Torch On or Torch Off.
These icons turn the torch on and off.
5. Pump On, Pump Off, Pump fast.
These icons turn the peristaltic pump on or off, and the fast
pump icon makes the pump run at 50 rpm.
6. Gasbox Power Down.
This removes power to all solenoids, and disables the igniter
and peristaltic pump.
7. RF Power Down.
This removes the RF drive to the power tube, filament and
high voltage supplies.
8. ICB, GB and RF “LEDS”.
These icons are indicators showing when each of the three
boards are communicating. The boards are the 386EX control
Board, the Gasbox board, and the RF interface board.
9. Theoretical wavelength positions.
This icons turns the wavelength calibration offsets on (button
“depressed”) or off (button “out”).
10. The “key”.
This is the Password entry icon. Entering the correct
password allows you access to the extended service-only
diagnostics.
Publication date: 10/16/2006
7-17
10
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4.2
Status folder
The Status folder is the first folder displayed when entering the
service diagnostics. Depending on the mode of entry (general or
extended) up to twelve folders are displayed.
The Status folder displays:
1. The firmware revision of all EPROMs and flash memory in the
instrument.
2. Plasma status
3. RF, high voltage and filament status
4. Polychromator temperatures and purge status
5. Argon pressure switch status and flows
6. Peristaltic pump rate
7. Water flow status
8. Argon filter usage
Note
This information is available only if the PC is connected to the
instrument and the IEEE communication is working.
Status folder
7-18
Publication date: 10/16/2006
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4.3
Details folder
The Details folder shows serial numbers, installation and
maintenance dates, and hours of running of the filament, shutter
and filters. The software analyses the contents of the EEPROM
on the 386EX Control Board and reports the relevant values. To
change any of the fields you will need to enter the service
password.
Details folder
7.4.4
Wavelength Calibration folder
The Wavelength Calibration folder shows the results from the last
successful wavelength calibration. It also allows reading and
storage of the Dark Current, and calculation of the electrical
offset.
Additionally, for Varian 710-ES Series instruments only, this
folder also allows you to calibrate the shutter and the attenuator.
For the Varian 720/730-ES Series instrument
Publication date: 10/16/2006
7-19
Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Dark current scan
Click here to initiate a “read spectrum” of the camera to quantify
the dark current characteristics. You must do this before
performing a wavelength calibration. The results are stored and
subtracted from all subsequent readings. This will also take
readings and average them to produce an average offset of the
camera.
Calibrate
Click here to initiate a wavelength calibration. The results will be
updated when the spectrum has finished. The results will also be
appended to a file called “Wavelength Calibration.txt” in the
C:\Program Files\Varian\ICPExpert II 7XX-ES\Run\Log
subdirectory.
Calculate drift
This action will calculate the drift since the last calibration and
display the result. Excessive drift may suggest recalibration.
Stop (F12)
This action will stop any of the actions above.
Store Dark Current
This exports the results of the dark current scan to a text file
which is tab delimited, suitable for importing into a spreadsheet.
This file contains a value for every pixel on the camera. This is
the only file which contains data for every pixel.
You have the option for naming this file when you save it, but it
does not prompt you to overwrite if you have a previously saved
file with the same name.
For the Varian 710-ES Series instruments
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Calibrate Detector
Click here to initiate a “read spectrum” of the camera to quantify
the dark current characteristics. You must do this before
performing a wavelength calibration. The results are stored and
subtracted from all subsequent readings. This will also take
readings and average them to produce an average offset of the
camera.
Calibrate Wavelength
Click here to initiate a wavelength calibration. The results will be
updated when the spectrum has finished. The results will also be
appended to a file called “wavelengthcalibration.txt” in the
C:\Program Files\Varian\ICPExpert II 71X-ES\Run\Log
subdirectory.
Calculate drift
This action will calculate the drift since the last calibration and
display the result. Excessive drift may suggest recalibration.
Calibrate shutter
This will cause the instrument to take photometric measurements
which characterize the camera exposure time errors caused by
the mechanical inertia and reproducibility variation of the shutter.
Typically, the shutter delay will be in the range ±2 mS. Results of
this test can be found in the ShutterCalibration.txt file located in
the C:\Program Files\Varian\ICPExpert II 7XX-ES\Run\Log
subdirectory.
