AD596 Type J Thermocouple Conditioner and Setpoint Controller

The AD596/AD597 is a monolithic temperature setpoint controller which has been optimized for use at elevated temperatures such as those found in oven control applications. The device cold junction compensates and amplifies a type J or K thermocouple input to derive an internal signal proportional to temperature. The internal signal is then compared with an externally applied setpoint voltage to yield a low impedance switched output voltage. Dead-Band or switching hysteresis can be programmed using a single external resistor. Alternately, the AD596/ AD597 can be configured to provide a voltage output (10 mV/°C) directly from a type J or K thermocouple signal. It can also be used as a stand-alone voltage output temperature sensor.

The AD596/AD597 can be powered with a single supply from +5 V to +30 V, or dual supplies up to a total span of 36 V. Typical quiescent supply current is 160 µA which minimizes self-heating errors.

The AD596/AD597 H package option includes a thermocouple failure alarm that indicates an open thermocouple lead when operated in the temperature proportional measurement mode. The alarm output has a flexible format which can be used to drive relays, LEDs or TTL logic.

The device is packaged in a reliability qualified, cost effective 10-pin metal can, 8-pin plastic mini-DIP or SOIC and is trimmed to operate over an ambient temperature range from +25°C to +100°C. Operation over an extended ambient temperature range is possible with slightly reduced accuracy. The AD596 will amplify thermocouple signals covering the entire -200°C to +760°C temperature range recommended for type J thermocouples while the AD597 can accommodate -200°C to +1250°C type K inputs.

The AD596/AD597 has a calibration accuracy of ±4°C at an ambient temperature of 60°C and an ambient temperature stability specification of 0.05°C/°C from +25°C to +100°C. If higher accuracy, or a lower ambient operating temperature is required, either the AD594 (J thermocouple) or AD595 (K thermocouple) should be considered.