Vest VTC2000 Series User manual

VTC2000 Series

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INTRODUCTION
The VTC2000 Series is a thermoelectric temperature controller with DC bipolar outputs. The VTC2000
Series features our patent pending technology that delivers temperature stability to within ±0.002°C
1
with high-power efficiency of 95%
2
. The VTC2000 Series has an input voltage range of 12 –36V, and it
delivers up to 16A @ 36V to control each Peltier module. With high efficiency, and with an ambient of
60°C less than, no additional controller heatsinks are required.
The VTC2000 Series supports both analogue and digital inputs for temperature sensing. There are 8
analogue inputs for NTC, PT100, PT1000, TMP61/63/64 temperature probes, and 16 digital sensors
(e.g., TMP117, TMP116, TMP1075, MAX30208) for inputs on the I2C bus. There are 4 configurable
GPIOs that can use as inputs or outputs for customer applications.
The VTC can operate in stand-alone mode or be remotely controlled with USB, using APIs or the
supplied VTC Utility Software. Configuration of the controller is done using the VTC Utility Software.
The auto-tuning feature of VTC enables user to easily determine the appropriate PID control
parameters for their application. Users familiar with PID loops, can fine-tune the PID control
parameters with the manual tuning feature. VTC2000 Series also supports thermal profile control,
making this controller ideal for applications that requires thermal cycling (e.g., PCR machines).
The VTC has built-in multiple levels of thermal protection. To protect the device, hot and cold limits
can be set independently via the VTC Utility Software. This safety feature ensures that your TEC will
not be driven beyond the specified limits. Additionally, VTC2000 Series continuously monitors the
temperature sensors and when a fault is detected, the controller will alert user, and automatically
turn off the power to your TEC. Lastly, for system protection thermal fuse are supported
Besides being a highly precise highly efficient TEC controller, the VTC is also highly flexible. It’s many
parameters are configurable using the supplied VTC Utility Software, making this a very powerful
controller.
Other models in the VTC2000 Series offer configuration in various number of channels.
1
±0.002°C 1 hour duration @ 25°C ambient temperature
2
95% efficacy @ 50% load

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VTC2000 Series Feature Set
TEC Controller
OEM Type Family of TEC Controller board
Performance
• Input Voltage Vin: 12 –36VDC (absolute max. rating 38VDC)
• Max Output Power: 576W per channel
• Max Output Power per board: 1,485W (6 channels), 576W (1 channel),
1152W (2 channels)
• Output Current Imax: ±16A per channel (absolute max. rating 22A)
• Output Voltage Vmax: ±Vin
• Temperature Stability: ±0.002ºC (1 hour duration @ 25ºC ambient temperature)
• Power Efficiency: 95% @ 50% load, 98% @ 100% load
Features
• Bipolar Output: Heat & Cool
• Analog Temperature Input: 8x pt100, pt1000, NTC, TMP61, TMP63, TMP64
• Digital Temperature Input: 16x I2C for IC sensor (e.g. TMP117, TMP116, TMP1075,
MAX30208)
• PID Control: Auto-tune, Manual-tune
• Operating Mode: Constant temperature, Constant Voltage / Current,
Temperature profile
• Communication: USB
• GPIO: 4x Configurable, 3.3V output, 3.3V to 5V input.
• Fan Control: 3x (fan Voltage = Vin, 4A max, speed control & detection)
Operating
Environment
• Operating: -40 to 60ºC at RH 0 to 85%.
• Storage: -40 to 85ºC at RH 0 to 85%.
• Regulatory: RoHS
Usability
• VTC Utility Software: Windows Software (Windows 10 and above)
•Middleware Library (Windows 10)
• Documentation: User Manual, API Specification
Others
• Dimensions W x H x D: 120mm x 90mm x 15mm
Safety Precaution
VTC2000 Series and TEC Module should be installed and configured by person with technical
background that has read and understood the user manual. Operating the VTC2000 Series before
reading this user manual can result in personal injury, or damage to the system.
The VTC2000 Series should be operated inside a chassis.
The VTC2000 Series maybe hot. Avoid direct contact with the power ICs weather it is powered off or
on.
All repairs must be done by an authorized repair service.