Calibrate Attenuator
The attenuator calibration task is designed to characterize the
light transmission of the attenuator across the wavelength range
of the instrument. It will generate a pass/fail message as
compared against expected values. The results of this test can be
found in the AttenuatorCalibration.txt file located in the
C:\Program Files\Varian\ICPExpert II 7XX-ES\Run\Log
subdirectory.
Note
Publication date: 10/16/2006
The Calibrate Shutter and Calibrate Attenuator options are
available independently if the service diagnostics password has
been entered. If the service password is not entered, these two
options are combined under a single option called Calibrate
Hardware.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Store Dark Current
This exports the results of the dark current scan to a text file
which is tab delimited, suitable for importing into a spreadsheet.
This file contains a value for every pixel on the camera. This is
the only file which contains data for every pixel.
You have the option for naming this file when you save it, but it
does not prompt you to avoid overwriting if you have a previously
saved file with the same name.
7.4.5
Ignition folder
This folder shows the parameters for plasma ignition.
The un-shaded parameters may be modified; however, the
parameters chosen (as defaults) are the best compromise for
both axial and radial ignition under normal operating conditions.
The shaded parameters are not adjustable. They can only be
altered in the Windows Registry.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4.6
Torch Alignment
The torch alignment folder allows you to set the position of the
pre-optics scanning mirror (M1) so that it is looking at the
optimum part of the plasma. In an axial instrument there are two
settings - horizontal and vertical - while on a radial instrument
there is only the horizontal setting (the vertical setting - called
viewing height - is stored in the worksheet).
Note
For Radial instrument, if the service password has been entered,
the vertical setting can also be monitored.
To perform the alignment you aspirate a 5 ppm Mn solution and
perform a horizontal and then a vertical torch scan (if it is an axial
instrument), using the supplied torch alignment worksheet.
Unless the vertical scan is very close to the home position, you
should do another vertical scan. When the instrument scans the
torch, it sets the pre-optics to the optimum position for viewing
the plasma.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4.7
Autosampler (SPS) folder
The Autosampler folder allows you to control the SPS3
autosampler. You can:
•
Align the probe
•
Perform a rinse
•
Set the probe height
•
Send the probe to any sample or standard position, simply
by clicking on the visual position.
•
Park the probe, either to the left or the right.
You can change the Rack Type by Right Clicking on any rack
position and selecting the appropriate rack.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4.8
Log folder
The Varian 700-ES Series instrument software records all error
messages that occur when operating the instrument.
The errors in the log can be viewed using this folder. The errors
are also recorded in a file called error.log and stored in the
C:\Program Files\Varian\ICPExpert II 7XX-ES\Run\Log
subdirectory.
7.4.9
Graphs
Although this is not a separate folder, graphs form part of the
next four diagnostics folders. The same graph information and
stored files are displayed on these folders:
•
Quick
•
Gasbox
•
RF
The graphs (spectrums) are visual representation of signals from
the camera, and there are several varieties on the types of
graphs available. Individual or multiple DLA responses, either the
right or left side, can be displayed and they can be read
repetitively or singly.
Collections of pre-defined spectrums can be stored and retrieved
from the registry, using the “Save” and “Load” buttons.
Note
Publication date: 10/16/2006
For the Varian 720/730-ES series only. If you position the cursor
over the “Save” button and hold down the <Ctrl> and <Shift>
keys together, with at least one graph in the list, you can
generate a list of graphs which covers every DLA, and it will be
saved to the registry as “all”.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Graph of 6 DLAs using an echellogram for the Varian 720/730ES series instrument.
7.4.10
Graphs Toolbar
The graphs section has its own toolbar with various functions:
1
5
2
3
4
8
7
6
9
10
Functions:
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1.
Read Spectrum.
This initiates a single read of the specified graph(s).
2.
Read Continuous Spectrum.
This initiates a cyclic, or continuous, read of the specified
graph(s).
3.
Stop.
This icon becomes active (red) once a read spectrum has
begun. It STOPS the read.
4.
New Graph.
