Phidgets PhidgetTemperatureSensor 1-Input User manual

Product Manual
1051 - PhidgetTemperatureSensor 1-Input

Phidgets 1051 - Product Manual
For Board Revision 2
© Phidgets Inc. 2010

Contents
5 Product Features
5 Programming Environment
5 Connection
6 Getting Started
6 Checking the Contents
6 Connecting all the pieces
6 Testing Using Windows 2000/XP/Vista
6 Downloading the Phidgets drivers
6 Running Phidgets Sample Program
7 Testing Using Mac OS X
8 If you are using Linux
8 If you are using Windows Mobile/CE 5.0 or 6.0
9 Programming a Phidget
9 Architecture
9 Libraries
9 Programming Hints
9 Networking Phidgets
10 Documentation
10 Programming Manual
10 Getting Started Guides
10 API Guides
10 Code Samples
10 API for the PhidgetTemperatureSensor 1-Input
10 Functions
11 Events
12 Technical Section
12 Introduction
12 Getting the Temperature value
12 K, J, T, E-Type Thermocouples
12 Using Thermocouples other than K, J, E, or T-Type
12 Things to watch for

12 Electrical Interference
12 Keep the PhidgetTemperatureSensor at a stable temperature
13 Wire Size
13 Wire Length
13 Sheathing material
13 How to connect your Thermocouple
13 Stripped wire
13 Sourcing Thermocouples
14 Mechanical Drawing
14 DeviceSpecications
15 Product History
15 Support

5
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Product Features
Supports one thermocouple providing a wide range of temperatures that can be measured.•
Measures temperatures from -200°C to +1250°C when using a K-Type thermocouple.•
Outputs temperature in degrees Celsius.•
Gives the temperature of the Phidget (ambient) in degrees Celsius.•
Automatically compensates for errors introduced by the temperature of the Phidget.•
Uses terminal blocks to interface to inexpensive thermocouples.•
Programming Environment
Operating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, Windows CE, Linux, and Mac OS X
Programming Languages (APIs): VB6, VB.NET, C#.NET, C++, Flash 9, Flex, Java, LabVIEW, Python, Max/MSP,
and Cocoa.
Examples: Many example applications for all the operating systems and development environments above are
available for download at www.phidgets.com >> Programming.
Connection
The board connects directly to a computer’s USB port.

6
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Connect the thermocouple to the input1.
terminal block on the 1051. Make sure that the
thermocouple ground wire goes into the ground
terminal (-). If you are using a 2007 - Phidget
K-type Thermocouple, the white wire is the ground
wire.
Connect the 1051 to your PC using the Mini-USB2.
cable.
12
Getting Started
Checking the Contents
You should have received:
A PhidgetTemperatureSensor 1-Input•
A Mini-USB Cable•
Connecting all the pieces
Testing Using Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Downloading the Phidgets drivers
Make sure that you have the current version of the Phidget library installed on your PC. If you don’t, do the
following:
Go to www.phidgets.com >> Drivers
Download and run Phidget21 Installer (32-bit, or 64-bit, depending on your PC)
You should see the icon on the right hand corner of the Task Bar.
Running Phidgets Sample Program
Double clicking on the icon loads the Phidget Control Panel; we will use this program to make sure that your
new Phidget works properly.
The source code for the TemperatureSensor-full sample program can be found under C# by clicking on Phidget.com
> Programming.
In order to test your new Phidget you will also
need:
A Thermocouple with stripped end•

7
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Double Click on1. Phidget Temperature
Sensor in the Phidget Control Panel to bring
up TemperatureSensor-full and check that the
box labelled Attached contains the word True.
Select K-Type thermocouple2.
Touch a source of heat (light bulb, candle or3.
lighterame)withthethermocoupleprobeand
watch the Thermocouple temperature increase.
The potential value will also increase as the4.
thermocouple temperature increases.
The ambient temperature gives you the5. board
temperature.
You can adjust the data sensitivity by moving6.
the slider pointer.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Double Click on the icon to activate the Phidget Control
Panel and make sure that the Phidget Temperature
Sensor is properly attached to your PC.
Testing Using Mac OS X
Click on System Preferences >> Phidgets (under Other) to activate the Preference Pane•
Make sure that the Phidget Temperature Sensor 1-Input is properly attached.•
Double Click on Phidget Temperature Sensor 1-Input in the Phidget Preference Pane to bring up the•
TemperatureSensor-full Sample program. This program will function in a similar way as the Windows version.

