Driving TECs in regulating the object's temperature
The TEC5V4A-D is an electronic module designed for driving TECs (Thermo-Electric Coolers) with high stability in regulating the object temperature, high energy efficiency, zero EMI, and small package.
It provides these functions: thermistor T-R curve linearization, temperature measurement and monitoring, temperature control loop status indication, TEC voltage monitoring, power up delay, and shut down.
The TEC5V4A-D comes with a high stability low noise 3.0V voltage reference which can be used for setting the desired object's temperature by using a POT (Potentiometer) or a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter). When using this reference for setting the set-point temperature, the set-point temperature error is independent of this reference voltage.
Suffix Definition:
-D: For example: TEC5V4A-D. The controller comes with DIP package.
A: For example: TEC5V4A-DA. TEMP=On @ SDNG=0.
H: For example: TEC5V4A-DAH. Maximum|VTEMP − VTEMPSP| is ≤ 0.5mV.
At a Glance
≥ 90%
Efficiency
4 A
Max Current
0.01°C
Stability
Zero
EMI
5 V
Input
Key Specifications
Power Supply Voltage (VPS)
4.75V to 6V (specify 5V when ordering)
Maximum Output Current
4 A
Maximum Output Voltage Across TEC
±(VPS − 0.2V)
Power Conversion Efficiency
≥ 90%
Temperature Control Stability
0.01°C
Reference Voltage Output
3.0V, high stability, low noise
Thermistor Input
10kΩ @ 25°C, built-in T-R linearization
Output Architecture
TECNEG: Linear; TECPOS: Filtered PWM
EMI
Zero EMI (metal-case shielded)
Set-Point Temperature Range (default)
15°C to 35°C via TEMPSP pin (0V – 3V)
Setpoint Accuracy |VTEMP − VTEMPSP|
≤ 5mV (-D), ≤ 2mV (-DA), ≤ 0.5mV (-DAH)
Built-in Functions
T-R linearization, temperature monitoring, loop status indication, TEC voltage monitoring, power-up delay, shutdown
Package
DIP, compact metal enclosure
Compliance
100% Lead (Pb)-free, RoHS compliant
Typical Applications
The TEC5V4A-D is widely deployed wherever compact size, low noise, and ±0.01°C stability are required:
Automated test equipment thermal control for device characterization
Battery Testing
Thermal characterization and aging chambers
OCXO Stabilization
Oven-controlled crystal oscillator temperature regulation
Industrial Process Control
Systems requiring tight ±0.01°C closed-loop stability
Why Choose the TEC5V4A-D?
Compared with generic switch-mode TEC drivers, the TEC5V4A-D combines a linear TECNEG output with a filtered PWM TECPOS output to achieve both ≥90% efficiency and zero conducted/radiated EMI. The metal-case enclosure further shields surrounding sensitive analog circuitry — critical for low-noise laser and detector applications where switching noise from typical H-bridge TEC drivers can degrade SNR. The built-in 10kΩ thermistor linearization network produces a near-linear VTEMP output across the 15°C to 35°C operating range, simplifying closed-loop control design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the TEC5V4A-D, TEC5V4A-DA, and TEC5V4A-DAH?
All three share identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The only difference is setpoint accuracy, defined as the maximum value of |VTEMP − VTEMPSP|: 5mV for -D (standard), 2mV for -DA (high accuracy), and 0.5mV for -DAH (premium ultra-high accuracy).
What are the input voltage and maximum output ratings?
The recommended power supply VPS is 5V (acceptable range 4.75V to 6V; specify 5V when ordering). The maximum output current is 4A and the maximum output voltage across the TEC is approximately ±(VPS − 0.2V), i.e., about ±4.8V when VPS = 5V.
Why is the efficiency higher than a standard linear TEC driver?
The TEC5V4A-D uses a hybrid output stage: a linear amplifier on the TECNEG side and a filtered PWM stage on the TECPOS side. The PWM stage delivers the bulk of the power with switch-mode efficiency, while the linear side handles fine current regulation. The output filter removes switching ripple before it reaches the TEC, so the controller retains the low-EMI behavior of a linear driver while achieving ≥90% efficiency.
Is an evaluation board available?
Yes. The TECEV104 evaluation board is the recommended quick-start platform for the TEC5V4A-D. It provides a complete application circuit with on-board potentiometers for output voltage limit and set-point temperature, a tunable compensation network, status LED, and connection pads for external instruments. TECEV104 is also compatible with the TECA1 series and TEC5V6A-D controllers.