This opens a new graph and pops up the graph parameters
pages:
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
On these pages you can choose to specify the DLA, left or
right side, or the element and wavelength. You can also
specify the integration time to increase or decrease the
“gain”. Instead of a wavelength read you can specify a time
scan.
5.
Edit.
This icon allows you to edit the graph parameters.
6.
Delete.
This deletes the specified spectrum.
7.
Move.
These will move the focus up or down the list of spectra.
8.
Multiple Graphs.
Selecting this icon will display the spectrum as a series of
graphs (instead of an echellogram):
9.
Single Graph.
Selecting this icon will display each graph singly.
10. Echelle.
Selecting this icon will display the camera’s response as an
echellogram.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.4.11
Quick Folder
The Quick folder is a collection of the most commonly accessed
items from all the other diagnostics folders. It is probably the
folder that you will use the most in a diagnostics session.
7.4.12
Gasbox folder
The Gasbox folder allows testing, monitoring and control of the
gas control unit including the igniter. A tick in the checkbox
indicates selection.
Gasbox folder
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Plasma flow
The plasma flow field allows plasma gas flow to be turned ON
within allowable limits. The field also confirms selection. As the
smallest increment of plasma flow is 1.5 L/min, all settings are
rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 1.5 L/min.
Auxiliary flow
The auxiliary flow field allows the auxiliary gas flow to be turned
ON within allowable limits. The field confirms selection. The
smallest increment of auxiliary flow is 0.75 L/min, all settings are
rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 0.75 L/min.
Pump Rate
The pump rate field allows the peristaltic pump to be set to any
allowable rpm between 0 and 50 rpm. The field then confirms the
selection.
Auxiliary boost
The auxiliary boost field allows auxiliary gas flow to be turned on
or off. The ‘&‘ in the field confirms selection. The auxiliary boost
flow is rated at 26 L/min.
Snout/Cone purge
The snout/cone purge field allows the snout/cone purge to be
turned on or off. The ‘&‘ in the field then confirms selection. It
cannot be turned off while the plasma is on.
Poly purge (boost)
The poly purge field allows the poly boost purge solenoid to be
turned ON or OFF. The field confirms selection of ON by the use
of a ‘&‘.
Nebulizer (instruments fitted with a pressure regulator)
The nebulizer field allows the nebulizer solenoid to be turned ON
or OFF. The field confirms the selection of ON by the use of a ‘&‘.
MFC flow (instruments fitted with a mass flow controller)
The MFC flow field allows the nebulizer flow to be set to any
allowable flow rate between 0 and 1.5 L/min. The field then
confirms the selection.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Argon pressure OK
This is a read only field which displays the current state of the
argon inlet pressure switch. ‘&‘ symbolizes closed (pressure OK)
and o symbolizes open (pressure low).
Igniter
The igniter field allows the igniter to be turned ON to continuously
generate a spark. The field confirms the selection of ON by the
use of ‘&‘.
To allow the spark to discharge through the torch, set the plasma
flow greater than 15 L/min.
Warning
7.4.13
Contact with the high voltage spark from the igniter can cause
electric shock. To avoid electric shock, always check that the
torch compartment door is closed when the igniter module is
operating.
Optics folder
This folder allows control of the Pre-optics, temperature and
polychromator.
Pre-optics
You can drive the pre-optics stepper motors independently to
arbitrary positions or to the home sensor. A tick, ‘&‘, will appear in
At Home check box when the opto sensor detects the mirror is
“home”.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Temperature Control
The Peltier cooling on the camera and the heater can be turned
on by entering a tick, ‘&‘, in the adjacent box. You must click on
the “apply” button on the toolbar to effect the change.
The Peltier and casting temperatures can also be monitored.
Polychromator
Camera supplies
supplies on.
- A tick, ‘&‘, in this box will turn the +/- 15V
Shutter open
- A tick, ‘&‘, in this box will open the shutter,
and a blank will close the shutters.
Full illumination LED - A tick, ‘&‘, in this box will turn on the LED
which floods the detector with light.
7.4.14
RF folder
The RF folder allows testing, monitoring and control of the RF
generating system. This folder is accessible only in extended
service diagnostics (password protected).
