Integrated Temperature Controllers for Peltier Modules

Active: In Production.

The MAX1978/MAX1979 are the smallest, safest, most accurate complete single-chip temperature controllers for Peltier thermoelectric cooler (TEC) modules. On-chip power FETs and thermal control-loop circuitry minimize external components while maintaining high efficiency. Selectable 500kHz/1MHz switching frequency and a unique ripple-cancellation scheme optimize component size and efficiency while reducing noise. Switching speeds of internal MOSFETs are optimized to reduce noise and EMI. An ultra-low-drift chopper amplifier maintains ±0.001°C temperature stability. Output current, rather than voltage, is directly controlled to eliminate current surges. Individual heating and cooling current and voltage limits provide the highest level of TEC protection.

The MAX1978 operates from a single supply and provides bipolar ±3A output by biasing the TEC between the outputs of two synchronous buck regulators. True bipolar operation controls temperature without "dead zones" or other nonlinearities at low load currents. The control system does not hunt when the set point is very close to the natural operating point, where only a small amount of heating or cooling is needed. An analog control signal precisely sets the TEC current. The MAX1979 provides unipolar output up to 6A.

A chopper-stabilized instrumentation amplifier and a high-precision integrator amplifier are supplied to create a proportional-integral (PI) or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. The instrumentation amplifier can interface to an external NTC or PTC thermistor, thermocouple, or semiconductor temperature sensor. Analog outputs are provided to monitor TEC temperature and current. In addition, separate overtemperature and undertemperature outputs indicate when the TEC temperature is out of range. An on-chip voltage reference provides bias for a thermistor bridge.

The MAX1978/MAX1979 are available in a low-profile 48-lead thin QFN-EP package and is specified over the -40°C to +85°C temperature range. The thermally enhanced QFN-EP package with exposed metal pad minimizes operating junction temperature. An evaluation kit is available to speed designs.

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