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Thermocouple Input
The Reference 600+ has a T/C Type K input jack for
a K-Type thermocouple. The ISO standard calls for
color-coded mini-thermocouple connections. Yellow
is the color assigned to K-Type thermocouples. The
mating connector on your thermocouple should
therefore be yellow.
Possible uses for temperature measurement in an
electrochemical test include:
• Looking for a temperature rise at end-of-
charge on a battery.
• Measuring ambient temperature prior to a
corrosion measurement in the field.
• Measuring temperature in a cell before
making a CV measurement that will be used
to calculate reaction kinetics.
Gamry Instruments chose not to provide a
thermocouple with the Reference 600+. There is
simply too much variety in the mechanical design of
thermocouple probes. Commercial thermocouples
designed for measurement in air, on solid surfaces,
and in immersion service are available from a variety
of vendors. Make sure you get the proper type
thermocouple as shown on the rear of your
Reference 600+.
The Reference 600+ uses a temperature
measurement IC to convert the thermocouple
output to a useable voltage. It outputs a voltage that
is nominally 10 mV per degree Celsius. For the K-
Type thermocouple, the Analog Device AD597AR is
rated for an accuracy of 4°C. The specified accuracy
is only achieved when the Reference 600+ is
calibrated. The scaling at the A/D converter is 3 V full-scale, or 300°C full-scale.
The Reference 600+ calibration application has an optional section for thermocouple calibration. An ice-
water bath and a beaker of boiling water provide convenient standards for a two-point calibration.
Caution: One side of the thermocouple is connected to the Reference 600+’s
Floating Ground. An improper connection to the thermocouple input can compromise the Reference
600+’s ability to float, and invalidate data collected on earth-grounded cells. A connection to a non-
insulated thermocouple immersed in your electrochemical cell can also cause erroneous readings.
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