Leybold Turbo Pump Controllers

A turbomolecular pump cannot run without its drive electronics. The controller, also called a frequency converter, turns line power into the high-frequency, three-phase supply that spins the rotor at tens of thousands of rpm, and it monitors speed, temperature and current to protect the pump. When an older controller fails, the pump is useless until it is replaced. At Provac Sales, we stock rebuilt Leybold controllers for current and legacy TURBOVAC pumps and repair them in house.

Leybold Controller Models We Carry

TURBOTRONIK NT Series

• NT 12 and NT 13, compact controllers for small turbo pumps and leak detectors
• NT 20 and NT 50 frequency converters
• NT 120
• NT 150/360 and NT 151/361, for TURBOVAC 151 and 361 class pumps
• NT 340 M, NT 340 M/I and NT 341 M, for magnetic bearing TURBOVAC pumps
• NT 450
• NT 1000/1500, for larger classic TURBOVAC pumps

TURBO.DRIVE and Other Controllers

• TURBO.DRIVE TD 20 classic, a compact frequency converter for small and mid-size turbo pumps
• MAG.DRIVE digital, for TURBOVAC MAG magnetic bearing pumps
• TURBO.CONTROL 700

Most listings are rebuilt and tested units, many with a listed price. Each product page lists compatible pumps, supply voltage and interfaces.

Matching the Controller to Your Pump

A Leybold controller is matched to a specific pump family by motor type, frequency, power and bearing design. The wrong controller can fail to start the pump or damage it. Always confirm:

• The exact turbo pump model and part number on its label
• Whether the pump has ball bearings or magnetic bearings
• Supply voltage, such as 100 to 240 V AC or 24 V DC
• Interfaces your system uses, such as remote I/O, RS 232, RS 485 or Profibus
• Cable type and length between controller and pump

For example, the TURBO.DRIVE 400 runs on 24 V DC and drives pumps such as the TURBOVAC TW 70 H, TW 250 S, TW 300 and SL 80, while MAG.DRIVE digital and the NT 340 M series run magnetic bearing pumps. Send us your pump model and we will confirm the right controller.

Integrated Drives on Current Pumps

Current Leybold TURBOVAC i and iX pumps have the drive electronics built into the pump, so they do not need a separate frequency converter. They can be run by a simple power supply, or with a TURBO.CONTROL i display unit for readout and setup. Separate controllers are still needed for older TURBOVAC, TW and MAG pumps, which is where most replacement demand comes from.

What a Turbo Controller Does

• Ramps the rotor up to full speed and back down safely
• Monitors rotor speed, motor current and temperature
• Stops the pump on overload, overtemperature or power failure
• Controls vent valves, fans and backing pump relays on many models
• Reports status and faults through relays and serial interfaces
• On magnetic bearing models, levitates the rotor and controls its position

Key Features of Rebuilt Leybold Controllers

• Bench-tested on a turbo pump before shipping
• Worn components such as capacitors and fans replaced as needed
• Drop-in replacement for the same model, with no system rewiring
• Lower cost and faster delivery than a new pump and controller set

Applications

• Semiconductor and coating tools
• Mass spectrometers and analytical instruments
• Helium leak detectors, such as the UL 200 with the NT 12
• Electron microscopes and surface science systems
• Research and particle physics vacuum systems

Troubleshooting Tips

• Check the error code or LED pattern against the controller manual first
• Confirm supply voltage and that the pump cable is fully seated
• Check that the foreline pressure is low enough, since high foreline pressure overloads the pump
• Make sure the controller has enough airflow, as many faults are overtemperature trips
• Try a known good cable before replacing the controller

Signs Your Controller Needs Service

• The pump will not start or will not reach full speed
• Repeated overload, overtemperature or power faults
• No display, LEDs or relay outputs
• Burning smell, bulging capacitors or a failed fan
• Intermittent faults that clear when the controller is tapped or cooled

Information to Have Ready

To match a controller quickly, have the turbo pump model and part number from its label, the old controller model and part number, a photo of the connectors, the supply voltage, and the fault code or symptom. With that information we can usually confirm compatibility the same day.

Replacing an Obsolete Controller

Many Leybold turbo pumps in service today run on controllers that are no longer made new. When one fails, a rebuilt controller of the same model is usually the fastest fix, because it matches the pump, the cable and the system wiring with no changes. If the same model is not available, the next option is often to replace both the pump and controller with a current TURBOVAC i pump, which has its own integrated drive.

Controller Cables and Accessories

The cable between controller and pump carries motor power and sensor signals, and it is matched to the pump and controller. A damaged cable can look like a failed controller, causing start failures or intermittent faults. Check the cable and connectors first, and order a replacement cable with the controller if the old one is worn. Some controllers also need a separate power supply, heat sink or rail mount.

New vs Rebuilt Controllers

Rebuilt controllers suit existing systems where the pump is still in good condition. New pumps with integrated drives suit new systems or cases where both the pump and controller are near the end of their life.

Leybold Turbo Pump Controllers Repair

Provac Sales repairs Leybold TURBOTRONIK, TURBO.DRIVE and MAG.DRIVE controllers and tests them on a turbo pump before return. Submit an RMA request with the controller model, serial number, pump model and fault code. See our pump repair page for more information.

Related Leybold Collections

• Leybold turbo pumps, TURBOVAC and MAG pumps
• Leybold pumping stations, TURBOLAB stations
• Leybold helium leak detectors
• All Leybold vacuum pumps
• All turbo pump controllers from every brand we carry

Leybold Turbo Pump Controllers FAQ

1. Which Leybold controller do I need for my turbo pump?

Leybold controllers are matched to specific pump families by motor, power and bearing type. Check the model and part number on your pump label and send it to us, and we will confirm the matching controller.

2. Do TURBOVAC i pumps need a separate controller?

No. TURBOVAC i and iX pumps have integrated drive electronics. They need only a power supply, with an optional TURBO.CONTROL i unit for display and setup.

3. What controller drives a TURBOVAC MAG pump?

TURBOVAC MAG magnetic bearing pumps are driven by MAG.DRIVE digital or NT 340 M series controllers, depending on the pump generation. Newer MAG iP models have integrated drives.

4. What controller is used with the Leybold UL 200 leak detector?

The UL 200 uses the NT 12 controller for its turbo pump. We stock rebuilt NT 12 units.

5. Why does my turbo controller show an overload fault?

Overload faults are often caused by high foreline pressure, a large gas load, poor cooling or worn turbo bearings. Check the backing pump and cooling before replacing the controller.

Request a Quote on Leybold Turbo Pump Controllers

Send us your turbo pump model and part number, your current controller model if any, supply voltage and the fault you are seeing. We will confirm the right controller, check availability or quote a repair. Contact us or call 831-462-8900.