Stanford Research Systems PTC10 User manual

Version 3.290 (June 25, 2015)
User Manual
PTC10
Programmable Temperature Controller
Programmable Temperature ControllerProgrammable Temperature Controller
Programmable Temperature Controller
Distribution in the UK & Ireland
Lambda Photometrics Limited
Lambda House Batford Mill
Harpenden Herts AL5 5BZ
United Kingdom
E: [email protected]
W: www.lambdaphoto.co.uk
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
Characterisation,
Measurement &
Analysis

PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Certification
Stanford Research Systems certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment.
Warranty
This Stanford Research Systems product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one (1) year from the date of shipment.
Service
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a Stanford Research Systems authorized service
facility. Contact Stanford Research Systems or an authorized representative before returning this product for repair.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © Stanford Research Systems, Inc., 2015. All rights reserved.
Stanford Research Systems, Inc.
1290-C Reamwood Avenue
Sunnyvale, California 94089
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thinkSRS.com
Printed in the U.S.A
.

Contents i
PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Contents
Safety and preparation for use.......................................................................................v

Specifications ..................................................................................................................vii 
Introduction 1
I/O cards ............................................................................................................................2 
PTC320 thermistor/diode/RTD card .................................................................................... 2 
PTC321 RTD reader................................................................................................................ 5 
PTC323 2-channel thermistor/diode/RTD card................................................................... 7 
PTC330 thermocouple reader .............................................................................................. 10 
PTC420 AC output card........................................................................................................ 12 
PTC430 50 W DC output card............................................................................................. 12 
PTC431 100W DC output card............................................................................................ 14 
PTC440 TEC driver ............................................................................................................... 15 
PTC510 analog I/O card ....................................................................................................... 18 
PTC520 digital I/O card ........................................................................................................ 18 
Operation 21
Quick start tutorial ........................................................................................................22 
Turn the instrument on.......................................................................................................... 22 
The Select screen ................................................................................................................... 22 
Configure the sensor inputs................................................................................................... 22 
If the sensor reading does not appear................................................................................... 23 
Plot data.................................................................................................................................. 23 
Test the outputs ..................................................................................................................... 24 
Set the data logging rate......................................................................................................... 25 
Save data to and retrieve data from a USB memory device ................................................ 25 
Interface with a computer...................................................................................................... 25 
Control a temperature........................................................................................................... 27 
Acquiring and logging data ...........................................................................................32 
Input filters.............................................................................................................................. 32 
Custom calibration tables ...................................................................................................... 32 
Virtual channels ...................................................................................................................... 34 
Logging data to USB ............................................................................................................... 35 
ADC sampling and logged data ............................................................................................. 35 
Format of PTC10 log files ...................................................................................................... 36 
Using the system fan .....................................................................................................38 
Using PID feedback........................................................................................................39 
How stable is the PTC10’s feedback control? ...................................................................... 39 
Basic PID feedback concepts ................................................................................................. 39 
Manual tuning.......................................................................................................................... 40 
Automatic tuning algorithms.................................................................................................. 43 
Using the automatic tuner...................................................................................................... 46 
Front-panel controls ......................................................................................................49 
USB logging indicator ............................................................................................................. 49 

