Key Features of the DFC Control Terminal

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 64 views

Introduction

The DFC Control Terminal software is a powerful tool that comes bundled with DFC26/36/46 mass flow controllers. This software allows users to send set points to the controller, receive current flow rates in desired engineering units, and control various aspects of the mass flow controller. In this article, we will delve into the features and functionality of the DFC Control Terminal software, exploring its capabilities and benefits.

Key Features of the DFC Control Terminal

Sending Set Points and Receiving Flow Rates

The DFC Control Terminal software enables users to send set points to the mass flow controller, which in turn allows the controller to adjust its flow rate accordingly. This feature is particularly useful in applications where precise control over gas flow is required. Additionally, the software allows users to receive the current flow rate in the desired engineering units, providing real-time feedback on the mass flow controller's performance.

Controlling the Proportional Solenoid Valve

The DFC Control Terminal software also provides control over the proportional solenoid valve, which is a critical component of the mass flow controller. By controlling the valve, users can adjust the flow rate of the gas, allowing for precise control over the process. This feature is particularly useful in applications where precise control over gas flow is required.

Calibrating ADC/DAC and Gas Flow Table

The DFC Control Terminal software allows users to calibrate the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), which are critical components of the mass flow controller. By calibrating these components, users can ensure that the mass flow controller is functioning accurately and providing reliable data. Additionally, the software allows users to calibrate the gas flow table, which is used to determine the flow rate of the gas.

Changing the DFC's Address

The DFC Control Terminal software allows users to change the address of the mass flow controller, which is useful in applications where multiple mass flow controllers are used. By changing the address, users can ensure that each mass flow controller is functioning independently and providing accurate data.

Operating the Totalizer and Hi/Lo Alarm

The DFC Control Terminal software allows users to operate the totalizer and hi/low alarm, which are critical components of the mass flow controller. The totalizer is used to track the total flow rate of the gas, while the hi/low alarm is used to alert users when the flow rate exceeds a certain threshold. By operating these components, users can ensure that the mass flow controller is functioning accurately and providing reliable data.

Executing Custom Programs (Ramping)

The DFC Control Terminal software allows users to execute custom programs, also known as ramping, which are used to adjust the flow rate of the gas over a period of time. By executing custom programs, users can create complex flow rate profiles, allowing for precise control over the process.

Recording Flow Rate Directly and Continuously

The DFC Control Terminal software allows users to record the flow rate directly and continuously to the disk, providing a permanent record of the mass flow controller's performance. This feature is particularly useful in applications where data logging is required.

Monitoring on the Screen

The DFC Control Terminal software allows users to monitor the mass flow controller's performance on the screen, providing real-time feedback on the controller's performance. This feature is particularly useful in applications where precise control over gas flow is required.

General Purpose Communication Terminal

The DFC Control Terminal software also features a general purpose communication terminal, which can be used for communication with any RS-232 compatible device. This feature is particularly useful in applications where communication with other devices is required.

Request To Send (RTS) Signal

The DFC Control Terminal software provides an active Request To Send (RTS) signal, which is used to control the flow of data between the host computer and the mass flow controller. The RTS line is active (high) while the host computer is transmitting data, and inactive (low) while the host computer is receiving data.

Conclusion

The DFC Control Terminal software is a powerful tool that comes bundled with DFC26/36/46 mass flow controllers. This software allows users to send set points to the controller, receive current flow rates in desired engineering units, and control various aspects of the mass flow controller. By understanding the features and functionality of the DFC Control Terminal software, users can unlock the full potential of their mass flow controllers and achieve precise control over gas flow.

Benefits of Using the DFC Control Terminal Software

Precise Control Over Gas Flow

The DFC Control Terminal software provides precise control over gas flow, allowing users to adjust the flow rate of the gas with high accuracy.

Real-Time Feedback

The software provides real-time feedback on the mass flow controller's performance, allowing users to monitor the controller's performance on the screen.

Data Logging

The software allows users to record the flow rate directly and continuously to the disk, providing a permanent record of the mass flow controller's performance.

Communication with Other Devices

The software features a general purpose communication terminal, which can be used for communication with any RS-232 compatible device.

Custom Programs (Ramping)

The software allows users to execute custom programs, also known as ramping, which are used to adjust the flow rate of the gas over a period of time.

System Requirements

Operating System

The DFC Control Terminal software is compatible with Windows operating systems.

Hardware Requirements

The software requires a computer with a serial port to communicate with the mass flow controller.

Software Requirements

The software requires a compatible version of the DFC Control Terminal software to function properly.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

The software may experience common issues such as communication errors, software crashes, and hardware malfunctions.

Troubleshooting Steps

Users can troubleshoot common issues by checking the software's documentation, contacting the manufacturer's support team, and performing basic troubleshooting steps such as restarting the software and checking the hardware connections.

Conclusion

Introduction

The DFC Control Terminal software is a powerful tool that comes bundled with DFC26/36/46 mass flow controllers. This software allows users to send set points to the controller, receive current flow rates in desired engineering units, and control various aspects of the mass flow controller. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the DFC Control Terminal software.

Q: What is the DFC Control Terminal software?

A: The DFC Control Terminal software is a powerful tool that comes bundled with DFC26/36/46 mass flow controllers. This software allows users to send set points to the controller, receive current flow rates in desired engineering units, and control various aspects of the mass flow controller.

Q: What are the key features of the DFC Control Terminal software?

A: The key features of the DFC Control Terminal software include:

Sending set points to the controller
Receiving current flow rates in desired engineering units
Controlling the proportional solenoid valve
Calibrating ADC/DAC and gas flow table
Changing the DFC's address
Operating the totalizer and hi/low alarm
Executing custom programs (ramping)
Recording flow rate directly and continuously
Monitoring on the screen

Q: What is the general purpose communication terminal?

A: The general purpose communication terminal is a feature of the DFC Control Terminal software that allows users to communicate with any RS-232 compatible device.

Q: What is the Request To Send (RTS) signal?

A: The Request To Send (RTS) signal is a feature of the DFC Control Terminal software that allows users to control the flow of data between the host computer and the mass flow controller.

Q: What are the system requirements for the DFC Control Terminal software?

A: The system requirements for the DFC Control Terminal software include:

Windows operating system
Computer with a serial port
Compatible version of the DFC Control Terminal software

Q: What are some common issues that users may experience with the DFC Control Terminal software?

A: Some common issues that users may experience with the DFC Control Terminal software include:

Communication errors
Software crashes
Hardware malfunctions

Q: How can users troubleshoot common issues with the DFC Control Terminal software?

A: Users can troubleshoot common issues with the DFC Control Terminal software by:

Checking the software's documentation
Contacting the manufacturer's support team
Performing basic troubleshooting steps such as restarting the software and checking the hardware connections

Q: Can the DFC Control Terminal software be used with other devices?

A: Yes, the DFC Control Terminal software can be used with other devices that are compatible with the software.

Q: Is the DFC Control Terminal software compatible with other operating systems?

A: No, the DFC Control Terminal software is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

Q: Can the DFC Control Terminal software be used in industrial applications?

A: Yes, the DFC Control Terminal software can be used in industrial applications where precise control over gas flow is required.

Q: Is the DFC Control Terminal software easy to use?

A: Yes, the DFC Control Terminal software is designed to be easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions.

Conclusion

The DFC Control Terminal software is a powerful tool that comes bundled with DFC26/36/46 mass flow controllers. By understanding the features and functionality of the software, users can unlock the full potential of their mass flow controllers and achieve precise control over gas flow. If you have any further questions about the DFC Control Terminal software, please don't hesitate to contact us.