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1Table of Contents
1 Overview.........................................................................................................................................5
2 Hardware Setup ..............................................................................................................................5
2.1 Temperature Sensors (Analog and Digital).............................................................................7
2.2 Peltier Element........................................................................................................................9
2.3 Power Supply ........................................................................................................................10
2.4 Fan.........................................................................................................................................11
2.5 Final Assembly.......................................................................................................................12
3 VTC2000 Series Configuration and Setup .....................................................................................13
3.1 Configuration ........................................................................................................................13
3.1.1 Step 1: Connect to VTC Utility Software .......................................................................13
3.1.2 Step 2: System Configuration........................................................................................14
3.1.3 Step 3: Temperature Sensor Assignment .....................................................................16
3.1.4 Step 4: Fan Assignment.................................................................................................18
3.1.5 Step 5: TEC Setup..........................................................................................................19
3.1.6 Pre Check and Tuning of VTC2000 series......................................................................20
3.2 Operating VTC2000 Series ....................................................................................................22
3.2.1 Constant Voltage Control..............................................................................................23
3.2.2 Constant Current Control..............................................................................................24
3.2.3 Constant Temperature Control.....................................................................................25
3.2.4 Temperature Profile......................................................................................................26
3.2.5 An Example of Successful Configured and Functional VTC2000 Series ........................28
4 VTC Utility Software......................................................................................................................29
4.1 VTC Utility Software Layout ..................................................................................................29
4.2 Waveform .............................................................................................................................31
4.3 Operation..............................................................................................................................33
4.4 Temperature Profile..............................................................................................................34
4.5 Configuration ........................................................................................................................37
4.5.1 System Configuration....................................................................................................37
4.5.2 Analog Temperature Sensor .........................................................................................41
4.5.3 Digital Temperature Sensor ..........................................................................................44
4.5.4 Fan.................................................................................................................................48
4.5.5 TEC Setup ......................................................................................................................49
4.5.6 Auto Tuning...................................................................................................................51
4.6 Advanced...............................................................................................................................52
5 Appendix .......................................................................................................................................54

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5.1 Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................54
5.1.1 Check for Firmware Version..........................................................................................54
5.1.2 HW status......................................................................................................................55
5.1.3 TEC Setup ......................................................................................................................58
5.2 Other Electrical/GPIO Characteristics and Performance......................................................59
5.3 I/O Pin Assignment................................................................................................................62

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1Overview
This user manual explains the functionality of the VTC Utility Software and the VTC2000 Series.
When setting up the VTC2000 Series and VTC Utility Software for the first time, it is recommended
that you read and understand this user manual.
The VTC Utility Software allows the users to configure and control the VTC2000 Series according to
their own system requirements.
The VTC Utility Software and its related firmware can be downloaded in the following link:
After configuration, the VTC2000 Series can operate in a stand-alone mode where users can
command and control using the supplied API (Application Programming Interface).
2Hardware Setup
This is an overview of the cooling/heating system and the different configurations, as shown in
figures 1 and 2 below. The VTC is configured and can be modified/monitored through the VTC Utility
Software which is installed onto a PC. The VTC supports the following features:
1. 24x Temperature sensors (inclusive of both analogue and digital types)
2. 6x Peltier Element/ Thermal Module
3. 3x Fans
4. 1x Thermal Fuse connector that supports a thermal fuse or multiple thermal fuses in serial
5. Power Input
6. Micro USB connection to PC
Figure 1: Single channel connections on the VTC2000 Series

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Figure 2: 2 channel connections on VTC2000 Series
For more information on how to set-up multiple modules, please refer to the set-up guide.

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2.1 Temperature Sensors (Analog and Digital)
Analog temperature sensors can be connected to A1-4 and A5-8 connectors, while digital sensors
will be connected to the I2C connector, as shown below:
Figure 3: Location of the analog pins (A pins) and digital pins (I pins) for the temperature sensor
The tables below show the circuit pin assignments for analog temperature sensors
(J90 for A5-A8/J60 for A1-A4).
Figure 4: J90/J60

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The PCB connector used for the temperature sensor port is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 5: Connectors used
The required mating connectors for the temperature sensors are as follow.
A housing part from Molex is used, with product number of 5013300800.
A crimp part from Molex is used, with product number of501334 0000.
Figure 6: 5013300800 Figure 7: 501334 0000
For digital sensors, the pinout for the I2C_1 (J100) is as shown below.
Table 1: J100
Pin
Connection
1
I2C1_SCL
2
I2C1_SDA
3
UART1_TX
4
UART1_RX
5
GPIO_PE15
6
3.3V power output (maximum 50mA)
7
5V power output maximum (500mA)
8
Ground
The pinout for I2C_2 and I2C_3 (J2) would be as shown below.
Table 2: J2
Pin
Connection
1
I2C2_SCL
2
I2C2_SDA
3
I2C2_SCL
4
I2C3_SDA
5
GPIO_PB6
6
3.3V power output (maximum 50mA)
7
5V power output maximum (500mA)
8
Ground

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2.2 Peltier Element
The controller connects to the Peltier Element through Ch_1 though CH_6 as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 8: Channels outline for TEC
The VTC2000 Series has Molex 2002411212 connectors on the PCB for connections to the Peltier
modules. As such, a specific mating connector required to house the wires connecting to the Peltier
element would be from Molex, with a product code of 1722861102 VT.
Figure 9: 1722861102 VT

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2.3 Power Supply
The proper connection of the DC power supply (12 to 36 V) to the VTC2000 Series is as shown below
in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Location for power supply connection
•With the power supply disconnected.
•Set the current limit on the power supply. The maximum current the board can handle is
50A.
•Set the desired operating voltage on the power supply. The board operates from 12 to 36
volts.
•The current limit for the board must be lower than the current supplied by the power
supply.
•Connect the VTC2000 Series to the power supply.
•Connect and turn on the power supply.