Contents ContentsContents
Contents
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
“Help” key .............................................................................................................................. 49 
“Output Enable” key .............................................................................................................. 49 
“Select” screen ....................................................................................................................... 50 
“Numeric” screen .................................................................................................................. 51 
“Plot” screen........................................................................................................................... 51 
“Program” screen................................................................................................................... 56 
“Channel” screen ................................................................................................................... 61 
“System” screen ..................................................................................................................... 74 
Firmware updates..........................................................................................................80 
Replacing the memory backup battery......................................................................81 
Remote programming 83
Connecting to the PTC10...................................................................................................... 83 
Communication, assembly, and run-time errors .................................................................. 86 
Concurrent macros................................................................................................................ 87 
Macro names .......................................................................................................................... 87 
Command syntax ................................................................................................................... 88 
Remote instructions ......................................................................................................92 
General instructions ............................................................................................................... 92 
IEEE 488.2 Instructions........................................................................................................... 96 
Program submenu ................................................................................................................ 100 
System submenu................................................................................................................... 103 
<channel> submenu ............................................................................................................ 107 
Error codes........................................................................................................................... 118 
Startup macro....................................................................................................................... 119 
Sample macros.............................................................................................................120 
Temperature profiles ........................................................................................................... 120 
Control a feedback setpoint with an analog input.............................................................. 121 
PID input scheduling............................................................................................................. 121 
Show channels with tripped alarms on the Numeric screen ............................................. 122 
Make a virtual channel show the PID setpoint.................................................................... 122 
Linearizing outputs when interfacing with external power supplies .................................. 122 
Control instrument functions with the digital IO lines ....................................................... 123 
Drive a solid state relay with the digital IO lines................................................................. 124 
PC applications 127
PTCFileConverter .......................................................................................................128 
FileGrapher...................................................................................................................130 
File menu............................................................................................................................... 130 
Edit menu.............................................................................................................................. 130 
Process menu ....................................................................................................................... 132 
Special menu......................................................................................................................... 134 
Command line and macro instructions ............................................................................... 136 
Circuit description 139
Core system cards .......................................................................................................140 
PTC211 CPU board............................................................................................................. 140 
PTC221 backplane ............................................................................................................... 140 
PTC231 front panel.............................................................................................................. 143 

Contents ContentsContents
Contents
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
PTC240 GPIB card............................................................................................................... 143 
I/O cards ........................................................................................................................144 
PTC320 1-channel thermistor/diode/RTD reader ........................................................... 144 
PTC321 4-channel RTD reader........................................................................................... 145 
PTC330 thermocouple reader ............................................................................................ 146 
PTC420 AC output card...................................................................................................... 147 
PTC430 50W DC output card............................................................................................ 147 
PTC431 100W DC output card.......................................................................................... 148 
PTC440 TEC driver ............................................................................................................. 149 
PTC510 analog I/O card ..................................................................................................... 150 
PTC520 digital I/O card ...................................................................................................... 151 
Parts List 153
PTC211 CPU board............................................................................................................. 153 
PTC221 backplane ............................................................................................................... 157 
PTC231 front panel.............................................................................................................. 159 
PTC240 GPIB option ........................................................................................................... 161 
PTC320 1-channel thermistor, diode, and RTD reader .................................................... 162 
PTC321 4-channel RTD reader........................................................................................... 165 
PTC330 thermocouple reader ............................................................................................ 168 
PTC420 AC output card...................................................................................................... 172 
PTC430 50W DC output card............................................................................................ 174 
PTC440 TEC driver ............................................................................................................. 176 
PTC510 analog I/O card ..................................................................................................... 179 
PTC520 digital I/O card ...................................................................................................... 181 
Schematics 185

Safety and Preparation for Use Safety and Preparation for UseSafety and Preparation for Use
Safety and Preparation for Use
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Safety and preparation for use
Line voltage
The PTC10 operates from an 88 to 264 VAC power source having a line frequency between 47
and 63 Hz.
Power entry module
A power entry module, labeled AC POWER on the back panel of the PTC10, provides
connection to the power source and to a protective ground.
Power cord
The PTC10 package includes a detachable, three-wire power cord for connection to the power
source and protective ground.
The exposed metal parts of the box are connected to the power ground to protect against
electrical shock. Always use an outlet which has a properly connected protective ground. Consult
with an electrician if necessary.
Grounding
A chassis grounding lug is available on the back panel of the PTC10. Connect a heavy duty
ground wire, #12AWG or larger, from the chassis ground lug directly to a facility earth ground to
provide additional protection against electrical shock.
Line fuse
Use a 10 A/250 V 3AB Slo-Blo fuse.
Operate only with covers in place
To avoid personal injury, do not remove the product covers or panels. Do not operate the
product without all covers and panels in place.
Serviceable parts
The PTC10 does not include any user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to a qualified
technician.

