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Thread: The big TEC driver thread!

  1. #1
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    Default The big TEC driver thread!

    Post links and discuss TEC drivers, TECS and sources for components!

    I found this in my archives:

    Elm-Chan TEC circuit with Atmel mcu
    http://elm-chan.org/works/vlp/ldtmp.png
    I did not find the firmware on the project page:
    http://elm-chan.org/works/vlp/report_e.html


    The d4chill by Robin Bowden:
    http://www.die4laser.com/D4Chill/D4Chill_Sch.pdf
    http://www.die4laser.com/D4Chill/D4Chill.jpg
    http://www.die4laser.com/D4Chill/D4Chill.txt


    Two from laserfreak.net:
    http://laserfreak.net/forum/viewtopi...=130676#130676
    http://laserfreak.net/forum/viewtopi...=135670#135670


    Application report from Texas instruments /Burr-Brown with 3 good schematics:
    http://focus.ti.com/lit/an/sbea001/sbea001.pdf

    LINEAR TEC DRIVER–1
    This is a bridge-tied load (BTL) linear amplifier for driving
    a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). It operates on a single +5V
    supply and can drive ±2A into a common TEC.

    LINEAR TEC DRIVER–2
    This is very similar to DRIVER–1 but its power output stage
    was modified to operate from a single +3.3V supply in order
    to increase its efficiency. Driving this amplifier from a
    standard +2.5V referenced signal causes the output transistors
    to have unequal power dissipation.

    LINEAR TEC DRIVER–3
    This BTL TEC driver power output stage achieves very high
    efficiency by swinging very close to its supply rails, ±2.5V.
    This driver can also drive ±2A into a common TEC. Operation
    is shown with the power output stage operating on
    ±1.5V supplies. Under these conditions, this linear amplifier
    can achieve very high efficiency.


    Maxim-ic.com has several cheap TEC-controller IC's but they all seem to be in very small SMT packages.
    A list with links to the different drivers are at the bottom of this application note:
    http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/an_pk/3318

  2. #2
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    My TEC driver: a 12V 4A switchmode PSU

    I havent really done any laser cooling with TEC's, I mainly just like freezing stuff on them/cooling air/water etc.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by dar303 View Post
    Application report from Texas instruments /Burr-Brown with 3 good schematics:
    http://focus.ti.com/lit/an/sbea001/sbea001.pdf

    LINEAR TEC DRIVER–2
    This is very similar to DRIVER–1 but its power output stage
    was modified to operate from a single +3.3V supply in order
    to increase its efficiency. Driving this amplifier from a
    standard +2.5V referenced signal causes the output transistors
    to have unequal power dissipation.
    When I was at TI we used to use this one to temperature control quartz crystals in very frequency-sensitive applications (notably, in experimental radio gear).

  4. #4
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    I would like to see some big stuff 300+ watt TEC coolers, exchangers
    and the drivers for the high current coolers

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    It's basically the same, just use bigger fet's, different R values for current limiting and if it's PID, you can change the tau's

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    I could imagine building a TEC controller using a microcontroller. Might seem overkill, but considering how many analog inputs and outputs they typically have it might be simpler as you can one to control all TECs. Could it be as simple as an arduino (6 analog in and 14 digital out [6 with PWM]) and an H-bridge and thermistor for each TEC? You could control the TECs for at least 6 lasers with that.

    Someone else would have to design the circuit, but I could probably write the code.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by tocket View Post
    I could imagine building a TEC controller using a microcontroller. Might seem overkill, but considering how many analog inputs and outputs they typically have it might be simpler as you can one to control all TECs. Could it be as simple as an arduino (6 analog in and 14 digital out [6 with PWM]) and an H-bridge and thermistor for each TEC? You could control the TECs for at least 6 lasers with that.

    Someone else would have to design the circuit, but I could probably write the code.

    Cool...
    yet another PL project :-)

  8. #8
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    Nautilus Integration sells a chip that I like:

    http://www.nautilus-integration.com/products.htm

    He is a PL member, but I can't say which one.... Promises , Promises

    serial, analog, and spi inputs/outputs , and there is a output available to get it to 11 bits by shifting the reference. its not shown on the data sheet.

    Shameless plug, I bought three of them.

    Steve
    Last edited by mixedgas; 01-14-2009 at 10:23.

  9. #9
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    I posted a design by a big laser company here:

    http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...ead.php?t=5899

    Its not great, but its already here for discussion.

    recently in Electronic Design Magazine, W. Stephen Woodward posted one circuit that uses the TE to sense the TE, getting rid of sensor lag. I like it!

    Steve

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    Who do we know in Cleavland?
    Quis custodiet ipsos custodies?
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