Peltier (TEC) Driver · ZTM-PSU-TEC

About this module

The ZTM-PSU-TEC drives two Peltier elements from a 12–32 V supply. A Microchip MCP4901 8-bit DAC on the SPI bus sets the output level in 256 steps. A dedicated Enable line switches the output on and off, and the output voltage is brought out on the ZapLink VSENSE line, so the host can measure what the supply is actually delivering (the ZT-PICO2 reads it on its on-board ADC).

Because Enable is a separate hardware line, it's easy to gate with an interlock. In Cirrus 1 the controller holds the TECs off until the operator confirms the chiller is running, and switches them off on over-temperature. A Peltier without its heat path is just a very efficient way of making the hot side hotter.

Used in these projects

• Cirrus 1 cloud chamber. Four boards drive eight TEC elements under the copper cold plate.
• SonoLuma1 sonoluminescence (in development). Planned for cell temperature control from −30 to +80 °C.

KEY FEATURES

• Drives two TEC elements per board
• 8-bit DAC setpoint, 256 steps
• Output voltage sense line for readback
• Dedicated hardware Enable line
• On-board heat-sink and fan
• Up to four boards per ZT-PICO2