(Rubigen / October 2013) Meerstetter Engineering presents the latest addition to its popular portfolio of Peltier temperature controllers. The miniature TEC-1091 delivers true bipolar ±4 A / ±21 V DC, which are - at only 65x38x14 mm3 - resulting in a power density of >2 W/cm3. In this and many other ways, the TEC-1091 follows the 'no-compromise' approach of the entire line of Meerstetter TEC-Family devices (TEC-1089, TEC-1090, TEC-1122, TEC-1123).
As its bigger siblings, the TEC-1091 features two temperature monitoring inputs (per channel): the primary high resolution object sensor input can be configured to handle Pt100, Pt1000 or NTC probes, the auxiliary sink temperature input (NTCs only) allows for energy-efficient and optimized modeling and control of the Peltier element. Temperature precision and stability better than 0.01°C are achieved (typ. 0.005°C) thanks to careful selection of key components as well as factory calibration.
The TEC-1091 is driven by proven firmware, can operate as a stand-alone, script-controlled or remotely controlled device. The TEC controller offers advanced features such as PID auto tuning, comprehensive status and error handling, lookup-table execution, numerous supervision and safety functionalities and firmware upgradeability.
Configuration and control is over isolated USB, RS485 or RS232 TTL, parameters are saved into non-volatile Flash.
Furthermore 4 digital, freely mappable digital I/O lines allow for hardware control or feedback (enable/interlock, all stable, etc.) or for the control of an external fan e.g. blowing over the Peltier setup heat sink. Also, the TEC-1091 can directly drive certain OLED displays, such as the Meerstetter DPY-1113 kit. The miniature TEC controller is available with screw terminals for direct connections or with pin headers for plugging or soldering.
A full version TEC Service Software suite for configuration and control is bundled with each TEC-1091. Also freely available is an API allowing developers to integrate the open MeCom communication protocol into their own software.