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2.4 Fan
The VTC2000 Series is able to support both 3 pin and 4 pin fans. Figures 11 and 12 show the pin
functions and the colour code for the wiring both types of fans.
The fan connectors are shown highlighted in Figure 13.
Figure 13: Location to connect fans
The TEC PCB has three fan BM04B-ZESS-TBT(LF)(SN) connectors from JST. The mating connector is
made up from part number ZER-04V-S and pin SZE-002T-P0.3, both are from JST.
Figure 11: 4 pins
Figure 12: 3 pins

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2.5 Final Assembly
After assembling and connecting the various parts, the final set-up should look like this:
Figure 16: Final Assembly
The green LED starts flashing continuously on the TEC 2000 Series, with the ‘GATE EN’ LED light
being lit up.
Figure 15: SZE-002T-P0.3
Figure 14: ZER-04V-S

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3VTC2000 Series Configuration and Setup
3.1 Configuration
Configuration of the various parameters of VTC2000 Series is required to ensure correct functioning
for your particular application.
3.1.1 Step 1: Connect to VTC Utility Software
Click on Connect as shown in Figure 18, and it will automatically look for a suitable COM port.
Figure 17: Selecting COM port
Once a com port attached to a VTC2000 Series has been found, the Connect indicator will turn
Green, as shown in Figure 19. The com port that is connected is also displayed in the COM window.

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Figure 18: Correct indicator for connection
If your indicator is Red, instead of Green, refer to section 5.1 to look for possible root causes.
3.1.2 Step 2: System Configuration
Click on configuration -> system.
This will bring you to the system subtab, which will show the current default settings. You will have
the option to edit the settings and for it to take effect, click on the save settings button. The detailed
description of the key terms could be found under section 4.5.1.

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Figure 19: System Configuration
The important parameters to be filled in would include
1) The power supply current limit, as the current limit for the board must be lower than the current
supplied by the power supply.
3) The ambient sensor should be selected, based on the position of the analog port on the VTC2000
series
2) The force shutdown trigger point to prevent overheating of the board.
Should the user require GPIO functions and group control for stand-alone situations, refer to the
4.5.1 for the specifics.

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3.1.3 Step 3: Temperature Sensor Assignment
The VTC2000 Series has the capability to support both analog and digital sensor. Based on the types
of sensors used in your system, configure it appropriately as shown below.
For the analog temperature sensor:
Click on configuration -> Analog temperature sensor.
This will bring you to the analog temperature subtab, which will show the current default settings.
Thereafter, based on your system’s setup, select the correct sensor type and gain, as well as the
length of wire. After which, click on the ‘save settings’ button to update the configuration to the
system.
This is to assign the sensor to the respective analog pins on the microcontroller, as well as identifying
the type of sensor and length of the wire (for the calculation of resistance of wire).
After assigning the sensors, configure the sense resistance calibration by measuring and inputting
the actual temperature of the ambience as compared to the reported temperature. Click on the
‘calibration’ button to change the parameters in order to increase the accuracy of the system.
Figure 20: Analog temperature sensor assignment

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For the digital temperature sensor:
Click on configuration -> Digital temperature sensor.
This will bring you to the digital temperature subtab, which will show the current default settings.
Thereafter, based on your system’s setup select the digital port and choose the digital sensor type.
Based on the data sheet, fill in the calibration ratio as well as the offset value. If the values for the
calibration ratio as well as the offset value could not be found, skip this step. Click on the ‘save
settings’ button to update the configuration to the system.
Figure 21: Digital temperature sensor assignment
For more specifics, please refer to 4.5.3 for more information.

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3.1.4 Step 4: Fan Assignment
* Fans are optional, skip this step should you are not using a fan. The inclusion of a fan is
recommended as it would help to cool the system faster, to prevent events of overheating,
Click on configuration -> Fan.
This will bring you to the fan subtab, which will show the current default settings.
Thereafter, based on your system’s setup, select the port which you have connected the fan to and
enable it. Select the temperature sensor (mainly the heatsink sensor) and fill in the target
temperature you would want it to attain. After which, select the mode and click on the ‘save
settings’ button.
One thing to note would be that the PID control need not be filled, as it would be configured when
the VTC2000 series has undergone the autotuning process. Nonetheless, should the user have any
specific PID values, there is an option to fill it up and save it to the system.
Figure 22: Fan settings

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3.1.5 Step 5: TEC Setup
Click on configuration -> TEC setup.
This will bring you to the TEC setup subtab, which will show the current default settings.
Thereafter, based on your system’s setup, choose the channel and match the temperature sensor
port to the respective sensor (main sensor as well as the heatsink sensor).
Thereafter, fill in the other parameters such as the voltage (heating and cooling), current limit, stable
criteria as well as the gradient position.
*The gradient position is only used if the thermal profile used has gradient control
All in all, this step is mainly done to assign the main sensors for the channel as well as the voltage
limit for the system. Please refer to section 4.5.5 for clarity of the key terms used for this subtab.
Figure 23: TEC setup