Temperature-Controlled Mini-Series Breadboard

Features

• Compact Size: 5.00" x 4.00" x 2.46" (127.0 mm x 101.6 mm x 62.5 mm)
• Double-Density 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole Pattern
• Integrated TEC Element, Thermistor, Centrifugal Fan, and Heat Sink
• Temperature Setting Range: 15 - 45 °C (Using Front Panel) or 5 - 45 °C (Using Software GUI)
• Can be Used with TSP-TH External Temperature Probe
• DS12 Power Supply with Region-Specific AC Cable Included

The PTC1(/M) Temperature-Controlled Breadboard uses thermoelectric elements and active-air cooling to maintain a temperature selected by the user. The unit includes a TEC, controller, thermistor, centrifugal fan, and heat sink for thermal management within a compact 5.00" x 4.00" x 2.46" housing. The internal TEC element features bi-polar operation, meaning it can be used to heat or cool components on the surface. It can handle a maximum heat load of 18 W when the breadboard is set to the ambient temperature.

The breadboard temperature can be controlled using the knob on the front panel. In this mode, the temperature can be set between 15 °C and 45 °C, and the unit will stabilize when it reaches within 0.1 °C of the target temperature. Alternatively, when the unit is connected to a PC by the included USB cable, the user can toggle a switch on the front panel and operate the unit using the PTC1(/M) software, which is available for download on the Software tab. This allows the user to set the temperature between 5 °C and 45 °C at 0.1 °C increments; the temperature of the thermistor will be displayed with 0.001 °C precision. The user can also set the temperature stabilization window and individually adjust the PID settings of the device. The front panel controls will not work while the unit is being controlled via the software.

The TEC controller used in the PTC1(/M) is the MTD1020T. By connecting the USB to a PC, the user has the option to operate the PTC1(/M) via a command line interface, or write their own program to control the unit. While operating in this way, the breadboard can be set to temperatures from 5 °C to 45 °C. Prior to running the command line interface, the included drivers should be installed, the unit should be powered on, and a USB cable should be connected between the device and the host PC. While using the command line interface, do not use the software GUI.

The unit includes an internal thermistor for monitoring temperature. However, the TSP-TH (sold separately) external temperature probe can be connected to the 2.5 mm stereo jack on the front panel. This allows users to place the temperature sensor at a particular location within the system, rather than measuring the temperature underneath the breadboard surface.

The top surface is 5.00" x 4.00" and features an array of twenty 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and forty-three 8-32 (M4) tapped holes. The tapped hole pattern is the same as that of our Mini-Series breadboards, where the 1/4"-20 (M6) holes are on 1" (25 mm) centers and the 8-32 (M4) holes are on 1/2" (12.5 mm) centers. The bottom of the unit includes four rubber feet, as well as four 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes for securing the unit to an optical table using Ø1" posts, Ø1.5" posts, or other optomechanical components. The breadboard also features eleven 8-32 (M4) tapped holes along the sides, allowing the unit to be mounted to a table with the breadboard surface in a vertical orientation.

The unit is powered by a 12 VDC, 4 A input. The power adapter, a region-specific AC cable, and a USB cable are included. A replacement power supply is available below.

Click to Enlarge
The Temperature-Controlled Breadboard GUI Interface

Software for Temperature-Controlled Mini-Series Breadboard

The button below provides a link to download the software that allows the unit to be controlled via PC with a Windows^® operating system.

Software

Version 1.1.0 (November 16, 2018) 
This is a software package with a GUI and drivers for Thorlabs' Temperature-Controlled Mini-Series Breadboard.

Click to Enlarge
Items Included with the PTC1(/M) (North American Power Cord Shown)

Shipping List

Each Temperature-Controlled Breadboard includes:

• PTC1(/M) Breadboard with Integrated TEC Element, Thermistor, Centrifugal Fan, and Heat Sink
• DS12 Power Supply with Region-Specific Cable
• USB Cable
• USB Drive with Operation Software and Manual (Not Shown)