Electron Beam Welder Power Supply Rack Mounted XL4000

Module Blocks

The module-blocks also allow the polarity of the unit to be changed in the field using basic tools.  Consult the factory if it is required to do this as it is important to do it correctly.

Chassis

The electron beam welder power supply has a compact chassis design that measures 4U (177mm) in height and is intended as a direct replacement for other units that have been ‘in the field’ for a number of years.

Control

The electron beam PSU has two modes of control:

A set of front panel controls that allow the user to set and monitor the output voltage and current limits of the electron beam welder power supply, by means of ten-turn potentiometers, digital panel meters and push-button switches. This is referred to as ‘Local’ mode.

When a switch on the front panel is clicked to the right, it sets the unit into ‘Remote’ mode in which it is possible to operate the unit by means of an analogue/digital interface on the rear of the unit.

Interface

The interface is provided by means of a 37-way ‘D’ type connector.

A LAN (Local Area Network) interface is also provided which permits communication with the power supply through a simple web server or using a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) conversation to communicate with a proprietary diagnostic panel.

Although a LAN interface is provided it is only partly implemented. It permits communication with the unit through a basic web server or using a UDP conversation to communicate with a proprietary PC based diagnostic panel.

The LAN interface can be used with a fixed IP (Internet Protocol) address or via a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to have an address automatically assigned to it by the server. Currently there is no facility to control the power supply through the LAN interface, but this could be offered in the future through the current development and enhancement program. This is not such an issue as may be perceived due to the fact Electron Beam welding is a very punishing environment due to the frequency of sparking in the electron gun. The sparks can induce voltage transients that can upset or damage routers.

Metering

Digital Panel Meters: Digital voltage and current meters, accurate to within 1%.

Control

The XL4000EB has 2 modes of control as follows:

A basic set of front panel controls allowing the user to set and monitor the output voltage and current limits by means of 10 turn potentiometers, digital panel meters and push-button switches.
A switch on the front panel is moved across to engage ‘Remote’ mode, enabling operation via the digital/analogue interface on the rear of unit (37-way female ‘D’ connector). The signals on this connector are compatible with the Hitek Power OL4000 thus allowing substitution with minimal rewiring necessary.

Regulatory Approvals

2004/108/EC, the EMC Directive and 2006/95/EC, the Low Voltage Directive.
RoHS compliant.

Configuration Options

Lower power models: XL1300 (1300W), XL2600 (2600W), XL4000 (4000W)
Other outputs: 20kV (First Suffix = ‘A’), 30kV (‘B’), 40kV (‘C’), 50kV (‘D’), 60kV (‘E’)
Input types: 230V nominal single-phase (Second suffix = ‘B’), 400/230V 3-phase, 4-wire star (‘C’), 220/115V 3-phase, 3-wire delta (‘D’)

Other options:

• Output polarity (positive or negative)
• Federal Standard 75kV 3-pin receptacle
• OL4000-compatible HV connector (standard format, allows use of Hitek HV cable)
• Genvolt HV connector (lower profile, no rear-panel extension)
• Remote only:no front panel meters or controls (LED status indicators only)

The most common configuration is the XL4000EB.  ‘E’ = 60kV, ‘B’ = single phase.  Without other options specified at the time of ordering, the HV output is Hitek-compatible and the polarity negative.

High Voltage Output Cable

The high voltage output connection is available in three options.  The standard format is compatible with the HV cable as used on the Hitek OL4000 in order to ease substitution.  This includes a small extension collar that is fitted to the rear of the XL4000.  Where compatibility is not required, it is recommended to use the ‘Genvolt’ format which does not require the extension collar.  In either case, the unit is shipped with 3m of Dielectric Sciences’ C2125 coaxial high voltage cable, terminated to suit the XL4000 and cut square at the other end.  Longer cables may be supplied at nominal additional cost up to 20m.

The third option is where a Federal Standard 75kV 3-pin receptacle is fitted as the HV output connector.  In this case, the corresponding cable must be purchased separately, either through Genvolt or a third party.

Typical Applications Include: Electron Beam Welding, 3D and Additive Printing, Ion Beam Implantation, Capacitor Charging,  X-Ray Systems, Semiconductor Processing

Also Available

GRID & FILAMENT POWER SUPPLY (XL4000GF)

This is a unit designed to complement the XL4000 and is designated as the XL4000GF. It provides floating outputs for a filament (12.5VDC, 12.5A) and a beam control electrode (‘grid’, ‘bias’ or ‘Wehnelt’) up to 1250VDC.  This latter output is regulated in a closed loop manner to control the level of the beam in EB systems.  An additional feature is that it may be used with most HV sources up to 60kV and has its own beam current sensing and thus does not require a current signal from the HV power supply.  It will control current up to the limit of the XL4000EB 60kV/66.7mA HV PSU.