Pfeiffer Turbo Pump Controllers

Every Pfeiffer turbo pump depends on its electronics to start safely, accelerate to full speed, protect the bearings and motor, and shut down without damage. When a controller, display unit or power supply fails, the turbo pump stops with it. At Provac Sales, we supply new and rebuilt Pfeiffer turbo pump controllers and power supplies, and we repair Pfeiffer DCU, TCP and TPS series units in house.

Pfeiffer Controller Models We Carry

Our Pfeiffer controller collection includes:

• Pfeiffer DCU-001 and DCU-002 display and control units, rebuilt
• Pfeiffer DCU-100 display and control unit, new and rebuilt
• Pfeiffer DCU-110 display and control unit
• Pfeiffer TCP-015, TCP-035 and TCP-040 controllers, rebuilt
• Pfeiffer TCP-121 controller, rebuilt
• Pfeiffer TPS-100 power supply, rebuilt
• Pfeiffer OPS-100 power supply, rebuilt
• Pfeiffer OmniControl turbo pump controllers, including the OmniControl 400
• Pfeiffer MagPower controller for magnetically levitated turbo pumps

Each listing shows the condition, supply voltage and any included cables.

Understanding Pfeiffer Turbo Electronics

Pfeiffer turbo pump electronics have changed over several generations, which is why matching matters:

• TCP controllers are external drive electronics used with older Pfeiffer turbo pumps such as TMH, TMU, TPH and TPU models. Different TCP models support different pump sizes and power levels.
• On HiPace turbo pumps and many later TMH and TMU pumps, the drive electronics (TC 110, TC 400 and similar) are attached to the pump. These pumps need a power supply such as a TPS or OPS unit, and often a DCU display and control unit.
• DCU units provide display, operation and parameter settings, and in some versions an integrated power supply.
• OmniControl units are controllers that combine control and power functions for compatible Pfeiffer turbo pumps.
• MagPower controllers drive Pfeiffer magnetically levitated turbo pumps.

Older pumps from Alcatel, now part of Pfeiffer, use their own controller families, such as ACT and CFF. We can help with those too.

Why Compatibility Matters

Turbo pump electronics are not interchangeable. Each controller or power supply is designed for specific pumps, drive units, power levels and connectors. The wrong unit may fail to start the pump, run it incorrectly or damage the motor or bearings.

Before ordering, confirm:

• The complete turbo pump model and part number, such as TMU-064, TPH-060, HiPace 80 or HiPace 300
• Whether the pump has an attached drive unit such as a TC 110 or TC 400
• The existing controller, power supply or display unit model and part number
• Cable types, connectors and lengths
• Supply voltage and power rating
• Interface needs, such as remote control, RS-485 or Profibus
• Whether you also need to run gauges or a backing pump from the same unit

The quickest way to confirm compatibility is to send photos of the pump rating plate, controller label and connectors.

Applications

Pfeiffer turbo controllers are used wherever Pfeiffer turbo pumps are installed:

• Mass spectrometers and analytical instruments
• Electron microscopes and focused ion beam systems
• HiCube and custom turbo pumping stations
• Research chambers and surface science systems
• Thin film deposition and coating systems
• Helium leak detectors
• Semiconductor metrology and inspection tools

Signs Your Pfeiffer Controller Needs Service

Controller faults often look like pump problems. Watch for:

• The turbo pump will not start, or starts and trips
• Error codes on the display or controller
• The pump does not reach rated speed
• Intermittent shutdowns, especially when warm
• No display or communication
• Burning smell or visible damage

Testing the controller or power supply before replacing the pump can save significant cost.

Installation Tips

• Power down and isolate the system before disconnecting electronics
• Label all cables before removal
• Inspect pump cables and connectors for damage
• Mount the controller in a ventilated location away from heat and liquids
• Reconnect interlocks such as cooling or backing pump interlocks
• Check parameter settings, such as standby speed, venting and run-up time, against your previous setup
• Note the run-up time on the first start as a benchmark

New vs Rebuilt Pfeiffer Controllers

Many TCP and DCU models are no longer in current production but still run large numbers of installed turbo pumps. A rebuilt controller is often the simplest way to keep an older system running without replacing the turbo pump. New controllers, such as the OmniControl, suit new installations or upgrades. Each listing and quotation confirms the condition and warranty.

Pfeiffer Controller Repair Service

Provac Sales repairs Pfeiffer DCU, TCP and TPS series turbo pump controllers and power supplies, as well as Alcatel ACT, CFF, CFV and Guardian series controllers. Repair can include diagnosis, component replacement, power supply repair and functional testing. If you send a controller and pump together, let us know so we can test them as a set.

Submit an RMA request with the controller model, pump model, symptoms and any error codes. See our pump repair page for more.

About Pfeiffer Vacuum

Pfeiffer Vacuum was founded in 1890 in Wetzlar, Germany, and is known as a pioneer of turbomolecular pump technology. In 2010 the company acquired Adixen, the former Alcatel Vacuum Technology business, which is why many Alcatel and Adixen designs now carry the Pfeiffer name. That is why Pfeiffer controller families include both original Pfeiffer designs such as DCU, TCP and TPS, and former Alcatel designs such as ACT and CFF.

Repair, Rebuilt Replacement or Upgrade?

When a Pfeiffer controller fails, there are usually three paths. A repair keeps your exact unit and settings and is often the lowest cost. A rebuilt replacement from inventory gets you running faster when downtime is expensive. An upgrade to a newer controller can make sense when an older unit is no longer repairable or when you need modern interfaces. We will lay out the options and costs so you can choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a TCP and a DCU?

A TCP is an external drive controller for older turbo pumps. A DCU is a display and control unit used with pumps that have attached electronics, and some DCU versions include a power supply.

Does a HiPace turbo pump need a separate controller?

HiPace pumps have attached drive electronics, but still need a suitable power supply and often a DCU or OmniControl for display and operation.

Can I run a TMU-064 with a TCP-015?

Pairings like this depend on the exact pump and controller versions. Send us both part numbers and we will confirm.

What do Pfeiffer error codes mean?

Codes vary by model. Check your manual, or send us the code and model number and we will help.

Request a Quote on Pfeiffer Turbo Pump Controllers

Send us the controller or power supply model, turbo pump model and part numbers, cable details and supply voltage. We will confirm compatibility and availability, or quote a repair of your existing unit. Contact us or call 831-462-8900.