Advanced Energy introduces intelligent, fully water-cooled DC power supply

The new addition is a fully water-cooled 60kW option that enhances the control of film quality and repeatability, making it suitable for operating in demanding environments.

The Ascent AMS II is designed to deliver precise, stable, and repeatable power, supporting the use of new materials and cathode designs that drive process innovation. This aids customers in boosting productivity and reducing costs as the demand for larger thin film deposition areas increases. The fully water-cooled feature of the Ascent AMS II enhances reliability by preventing external industrial debris from entering the power supply enclosure. Additionally, its broadened operating range enhances process capabilities.

The system also meets a wide range of global input requirements with a single part number, which simplifies the installation of tools. Integrated with Advanced Energy's PowerInsight software, the Ascent AMS II offers actionable intelligence that helps optimise processes. This not only improves throughput and yield but also minimises unplanned equipment downtime, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

“Pressure to maximise productivity and reduce cost are driving deposition areas to become larger and larger – therefore higher power levels are required. This increases the potential for arc-related damage to the final product,” said Juergen Braun, Advanced Energy’s Senior Vice President, Plasma Power Products. “Ascent AMS II provides a fully water-cooled power delivery solution featuring AE’s proven arc management technology and now covers a wider operating range. With that, customers will be equipped to process under the harshest conditions and can easily implement Ascent AMS II to next generation system designs.”

Ascent AMS II is ideal for physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes for thin films on flat panel displays, glass, solar and other industrial coating applications. This platform can be used directly in DC processes or combined with Advanced Energy’s Ascent DMS (dual-magnetron sputtering) for bipolar DC processes.

The 60kW Ascent AMS II power supply is on display at AE’s booth (#1003) at the 67th annual Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC) Technical Conference in Chicago taking place this week.