====== Meerstetter Temperature Controller ======

Refer to the **official documentation** of the Meerstetter for an **in-depth guide** to setting up and operating the system. The manual is very rigorous and covers everything required. This article just covers the main relevant points.

  * [[https://www.meerstetter.ch/de/products/tec-controllers/tec-1091|Official Website]] - Further information
  * {{ :groups:mg:project_ptb-cavity:tec-1091_datasheet_5175h.pdf |Datasheet}} - Concise data
  * {{ :groups:mg:tec-family_user_manual_5134ad.pdf |Manual}} - In depth guides
  * {{ :groups:mg:meerstetter_temperature_controller_-_official_setup_guide.pdf |Setup guide}} - Quick guide for the first setup

Currently used for these applications:

  * [[groups:mg:temperature_controller|Rio 1560 nm ECDL temperature controller]]

===== Overview =====

==== Basic Concept ====

The Meerstetter temperature controller is used to stabilize objects to a given temperature. It measures the temperature of the object using a thermal resistor and adjusts the object temperature accordingly by driving a heating/cooling element connected to the object.

==== Functionality ====

  * Temperature stabilisation to sub mK range
  * Exact control through software environment
  * Easy configuration using autotuning funtion
  * Custom programmable temperature ramps
  * Temperature monitoring and data logging
  * Programmable multi purpose pins for different applications
==== Hardware ====

{{ :groups:mg:project_ptb-cavity:meerstetter_platine.png?400|}}

X1: General connections

  * power supply
  * multi purpose pins
  * serial connection

X2: Connections for temperature measurement and control

  * peltier element/heating foil etc.
  * temperature measurement

X3: USB for connection to PC

==== Software ====

Meerstetter provides a software for their temperature controller. This software is used to set up and monitor the temperature controller. It also provides a option for data logging. The newest version can be downloaded in the software section of the [[https://www.meerstetter.ch/de/products/tec-controllers/tec-1091|Official Website]].

===== Basic Setup =====

If you are setting up a Meerstetter temperature controller for the first time, refer to the {{ :groups:mg:meerstetter_temperature_controller_-_official_setup_guide.pdf |official setup guide}}. It takes you through all main steps and introduces you to the service software. The {{ :groups:mg:tec-family_user_manual_5134ad.pdf |Manual}} also covers this topic extensively. Refer to chapter 2.

==== Power supply ====

The Meerstetter can operate in a voltage range of **5-24V DC** at a maximum current of **4A**. Connect the pins ''VIN'' and ''GND'' on X1 to a suitable lab power supply to power the meerstetter. The [[groups:mg:temperature_controller|current setup for the 1560 nm rio laser diode]] runs at **18V**.
==== Peltier Element/Heating Foil ====

The Meerstetter can run with a peltier element as well as a resistive heating element like a heating foil. The peltier element/resistive heater is connected to the pins ''OUT+'' and ''OUT-''. To use it correctly, you must configure the meerstetter accordingly using the [[groups:mg:meerstetter#software|service software]].


==== Temperature Sensor ====

{{ :groups:mg:meerstetter_temperature_controller_-_temperature_sensor_connection.png?300|}}

See page 4 of the {{ :groups:mg:project_ptb-cavity:tec-1091_datasheet_5175h.pdf |Datasheet}}.

=== Object Temperature ===

The Meerstetter can do two-wire as well as [[wp>Four-terminal_sensing|four-wire measurement]]. For this the pins ''OBJ T° IA'', ''OBJ T° IB'', ''OBJ T° UA'' and ''OBJ T° UB'' on X2 are used. ''UA'' and ''UB'' for two wire, all four for four wire. Compatible temperature sensors are [[wp>Thermistor|NTC]], PT100 and PT1000.

When doing 2-wire measuring, these two jumpers on the back of the PCB have to be connected using solder, otherwise the TEC can't measure correctly and outputs an error. When using 4-wire this isn't necessary.

{{:groups:mg:project_ptb-cavity:meerstetterplatine.jpg?400|}}

=== Sink Temperature ===

The Meerstetter can also monitor the temperature of itself. This is optional. The temperature sensor is connected to ''SINK T° A'' and ''SINK T° B'' on X2. For this an NTC is used.

==== Software ====

The newest version can be downloaded in the software section of the [[https://www.meerstetter.ch/de/products/tec-controllers/tec-1091|Official Website]]. Refer to the documentation given there to get started. If you want to look something up, refer to the {{ :groups:mg:tec-family_user_manual_5134ad.pdf |Manual}}
===== Further Options =====

==== Status LEDs ====

To add a status LED to the Meerstetter, you can follow this step-by-step guide:

  * connect its anode to any of the pins labelled "RES" using a resistor
  * connect its cathode to GND
  * connect the Meerstetter to your PC via a mini-USB B cable
  * connect a power supply
    * <color #ff0000>!!!</color> **ensure the Meerstetter is connected to a load, otherwise it might be damaged**
  * open the Meerstetter control software
  * make sure the Meerstetter is connected correctly and it says "ready" or "running" in the bottom left corner
  * type in "expert" at the bottom control panel and click the button labeled "login"
    * this makes the "Expert" tab show up at the top of the window
  * click on the tab labelled "Expert"
    * on the right side of the panel there are multiple selection fields labelled "RES1" to "RES8"
  * select the option you want to choose from the drop down menu corresponding to the pin the LED is connected to
    * <color #ff0000>!!!</color> Information on what these options exactly mean can be found on pages 47 and 48 of the {{ :groups:mg:tec-family_user_manual_5134ad.pdf | manual }}
  * write the settings to the Meerstetter using the button in the bottom right corner

==== Output Filter ====

As discussed as in this {{ :groups:mg:meerstetter_temperature_controller_-_mail_concerning_output_stabilisation.eml |Email}} from Klaus Zipfel to the Meerstetter engineering department, the output of the Meerstetter is not perfectly smooth. To stabilise the output current, this filter was designed.

{{:groups:mg:meerstetter_temperature_controller_-_output_stabilisation_filter.png?600|}}

The capacitors used were the big red foil capacitors by Wima with a capacitance of ca. 10µF. The choke is a [[wp>Choke_(electronics)#Common-mode_(CM)_chokes|common mode choke]] with multiple tens of mH.