1
NOTE
The internal timers switches are set at the factory
for a specific system including a detector and an
EC-III cooler. The CryoSecure cannot be switched
from one detector system to another without
assistance from ORTEC service personnel.
ORTEC CRYOSECURE
COMPRESSOR POWER CONTROLLER
1. DESCRIPTION
The ORTEC CryoSecure™ Compressor Power
Controller type is designed to protect low-temperature
solid-state detectors from damage following a mains
power failure. The CryoSecure controls the sequence of
events to safely return the detector to a normal
operating temperature if the detector has not had time
to warm to a temperature at which it will be damaged if
cooling is restarted. . The CryoSecure is intended to be
used with a cryogenic cooling system such as the
ORTEC EC-III™.
Designed for international use, the CryoSecure can
accommodate input voltages of 100 V ac to 240 V ac at
47 to 63 Hz. A rear-panel connector block incorporates
a fuse holder and the input power connector. The
CryoSecure uses an international standard IEC power
connector to permit the use of power cords and plugs
that meet local electrical standards. Output to the
compressor is provided via a mating connector on the
rear panel and is controlled by a solid-state relay.
Maximum output to the compressor is limited to 600 W.
No power conditioning or conversion is performed.
The CryoSecure incorporates a microprocessor-
controlled circuit to detect a mains power failure,
measure the duration of the power failure, and
determine an appropriate control response based upon
user settings. During the power failure, a sealed,
rechargeable, 6-V lead-acid battery supplies power to
the CryoSecure for continued operation (nominally
10 hours). Indicators are conveniently located on the
front panel allowing the user to monitor the status of the
controller: AC POWER indicates the CryoSecure is
operating from ac mains and is charging the internal
backup battery, MAINS FAIL indicates when mains
power has been interrupted, HOLDING indicates the
controller has entered the hold mode, WARMING
indicates the controller has entered the warm mode,
and BIAS OFF indicates the detector bias voltage has
been interrupted or shutdown. A front-panel, two-
position rocker switch turns power on and off, and a
push-button INITIALIZE switch allows the user to select
the sequence of operation.
The Bias Shutdown signal from the detector is passed
through the CryoSecure via a rear-panel BNC connector
before continuing to the bias supply. This connection
allows the CryoSecure to prevent bias voltage from
being applied to the detector until the detector has been
adequately cooled. The control unit also contains a
solid-state relay to control power to the compressor.