Safety and Preparation for Use Safety and Preparation for UseSafety and Preparation for Use
Safety and Preparation for Use
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Symbols found on SRS products
Symbol Description
Alternating current
Caution - risk of electric shock
Frame or chassis terminal
Caution - refer to accompanying documents
Earth (ground) terminal
Battery
Fuse
On (supply)
Off (supply)

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Specifications
PTC10 temperature controller
Maximum PID rate 50 or 60 Hz, depending on AC line frequency
Data logging rate 10 samples/second/channel – 1 sample/hour/channel (can be set
independently for each channel or globally for all channels)
Display resolution 0.001 °C, °F, K, V, A, W, etc. if –1000 < displayed value < 1000;
6 significant figures otherwise
PID feedback auto-tuning Single step response or relay tuning with conservative, moderate, and
aggressive response targets
Display 320 × 240 pixel touchscreen; numeric and graphical data displays.
Alarms Upper and lower temperaturelimits or rate-of-change limits can be set on each
channel. If exceeded, an audio alarm and a relay closure occur.
Computer interface USB, Ethernet, and RS-232; optional GPIB (IEEE488.2)
Power 10 A, 88 to 132 VAC or 176 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz or DC
Dimensions 17"× 5" × 18" (WHL)
Weight 25 lbs.
Warranty One years parts and labor on defects in material and workmanship.
PTC320 thermistor, diode, and RTD reader
Inputs One input for 2-wire or 4-wire thermistor, diode, or RTD
Connector 6-pin 240° push-pull DIN socket
Thermistors
Range 0 – 30, 100, 300Ω; 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300 kΩ; 2.5 MΩ
Excitation current
30 Ω range 200 µA
100 Ω range 100 µA
300 Ω range 50 µA
1 kΩ range 30 µA
3 kΩ range 20 µA
10 kΩ range 10 µA
30 kΩ range 5 µA
100 kΩ range 3 µA
300 kΩ range 2 µA
2.5 MΩ range 1 µA
Initial accuracy
30 Ω range ±0.025 Ω
100 Ω range ±0.06 Ω
300 Ω range ±0.1 Ω
1 kΩ range ±0.2 Ω
3 kΩ range ±0.6 Ω
10 kΩ range ±1.3 Ω
30 kΩ range ±4 Ω
100 kΩ range ±10 Ω
300 kΩ range ±250 Ω
2.5 MΩ range ±30 kΩ
Drift due to temperature
30 Ω range ±0.002 Ω/°C
100 Ω range ±0.006 Ω/°C
300 Ω range ±0.006 Ω/°C
1 kΩ range ±0.01 Ω/°C

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
3 kΩ range ±0.03 Ω/°C
10 kΩ range ±0.1 Ω/°C
30 kΩ range ±0.15 Ω/°C
100 kΩ range ±0.5 Ω/°C
300 kΩ range ±3 Ω/°C
2.5 MΩ range ±2000 Ω/°C
RMS noise
30 Ω range 0.003 Ω
100 Ω range 0.006 Ω
300 Ω range 0.012 Ω
1 kΩ range 0.02 Ω (= 2 mK for 300Ω thermistor at 25°C)
3 kΩ range 0.03Ω (= 0.8 mK for 1 kΩ thermistor at 25°C)
10 kΩ range 0.06Ω (= 0.6 mK for 2252Ω thermistor at 25°C)
30 kΩ range 0.1Ω (= 0.3 mK for 10 kΩ thermistor at 25°C)
100 kΩ range 0.3 Ω (= 0.2 mK for 30 kΩ thermistor at 25°C)
300 kΩ range 3 Ω
2.5 MΩ range 25 Ω
Diodes
Excitation current output 10 µA
Initial accuracy ± 100 ppm
Drift ±5 ppm/°C
Voltage input 0 – 2.5 V
Initial accuracy 10 µV + 0.01% of reading
Drift ±5 ppm/°C
RMS noise 1.5 µV
RTDs
Range 0 – 30, 100, 300Ω; 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 250 kΩ, 2.5 MΩ
Excitation
30 Ω range 5 mA
100 Ω range 2 mA
300 Ω range 1 mA
1 kΩ range 500 µA
3 kΩ range 200 µA
10 kΩ range 100 µA
30 kΩ range 50 µA
100 kΩ range 10 µA
300 kΩ range 5 µA
2.5 MΩ range 1 µA
Initial accuracy
30 Ω range ±0.004 Ω
100 Ω range ±0.008 Ω
300 Ω range ±0.02 Ω (=±50 mK for Pt100 RTD at 25°C)
1 kΩ range ±0.04 Ω
3 kΩ range ±0.1 Ω
10 kΩ range ±0.2 Ω
30 kΩ range ±1 Ω
100 kΩ range ±2.5 Ω
300 kΩ range ±16 Ω
2.5 MΩ range ±30 kΩ
Drift due to temperature
30 Ω range ±0.0006 Ω/°C
100 Ω range ±0.001 Ω/°C
300 Ω range ±0.0015 Ω/°C (=±5 mK/°C for Pt100 RTD at 25°C)
1 kΩ range ±0.005 Ω/°C
3 kΩ range ±0.01 Ω/°C
10 kΩ range ±0.03 Ω/°C

