PTC1 In Stock

The PTC1 from ThorLabs is an advanced temperature-controlled breadboard designed to provide precise thermal management in a compact package. Based on thermoelectric elements (TECs) and active-air cooling, the PTC1 allows users to maintain a specific temperature within a selected range.

Equipped with a TEC, controller, thermistor, centrifugal fan, and heat sink, the PTC1 offers maximum heat pump capability of 18 W at a 25 °C ambient temperature. It supports bi-polar operation, which means it can function as either a cold plate or a hot plate. The temperature can be set between 15 °C and 45 °C using the front panel controls, or between 5 °C and 45 °C using the software GUI when the unit is connected to a PC via the included USB cable. The PTC1 also allows users to set the temperature stabilization window and adjust the PID settings of the device for more precise control.

The PTC1 comes with a Mini-Series breadboard that features a high-density array of 8-32 (M4) and 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes, suitable for both standard and Mini-Series components. It also has an internal thermistor sensor and an external sensor port compatible with a temperature probe, allowing users to achieve more precise temperature control when connected to the 2.5 mm stereo jack on the front panel. This feature allows users to place the temperature sensor at a specific location within the system, rather than measuring the temperature underneath the breadboard surface.

The PTC1 has a top surface with twenty 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and forty-three 8-32 (M4) tapped holes, with the 1/4"-20 (M6) holes on 1" (25 mm) centers and the 8-32 (M4) holes on 1/2" (12.5 mm) centers. The bottom of the unit includes four rubber feet, as well as four 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes for securing the unit to an optical table using Ø1" posts, Ø1.5" posts, or other optomechanical components. The PTC1 also features eleven 8-32 (M4) tapped holes along the sides, allowing the unit to be mounted to a table with the breadboard surface in a vertical orientation. With its robust construction, high-density array of tapped holes, and compatibility with temperature probes, the PTC1 is an essential tool for any laboratory or workspace where precise temperature control is required.