TE Technology TC-36-25-RS485 - Manual (Page 8)

8
Features
TC‐36‐25 RS485, Thermistor, I/O Cable, and Software
The TC‐36‐25 RS485 provides bi‐directional (heating and cooling) temperature control for thermoelectric devices.
Resistive heaters can also be controlled. An H‐bridge configuration is used for the power output stage. The output stage
is made from solid‐state N‐channel MOSFETs (no relays or mechanical components are used). These transistors are highly
efficient and allow for the bi‐directional flow of current through the thermoelectric coolers. Their high efficiency reduces
the waste heat generated by the controller and allows for a compact design.
The TC‐36‐25 RS485 controller is programmable via a RS‐485 port or RS‐485 port adapter. The TC‐36‐25 RS485 can be
networked with up to 254 controllers on one RS485 communications port. Field selectable parameters or data acquisition
in a half duplex mode can be performed. The supplied software is compatible with Windows 95/98/XP/NT. The software
provides a graphical user interface for setting control parameters and receiving feedback from the temperature sensor(s).
However, the command set is also provided so that qualified personnel can use the controller as an embedded control, or
they can create a custom program interface. The software can also be used to instruct the TC‐36‐25 RS485 to save the
desired control parameters to the controller’s non‐volatile memory. This allows the controller to be disconnected from
the computer and operated as a stand‐alone controller. When operating as a stand‐alone controller, the controller can be
set to always control to the stored set point or it can be set up to accept a proportional signal to vary the set point as
required.
Mechanically, the controller’s 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 °C to 60 °C without generally requiring
additional heat sinking. The controller is intended to be used in locations where the controller can be protected by a
secondary enclosure or other means of protection.