The Stanford Research PTC10 is a modular temperature controller system designed for precision temperature measurement, heater control, and data logging across diverse applications. The system architecture supports up to four interchangeable I/O cards, enabling configuration flexibility for thermocouple, RTD, thermistor, and diode sensor inputs paired with AC heater output control. Each input channel features electrical isolation for live equipment connection, while output cards deliver switched AC power for heating elements. The modular approach allows engineers to customize a single chassis for specific measurement and control requirements without redesigning the core system.
Technical Specifications
• Chassis Configuration: Accommodates up to four I/O cards per PTC10 controller unit
• Thermocouple Input Card (PTC330): Four-channel isolated inputs; factory-configured for E, J, K, N, or T type thermocouples; cold-junction compensation via integrated isothermal block with RTD sensor
• RTD Reader Card (PTC321): Four inputs for 100 Ω platinum RTD sensors; four-wire configuration; 1 mA excitation current source with reversible polarity; selectable 1-second and 10-second digital low-pass filters; open/short circuit detection
• Thermistor/Diode/RTD Readers (PTC320/PTC323): Multi-sensor compatibility including thermistors, RTDs, cryogenic diodes, and ruthenium oxide sensors; PTC320 provides single input via 6-pin circular DIN; PTC323 provides dual inputs via 9-pin D-sub
• AC Output Card (PTC420): Heater driver rated for 5 A switching at 100 VAC to 240 VAC line voltage
– Key Features
• Modular I/O card architecture for application-specific configuration
• Electrically isolated thermocouple channels for live equipment monitoring
• Integrated RTD-based cold-junction compensation on thermocouple inputs
• Four-wire RTD measurement for enhanced accuracy and noise rejection
• Selectable digital filtering for signal conditioning
• Sensor fault detection circuitry on RTD inputs
• AC mains heater control without external switching relays
– Typical Applications
• Cryogenic temperature monitoring and control
• Laboratory furnace and heater management
• Multi-point thermal profiling during process development
• Sensor calibration and characterization
• Data acquisition in temperature-sensitive experiments
– Compatibility & Integration
The PTC10 controller accepts standardized I/O cards, allowing reconfiguration by field installation of different measurement and control modules. Thermocouple inputs accept standard circular DIN connectors; RTD and sensor inputs use either 6-pin or 9-pin D-sub connectors. Heater outputs connect directly to 100-240 VAC mains supply without intermediate contactors.