RF interlocks
These are all read only fields. When the monitor column is ‘&‘, the
interlock is being actively monitored. During normal plasma
operation all of the interlock states should be ‘&‘.
RF status lines
These are all read only fields. The status lines reflect the current
condition of each function. As each is enabled, the monitor field
will display a ‘&‘.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Filament (stage 1)
The Set field allows the filament supply to be turned ON ‘&‘
without application of the high voltage anode supply to the power
tube. The field confirms selection.
HV (stage 2)
The Set field allows the high voltage anode supply to be applied
to the power tube. The ‘&‘ field confirms selection.
Note
The software will not allow the HV supply to be turned ON unless
the filament supply (stage 1) is ON and has warmed the filament
of the power tube for a minimum of 30 seconds.
RF power
The Set field allows the level of RF power produced by the RF
generator to be changed. The Actual field confirms selection.
Note
This field allows the RF power output to be set to a maximum of
2.0 kW (keyboard) which is higher than allowed in normal
operating mode (1.5kW – axial and 1.7 kW – radial).
Filament turn-on time
This is a read only field which logs the time the filament supply
was turned-on. This value is stored in the EEPROM on the
386EX control board.
Filament Low Voltage
There are two voltages that the filament uses, 6.3 volts RMS and
5.9 volts RMS. After the filament has accumulated 200 hours of
operation, the filament voltage drops from 6.3 volts to 5.9 volts.
This box is an indication of which filament voltage is being used.
If the box is ticked, ‘&‘, this indicates it is running on the lower
voltage, 5.9 volts RMS.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.5
Polychromator Align software
There is a special function software program provided called
PolyAlign.exe (polychromator alignment). This software gives the
CSR direct feedback of the camera response to allow accurate
alignment of the polychromator and camera. The software is
available in the
C:\Program Files\Varian\ICPExpert II 7XX-ES\Run subdirectory.
To access this software, double click on the file called
PolyAlign.exe in the run subdirectory or select Polychromator
Align from the START>PROGRAMS>ICP EXPERT II menu.
The Polychromator Align Password pop-up will appear.
Enter the service password ‘virgil’.
Note
Publication date: 10/16/2006
The software displays the same information in a different way for
the Varian 710-ES Series instrument as it does for the Varian
720/730-ES Series instrument. This is because of the different
camera geometry.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.5.1
Location folder
The location folder allows you to view the echellogram in different
areas and to locate specific peaks. Use this folder to perform
DLA and wavelength screw adjustments on the focussing mirror see Optics chapter.
Location folder for the Varian 720/730-ES Series instruments
Location folder for the Varian 710-ES Series instruments
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.5.2
Set Focus folder
The Set Focus folder concentrates on the Argon 617 and Argon
594 nm doublet and resolution of the Zinc 213.856 peak. Use this
folder to adjust the focus of the polychromator using the three
screws on the focussing mirror.
Set Focus folder for the Varian 720/730-ES Series instruments
Set Focus folder for the Varian 710-ES Series instruments
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.5.3
Focus Check folder
The Focus Check folder shows a spectrum of lines across the
CCD to check that the focus across the whole detector meets
specification.
Focus Check folder for the Varian 720/730-ES Series instruments
Focus Check folder for the Varian 710-ES Series instruments
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.5.4
Rotation folder
The Rotation folder displays the ratio of two argon lines on DLA
21 that span three DLAs. Both lines should have the same ratio
when the CCD is aligned correctly.
DLA 20
DLA 21
DLA 20
Ratio of
DLA 20
and
DLA 22
Rotation folder for the Varian 720/730-ES Series instruments
Rotation folder for the Varian 710-ES Series instruments
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.5.5
Registration folder
The Registration folder shows the intensity of a set of elements
alongside the Argon ratio. This page is used to establish the
optimum setting for the Argon ratio.
Registration folder for the Varian 720/730-ES Series instruments
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.6
Error log and Debug log
The Varian 700-ES Series instrument software reports all the
operational and user errors in the Operations log contained in
each worksheet. These can be viewed using the Varian 700-ES
Series instrument software.
The Varian 700-ES Series instrument software records all error
messages that occur when operating the instrument, in a text file
called ‘error.log’.
