
937B Controller Instruction Manual
pg. 102
345 D-sub Pin # Resistance (
Ω)
)
4 to 7
39
4 to 8
114
6 to 7
31
6 to 8
114
5 to 6
62
3 to 5
345
Table 11-2 Bridge Resistance Value for a Normal 345 Pirani Sensor
11.5.3 Cleaning the Series 317 Sensor
Roughing pump oils and other fluids condensing or decomposing on the heated filament can contaminate
the sensor. This changes the emissivity of the filament, which in turn can cause the calibration to change,
especially at low pressure.
It is not advisable to clean the Sensor. Attempts to clean it may either deform or
break the filament wire. The deformed filament wire can
further shift the sensor’s output,
increasing the errors in reading.
Replace the sensor if it becomes contaminated.
11.5.4 Testing the Series 317 Sensor
The most common cause of sensor failure is a broken filament. This might be caused by physical abuse
or sudden venting of the sensor to atmosphere at the inlet port.
1. Using a #1 Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws to separate the
connector/electronics subassembly from the end of the sensor.
2. Check the resistance on the sensor's pins listed in the first column in Table 11-3. Test the sensor
using an ohmmeter with less than 5 mA of current. The resistance readings for a normal sensor
measured at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature (20°C) are listed in the middle
column. If the condition shown in the right column exists, the sensor should be replaced.
Table 11-3 Resistance Values for a Normal 317 Convection Enhanced Pirani Sensor
11.5.5 Testing the Series 275 Convectron Sensor
Even a small amount of voltage can damage the small diameter sensing or filament wire inside the
Convectron sensor. To determine if the sensing wire inside a Convectron has been damaged, use a low-
voltage (maximum 0.1 V) ohmmeter to check resistance values across the pins on the base of the sensor.
Check
Resistance (
Ω)
Results
F1 to F2
20
If higher, filament is broken or
burned out.
F1 to sensor port
F2 to sensor port
>20x10
6
If lower, sensor is damaged or
contaminated.
TC1 to TC2
27
If higher, temperature
compensation winding is
broken.
TC1 to sensor port
TC2 to sensor port
>20x10
6
If Lower, temperature
compensation winding is
broken.
F1
F2
TC1
TC2
Sensor Tube