Model TC-36-25 RS232 Temperature Controller

[THE TC-36-25-RS232 TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER]

[476 KB]

[332 KB]

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APPLICATION
The TC-36-25 RS232 provides bi-directional temperature control for thermoelectric devices, either independently or with supplemental resistive heaters for both cooling and heating applications. The controller uses solid-state MOSFET devices in an electrical "H" bridge configuration to automatically control the direction of current simply based on the temperature set point.

The controller can be communicated with and programmed directly through a personal computer𠏋 RS232 serial communication port. The supplied communications software, compatible with Windows 95/98/XP/NT, provides a graphical user interface; no prior programming experience is required to use it. However, the command set is provided so that qualified personnel can use it is as an embedded control or create a custom program interface using LabView, for example.

Once the desired controller parameters are established, the settings can be saved to non-volatile memory. The TC-36-25 RS232 can then be disconnected from the computer and operated as a unique, stand alone controller. The controller can also be configured to use a variety of analog inputs to adjust the set point.

Mechanically, the controller𠏋 printed circuit board is mounted to a metal bracket that is suitable for either horizontal or vertical orientation. The controller can operate in ambient temperatures from 0 蚓 up to 60 蚓 without generally requiring additional heat sinking.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Low voltage TE device control capability. The TC-36-25 RS232 requires an input voltage anywhere from 12 V up to 36 V. That voltage powers the microprocessor and can also be modulated and sent to the thermoelectric device. However, if the thermoelectric cooler or Peltier device operates on a voltage lower than 12 V, a second low-voltage power supply can be connected. The controller will then switch this voltage on and off to the TE device. The second input voltage can range anywhere from 0 V to 36 V.
High resolution and Stability. The output signal to the thermoelectric cooler is pulse-width modulated (PWM) at 2700 Hz. The PWM control scheme affords temperature resolution of 0.01 蚓 or 0.01 蚌 and controller stability within ±0.01蚓 or ±0.01 蚌. The controller tuning structure allows designation of a variety of control features: manual, proportional, proportional-integral, proportional-derivate, or proportional-integral-derivative control. Differential temperature control is also available when two input sensing thermistors are used.
Accepts a wide variety of thermistors. The controller comes with a standard 15kW thermistor which provides a control temperature range of -20 蚓 to 100 蚓. However, the controller can be used with a wide variety of other NTC type thermistors which are pre-programmed and selected via a menu in the software. For example, a 5kW thermistor can also be used to extend the control temperature down to -40 蚓. Also, since many laser diode packages come standard with a 10kW thermistor, there are two different 10kW thermistor settings available.
Remote control capability. Once the controller is programmed, it can run independent of a computer, and the set point can be adjusted in several ways. The optional MP-2986 Display and Keypad accessory can be used to adjust the set point and provide a digital readout of the set point and the sense temperature. The controller can also use a potentiometer, a 0 to 5 VDC signal, or a 0 to 20 mA current loop.
Configurable alarm actions. Several alarm types may be selected: no alarm, tracking alarm, and fixed value alarm. The alarm can be configured to either maintain the output power during an alarm or to shut down the power output. The alarm latch can be selected to either automatically restart power if the alarm clears itself or to keep the power output off until the latch is manually cleared. The controller can also provide a 25 mA signal for powering an LED or other device when an alarm occurs.
Over-current protection. In addition to alarm protection, the controller can provide over-current protection to the TE device. The setting can be adjusted in 2.5 A increments. The maximum current the controller can handle is 25 A at steady state. However, the controller can handle momentary currents up to 35 A.

The TC-36-25 RS232 comes with one MP-2996 thermistor. If you would like to purchase additional thermistors, please indicate when ordering.

SPECIFICATIONS

RoHS Compliant
Bi-directional, solid-state "H"-bridge configuration for heating and cooling applications
Input voltage from 12 to 36 VDC or 0 to 36 with a secondary power supply
Self-contained, 0.1 to 25 A load rating, with over-current protection
PC programmable via RS232 communications port and stand-alone operation
Control temperature of -20慢 to 100慢, other ranges available with optional thermistors
Proportional (P), Integral (I) and Derivative (D) control
Temperature resolution and control stability of 0.01慢
Pulse-width modulation frequency at 2700 Hz
5K, 10K, and 15K ohm thermistor capability
Set temperature adjustable via:
     Remote user set temperature potentiometer
     4 to 20 MA current loop
     0 V to 5V adjustable range
     Differential temperature control
     MP-2986 Display and Keypad accessory
No computer programming experience required to use the communications software program
Command set is provided so programmers may create their own software interface or embedded controller applications (sample LabView sample program available upon request)
PC configurable alarms
Non-volatile memory retention of parameters
Operating temperature range of 0 蚓 to 60 蚓, storage temperature range of -55 蚓 to 105 蚓

DIMENSIONS

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