Driving TECs (Peltier coolers) to precisely regulate object temperature.
Regulates object temperature by both cooling and heating through a TEC (Peltier); can also drive a resistive heater.
Suitable for temperature control in vacuum environments.
For wave-locker controllers or other custom configurations, please contact us.
Overview
The TEC5V6A-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 a compact package.
The module is housed in a 6-sided metal enclosure that shields electromagnetic interference, preventing the controller and surrounding electronics from interfering with each other. It can also be used in a vacuum environment.
Built-in functions: thermistor T-R curve linearization, temperature measurement and monitoring, temperature control loop status indication, TEC voltage monitoring, power-up delay, and shutdown.
A high stability, low noise 3.0V reference is provided on-board for setting the desired object temperature using a POT (potentiometer) or a DAC. When this reference is used to set the setpoint, the setpoint temperature error is independent of the reference voltage.
At a Glance
≥ 90%
Efficiency
6 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
6 A
Maximum Output Voltage Across TEC
±(VPS − 0.3V) — approximately ±4.7V at VPS = 5V
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
Minimum TEC Impedance
> 1 Ω (VMAX / IMAX)
EMI
Zero EMI (6-sided metal-case enclosure, vacuum-compatible)
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 & Dimensions
DIP, 25.4 × 19.9 × 8.8 mm
Compliance
100% Lead (Pb)-free, RoHS compliant
Assembly note: this module must be hand-soldered with an iron at < 310°C (590°F); it cannot go through a reflow-oven process.
Typical Applications
The TEC5V6A-D is widely deployed wherever 6A drive capability, compact size, low noise, and ±0.01°C stability are required:
Automated test equipment thermal control for device characterization
Vacuum Environments
Sealed metal enclosure allows operation inside vacuum chambers
OCXO Stabilization
Oven-controlled crystal oscillator temperature regulation
Resistive Heater Drive
Can drive resistive heaters in addition to bipolar TEC loads
Why Choose the TEC5V6A-D?
Compared with generic switch-mode TEC drivers, the TEC5V6A-D combines a linear TECNEG output with a filtered PWM TECPOS output to achieve both ≥90% efficiency and zero conducted/radiated EMI. The 6-sided metal enclosure further shields surrounding sensitive analog circuitry and makes the module vacuum-compatible — a hard-to-find combination for precision laser, detector, and spectroscopy applications. The built-in 10kΩ thermistor linearization network produces a near-linear VTEMP output across the default 15°C to 35°C set-point range, simplifying closed-loop control design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the TEC5V6A-D, TEC5V6A-DA, and TEC5V6A-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 6A and the maximum output voltage across the TEC is approximately ±(VPS − 0.3V), i.e., about ±4.7V when VPS = 5V.
Why is the efficiency higher than a standard linear TEC driver?
The TEC5V6A-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 TEC5V6A-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 TEC5V4A-D controllers.
Suffix Definition
-D — example: TEC5V6A-D. The controller comes with a DIP package.
A — example: TEC5V6A-DA. Maximum |VTEMP − VTEMPSP| ≤ 2mV.
H — example: TEC5V6A-DAH. Maximum |VTEMP − VTEMPSP| ≤ 0.5mV.
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