8
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
If you are using Linux
There are no sample programs written for Linux.
Go to www.phidgets.com >> Drivers
Download Linux Source
Havealookatthereadmele•
Build Phidget21•
The most popular programming languages in Linux are C/C++ and Java.
Notes:
Many Linux systems are now built with unsupported third party drivers. It may be necessary to uninstall these
drivers for our libraries to work properly.
Phidget21 for Linux is a user-space library. Applications typically have to be run as root, or udev/hotplug must be
conguredtogivepermissionswhenthePhidgetispluggedin.
If you are using Windows Mobile/CE 5.0 or 6.0
Go to www.phidgets.com >> Drivers
Download x86, ARMV4I or MIPSII, depending on the platform you are using. Mini-itx and ICOP systems will be x86,
and most mobile devices, including XScale based systems will run the ARMV4I.
TheCElibrariesaredistributedin.CABformat.WindowsMobile/CEisabletodirectlyinstall.CABles.
The most popular languages are C/C++, .NET Compact Framework (VB.NET and C#). A desktop version of Visual
StudiocanusuallybeconguredtotargetyourWindowsMobilePlatform,whetheryouarecompilingtomachine
code or the .NET Compact Framework.

9
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Programming a Phidget
Phidgets’ philosophy is that you do not have to be an electrical engineer in order to do projects that use devices
like sensors, motors, motor controllers, and interface boards. All you need to know is how to program. We have
developed a complete set of Application Programming Interfaces (API) that are supported for Windows, Mac OS X,
and Linux. When it comes to languages, we support VB6, VB.NET, C#.NET, C, C++, Flash 9, Flex, Java, LabVIEW,
Python, Max/MSP, and Cocoa.
Architecture
We have designed our libraries to give you the maximum amount of freedom. We do not impose our own
programming model on you.
To achieve this goal we have implemented the libraries as a series of layers with the C API at the core surrounded
by other language wrappers.
Libraries
The lowest level library is the C API. The C API can be programmed against on Windows, CE, OS X and Linux. With
the C API, C/C++, you can write cross-platform code. For systems with minimal resources (small computers), the C
API may be the only choice.
The Java API is built into the C API Library. Java, by default is cross-platform - but your particular platform may not
support it (CE).
The .NET API also relies on the C API. Our default .NET API is for .NET 2.0 Framework, but we also have .NET
libraries for .NET 1.1 and .NET Compact Framework (CE).
The COM API relies on the C API. The COM API is programmed against when coding in VB6, VBScript, Excel (VBA),
Delphi and Labview.
The ActionScript 3.0 Library relies on a communication link with a PhidgetWebService (see below). ActionScript 3.0
is used in Flex and Flash 9.
Programming Hints
Every Phidget has a unique serial number - this allows you to sort out which device is which at runtime. Unlike•
USB devices which model themselves as a COM port, you don’t have to worry about where in the USB bus you
plug your Phidget in. If you have more than one Phidget, even of the same type, their serial numbers enable
you to sort them out at runtime.
EachPhidgetyouhavepluggediniscontrolledfromyourapplicationusinganobject/handlespecictothat•
phidget. This link between the Phidget and the software object is created when you call the .OPEN group of
commands. This association will stay, even if the Phidget is disconnected/reattached, until .CLOSE is called.
The Phidget APIs are designed to be used in an event-driven architecture. While it is possible to poll them, we•
don’t recommend it. Please familiarize yourself with event programming.
Networking Phidgets
The PhidgetWebService is an application written by Phidgets Inc. which acts as a network proxy on a computer. The
PhidgetWebService will allow other computers on the network to communicate with the Phidgets connected to that
computer. ALL of our APIs have the capability to communicate with Phidgets on another computer that has the
PhidgetWebService running.
The PhidgetWebService also makes it possible to communicate with other applications that you wrote and that are
connected to the PhidgetWebService, through the PhidgetDictionary object.

