Abstract: The present discloses a pump apparatus having a first pump and at least one controller. The at least one controller is suitable for generating a first control signal for controlling the first pump. The at least one controller is suitable for generating a second control signal for controlling operation of a second pump. The second pump is external to the pump apparatus. One or more pump connection port is provided in the pump apparatus for outputting the second control signal to the second pump. The present disclosure also relates to a vacuum system comprising a pump apparatus of the type described herein.

Abstract: A processing chamber is connected to a lock chamber. For evacuating the lock chamber and/or the processing chamber a vacuum pump system is provided. The latter comprises a vacuum pump equipment having at least one vacuum pump. Further, the vacuum pump system comprises a valve device for connection to the lock chamber as well as a controller. For noise reduction, a cyclically occurring operating parameter is determined by means of the controller. From said parameter it is determined at which point in time the valve is opened such that temporally before the opening of the valve the rotational speed of at least one of the vacuum pumps can be reduced. This results in a considerable noise reduction at continuing good pump-out times.

Abstract: A vacuum pump system comprising a main vacuum pump that is connected to a chamber that is to be evacuated. An auxiliary pump is connected to an outlet of the main vacuum pump. Furthermore, a sealing gas supply device is connected to the main vacuum pump. The sealing gas supply device is switched on and off with the aid of a control device as a function of a predetermined control variable. Additionally, a method for controlling the vacuum pump system.

Abstract: A vacuum pump system is provided that includes a main vacuum pump that is connected to a chamber that is to be evacuated. An auxiliary pump is connected to an outlet of the main vacuum pump. Furthermore, a sealing gas supply device is connected to the main vacuum pump. The sealing gas supply device is switched on and off with the aid of a control device as a function of a predetermined control variable. Additionally, a method for controlling the vacuum pump system.

Abstract: A processing chamber is connected to a lock chamber. For evacuating the lock chamber and/or the processing chamber a vacuum pump system is provided. The latter comprises a vacuum pump equipment having at least one vacuum pump. Further, the vacuum pump system comprises a valve device for connection to the lock chamber as well as a controller. For noise reduction, a cyclically occurring operating parameter is determined by means of the controller. From said parameter it is determined at which point in time the valve is opened such that temporally before the opening of the valve the rotational speed of at least one of the vacuum pumps can be reduced. This results in a considerable noise reduction at continuing good pump-out times.

Abstract: A vacuum pump system comprising a main vacuum pump that is connected to a chamber that is to be evacuated. An auxiliary pump is connected to an outlet of the main vacuum pump. Furthermore, a sealing gas supply device is connected to the main vacuum pump. The sealing gas supply device is switched on and off with the aid of a control device as a function of a predetermined control variable. Additionally, a method for controlling the vacuum pump system.