FREQUENT QUESTIONS TO OUR OEM TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS

The BELEKTRONIG built-in temperature controllers of the BTC-OEM series serve similar to our laboratory temperature controllers the purpose of highest-precision control of heating and Peltier elements. As OEM component wit a wide range of functionality, they are used in numerous professional laboratory and analytical instruments.

Our built-in temperature controllers have been specifically designed for sophisticated scientific and medical measuring equipment – for devices where in addition to controlling the temperature, other parameters such as safety measures, or valve control, as well as the detection and evaluation of operating conditions are needed.

Coming as OEM component, they are compact, reliable and durable. Our built-in temperature controllers offer a high operating comfort and numerous additional functions. In your application our controllers will integrate seamlessly with manageable installation effort.

• Temperature controller module with extended peripherals: analogue inputs; Digital IO for LED, TTL-IO, relay; display output

• PWM control output up to 36 V, 10 A

• Fan control 0…12 V, 0.3 A

• Freely usable command set

• Communication via simple ASCII protocol

• USB interface, serial interface

• Including PC software BTC Soft, USB driver, LabView VIs

Yes, besides the USB interface, there is also a UART interface (voltage level: 0 V, 5 V) available.

Yes, this is possible. In this case one can use the UART interface along with a level converter. The level converter converts the level voltage of the UART interface from 0 V and 5 V to the 0 V and 15 V that are required by RS232.

Yes, we can delifer a RS232 level converter on request.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is the standard method for power setting, as it is cost-effective and easy to implement in the hardware.

The disadvantage is that the voltage level always fluctuates between 0 and the supply voltage of the power supply (e.g., 0 and 24 V). Especially when using Peltier elements, the maximum allowable operating voltage (e.g., 18V) often does not match the available power supply voltages (e.g., 15V or 24V). In addition, a PWM signal may cause EMC problems due to the high frequency spectral components when transmitted over longer cables.

If you want to control the temperature with a DC signal, BELEKTRONIG offers a suitable output filter, which converts the PWM signal into a DC signal.

So generally spoken, this is not correct. It depends on the PWM frequency. If a DC voltage is applied to a Peltier element, temperature differences occur between the hot and cold side of the element. This leads to mechanical stresses and bendings in the Peltier element. If, for example, the DC voltage is changed to 0 V after one minute, these mechanical stresses are reduced again. If you are operating a Peltier element with an ON/OFF regulator that has switching cycles in the seconds and minutes range, this actually has a negative effect on the lifetime of this element.

Since Peltier elements are thermally inert this problem does not exist while operating a Peltier element with PWM frequencies in the kHz range. The PWM frequency of the BELEKTRONIG temperature controllers is 20 kHz, so there is no risk of a shortened lifetime.

If one now controls a Peltier element with a built-in temperature controller and the BOF output filter from BELEKTRONIG, the DC control voltage changes in the mV and μV range (no ON/OFF operation). Thus, there is also no risk of shortened lifetime with this type of application.

The Peltier elements PE-10-01 and PE-20-01 from BELEKTRONIG have a cycle stability of 60.000 cycles. This was testet by the manufacturer with the following cycles: 60 s on / 60 s off.

Which type of signal is best for power setting depends on the existing application.

The use of a PWM signal is optimal if there are no special requirements related to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

One should use a DC signal for power setting, if there is the possiblity, that the electromagnetic currents, that are always surrounding a PWM signal, might affect the sample material.

Our controllers can be extended at any time to your individually required functions. Depending on the type of special function (e.g., implementation of a specific sensor curve), we will create suitable firmware updates. It is also possible to develop additional modules according to your requirements.

Usually not, because these special functions are only needed by your application.

You can get your controllers with your individual firmware while noting the desired firmware number within your purchase order.

Each temperature controller of BELEKTRONIG cames with one single control output channel. Therefore you for each sample area a single temperature controller for individual temperature control. Due to the multi-channel option all single controllers can be connected set and read by on USB connector.