10
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Documentation
Programming Manual
The Phidget Programming Manual documents the Phidgets software programming model in a language and device
unspecicway,providingageneraloverviewofthePhidgetsAPIasawhole.Youcanndthemanualatwww.
phidgets.com >> Programming.
Getting Started Guides
We have written Getting Started Guides for most of the languages that we support. If the manual exists for the
languageyouwanttouse,thisistherstmanualyouwanttoread.TheGuidescanbefoundatwww.phidgets.com
>> Programming, and are listed under the appropriate language.
API Guides
We maintain API references for COM (Windows), C (Windows/Mac OSX/Linux), Action Script, .Net and Java. These
references document the API calls that are common to all Phidgets. These API References can be found under www.
phidgets.com >> Programmingandarelistedundertheappropriatelanguage.TolookattheAPIcallsforaspecic
Phidget, check its Product Manual.
Code Samples
We have written sample programs to illustrate how the APIs are used.
Due to the large number of languages and devices we support, we cannot provide examples in every language for
every Phidget. Some of the examples are very minimal, and other examples will have a full-featured GUI allowing
all the functionality of the device to be explored. Most developers start by modifying existing examples until they
have an understanding of the architecture.
Go to www.phidgets.com >> Programming to see if there are code samples written for your device. Find the
language you want to use and click on the magnifying glass besides “Code Sample”. You will get a list of all the
devices for which we wrote code samples in that language.
API for the PhidgetTemperatureSensor 1-Input
WedocumentAPICallsspecictothisproductinthissection.FunctionscommontoallPhidgetsandfunctionsnot
applicable to this device are not covered here. This section is deliberately generic. For calling conventions under a
speciclanguage,refertotheassociatedAPImanual.Forexactvalues,refertothedevicespecications.
Functions
int TemperatureInputCount () [get] : Constant
Returns the number of thermocouples that can be read by this PhidgetTemperatureSensor.
double Temperature (int ProbeIndex) [get] : Celsius
Returns the temperature of a thermocouple. This value is returned in degrees Celsius but can easily be converted
into other units. This value will always be between TemperatureMin and TemperatureMax. Please refer to the device
specicationsfornoiseandaccuracydetails.
double TemperatureMax (int ProbeIndex) [get] : Constant, Celsius
Returns the maximum temperature that can be returned by a thermocouple input. This value depends on the
thermocouple type.
double TemperatureMin (int ProbeIndex) [get] : Constant, Celsius
Returns the minimum temperature that can be returned by a thermocouple input. This value depends on the
thermocouple type.

11
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
double TemperatureChangeTrigger(int ProbeIndex) [get,set] : Celsius
Sets the change trigger for an input. This is the amount by which the sensed temperature must change between
TemperatureChangeEvents. By default this is set to 0.5.
SettingTemperatureChangeTriggerto0willcausealltemperatureupdatestoreevents.Thisishelpfulfor
applicationsthatareimplementingtheirownltering.
double Potential (int ProbeIndex) [get] : Millivolts
Returns the potential of a thermocouple input. This value is returned in millivolts, and will always be between
getPotentialMin and getPotentialMax. This is the value that is internally used to calculate temperature in the library.
double PotentialMax (int ProbeIndex) [get] : Constant, Millivolts
Returns the maximum voltage that can be measured by the 1051.
double PotentialMin (int ProbeIndex) [get] : Constant, Millivolts
Returns the minimum voltage that can be measured by the 1051.
double AmbientTemperature () [get] : Celsius
Returns the temperature of the 1051 board, measured near the thermocouple connector. This temperature is used
as a reference for the thermocouple voltage. This value will always be between getAmbientTemperatureMin and
getAmbientTemperatureMax.
double AmbientTemperatureMax () [get] : Constant, Celsius
Returns the maximum temperature that can be returned by the ambient sensor.
double AmbientTemperatureMin () [get] : Constant, Celsius
Returns the minimum temperature that can be returned by the ambient sensor.
int ThermocoupleType(int ProbeIndex) [get,set]
Returns/Sets the thermocouple type for an input. The possible values are J, K, E, and T, corresponding to K, E, J and
T-Type Thermocouples. Support for other thermocouple types, and voltage sources other then thermocouples in the
valid range (between getPotentialMin and getPotentialMax) can be achieved using getPotential.
Note that this function will vary widely between APIs. Please refer to the Manual for the API you are programming
against for exact calling conventions.
Events
OnTemperatureChange(int ProbeIndex, double Temperature) [event]
EventthatreswheneverthetemperaturechangesbymorethantheTemperatureChangeTrigger.
OnError(int code, String description) [event]
PhidgetTemperatureSensorreturnsEEPHIDGET_OUTOFRANGEwhenaninputgoesoutoftherangespeciedby
PotentialMin-PotentialMax or TemperatureMin-TemperatureMax. The event is reported once per input per out-of-
rangetype.untilthevaluehasgonebackintorange.Thedescriptionspeciestheinput,thetypeofout-of-range
error and the out of range value that was read.
This should only happen for inputs which don’t have a thermocouple attached.

