Santa Clara, CA USA—Ferrotec (USA) Corporation, a global supplier of materials, components, precision system solutions, and a worldwide leader in thermoelectric cooling solutions, today announced the introduction of the FTC100 smart temperature controller, an innovative new thermal control platform for precision temperature applications. Designed specifically for applications that use thermoelectric modules for temperature control, the FTC100 controller marks the inaugural solution in a line of Ferrotec thermal management components that have been optimized for superior performance in thermoelectric systems.
Sometimes referred to as Peltier devices, thermoelectric modules are used for cooling, precision temperature control and performance enhancement in systems ranging from medical diagnostic equipment and scientific instruments to computing and consumer electronics. Because a single module can heat and cool depending on the voltage direction, systems using thermoelectric modules present unique challenges for the temperature controller. With features like PWM, bi-directional power, auto-tune PID, and broad sensor support, the Ferrotec FTC100 temperature controller is designed to provide optimal functionality in applications that use thermoelectric modules for the thermal management.
“As a leading supplier of thermoelectric modules, recommending a cost-effective thermoelectric temperature controller to our customers has been a challenge. With it’s panel interface, easy-to-use programmable software, and efficient power handling capability, the FTC100 controller combines sophisticated thermal management features with entry-level controller simplicity,” said Erik Mankarios, General Manager of Thermal Solutions for Ferrotec (USA) Corporation. “Ferrotec’s FTC100 temperature controller provides thermoelectric system developers with a flexible controller solution that delivers optimal thermoelectric system functionality at an unprecedented value.”
The FTC100 temperature controller incorporates features like Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for efficient module control without using expensive power supply solutions. The controller also supports bi-directional temperature control, enabling it to maintain temperature very precisely by using both voltage directions and is well suited for thermal cycling applications.
The FTC100 comes bundled with the FTA600, Ferrotec’s highly efficient H-bridge amplifier capable of driving bi-directional voltage to thermoelectric modules. Designed to provide highly efficient power for medium to high power thermoelectric applications, the FTA600 supports output requirements up to 600 Watts and can meet demanding power requirements without generating significant amounts of heat.
The FTC100 temperature controller offers a very flexible solution with support for a variety of user and application requirements. With the flexibility to operate the FTC100 controller using the panel control or by using the RS232 interface, a computer, and Ferrotec’s easy-to-use FTC100 Control Center GUI software, the controller offers an ideal development platform for TE-based applications. Ferrotec’s FTC100 Control Center software also provides a powerful scripting utility that enables users to program the FTC100 to execute a complex series of temperature steps. And while many temperature controllers limit users to one or two sensor types, the FTC100 controller offers broad support for a wide variety of temperature sensors including thermocouples, RTDs and thermistor inputs.
Pricing and Availability
The FTC100 temperature controller comes bundled with the FTA600 H-Bridge amplifier, and is available in the North American market now, with international availability still to be determined. The controller solution can be purchased directly from Ferrotec and through the company’s network of thermoelectric sales representatives. More about the FTC100 thermoelectric temperature controller can be found by following this link to the FTC100 product page.