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
30 kΩ range ±0.06 Ω/°C
100 kΩ range ±0.2 Ω/°C
300 kΩ range ±3 Ω/°C
2.5 MΩ range ±2000 Ω/°C
RMS noise
30 Ω range 0.00012 Ω
100 Ω range 0.0003 Ω
300 Ω range 0.0006 Ω ( = 1.4 mK for Pt100 RTD at 25°C)
1 kΩ range 0.0013 Ω
3 kΩ range 0.003 Ω
10 kΩ range 0.006 Ω
30 kΩ range 0.012 Ω
100 kΩ range 0.07 Ω
300 kΩ range 0.25 Ω
2.5 MΩ range 25 Ω
PTC321 Pt RTD reader
Inputs Four 4-wire inputs for 100Ω Pt RTDs
Connector 5-pin, 3.5mm header
Range 0 – 400 Ω
IEC751 Pt100 RTDs –215 °C to 850 °C
Excitation current 1 mA
Initial accuracy ±30 mK
Drift due to temperature 1.4 mK/°C
Drift due to time ±15 mK/year (at 25°C ambient temperature)
Noise 2 mK RMS (at 25°C sensor temperature and 10 samples/s)
Signal detection Card detects open and short circuit conditions
PTC323 thermistor, diode, and RTD reader
Inputs Two inputs for 4-wire thermistor, diode, or RTD
Connectors One 9-pin D-sub socket
Thermistors
Range 0 – 10, 30, 100, 300Ω; 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300 kΩ; 2.5 MΩ, or auto
Excitation current
10 Ω range 1 mA
30 Ω range 300 µA
100 Ω range 100 µA
300 Ω range 30 µA
1 kΩ range 10 µA
3 kΩ range 3 µA
10 kΩ range 1 µA
30 kΩ range 300 nA
100 kΩ range 100 nA
300 kΩ range 30 nA
2.5 MΩ range 1 µA
Initial accuracy (AC current, at midrange)
10 Ω range ±0.007 Ω
30 Ω range ±0.03 Ω
100 Ω range ±0.07 Ω
300 Ω range ±0.25 Ω
1 kΩ range ±0.6 Ω
3 kΩ range ±2 Ω

