Oxford Instruments Mercury iTC User Manual

Handbook
November 2011 / 59-UMC0071 / Issue 01
Mercury iTC
Page 60
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Original Instructions
4.1.1 User interface
The user interface consists of a 420 x RGB x 272 pixel LCD-TFT display and touch-
screen. A opto-sensor is fitted above the display to detect ambient light levels. The
temperature controller can be configured to vary the display brightness to match the
ambient light level (auto-dim feature).
4.1.2 Motherboard
The motherboard contains the processors that control the iTC. The operating program
and control applications are stored on a flash drive. The motherboard also provides a
single temperature-sensor input and a single heater output.
There are eight expansion slots, each of which can accept an optional daughter board
(see Section 4.3.1).
4.2 iTC connections
4.2.1 Electrical power connection
The back panel contains an IEC C14 connector for the main electrical supply to the unit.
4.2.2 Temperature sensor inputs
The temperature sensor input is via 9-way D-connector on the rear panel of the iTC.
Sensor connections are listed in Table 4-1.
The basic iTC includes a single input channel for one temperature sensor. An additional
8 sensor inputs can be added to make a total of 9 inputs.
The unit can accept the following sensor types:
 Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistance
 Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistance
 Thermocouple
 Silicon diode
Each input can be read at a maximum rate of 10 Hz. The unit can detect short-circuit
inputs and open-circuit inputs. The heater output is disabled if a faulty sensor is
detected.
The iTC contains a temperature sensor that is used to compensate for fluctuations in
ambient temperature.
See Section 4.4 for an overview of the temperature measurement methods that are
available on the iTC.
4.2.3 Outputs
The heater output is via the same 9-way D-connector used for the temperature input.
Heater connections are listed in Table 4-1. The basic iTC includes a single 80 W heater
output. An additional three 80 W outputs can be added (total 4 outputs).
An optional daughter-board can be added to drive a stepper motor. This is commonly
used to control the motorised valve in a continuous-flow cryostat.

Oxford Instruments Mercury iTC Specifications

General

Brand	Oxford Instruments
Model	Mercury iTC
Category	Controller
Language	English