MicroTC single-channel Type K thermocouple amplifier

Connector and amplifier in one

The MicroTC is Michigan Scientific's smallest thermocouple amplifier package: a standard miniature male Type K thermocouple connector plugs directly into it. It provides cold junction compensation and amplifies the signal to a linear 5 mV/°C from −25 to 400 °C, a range extended to −200 to 970 °C with post-processing polynomials. Output spans −0.77 to 4.92 V, measurement error is ± 2 °C typical and ± 3 °C max, and the bandwidth is 2.35 kHz, higher on request. It runs on +7 to +16 V DC at 3.25 mA max, measures 32.0 × 17.4 × 8.2 mm, weighs 3.9 g and operates from −40 to 100 °C.

Power and signal wires are soldered to the solder terminals on the back, marked V for supply, G for common and S for output, then covered with heat shrink tubing for insulation and strain relief. The thermocouple plugs in through its miniature connector; an open thermocouple drives the output to the supply voltage. Signals are best measured against a second common wire run from the amplifier. A Michigan Scientific amplifier control unit can power it, with its bridge excitation switch on. The manual gives linearization polynomials.

It is used for brake disc and hub temperatures on the turning wheel, for battery temperatures on electric vehicles, and for temperature signals on medical equipment.