Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation: 1968-2008

Products: Electrostatic Voltmeter Sensors & Monitors

Model 542 Series Electrostatic Voltmeter

The Trek Model 542 Electrostatic Voltmeter provides accurate noncontacting measurements of electrostatic surface voltage associated with EOS/ESD sensitive processes. The microprocessor based Model 542 Static Meter is ideally suited to monitor critical operations associated with semiconductor, LCD, electronic assembly, and other processes where static charge accumulation poses a threat to production yields or product quality.

The Model 542 Static Meter utilizes DC stable electrostatic field chopper probes which can be remotely located and easily positioned within process equipment to provide drift-free, highly accurate, noncontacting, spacing independent, voltage measurements in either ionized or non-ionized environments. 

Two types of probes are available with the Model 542-1 and the 542-2 Static Meters: a side viewing type probe and a 45 degree orientation type probe. A twenty by four (20 x 4) alphanumeric LCD screen displays the present measured voltage, the positive peak voltage value, the negative peak voltage value, and additional menu information. 

The Model 542-1 has a voltage detection and measurement range of 0 to ±10 kV. The Model 542-2 has a voltage detection and measurement range of 0 to ±20 kV. These models have an exceptional 5% reading accuracy, ±0.2% of full scale, over the probe to surface separation distance of 15 to 30 mm for the Model 542-1 and 30 to 60 mm for the Model 542-2. 

The Model 542 includes independently programmable plus (+) and minus (-) voltage threshold/alarm limits. Audible and visible alarms indicate the detection of surface voltages which meet or exceed the programmed limits. 

In addition, a relay contact output changes state upon threshold detection. This signal can be connected to a process controlling device or other external equipment. A voltage output monitor and an 4-20 mA current loop output can provide additional signal interfacing to facility monitoring equipment. An RS-232 serial port, can provide computer based control and monitoring. 

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PERFORMANCE

  • Model 542-1
    0 to ±10 kV DC or peak AC.
    Model 542-2
    0 to ±20 kV DC or peak AC.

    Speed of Response (10% to 90%)
    Less than 50 ms for a 1 kV step.

    Model 542-1 Accuracy
    Better than ±5% of reading.  ±0.2% of full scale over the probe-to-surface separation of 15 mm to 30 mm.

    Model 542-2 Accuracy
    Better than ±5% of reading.  ±0.2% of full scale over the probe-to-surface separation of 30 mm to 60 mm.

    Drift with Time
    Less than ±1% of full scale/hour, noncumulative.

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PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Alphanumeric LCD Display
    Twenty character by four line 
    (20 x 4) LCD displays present voltage, and holds the most positive and the most negative measured values.

    Alarms
    Various alarms (listed below) are activated when the measured voltage exceeds the adjustable threshold limits. Individual threshold limits for positive and negative voltages are independently programmed.

    Visual Alarms
    LEDs on front panel are illuminated when programmed thresholds are reached.

    Audible Alarms 
    A programmable pulsating or continuous tone. The (+) and (-) alarms have different tone rates for the pulsed tone selection. 

    Alarm Relay Output
    Form C relay contact rated at 
    175 V, maximum, at 5 watts.

    Alarm Digital Output
    A TTL output with a TTL low as the alarm “ON” status. 

    Monitor Output 
    Model 542-1 

    The voltage output is 1/1000th of the measured voltage.
    Model 542-2 
    The voltage output is 1/2000th of the measured voltage.
    Output Noise
    Less than 30 mV rms (measured using the true rms feature of the Hewlett Packard Model 34401A digital voltmeter).
    Output Impedance
    47 ohms.

    MENU (Up/Down) Buttons
    Used for selecting and programming menu options. These buttons are used to set alarm threshold voltages, alarm conditions, and alarm reset type.

    ZERO Control
    Control to produce zero volts when probe is coupled to a known zero source. 

    RESET Push Button 
    Resets the alarms (manual mode) and the Peak Hold display to zero.

    Current Output 
    Provides a current of 4-20 mA that represent measured voltages -10 kV to +10 kV (542-1) or -20 kV to +20 kV (542-2).

    Serial Port 
    RS-232 controls functions and acquires sensor data through standard computer serial port.

    Ground Receptacle
    Banana jack.

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PROBES

45° Orientation Type (542P-45D)
Aperture size of 3.8 mm (0.15") diameter. 
Dimensions
11 mm dia. x 79 mm L
(0.43" dia. x 3.1" L).

Side Orientation Type (542P-S)
Aperture size of 4 mm (0.156") diameter.
Dimensions
13 mm dia. x 75 mm L
(0.51" dia. x 3" L).



*vacuum probes available.

Probe Cable Length
5 meters (16 ft), nominal.

Probe-to-Surface Separation (recommended)
Model 542-1 ( 0 to ±10 kV)
15 mm to 30 mm.
Model 542-2 ( 0 to ±20 kV)
30 mm to 60 mm.

The probes are chopper stabilized for drift-free operation. 

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ACCESSORIES

  • Accessories Supplied
    • Operator’s manual
    • 6P/4C plug (N9056)
    • Serial cable (BA108)
    • Software CD-ROM (45833)
    • Ground cord (N9044)
  • Accessories Available
    • In the USA, use the Trek AC/DC Adapter #L5111 or #L5133 (with ground connection). For all other line voltages, contact the factory.

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GENERAL

  • Dimensions
    152 mm W x 87 mm H x 216 mm D
    (6" W x 3.4" H x 8.5" D).

    Weight
    0.77 kg (1.7 lb).

    Power
    15 V DC ±20%, 800 mA, power bus or AC/DC adapter with a 2.1 mm DC plug.  Positive polarity connected to the center contact.

    Operating Conditions
    Temperature

    15 °C to 35 °C.
    Relative Humidity
    5% to 85%, noncondensing.

    Power ON/OFF
    Rear panel switch.

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CERTIFICATION

TREK, INC. certifies that each Model 542 is tested and calibrated to specifications using measurement equipment traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology or traceable to consensus standards. A Certificate of Calibration accompanies each instrument when it is shipped from the factory. 

Caution: These instruments are designed to make electrostatic voltage measurements only. Do not use these instruments to make measurements of “hard” voltage sources or voltage sources which can deliver currents high enough to cause harmful shocks or personal injury.

Copyright © 2004 TREK, INC.  All specifications are subject to change.

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