The C-MOVE 1250 is a digital pressure and flow controller from Leybold (Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum) that transforms an open-loop vacuum system into a closed-loop regulated process. Working in tandem with the MOVE 1250 stepper-motor-actuated control valve — a DN 16 ISO-KF all-stainless-steel valve with 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·l/s leak tightness and 3-second closing time — the controller maintains a target vacuum pressure or gas flow rate by continuously adjusting valve conductance. The control loop runs at sufficient bandwidth to compensate for outgassing rate changes, pumping speed variations, and gas load fluctuations that would cause an unregulated system to drift.

What control strategies does the C-MOVE 1250 implement?

Two operating modes cover the most common vacuum control configurations. In STD (standard) mode, the MOVE 1250 valve sits upstream of the chamber on the gas inlet line — the controller varies incoming gas flow to maintain downstream chamber pressure against a constant pumping speed. In INV (inverse) mode, the valve is positioned downstream between the chamber and the pump — the controller varies pumping conductance to regulate upstream chamber pressure while gas flow remains constant. The auto-tuning PID algorithm provides 99 pre-programmed parameter sets selectable by application type, plus a fully user-adjustable PID mode for custom processes. Flow control (upstream only) is supported with display in mbar·l/s, Torr·l/s, or Pa·l/s.

Which vacuum gauges does the C-MOVE 1250 accept?

The controller accepts the full Leybold gauge portfolio: capacitance diaphragm gauges (CERAVAC) for absolute pressure measurement independent of gas species, Pirani gauges (THERMOVAC) for the rough-to-medium vacuum range, cold cathode gauges (PENNINGVAC) for high vacuum, and hot cathode ionization gauges (IONIVAC) for ultra-high vacuum. Any third-party gauge with a 0–10V linear output can also be connected. The wide 0–10,000 mV measurement input range scales automatically to the selected sensor, with pressure display in mbar, Torr, or Pa. The 8 digital inputs and outputs provide PLC-level integration for valve position feedback, sensor fault signaling, and mode switching.