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More about the Model 335

Sensor inputs

The Model 335 offers two standard sensor inputs that are compatible with diode and RTD temperature sensors. The field-installable Model 3060 option adds thermocouple functionality to both inputs.

Sensor inputs feature a high-resolution 24-bit analog-to-digital converter and each of the two powered outputs function as separate current sources. Both sensor inputs are optically isolated from other circuits to reduce noise and to deliver repeatable sensor measurements. Current reversal eliminates thermal electromagnetic field (EMF) errors in resistance sensors. Ten excitation currents facilitate temperature measurement and control down to 300 mK using appropriate negative temperature coefficient (NTC) RTDs. Autorange mode automatically scales excitation current in NTC RTDs to reduce self heating at low temperatures as sensor resistance changes by many orders of magnitude. Temperatures down to 1.4 K can be measured and controlled using silicon or GaAlAs diodes. Software selects the appropriate excitation current and signal gain levels when the sensor type is entered via the instrument front panel. To increase your productivity, the unique zone setting feature automatically switches sensor inputs, enabling you to measure temperatures from 300 mK to over 1,500 K without interrupting your experiment.

The Model 335 includes standard temperature sensor response curves for silicon diodes, platinum RTDs, ruthenium oxide RTDs, and thermocouples. Non-volatile memory can also store up to 39 200-point CalCurves for Lake Shore calibrated temperature sensors or user curves. A built-in SoftCal algorithm can be used to generate curves for silicon diodes and platinum RTDs that can be stored as user curves. Temperature sensor calibration data can be easily loaded into the Model 335 temperature controller and manipulated using the Lake Shore curve handler software program.

Temperature control

Providing a total of 75 W of heater power, the Model 335 is the most powerful half rack temperature controller available. Designed to deliver very clean heater power, precise temperature control is ensured throughout your full scale temperature range for excellent measurement reliability, efficiency and throughput. Two independent PID control outputs can be configured to supply 50 W and 25 W or 75 W and 1 W of heater power. Precise control output is calculated based on your temperature setpoint and feedback from the control sensor. Wide tuning parameters accommodate most cryogenic cooling systems and many high-temperature ovens commonly used in laboratories. PID values can be manually set for fine control or the improved autotuning feature can automate the tuning process.

The Model 335 autotuning method calculates PID parameters and provides feedback to help build zone tables. The setpoint ramp feature provides smooth, continuous setpoint changes and predictable approaches to setpoint without the worry of overshoot or excessive settling times. The instrument's zone tuning feature automatically switches temperature sensor inputs when your temperature range goes beyond the useable range of a given sensor. This feature combined with the instrument's ability to scale the sensor excitation through ten pre-loaded current settings allows the Model 335 to provide continuous measurement and control from 300 mK to 1505 K.

Both control outputs are variable DC current sources referenced to chassis ground. As a factory default, outputs 1 and 2 provide 50 W and 25 W of continuous power respectively, both to a 50 Ω or 25 Ω load. For increased functionality, output 2 can also be set to voltage mode. When set to voltage mode, it functions as a ±10 V analog output while still providing 1 W of heater power and full closed loop PID control capability. While in this mode, output 1 can provide up to 75 W of heater power to a 25 Ω load.

Temperature limit settings for inputs are provided as a safeguard against system damage. Each input is assigned a temperature limit, and if any input exceeds that limit, both control channels are automatically disabled.

Interface

The Model 335 is standard equipped with universal serial bus (USB) and parallel (IEEE-488) interfaces. In addition to gathering data, nearly every function of the instrument can be controlled via computer interface. You can download the Lake Shore curve handler software program to easily enter and manipulate sensor calibration curves for storage in the instrument's non-volatile memory.

The USB interface emulates an RS-232C serial port at a fixed 57,600 baud rate, but with the physical plug-ins of a USB. It also allows you to download firmware upgrades, ensuring the most current firmware version is loaded into your instrument without having to physically change your instrument.

Both sensor inputs are equipped with a high and low alarm which offers latching and non-latching operation. The two relays can be used in conjunction with the alarms to alert you of a fault condition and perform simple on-off control. Relays can be assigned to any alarm or operated manually.

The ±10 V analog voltage output can be configured to send a voltage proportional to temperature to a strip chart recorder or data acquisition system. You may select the scale and data sent to the output, including temperature or sensor units.

Configurable display

The Model 335 offers a bright, vacuum fluorescent display that simultaneously displays up to four readings. You can display both control loops, or if you need to monitor just one input, you can display just that one in greater detail. Or you can custom configure each display location to suit your experiment. Data from any input can be assigned to any of the locations, and your choice of temperature sensor units can be displayed. For added convenience, you can also custom label each senor input, eliminating the guesswork in remembering or determining the location to which a sensor input is associated.

two input one loop display

Two input/one loop display with labels
Standard display option featuring two inputs and associated outputs.

custom display with labels

Custom display with labels
Reading locations can be user configured to accommodate application needs. Here, the input names are shown above the measurement readings along with the designated input letters.

intuitive menu structure

Intuitive menu structure
Logical navigation allows you to spend more time on research and less time on setup.

Model 3060 thermocouple input option

The field installable Model 3060 thermocouple input option adds thermocouple functionality to both inputs. While the option can be easily removed, this is not necessary as the standard inputs remain fully functional when they are not being used to measure thermocouple temperature sensors. Calibration for the option is stored on the card so it can be installed in the field and used with multiple Model 335 temperature controllers without recalibration.

335 rear panel