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
10 kΩ range ±6 Ω
30 kΩ range ±25 Ω
100 kΩ range ±150 Ω
300 kΩ range ±1 kΩ
2.5 MΩ range ±3 kΩ
Typical drift due to temperature (at midrange)
10 Ω range ± 0.0002Ω/°C
30 Ω range ± 0.0004Ω/°C
100 Ω range ± 0.002Ω/°C
300 Ω range ± 0.004Ω/°C
1 kΩ range ± 0.01Ω/°C
3 kΩ range ± 0.06Ω/°C
10 kΩ range ± 0.2Ω/°C
30 kΩ range ± 1Ω/°C
100 kΩ range ± 3Ω/°C
300 kΩ range ± 20Ω/°C
2.5 MΩ range ± 30Ω/°C
RMS noise (DC, at midrange)
10 Ω range 0.0003 Ω
30 Ω range 0.001 Ω
100 Ω range 0.002 Ω
300 Ω range 0.006 Ω
1 kΩ range 0.02 Ω
3 kΩ range 0.06 Ω
10 kΩ range 0.2 Ω
30 kΩ range 1.0 Ω
100 kΩ range 6 Ω
300 kΩ range 40 Ω
2.5 MΩ range 10 Ω
Diodes
Excitation current output 10 µA
Initial accuracy ± 100 ppm
Drift ±5 ppm/°C
Voltage input 0 – 2.5 V
Initial accuracy 10 µV + 0.01% of reading
Drift ±5 ppm/°C
RMS noise 3 µV
RTDs
Range 0 – 10, 30, 100, 300Ω; 1, 3, 30, 300, 250 kΩ, 2.5 MΩ, or auto
Excitation
10 Ω range 3 mA
30 Ω range 3 mA
100 Ω range 2 mA
300 Ω range 1 mA
1 kΩ range 500 µA
3 kΩ range 200 µA
1 kΩ range 50 µA
30 kΩ range 50 µA
100 kΩ range 5 µA
300 kΩ range 5 µA
2.5 MΩ range 1 µA
Initial accuracy (AC current, at midrange)
10 Ω range ±0.005 Ω
30 Ω range ±0.005 Ω
100 Ω range ±0.008 Ω
300 Ω range ±0.015 Ω (=±50 mK for Pt100 RTD at 25°C)

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
1 kΩ range ±0.05 Ω
3 kΩ range ±0.1 Ω
10 kΩ range ±0.25 Ω
30 kΩ range ±1 Ω
100 kΩ range ±4 Ω
300 kΩ range ±13 Ω
2.5 MΩ range ±3 kΩ
Typical drift due to temperature (at midrange)
10 Ω range ± 0.0001Ω/°C
30 Ω range ± 0.0001Ω/°C
100 Ω range ± 0.0002Ω/°C
300 Ω range ± 0.0004Ω/°C
1 kΩ range ± 0.001Ω/°C
3 kΩ range ± 0.003Ω/°C
10 kΩ range ± 0.01Ω/°C
30 kΩ range ± 0.02Ω/°C
100 kΩ range ± 1Ω/°C
300 kΩ range ± 2Ω/°C
2.5 MΩ range ± 50Ω/°C
RMS noise (at midrange)
10 Ω range 0.0001 Ω
30 Ω range 0.0001 Ω
100 Ω range 0.0002 Ω
300 Ω range 0.0003 Ω ( = 1.4 mK for Pt100 RTD at 25°C)
1 kΩ range 0.0007 Ω
3 kΩ range 0.002 Ω
10 kΩ range 0.007 Ω
30 kΩ range 0.008 Ω
100 kΩ range 0.12 Ω
300 kΩ range 0.2 Ω
2.5 MΩ range 10 Ω
PTC330 thermocouple reader
Inputs Four optoisolated thermocouple inputs
Connector Mini thermocouple jacks
Thermocouple types E, J, K, N, or T
Range ±500 mV
Type E –270 °C to 980 °C (range of calibration table with cold junction at 25°C)
Type J –210 °C to 1177 °C
Type K –270 °C to 1342 °C
Type N –270 °C to 1281 °C
Type T –270 °C to 383 °C
Input capacitance <1 pF
Accuracy ±500 mK (over 12 months)
Noise 20 mK RMS (at 10 samples/s)
Drift due to temperature 20 mK/°C (type K thermocouple at 164.0 K)
CMRR 100 dB
Common mode isolation 250 VAC
PTC420 AC output card
Output One line voltage output switched by solid-state relay
Connector NEMA 5-15 (3-prong North American wall socket); a heater cable with a
mating plug on one side and stripped ends on the other is included

