Ion Systems Introduces Smart, High Performance Ionizer for Small Environments; Single Fan Precision SC

Business Wire, Sept 22, 1997

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1997--Ion Systems, a leading provider of ionization solutions for the control of static charge, today introduced the Single Fan Precision SC ionizing blower.

The latest addition to Ion Systems' Precision SC product line brings the tight performance and communications capabilities of the original two and three fan models to spaces too small for traditional overhead ionizing blowers and is the first ionizer to provide advanced communications capabilities in a benchtop configuration.

The original three-fan Precision SC was introduced last September to address the needs of magnetoresistive (MR) head manufacturers, who are concerned about static charge levels as low as 10-15 volts. With the extreme sensitivity of MR-heads, media testing facilities are moving to mini-environment-style enclosures that provide better control of contamination and air flow. The Single Fan Precision SC takes the same step for static charge control, providing fast static charge neutralization in these enclosures which are too small for conventional overhead ionizing blowers.

In addition to providing superior performance as an overhead ionizing blower, the Single Fan Precision SC is the first ionizer to provide "smart" communications capabilities for benchtop use. If the amount of charge at the surface alters significantly, the Precision SC can take input from a benchtop sensor and change its output accordingly. This capability allows the ionizer to output its alarm/OK status to a Facility Monitoring System (FMS), ensuring instant recognition of any problem.

"The Single Fan Precision SC represents a breakthrough in ionizing blower technology," said Steven Vann, ESD Applications manager for Ion Systems.

"By leveraging the same technology that made the original Precision SC the industry standard for static charge control in Mr-head environments, the single fan model provides the best possible ionization solution for small area overhead and benchtop applications."

Based in Berkeley, Ion Systems develops and manufactures ionizers and instrumentation for controlling damage and contamination caused by static charge. Products range from ultraclean room ionization systems to electronics assembly area ionizing blowers and equipment ionizers.

The company is headquartered at 1005 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA 94170; phone: 510/548-3640; fax: 510/548-0417; e-mail: ionsys@ion.com . Additional information and news about the company can be accessed on the internet at http://www.ion.com .

CONTACT: Ion Systems

Alyssa Enlow, 510/548-3640

aenlow@ion.com

or

The Loomis Group Inc.

Tanya Rodante, 415/882-9494

rodante@loomisgroup.com