Experts in Substrate Heating

Lab Power Supplies

Thermic Edge supplies DC Lab Power Supplies along with heater temperature controllers to customers located around the world. Systems can be tailored to suit any application and customer requirements. Worldwide sales and customer support are handled at Thermic Edge on the South Coast of England.

PID Heater Controller

The Thermic Edge PID Heater Controller has been designed to be a simple-to-use, robust, user-definable and accurate heater temperature controller that, together with the optional communications facility, makes this unit a very powerful package. The unit is 3U high, half-rack width, and is compliant with relevant EU directives. The unit operates by giving a 0-10v output signal controlling either a Thyristor, SSR, or PSU.

PID Temperature controllers are utilised to monitor and control a thermal system such as a substrate heater, stage, or furnace. The PID Heater Controller operates by comparing the temperature measured via a suitable input, usually a thermocouple, and the setpoint on the controller. In this way, the controller can then switch on or off the power supply to the heater to either increase or decrease the temperature of the system.

A suitable temperature sensor must be used alongside the controller. Different sensors have different operating temperatures. Thermocouple types should be specified alongside the controller to ensure accurate and stable operation. Most thermocouple types can be accommodated with automatic cold-junction compensation. The controller will usually be configured for type ‘K’; other types are available as an option. The thermocouple type and range are software selected, all that needs to be added is the correct type of compensation cable and connectors.

The unit contains a PID Heater Controller (Proportional with Integral and Derivative). This provides an auto-tuning function to dynamically tailor the power supply output to the requirements of the heater to reach the desired temperature in an accurate safe, and efficient manner. Thus, overshooting is avoided during temperature ramping. This function is fully compatible with any power supply using a 0-10V input signal.

PID tuning is a method by which the controller increases the accuracy and stability of the system through a trial-and-error process. This process means that PID Heater Controllers are the most stable and accurate system of control compared to On/Off and Proportional Temperature controllers.

In normal operation, the temperature controller will display actual and target temperatures (whether or not a set point ramp rate or self-tune is invoked) or indicate if the temperature sensor has failed. In the full configuration mode, all parameters and values can be viewed and edited. Control can be PID, PI, PD, P only or ON/OFF, with values automatically set or manually entered. The output power level is programmable if the sensor fails.

For processes where the maximum temperature must not be exceeded, the ramp-rate facility allows the user to define the temperature rise in programmed units (per second, minute or hour). A self-tuning algorithm automatically sets the PID and the under and overshoot values.

All controllers are supplied with RS-232 input as standard, as well as extensive safety features to ensure low-risk operation. This package also includes software, making external control extremely powerful and simple to use. A 24V interlock is also provided to cut the enable signal should the circuit be broken, for example, to maintain the overall system pressure within limits.

The unit is supplied as standard with a mains cable assembly, suitable for local use, requested at the time of ordering the unit. A connector kit is provided for the Output, thermocouple and Interlock trip facility. The unit must also be earthed via the rear panel stud provided; use 2.5mm2 cable or braid connected to your system ‘star-point’ earth.

Specifications

Power Input
Mains Voltage 230Vac +/-10%, 50-60Hz
Type Eurotherm 2216e
Sensor Types K as standard, others as options
Sensor Ranges K -200°C to +1372°C
Cold Junction Automatic compensation, typically >30 to 1 compensation rejection of ambient temperature change
Sample Rate 9Hz
Accuracy 0.25% of reading +/- LSD or +/- 10°C/F
Control Mode PID, PI, PD, P ONLY or ON / Off
Ramp Rate 0.01 to 99.99 degrees/second, minute or hour
Tuning One-shot self-tune algorithm
Sensor Fail Output programmable between 0-100%
Communications RS232 or RS485: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19200 baud Modbus Bisynch or SPI
Display Dual 4-digit x 7 high-intensity LED
Front Panel and Indicators
Mains ON/OFF (0/1) switch
Output ON/OFF switch
2216e Temperature controller
LED indication of supply, interlock and output
Rear Panel Connectors
Mains input ‘Power-Con’ Blue Nutrik type
Heater Output ‘Power-Con’ Grey Nutrik type
Miniature type ‘K’ thermocouple socket
9-way D-type Interlock socket
9-way D-type Comms socket
Fusing: Rear Panel
Mains Input FS1 10A (delay) size ‘O’, 1,25 inches
Temp Controller FS2 1.0A T (delay) 20mm
DC Supply Pri. FS3 1.0A T (delay) 20mm
DC Supply Sec. FS4 2.0A T (delay) 20mm
Heater Output As required
Environmental
Operating Temp +5°C to +40°C
Storage -10°C to +70°C
Relative Humidity 5% to 85% RH
General Non-explosive atmosphere. Electrically conductive pollution must be excluded from the cabinet
Dimensions
Height 3U, 134mm
Width 9.5 inch, half rack mounting
Depth 380mm, excluding mating connectors
EMC and Safety Standards
Compliant with relative EU directives

Features

  • As standard our heater controllers are fitted with Eurotherm PID temperature controllers, to very accurately control heater ramping and set points without overshooting or deviation.
  • Alternative PID Heater Controllers such as RKC or West can also be used if preferred by our customer.
  • Enable switch located on the front of the unit.
  • LED Status display on the front of the unit detailing supply, interlock and output status.
  • Data logging capability with Eurotherms free iTools software.
  • An auto-tuning facility enables the controller to accurately tune the heater to its environment, and therefore avoid overshooting during temperature ramping.
  • Remote control is available via Modbus RS232 or RS485
  • All controllers have a 24v interlock circuit, which will cut the enable signal if the circuit is broken. This can be used to interlock many safety features such as lid closed, water flow, high vacuum enabled, over temperature etc.
  • A pressure hold facility is available that links to a pressure sensor and will cut the controller enable signal, switching off the PSU, if the outgassing due to heating raises the chamber pressure above the set point pressure.

Applications

  • Resistance Heating Elements
  • LED, Motors and DC fans test.
  • Accumulator charging.
  • Labs, Factories and Universities.
  • Small electrolysis or electroplating system.
  • Burn-in tests for products, such as DC motors & fans, resistors and capacitors etc.

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