Battery Powered Ion Pump Controller V3.1 (NiMH Batteries, Not restricted as per SP A199)

The Ferrovac LSA3.1 Battery Powered Ion Pump Controller is a compact, rechargeable high-voltage controller designed for the operation and monitoring of ion pumps in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. With its integrated NiMH battery, the controller enables independent ion pump operation without a permanent external power supply.

Designed for portable UHV systems, vacuum transfer chambers, UHV suitcases and laboratory applications, the LSA3.1 combines ion pump power supply, vacuum pressure monitoring, temperature measurement and USB communication in a single compact unit.

SAES NexTorr D and Z Series Compatibility

The LSA3.1 is compatible with SAES NexTorr D100-5, D200-5, D300-5 and D500-5, as well as NexTorr Z100 and Z200 combined NEG-ion pumps.

These pumps use a compatible +5 kV diode ion pump element. The controller measures ion pump current and converts it into a vacuum pressure reading, displayed directly in mbar.

The integrated pressure conversion is calibrated for NexTorr D100-5 and D200-5 pumps. The same ion pump current-to-pressure characteristics can be applied to compatible NexTorr pumps using the corresponding ion pump element.

The controller operates the ion pump element only. Activation or reactivation of the Non-Evaporable Getter (NEG) element requires a separate NEG activation power supply.

Rechargeable Battery for Portable UHV Applications

The integrated rechargeable NiMH battery provides approximately 45 hours of continuous operation at a 5 µA ion pump load, depending on operating conditions.

This makes the LSA3.1 particularly suitable for mobile vacuum systems, sample transportation under UHV conditions and applications where uninterrupted vacuum maintenance is required without access to mains power.

The controller can also be operated using the supplied external power supply, which is used to recharge the integrated battery.

The NiMH battery is classified as not restricted for transport under the applicable Special Provision A199.

High-Voltage Ion Pump Control

The LSA3.1 provides a positive high-voltage output of +5 kV DC, with a maximum output current of 20 µA.

It is designed for diode ion pumps requiring positive output polarity and is equipped with an SHV-10 female coaxial high-voltage connector.

The integrated display provides direct vacuum pressure indication in mbar, while an acoustic alarm warns of low battery conditions.

Pt100 Temperature Monitoring

An additional Pt100 temperature sensor input allows temperature monitoring between −200 °C and +150 °C, with an accuracy of ±2.5 °C.

This feature is particularly useful for monitoring liquid nitrogen-cooled sample stages in cryogenic UHV suitcases, as well as vacuum system temperatures during bakeout procedures.

The measured temperature is displayed directly in °C. An acoustic high-temperature alarm provides additional monitoring functionality.

USB Interface and Remote Monitoring

The integrated serial USB interface enables communication with an external computer for monitoring and control applications.

Operational data including ion pump current, vacuum pressure, Pt100 sensor temperature and battery voltage can be read via USB.

The interface also supports remote switching of the high-voltage output on and off, allowing integration into automated laboratory monitoring and data acquisition systems.

Ion Pump Cable Compatibility

The ion pump connection cable is not included with the controller and must be ordered separately if required.

The LSA3.1 is compatible with standard SAES SIP POWER ion pump high-voltage cables. If a suitable cable is already available for a SAES NexTorr pump, it can be reused with the LSA3.1 controller.

Compatible connection cables are available separately in different lengths.

Looking for a connection cable? See our Ion Pump HV and NEG Activation Cables for NexTorr Pumps.

Pt100 temperature sensors and their connection cables are also available separately.

Technical Specifications

Controller: Ferrovac LSA3.1, Version 3.1

Application: Battery-powered high-voltage controller for positive-polarity diode ion pumps

Compatible pumps: SAES NexTorr D100-5, D200-5, D300-5, D500-5, Z100 and Z200, as well as other electrically compatible diode ion pumps

High-voltage output: +5 kV DC, positive polarity

Maximum output current: 20 µA

High-voltage connector: SHV-10 female coaxial connector

Pressure display: Vacuum pressure in mbar, derived from ion pump current

Pressure calibration: SAES NexTorr D100-5 and D200-5 reference calibration

Temperature sensor: Pt100

Temperature range: −200 °C to +150 °C

Temperature accuracy: ±2.5 °C

Temperature connector: Binder Series 719, 4-pin male

Communication: Serial USB interface for ion pump current, pressure, temperature, battery voltage and high-voltage switching

Alarms: Acoustic low battery and high-temperature alarms

Battery: Integrated rechargeable NiMH battery

Battery operating time: Approximately 45 hours at 5 µA load

External power supply: Included

Dimensions (H × W × D): 64.5 × 105 × 164.5 mm

Controller weight: Approximately 1.2 kg

Scope of Delivery: LSA3.1 controller with integrated rechargeable NiMH battery and external power supply.

Accessories sold separately: Ion pump high-voltage connection cable, Pt100 temperature sensor and Pt100 connection cable.

For questions regarding ion pump compatibility, connection cables or integration into your UHV system, please contact UHV Store directly.