The MicroTC Linear Thermocouple Amplifier is a miniature thermocouple amplifier. The amplifier provides cold junction compensation and amplifies the thermocouple signal to a linear 5 mV/°C over a measurable range of -25 °C to 400 °C. The measurable range expands to -200 °C to 970 °C with the use of post-processing polynomials. The amplifier accepts a wide power supply range.
The MicroTC Linear Thermocouple Amplifier is a miniature thermocouple amplifier. The amplifier provides cold junction compensation and amplifies the thermocouple signal to a linear 5 mV/°C over a measurable range of -25 °C to 400 °C. The measurable range expands to -200 °C to 970 °C with the use of post-processing polynomials. The amplifier accepts a wide power supply range.
Using a thermocouple amplifier enhances the reliability of measurements. The amplifier converts low-level thermocouple signals to a 0 to 5V output signal suitable for data acquisition systems or on-board vehicle monitoring systems. The MicroTC is much smaller than other comparable items available on the market.
Battery-based electric vehicle (EV) power systems, especially systems for aircraft capable of electric vertical take-offs and landings (EVTOL), often consist of an array of battery modules collectively forming a vehicle’s battery pack. Each module typically represents an arrangement of individual battery cells that have been customized and tailored for the individual application. The strategic configuration of battery modules can make EVs more reliable and reduce failures because, when discharging from an array of modules, the power drawn from each individual module can be adjusted and controlled to keep the module operating in ideal conditions. When the module is part of an array, the power draw adjustments can be made without jeopardizing the vehicle’s overall performance.
Temperature plays a critical role in the efficiency, performance, and safety of EV batteries because batteries operate and charge effectively in a narrow band of temperatures. Therefore, thermal management of battery modules becomes an important sub-system that enables the ability to adjust the power draw of a cell to keep it operating in ideal conditions.
Thermal management systems must be designed to manage effects from the vehicle’s environment, climate control of the vehicle’s passengers, and of course, the thermal effects of charging and discharging the battery cells themselves. At the heart of any thermal management system is the ability to measure temperature accurately and reliably. Such a simple notion should not be overlooked, especially when the safety of the EV may be at stake. As such, enhancing the reliability of temperature measurements is vital and considered an enabling technology. Thermal Management is defined within the NASA technology taxonomy in section 14 and is considered a key area of technology advancement required for advancement in both space and aeronautical activities.
This technology can serve to close capability gaps and provide technological advancements related to highly efficient and reliable battery operations needed for electric vehicle (EV) development and to sustain electrical flight. EVs, especially EVTOL aircraft, present unique challenges and are pushing the boundaries of available battery technology. To ensure safe operations and take advantage of the most efficient use of onboard batteries, thermal monitoring and management of said batteries is paramount. The use of thermocouple amplifiers can help ensure reliable temperature measurements are made on-board the aircraft without significant compromises in terms of weight or space claim. Please consider the use of CVX Instruments’ MicroTC in your next application.