The error log is a file in the
C:\Program Files\Varian\ICPExpert II 7XX-ES\Run\log
subdirectory. It can be viewed and printed using any text editor.
When the Varian 700-ES Series instrument software starts it
renames the existing ERROR.LOG as ERROR.~LO and begins a
new ERROR.LOG. This means that the old error log,
ERROR.~LO is continually overwritten. To keep this error log you
will need to rename it before starting the Varian 700-ES Series
instrument software.
Varian 700-ES Series instrument error messages are classified in
three ways:
•
•
•
Warnings
Terminal
Fatal
(W)
(T)
(F)
The error log automatically traps and records only fatal messages
which are flagged in the error log with ‘F’.
Each record in the error log file is date and time stamped. The
error log date is updated only when the Varian 700-ES Series
instrument software is started.
There is another log file in the same \log subdirectory, the
DEBUG.LOG. This file is appended to constantly and just keeps
getting bigger. However, the information in the debug file is only
useful to software engineers and is not readable without the
appropriate software knowledge. It may be needed in some
circumstances by Varian software engineers to help diagnose
problems.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.7
Windows Registry
Warning
Before you consider altering anything in the Windows Registry you
must backup the registry files. Alterations to the registry can cause
catastrophic failure to the PC’s operating system and software.
The simplest way to backup the registry is to “export” the registry
as a registry file using Windows Registry Editor. It can be later
“imported” using the same program. See below for a way to
restore the registry if you do not have a back up.
The Varian 700-ES Series instrument software uses the Windows
registry extensively for setting and storing various functions.
Many settings within the registry are integral to the Varian 700ES Series instrument software and should not be changed.
Incorrect settings could cause the software or the Windows
operating system to malfunction.
There are some “User settings” which can be altered under
direction from people experienced with the registry settings. The
majority of those settings are contained in the registry under the
tree:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Varian\ICP\ES\ICP-OES 7XX
Within the registry, the variable settings are referred to as “keys”,
and they can be changed by double-clicking with the left mouse
button.
To make changes in the registry you must run the registry editor
program, Regedit.
To do this select “Run” from the start menu and enter “regedit” in
the entry box:
If you need to restore the default settings for Varian 700-ES
Series instrument software in the registry, you must re-install the
software, or “import” a valid registry file.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
Restoring the Registry
If the registry becomes corrupted you can restore it from
Windows automatically stored backup from the last successful
restart:
1. Start or Restart your computer.
After your computer starts, Windows displays the following
text:
Starting Windows
2. While the text is on your screen, press and release the F8
key. A menu appears.
3. Choose the Command Prompt Only option.
4. At the command prompt, change to your Windows directory.
For example, if your Windows directory is C:\Windows, you
would type the following:
cd c:\windows
5. Type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each
one. (Note that System.da0 and User.da0 contain the number
zero.)
attrib -h -r -s system.dat
attrib -h -r -s system.da0
attrib -h -r -s user.dat
attrib -h -r -s user.da0
6. Then type:
copy system.da0 system.dat
copy user.da0 user.dat
7. Restart your computer.
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Varian 700-ES Series instruments
7.8
Contacting Technical Support
If you confront problems that you cannot repair without
assistance, you should send an email to:
osi_tech.support@varianinc.com
7.7.1 Information required
When requesting assistance you must include:
1. Instrument serial number
2. Instrument Model, include options.
3. Software product and version and build number
(see ..Help...About)
4. EPROM versions (firmware versions)
5. Computer brand, type and speed, and unusual features.
For instance, network adapters, sound cards, RAM, software
applications.
6. Detailed problem description
7. Copies of related files for diagnosis
8. Accessories involved
9. Applications, methodology, types of samples.
10. Details of what has been done so far to fix the problem
11. General lab conditions. Include power supply outlets, is it a
“clean room”, other instruments in the room.
7.7.2 Related files
When sending files to tech support for review you should include:
1. A copy of the affected worksheet
2. A copy of the error.log
3. A copy of the wavelengthcalibration.txt file
4. For the Varian 710-ES Series instrument
A copy of the AttenuatorCalibration.txt and
ShutterCalibration.txt files
5. A copy of the stored dark current file
6. You should include the debug log only if asked by
osi_tech.support@varianinc.com
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