Flow Meter and Flow Controller Solutions by Brooks Instrument

EtherCAT Communication Interface Powers High-Speed Processing for Brooks Thermal Mass Flow Controllers

HATFIELD, Pa. (October 2, 2012) – Brooks Instrument continues to innovate its mass flow control solutions with the integration of the EtherCAT communication protocol with its GF40 and GF80 Series thermal mass flow controllers. EtherCAT, which has been adopted by leading-edge technology companies, makes it easier to 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 key benefits of EtherCAT include:

• High-speed, time-synchronized communication to optimize process control;
  • Low implementation costs compared to other communication networks — no special master cards and cables required;
  • More flexible topology supporting up to 65,535 nodes per segment for large scale installations; and
  • Ease of use with auto configuration and location-specific diagnosis.

The GF40/80 combines exceptional 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.

“As a leader in flow, pressure and vacuum measurement and control instrumentation, Brooks recognized the value in being an early adopter of EtherCAT,” said Steve Kannengieszer, director of product marketing at Brooks. “The combination of precision instrumentation and robust, high speed networking brings a new level of performance and value to our customers.”

For more information about Brooks Instrument’s GF40 and GF80 Series with EtherCAT technology, visit http://www.brooksinstrument.com/documentation-a-downloads/viewcategory/42-data-sheets.html.