Temperature Controller, Thermoelectric, ±4A, ±8V, 32W, USB & GPIB, 120 VAC

In addition to thermistor temperature sensor compatibility, the controllers accommodate RTD, current and voltage IC sensors. The type of temperature sensor is selected through the front panel or by remote command. An auto-sensing thermistor current mode selects thermistor current based on measured resistance. By using the appropriate calibration constants, +0.2°C absolute accuracy can be achieved. A unique linearized thermistor mode allows a standard 10kΩ thermistor to be used over the range from -30°C to 85°C in the 100 µA setting.

The LDT-5910C and LDT-5940C feature a fully programmable PID loop with manually adjustable PID constants, twelve preset PID values, and an auto-tuning mode. The different PID modes allow for fast and easy instrument configuration or precise PID adjustment. The first six presets feature the original gain values of the LDT-5910C and the second six presets offer optimal performance for the compatible ILX Lightwave mounts. In addition to selecting the optimum PID value for ILX Lightwave mounts, when a preset is chosen, the correct TE current limit and sensor of the mount is automatically set in the instrument. The two auto-tune functions provide the ideal auto-tuning algorithm in varying applications and automatically determine the optimal PID control constants for your particular thermal load.

The front panel features a large 7-segment LED display with integrated dot matrix display. The 7-segment display enables easy viewing of temperature, sensor resistance, or TE current across the lab depending on the control mode. The dot matrix display can display TE current, TE voltage, sensor resistance or temperature, as well as the control set point and errors. The front panel buttons are grouped by function for easy setup. With ILX interconnect cabling and a wide variety of laser diode mounts, you can set up and control temperature within minutes. New to ILX Lightwave is the ability to upgrade the firmware of the controllers on-site via the USB 2.0 interface. For detailed instructions, on upgrading the firmware, contact ILX Lightwave.

The LDT-5910C and LDT-5940C provide peace of mind with normally open and normally closed interlocks that open or close when the output is disabled. The interlocks are designed to connect to your current source and will disable the output of the current source if the controllers are disabled. The current, temperature, and temperature sensor control loops are bound by programmable limits. The current limit includes independent heating and cooling current limits that provide not only device protection, but a heat only mode. Adjustment of the limit settings is easy and precise, even with the instrument’s output enabled.

Remote instrument operation is available on the LDT-5910C and LDT-5940C through an IEEE 488.1 GPIB interface or USB 2.0 interface. All instrument controls and functions are accessible through the interfaces for easy remote programming and control in automated test systems where repeatable and accurate test sequencing, measurements, and data handling are required. The LDT-5910C can replace the LDT-5910B in automated setups by providing compatible remote commands.

The architecture of the controllers simplifies routine maintenance. Calibration of the TEC current, TE voltage measurement and sensor measurement can be performed via the front panel or through remote interface, without opening the instrument or making manual adjustments. For easy integration into automated test applications, GPIB and USB remote interfaces are included. A robust and easy to modify LabVIEW™ driver is available to download.