The Lake Shore 336 is a precision temperature controller operating from 300 mK to 1505 K, engineered for cryogenic and high-temperature research environments. It consolidates multiple instruments into a single platform, reducing bench footprint while delivering independent PID control loops, four sensor inputs with 24-bit resolution, and up to 150 W total heater output. Computer control via Ethernet, USB, and IEEE-488 enables full automation of temperature management across demanding laboratory and industrial setups.
## Technical Specifications
**Temperature Control**
• Operating range: 300 mK to 1505 K
• Four standard sensor inputs: diode and RTD compatible
• Optional Model 3060 thermocouple input: up to two additional channels
• Analog-to-digital conversion: 24-bit resolution per input
• Sensor inputs: optically isolated to reduce noise
• Excitation currents: nine selectable levels for RTD measurements down to 300 mK
• Autorange mode: automatically adjusts NTC RTD excitation current to minimize self-heating at cryogenic temperatures
• Sensor excitation current reversal eliminates thermal EMF errors on resistance sensors
**Control Outputs**
• Output 1: 100 W into 25 Ω load, or 50 W into 50 Ω or 25 Ω load
• Output 2: 50 W into 25 Ω or 50 Ω load
• Outputs 3 & 4: ±10 V analog outputs (manually controllable or used for heater extension)
• Total output capacity: 150 W
• Two independent PID control loops with autotuning
**Calibration & Memory**
• Nonvolatile storage: up to 39 CalCurves (200 points each)
• Supported sensor curves: silicon diodes, platinum RTDs, ruthenium oxide RTDs, thermocouples
• Zone tuning: automatic sensor switching across temperature ranges
• Temperature limit safeguards per input
**Display & Interface**
• Graphical LCD with LED backlight
• Simultaneous display of up to eight readings
• User-configurable sensor labels and display locations
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, IEEE-488
• Computer control of nearly all instrument functions
## Key Features
• Single-unit solution replaces multiple temperature control instruments
• Autotuning PID parameters adapt to system dynamics automatically
• High-resolution 24-bit measurement with optical isolation
• Flexible heater configuration: dual independent 50-100 W outputs plus dual ±10 V analog outputs
• Zone-based control enables continuous measurement across wide temperature spans
• Extensive sensor compatibility and user-defined calibration storage
## Typical Applications
Cryogenic materials characterization, superconductivity research, semiconductor testing, dilution refrigerator operation, materials science studies, and thermal cycling experiments requiring precision control from millikelvin to kilokelvin ranges.
## Compatibility & Integration
Fully compatible with diode, RTD, and thermocouple sensors. Accepts Lake Shore calibrated or user-defined CalCurves. Multiple communication standards enable integration into automated laboratory environments and data acquisition systems.
