Model TC-48-20 Temperature Controller

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TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The TC-48-20 is a cool-only or heat-only thermoelectric temperature controller capable of controlling up to 50 volts and 20 amps. One standard thermistor, model MP-2996, is included. A second thermistor can be attached for monitoring and alarm purposes. The controller is housed in a die-cast aluminum box and incorporates a keypad and a liquid-crystal display. The display allows the user to monitor the sensor temperature, power output level, and menu settings. The integrated keypad accesses an easy-to-use menu system, allowing the user to adjust all of the basic controller parameters such as the set temperature, tuning parameters, and alarm parameters.

The controller can also be connected to a computer via an RS232 serial port for more advanced program control as well as data graphing and data logging (click here for a screen image). All of the controller parameters, including some of the advanced parameters not adjustable through the onboard menu, can be adjusted using this software. (The MP-3023 RS-232 cable is optional and can be purchased separately; the software is always included.) The command set for the controller is also provided to allow the creation of custom software applications with other computers, such as National Instruments LabVIEW, for example. The GUI's LabVIEW source code is also available upon request.

The TC-48-20 controller regulates the output power to the TE device (or DC heater) using pulse-width modulation (PWM). By choosing the appropriate external power supply(s), the controller can control loads from 0 to <50 VDC via pulse-width modulation with the onboard power transistors. (When controlling voltages of less than 9 volts, a small additional power supply (PS-15-0.4) must be used to power the controller's microprocessor.) Two alarm outputs, each capable of controlling up to 1 A, can be used to control other loads such as pump, fans and resistive heaters, further enhancing the controller's capabilities.

If a true linear-output control system is desired, the TC-48-20 can be used as the control head for controlling high-power, linear-output supplies. Some of these linear output supplies are available as basic switching power supplies, allowing the user to create a relatively low cost linear control system which generates much less waste heat when compared to a typical linear system. The linear output eliminates the PWM switching and is useful for Photo Multiplier Tube (PMT) coolers and other applications that are highly sensitive to electronic noise.

The TC-48-20 OEM is also available. This is a basic version of the controller for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's) that want to integrate the controller in a location where the display, keypad, and box cover are not needed. The controller is shipped only as the basic control circuit mounted on an aluminum panel. The thermistor is not included and should be ordered separately. The software and manual are also not included, but these can be downloaded. If this is of further interest, please contact TE Technology for further details.

FEATURES

Single or dual power supply configurations allow a wide range of output voltages:

Single power supply configuration:

≥9 VDC, <50 VDC input, powering both controller and TE device

Dual power supply configuration:

≥9 VDC, <50 VDC at 150 mA minimum for controller circuitry

≥0 VDC, <50 VDC for TE device
Maximum output current: 20 A combined TE device and alarm current (Note: controller does not have current limiting capability or internal fuse protection)
Cool-only or heat-only control modes, menu selectable
Temperature control range: -20 °C to +100 °C using the MP-2996 thermistor supplied with the controller, or -20 °C to +85 °C using a thermistor equivalent to 10 k-ohm, curve ÒBÓ from YSI Temperature, Inc.
Optional secondary thermistor input for sensing alarm conditions
Two available alarm outputs, capable of sinking up to 1 A each, for triggering alarms based on the primary (control) sensor and/or secondary sensor
Best-case control stability ±0.1 °C (when controlling a cold plate)
Proportional (P) bandwidth adjustment: 0.5 °C to 100.0 °C
Integral gain (I) adjustment: 0.00 to 10.00 repeats per minute
Derivative gain (D) adjustment: 0.00 to 10.00 cycles per minute
Output: square wave, 337 Hz, pulse-width modulated, with soft start
Analog proportional output signal for controlling programmable linear power supplies
Operating temperature range (non-condensing, total combined alarm and load current):

Minimum: 0 °C

Maximum: 48 °C horizontal orientation, 20 A output; 55 °C vertical orientation, 20 A output; 53 °C horizontal orientation, 17 A output; 59 °C vertical orientation, 17 A output.
Computer programmable via RS 232 communication; includes software (An optional RS-232 cable, part number MP-3023, is required)
RoHS compliant

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