 What is a temperature controller?

A temperature controller is an instrument used to control temperature. The

temperature controller takes an input from a temperature sensor and has an
output that is connected to a control element, such as a heater or fan.

How do temperature controllers work?

To accurately control process temperature without extensive operator
involvement, a temperature control system relies upon a controller, which
accepts a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or RTD as input. It
then compares the actual temperature to the desired control temperature, or
setpoint, and provides an output to a control element.
The controller is one part of the entire control system, and the whole system
should be analysed in selecting the proper controller. The following items
should be considered when selecting a controller:
1. Type of input sensor (thermocouple, RTD) and temperature range
2. Type of output required (electromechanical relay, SSR, analogue output)
3. Control algorithm needed (on/off, proportional, PID)
4. Number and type of outputs (heat, cool, alarm, limit)
What are the different types of controllers and how do they work?
There are three basic types of controllers:
1) On-off
2) Proportional
3) PID
Depending upon the system to be controlled, the operator will be able to use
one type or another to control the process.
The IMO family of temperature controllers offers a compact front panel
arrangement that combines a digital display with a basic touch panel. The
controllers are ideal for industrial environments where the space occupied by
large control panels is seen as non-productive and expensive.
Bringing users significant cost savings, the controllers employ a
‘reduced’ front panel which provides real-time viewing, as well as the
ability to override communication with the control panel and make manual
adjustments locally.
The temperature controllers come in a range of standard DIN sizes, from 24
x 48mm (1/32 DIN) to 96 x 96mm (1/4 DIN). The range also includes a
unique blind controller which comes in a 22.5mm slim DIN rail casing with
dual 4-digit display.
The complete range has multi-selectable input, including a large range of
thermocouples, RTD's, current (4-20mA) and voltage (0-10V) inputs. PID
with auto tune, PD or on/off modes can be selected on all models and a
selection of outputs is available, such as Relay, Signal voltage, 4-20mA or 0-
10V DC. One alarm comes as standard on all models. The units have IP66
protection for the font covers and a wide operating voltage of 100-240VAC
or 24VAC/DC.
A second alarm option gives flexibility of control and the heater burnout
alarm option gives more protection to the controlling system. Other options
include Heat/Cool outputs, 2 Set point selection, RS485 communications
with Modbus or IMO protocol and Master/Slave capabilities.

DTP40 TP20 TP40 TP80

Dimensions 22.5x75x100 48x48x110 48x48x110 48x96x110
TC,RTD TC,RTD TC,RTD TC,RTD
Sensor
selectable selectable selectable selectable
Type
mA/Volt mA/Volt mA/Volt mA/Volt
On/Off PD, PID On/Off PD, PID On/Off PD, PID On/Off PD, PID
Control or PID with or PID with or PID with or PID with
Action selectable auto-selectable selectable selectable
tuning auto-tuning auto-tuning auto-tuning
85-264VAC 85-264VAC 85-264VAC
85-264VAC
Supply 50/60Hz 50/60Hz 50/60Hz
50/60Hz 24VDC
Voltage 24VDC 24VAC 24VDC 24VAC 24VDC 24VAC
24VAC 50/60Hz
50/60Hz 50/60Hz 50/60Hz
Accuracy 0.2%+-1 digit 0.2%+-1 digit 0.2%+-1 digit 0.2%+-1 digit

TP90 PC300 PC900 DT170

Dimensions 96x96x110 96x96x110 96x96x110 48x96x110
Sensor TC,RTD TC,RTD TC,RTD TC,RTD
 Type selectable selectable selectable selectable
mA/Volt mA/Volt mA/Volt mA/Volt
On/Off PD, PID On/Off PD, PID
On/Off PD,
or PID with or PID with
PID or PID
Control selectable auto- selectable auto- Programmable
with
Action tuning or tuning or display
selectable
adaptive fuzzy adaptive fuzzy
auto-tuning
logic logic
85-264VAC
85-264VAC 85-264VAC 85-264VAC
Supply 50/60Hz
50/60Hz 24VDC 50/60Hz 24VDC 50/60Hz 24VDC
Voltage 24VDC 24VAC
24VAC 50/60Hz 24VAC 50/60Hz 24VAC 50/60Hz
50/60Hz
Accuracy 0.2%+-1 digit 0.2%+-1 digit 0.2%+-1 digit 0.2%+-1 digit
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