12
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Technical Section
Introduction
Thermocouples are widely used to measure extreme temperatures impossible to measure with other types of
sensors.
Getting the Temperature value
K, J, T, E-Type Thermocouples
J, K, E and T thermocouples are directly supported in the library; the getTemperature call returns the
measured temperature in °C.
Typical Temperature Range:
The insulating sheath that surrounds the thermocouple is the limiting factor in the true temperature range. For
example,aK-typethermocoupleinsulatedwithteonisgoodupto+200°C. The same thermocouple using
Fiberglass is good to 480°C.
Using Thermocouples other than K, J, E, or T-Type
It is possible to interface other thermocouple types by converting the measured potential (use the
getPotential call) into Celsius using the appropriate tables1. The calculation is as follows:
-Read the voltage in the thermocouple table corresponding to the measured ambient temperature.
-Add this voltage to the thermocouple potential.
-Read the temperature off the thermocouple table corresponding to the summed potential.
Things to watch for
Electrical Interference
The PhidgetTemperatureSensor measures each thermocouple compared to it’s internal ground. If
your thermocouple is measuring a conductive device which cannot equalize to the ground of the
PhidgetTemperatureSensor, you should isolate the thermocouple wire using thermally conductive epoxy.
Thermocouples are conductive, and are very good at shorting electrical systems together. If in doubt, do not
allow the thermocouple wire to contact other metal parts.
Keep the PhidgetTemperatureSensor at a stable temperature
Anything that unevenly heats the PhidgetTemperatureSensor board will impact the accuracy of your
measurement. We recommend mounting the PhidgetTemperatureSensor a reasonable distance from heat/cold
sources, or putting it in an enclosure that will provide a uniform environment.
Type Temperature Range °C Notes
K -200 to +1250 The most common sensor, wide range, good in oxidizing
atmosphere.
J 0 to +750 More limited range, main application is with old equipment that
cannot accept modern thermocouples
T -200 to +350 Most accurate base-metal thermocouple, non-magnetic, popular
choiceforstrongmagneticeldsandsubzeroenvironments
E -200 to +900 Well suited to low temperature (cryogenic) use.
1Conversion tables can be found at this link: http://instrumentation-central.com/pages/thermocouple_reference_table.htm

13
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Wire Size
The maximum temperature varies with the diameter of the wire used in the thermocouple. Although the type
of thermocouple dictates the temperature range, the maximum range is also limited by the diameter of the
thermocouple wire. That is, a very thin thermocouple may not reach the full temperature range. On the other
hand, a thinner thermocouple does reduce the amount of thermal distortion introduced.
Selecting the wire size used in the thermocouple sensor depends upon your application. Generally, when longer
life is required for the higher temperatures, the larger size wires should be chosen. When sensitivity is the
prime concern, the smaller sizes should be used.
Wire Length
Very long thermocouples are okay (even 100m), but if there is measurement stability issues or USB resets,
ferrite beads can be added to the thermocouple wire close to the PhidgetTemperatureSensor. See our tutorial
on Addressing EMI issues.
Sheathing material
The insulating sheath along the thermocouple has a temperature limitation which is often much less than the
thermocoupletypetemperaturerating.Forexample,teonisgoodto+200C,berglasssheathisgoodto
480C.
How to connect your Thermocouple
Stripped wire
The 1048 is designed to accept stripped wires. We recommend a 5 to 6mm wire strip length; the terminal
blocks will accept wires between 16 - 26 AWG. When using thin wires, make sure that you have a solid
connection after tightening the terminal screw.
Connectors
ManyK-TypethermocouplesdesignedtomatewiththeSubminiature(atpin)femaleconnectorwillwork
with the PhidgetTemperatureSensor by using to the 3106 - Thermocouple Adapter. It is possible to use this
adapter with other Thermocouple types, but the adapter should be kept at the same temperature as the
PhidgetTemperatureSensor board.
Listed below are examples of compatible thermocouples from popular sensor manufacturers using this
connector.
Sourcing Thermocouples
Manufacturer Part Number Description
Omega TC-PVC-K-24-180 PVC-insulated 4.5m epoxy-coated tip k-type
Omega 88202K Moving-surface swivel-head handle k-type
Omega 88402K Flat-leaf magnetized k-type
Nanmac B8-10 Handheld trident-style ribbon k-type
Cole-Parmer WU-93631-11 ICONEL-sheathed high-temp 12” k-type

14
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Mechanical Drawing
1:1 scale
Device Specications
Characteristic Value
Electrical
USB-PowerCurrentSpecication 100mA
Device Current Consumption 25mA
USB Device Voltage 4.75 - 5.25 VDC
Accuracy
Temperature Update Rate 25 samples/second
Ambient Temperature Resolution ±0.5°C
Thermocouple Resolution (°C) 0.1°C (K-type @ 25°C)
Thermocouple Resolution (µV) 4 µV
Thermocouple Accuracy 2°C (K-type)
Typical Noise 0.02°C standard deviation
Typical Thermocouple Temperature Range
E-Type -200°C to +900°C
J-Type 0°C to +750°C
K-Type -200°C to +1250°C
T-Type -200°C to +350°C

15
1051_2_Product_Manual - May 5, 2010 4:34 PM
Product History
Date Board Revision Device Version Comment
October 2003 100 Product Release
January 2005 200 Noise performance improved to 2 Celsius
October 2008 1 300 More accurate ambient temperature sensor.
Added support for E, J, and T-type thermocouples
intheAPIlibrary,on-boardnoiseltering.
April 2010 2 400 Mini USB connector, new thermocouple connector
Support
Call the support desk at 1.403.282.7335 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time (US & Canada) - GMT-07:00•
or
E-mail us at: [email protected]•