Overview

The Model 5C7-550 series is an economical, open board temperature controller especially designed to operate thermoelectric (Peltier effect) modules. This controller will provide temperature control of thermoelectric modules up to 350 watts (28vdc X 12.5 amps = 350 watts). They use a TS67 Series temperature sensor for a temperature range of -20°C to 100°C, or a TS104 Series temperature sensor for a temperature range of 0°C to 150°C. The sensor selection is made via a PCB mounted dip switch.

The Model 5C7-550A is an optional version of the controller that includes a remote set temperature adjust dial (shown above right). The dial is provided as two separate pieces: a potentiometer that has leads and a connector, and an adhesive dial scale decal. (You can also use the optional Model 5C7-551 to view the actual temperature while using the potentiometer based dial to set the Set Point. In this combination with the 5C7-550A the 5C7-551 is only used to display the actual temperature.)

The controller contains a solid state “H” bridge. This provides bipolar (BI-directional, automatically heating and cooling as needed) control for one or more independent TE modules for both cooling and heating applications. With appropriate diodes, it can be used in conjunction with auxiliary or supplemental resistive heaters. The control of the “H” bridge is designed to provide a seamless transition between heating and cooling. (no dead spot in the control function during transition between heating and cooling)

The controller utilizes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the power level in the thermoelectric module. The base frequency is 1.0kHz. The output power resolution is one of ± 250 steps in the load circuit control.

The controller provides an indication of the heat or cool operation mode. A Green LED is used to indicate a heating mode. A Blue LED is used to indicate a cooling mode.

Both the Green and Blue LED being on indicate an open sensor. The controller load circuit (output power) is off when there is an open sensor.

This controller was designed with a proportional and integral control algorithm to provide the most precise control at the most economical cost. The proportional bandwidth is adjustable from 1.0°C to 16°C and the integral rate is adjustable from 0 to 2.55 repeats per minute. These adjustments permit optimizing individual thermal systems. In a well designed thermal system end point control can be ± 0.1°C.

The controller is capable of providing up to 12.5 amps of current for modules rated 3 through 28 volts dc with an ambient temperature of 0°C to +50°C. (refer to mounting instructions)

The controller will operate with a single power supply over the range of 6vdc to 28vdc. If the TE modules require lower voltages, then two supplies are required. One supply for the load 3vdc to 28vdc and one for the control circuit 6vdc to 28vdc (the control circuit will draw less than 100ma).

The controller electronics have a set point stability of < ±0.1°C after one hour of stabilization at 25°C ambient.

The controller has a temperature resolution of approximately 0.1°C. In an optimal thermal system, this will provide an end point control of up to approximately ±0.2°C, or slightly better. To achieve this control requires that the thermal system be well designed, the control sensor be correctly located, and the system be optimally tuned. When selecting the temperature sensor location, we suggest that the sensor be located thermally close to the working side of the TE module. Minimum delay in the temperature sensor seeing the temperature change in the TE Module temperature is preferred. 

Mechanical Specifications
 

Note: For a small but intelligent TEC controller with either heat only or automatic bi-phase heat and cool, consider a customized version of a 5C7-360 Series controller. For an NRE, we can provide custom, PC compatible controllers with a much smaller footprint than our standard controllers. Interfaces include RS485, RS232, and I2C. The interface is used to set up the controller or to monitor the temperature. Otherwise, a configured controller can run standalone.

• LOAD: Compatible with Thermoelectric (Peltier effect, or TEC) modules, resistive heaters, fans, and many other DC voltage devices that proportionately alter operation based on the amount of power supplied.
• STABILITY: The controller itself has an internal resolution of approximately 0.1°C, and that means the best attainable stability is approximately 0.2°C or better. Stability is intimately related to your thermal system. If you are not seeing the stability your application requires, we can, for an NRE, build a custom unit. We have many ways to adapt this controller to your requirements and to the specific parameters of your thermal system.
• OUTPUT 
• Biphase: Automatically switches between HEATING andCOOLING modes. (For resistive heaters and fans place an appropriate diode in series with the load.)
• PWM: Pulse width modulated output with a base frequency of 1.0kHz
• Proportional / Integral Control Algorithm
• Proportional Bandwidth: Adjustable or fixed proportional bandwidth of 1°C to 16°C using an on board potentiometer.
• Integral Gain: Adjustable or fixed integral rate of 0 to 2.55 repeats per minute (also known as "sample rate".) using an on board potentiometer
• Power
• Using Single Output Power Supply: Rated for ±1.0 amperes to ±12.5 amperes at 6 to 28 volts DC with a 25°C. mounting plate temperature. (Controller will operate down to 9 volts DC. Request more information.)
• Using Dual Output Power Supply (or 2 supplies): Less than 500 ma at 6 to 28 vdc is needed for the control circuit. Power supply for the load can be 3 to 28 vdc at 12.5 amperes maximum.
• Ouput Power: 350 Watts Total Maximum.
• TEMPERATURE
• Range of 5C7-550 & 5C7-550A
• TS67 Series, 15K@25°C: -20.0°C To 100.0°C (-4°F to 212°F)
• TS104 Series, 50K@25°C: 0.0°C To 150.0°C (32°F to 302°F)
• Adjustment:  The 5C7-550 has an on board potentiometer, or, optionally, the 5C7-551 front panel PCB (see "accessory" above). The 5C7-550A has a potentiometer/dial combination (see "option" above), or you can unplug that from the controller and in its place use the 5C7-551 front panel PCB (see "accessory" above).
• Operation
• Ambient Operating Temperature
• 0C to +50C for off-the-shelf controllers. Notes on Ambient Operating Temperature
• Connections: Pluggable barrier strip with screw down connections.
• Dimensions:  Mechanical Specifications
• Production Models: Once the controller is configured for your application we provide services that can lower the cost and simplify configuration, production, and distribution.

Mechanical Specifications

For general information about power supplies see our Library page Power Supply Notes.

MULTIPLE SET POINTS: Since the temperature is set using a potentiometer, and the heat and cool mode is determined by a jumper, it is relatively easy to make a circuit that allows you to easily switch the Model 5C7-350A between two or more temperature settings.

FOR FIBER OPTIC COMPONENTS AND LASER DIODES... Note.
 

Note: Prices shown are for the controllers only.  Sensors, TE modules and power supplies may be available but are not included in the controller pricing.

Lead Time: Generally 2 to 4 days ARO. Out of stock items may have a 1 to 3 week lead time.

SENSOR PRICING
Click here for TS67 Series Sensor Housings and Prices (-20°C to 100°C Range)
Click here for TS104 Series Sensor Housings and Prices (0°C to 150°C Range)

Model 5C7-550 Temperature Controller
   Quantity 01 price:  $150.00 each
   Quantity 10 price:  $139.50 each
   Lower prices are available at higher volume.

Model 5C7-550A Temperature Controller with Remote Potentiometer
   Quantity 01 price:  $165.00 each
   Quantity 10 price:  $153.50 each
   Lower prices are available at higher volume.

Model 5C7-551 Front Panel PCB
Note: Does not include metal face plate or label.
You can use this with the Model 5C7-550 controller.
You can use this with the Model 5C7-550A, but only if you unplug the potentiometer based dial.
   Quantity 01 price:  $59.00 each
   Lower prices are available at higher volume.

P/N 5C7-553 Mounting Plate (for the Front Panel PCB)
Note: Does not include label.
   Quantity 01 price:  $12.50 each
   Lower prices are available at higher volume.

• General Notes on Pricing of the above controllers.
• Controllers Only: Prices shown are for the "controllers only". 
• Currency: All prices are $US.