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Output voltage 120/240 VAC
Max. output current 5 A
On/off cycle time Adjustable between 1 and 240 s
Max. line voltage 250 VAC
Surge current 100 A max. (non-repetitive)
Output resolution 0.1% at 10 s cycle time
Heater resistance (min.) 24 Ω (110 VAC), 46 Ω (230 VAC)
PTC430 50 W DC output card
Output One linear, unipolar DC current source
Connector Two banana jacks, 0.75 inch center-to-center spacing
Range 50 V 1A, 20 V 2 A, 50 V 0.5A, 20 V 0.5 A,50 V 0.1A, or 20 V 0.1 A
Output resolution 24 bits with dithering enabled or 16 bits with dithering disabled
Accuracy ±1 mA (1 A range)
±0.1 mA (0.5 A range)
±0.01 mA (0.1 A range)
Noise (rms), 50 Ω load, 6 µA (50 V 1 A and 20 V 2 A ranges)
DC–10 Hz 1.5 µA (0.5 A range)
0.2 µA (0.1 A range)
PTC431 100W DC output card
Output One unipolar DC current source
Connector #6 screw terminals. Accepts 12–22 AWG wire or #6 spade terminals up to
0.31” wide. Max torque 9 in-lb.
Range 50 V 2A, 50V 0.6A, 50V 0.2A, 20V 2A, 20V 0.6A, 20V 0.2A
Output resolution 16 bits
Accuracy ±1 mA (2 A range)
±0.5 mA (0.6 A range)
±0.2 mA (0.2 A range)
Noise (rms), 25 Ω load, 5 µA (2 A range)
DC–10 Hz 1.5 µA (0.6 A range)
0.5 µA (0.2 A range)
PTC440 TEC driver
Output One linear, bipolar DC current source
Input One 2- or 4-wire thermistor/RTD/IC temperature sensor input
Connector One 15-pin DB15-F
TEC driver
Output current -5 A – +5A
Maximum power 50W
Compliance voltage 12 V (at 0 A current)
Output resolution 0.15 mA
Accuracy ±5 mA
Current noise 0.02 mA (at 0.5A current, 22 ohm resistive load, 0.01-10 Hz bandwidth)
Temperature sensor input
Compatible sensors
Thermistors 2 or 4-wire NTC thermistors
RTDs 4-wire platinum RTDs, 100 – 1000Ω at 0°C

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
IC sensors LM335, AD590, or equivalent
Excitation current 10 µA, 100 µA, or 1 mA
Input range
Resistance 1Ω – 250 kΩ
Voltage 0 – 2.5V
Current 0 – 1 mA
RMS electronic noise (sensor at 25°C)
10 µA excitation
1 kΩ thermistor 0.7 Ω = 15 mK
2252 Ω thermistor 0.6 Ω = 5 mK
10 kΩ thermistor 1 Ω = 4 mK
100 µA excitation
1 kΩ thermistor 0.1 Ω = 1.5 mK
2252 kΩ thermistor 0.1 Ω = 0.7 mK
10 kΩ thermistor 0.2 Ω = 0.5 mK
1 mA excitation
100 Ω Pt RTD 0.005 Ω = 6 mK
LM135/235/335 4 mK RMS
AD590/592 6 mK RMS
Initial accuracy
10 µA excitation
1 kΩ thermistor 1.2 Ω = 30 mK
2252 Ω thermistor 10 Ω = 100 mK
10 kΩ thermistor 66 Ω = 150 mK
100 µA excitation
1 kΩ thermistor 0.06 Ω = 1.6 mK
2252 kΩ thermistor 0.1 Ω = 10 mK
10 kΩ thermistor 0.5 Ω = 1.1 mK
1 mA excitation
100 Ω Pt RTD 0.004 Ω = 5 mK
LM135/235/335 70 mK
AD590/592 400 mK (sensor at 25°C)
Thermal drift
10 µA excitation
100 µA excitation
1 mA excitation
LM135/235/335
AD592/592
Analog I/O
Inputs/outputs 4 voltage I/O channels, independantly configurable as inputs or outputs
Connector 4 BNC jacks
Range ±10 V
Resolution 24-bit input, 16-bit output
ADC noise 30 µV RMS = 100 µV p-p (10 samples/s)
Digital I/O
Digital I/O
Inputs/outputs 8 optoisolated TTL lines, configurable as either 8 inputs or 8 outputs
Connector One DB-25F
Relays
Outputs 4 independent SPDT relays

Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Connector One 12-pin 3.5mm header
Maximum current 5 A
Maximum voltage 250 VAC

Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
1 11
1
PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Introduction
The PTC10 is a high-performance, general-purpose laboratory temperature controller that can
monitor and control temperatures with millikelvin resolution. Its features include:
Modular design
The PTC10 can accept up to four I/O cards, each of which can read up to four temperature
sensors and/or drive one heater. The instrument can be customized by selecting the I/O cards best
suited to your application. The PTC10 also comes standard with four ±10V I/O channels that can
be used with external amplifiers to read signals and drive heaters.
Reads up to 16 temperature sensors
Temperature input cards are available for reading thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, and
diodes. For optimal signal-to-noise ratio, each temperature input channel has its own 24-bit ADC.
Drives up to 6 heaters
Three kinds of heater driver cards are available for driving resistive heaters and thermoelectric
devices. Depending on the model of driver card used, two or three heaters can be directly driven at
full power. In addition, the unpowered voltage I/O channels included as standard equipment can
be used to drive heaters with the help of an external amplifier.
Graphical touchscreen display
The PTC10 can display temperature measurements and heater output on graphs or numeric
displays. Any combination of channels can be displayed, and four different channel combinations
can be saved and recalled. Touchscreen operation makes the instrument versatile and easy to use.
Logs data to USB memory devices
Up to 10 data points/second/channel can be logged to standard USB memory sticks and hard
drives. The data can be transferred to a computer by simply plugging the USB device into a PC and
copying the log files. Windows applications are included to graph PTC10 log files and to convert
them to various ASCII text formats.
Up to 6 feedback loops
The PTC10 can control up to six different temperatures (one for each heater output) by
continually adjusting the amount of power supplied to heaters. Each feedback loop can run as fast as
50 or 60 Hz, depending on the frequency of your AC power.
Runs user programs
A macro programming language makes it possible to customize the functionality of the
instrument. Conditional statements, variables, and subroutine calls are supported. Up to 10 user
programs can run concurrently.
Computer communications
The PTC10 can receive text commands and send responses over USB, RS-232, Ethernet, and an
optional GPIB interface. All aspects of PTC10 operation can be controlled over these interfaces.
Eight digital I/O lines are also provided; these can interact with user programs to control most
aspects of the instrument’s operation.

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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
I/O cards
The PTC10’s input and output signals are provided on removable circuit boards. The chassis has
four wide and two narrow slots for these I/O cards. The wide slots (which are labeled 1–4 on the
back panel) can be occupied by optional temperature input and/or heater driver cards. The narrow
slots (slots 5 and 6) are occupied by general-purpose analog and digital I/O cards included as
standard equipment.
Replacing I/O cards
Cards can be added, removed, or rearranged by the user. No firmware setup is needed; the
system automatically recognizes the new cards and configures the front-panel controls
appropriately. For most purposes, the six slots are identical and cards do not need to be arranged in
any particular order. However, the lower-numbered slots are preferred for output cards because
these slots get the most cooling from the fan. In addition, alarms can only activate relays on a digital
I/O card if the card is installed in slot 6.
Some channel-specific settings (PID feedback parameters, alarm settings, sensor type, custom
calibration data, and filter settings) may be lost when I/O cards are replaced or rearranged.
However, each card’s factory calibration is stored on the card and is not lost.
To add or replace an I/O card:
1. Unplug the PTC10 from the wall; otherwise, even if the instrument is switched off, live line
voltage could be present. Removing and installing I/O cards while the power is turned on
may permanently damage the instrument.
2. Remove the PTC10’s top cover by unscrewing the four large Philips head screws on the
sides of the cover and lifting the cover straight up.
3. Remove the two flathead Phillips screws immediately to the right of the card’s slot on the
back panel.
4. Remove the I/O card by pulling up alternately on the front and back of the card.
5. Install the new I/O card. Put the back of the card in place first, then press firmly down on
the front of the card. Ensure that the top of the card is level with the tops of all the other
cards.
6. Re-install the two back-panel screws and re-attach the top cover. The card can be damaged
if the screws are not installed.
7. Turn the PTC10 on. The new card should automatically appear on the Select screen, and
remote commands for the new card should automatically become available.
PTC320 thermistor/diode/RTD card
The PTC320 is a single-channel, multi-range input card that can read a variety of temperature
sensors. It can read resistances between 1 Ω and 2.5 MΩ, and can also read diode temperature
sensors.
Standard calibration curves are included for the following sensors. The “Range” column indicates
the range of the standard calibration curve; outside this range, no reading appears for the sensor. It
may be possible to obtain a larger range by uploading a custom calibration curve.

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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
Sensor
class Manufacturer Calibration type
Range,
K
Diode
Scientific Instruments
Si410 1.0–450
Si430 1.0–400
Si440 1.0–500
LakeShore; Omega DT-470 (=CY7) 1.4–475
DT-670 (=CY670) 1.4–500
Cryo-Con
S700 1.5–475
S800 1.4–385
S900 1.5–500
Ruthenium
oxide
LakeShore
RX-102A 0.050–40
RX-103A 1.2–40
RX-202A 0.050–40
Scientific Instruments RO600 1.0–300
Cryo-Con R400 2.0–273
R500 0.050–20
RTD All IEC751 (DIN43760) 48.15–1173.15
US 48.15–1173.15
Thermistor
Measurement
Specialties,
Inc.
(formerly YSI);
Omega
100 Ω193.15–373.15
300 Ω 193.15–373.15
1000 Ω193.15–373.15
2252 Ω193.15–523.15
3000 Ω193.15–523.15
5000 Ω193.15–523.15
6000 Ω193.15–523.15
10000 Ω, type B 193.15–523.15
10000 Ω, type H 193.15–523.15
30 kΩ233.15–523.15
100 kΩ233.15–423.15
300 kΩ298.15–423.15
1 MΩ298.15–423.15
Other resistive and diode sensors can be used with the PTC320, but require custom calibration
curves. For example, rhodium-iron, germanium, and carbon-glass sensors have too much sensor-
to-sensor variability to use a standard curve, and therefore must be custom-calibrated.
Connecting the sensor
The PTC320 has a 6-pin DIN socket that mates with standard 6-pin push-pull DIN plugs (i.e.
Digi-Key CP-1060-ND). This is the pinout of the socket, as it appears when looking at the back
panel:

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PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller
The outer shell of the plug is connected to the PTC10’s chassis.
The PTC320 passes an excitation current through the attached RTD, thermistor, or diode, and
senses the induced voltage. For the most accurate results all sensors should be read with a four-wire
configuration, using separate sense and excitation leads. However, for convenience the PTC320
can also read sensors attached with only two leads.
To make a two-wire measurement, connect one end of the sensor to pin 1 (Excitation –) and the
other to pin 5 (Excitation +). An inaccuracy is introduced because the resistance of the leads affects
the measurement; however, some thermistors have such a high resistance that the lead resistance
may be negligible in comparison.
A four-wire measurement eliminates the effect of lead resistance. In the four-wire configuration,
two of the wires carry the excitation current, while the other two wires sense the voltage that the
current produces across the sensor. RTDs sold with four wires normally have two wires of one
color, both attached to one side of the RTD, and two of a different color attached to the other side.
In this case, the RTD should be wired to the PTC320 in one of the following two ways (assuming
the leads are white and black):
Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5
Option 1 White White Unconnected Black Black
Option 2 Black Black Unconnected White White
RTDs with two wires can be modified by connecting two additional wires, one on each side of
the sensing element and as close to the sensing element as possible.
The higher the resistance of a sensor, the more its leads pick up noise from ambient
electromagnetic radiation. The noise level of high-resistance thermistors in particular can often be
improved by using a shielded cable and connecting the shield to pin 3.
Excitation current
The excitation current provided to the sensor is automatically determined by the PTC320. For
resistive sensors, the current is determined by the type of sensor and the measurement range as
shown in the table below. When a diode sensor is in use, the card always produces a 10 µA
excitation.
1
5
4
2
6
3
Not connected
Excitation +Sense +
Ground
Sense – Excitation –