More about the Model 350
Application versatility
Designed to support a broad range of sensor types, the Model 350 is performance-optimized for use over the entire temperature range of Cernox® sensors, making it the instrument of choice for ULT environments as well as other cryogenic systems where errors due to magneto-resistive or radiation effects need to be minimized.
4 standard sensor input channels
The Model 350 comes with four standard sensor inputs supporting Cernox®, ruthenium oxide, platinum RTDs, and other NTC RTD sensors. Inputs can be configured to accept any of the supported input types. Each sensor input channel has its own current source, providing fast settling times. The four sensor inputs are optically isolated from other circuits to reduce noise and to provide repeatable sensor measurements. Current reversal eliminates thermal electromotive force (EMF) errors in resistance sensors. Nine excitation currents facilitate temperature measurement and control down to 100 mK, with the nominal temperature range (using Cernox® sensors) spanning to 420 K. The instrument automatically selects the optimal current and gain levels for you once the sensor type is selected, and automatically scales current to minimize self-heating effects at low temperatures. The patented input circuitry eliminates any errors associated with grounding inconsistencies, making it easier to achieve reliable measurements at ultra-low temperatures. With the ability to label each sensor input channel with a customized name, it’s also easy to identify the measured values being displayed.
3 option cards for more inputs and a wider range of applications
Field installable input option cards can expand your sensor selection to include silicon diodes (like DT-670), capacitance sensors or thermocouples. Once installed, the option input can be selected and named from the front panel like any other input type. These option cards further expand the application versatility of the Model 350 temperature controller by allowing specialized sensors to be switched in and out to achieve specific measurement objectives. For example, addition of the thermocouple input option enables continuous measurement to 1000 K and above. Alternatively, the capacitance sensor option card enables a magnetics-impervious capacitance temperature sensor to be temporarily switched in for elimination of magneto-resistive effects while taking low temperature sample measurements under high or changing fields. Diode sensor support is provided by the 4-channel expansion card, which also enables use of additional Cernox® sensors for supplemental monitoring.
4 PID controlled outputs
For convenient integration into a wide range of systems, the Model 350 offers four PID-controlled outputs. Variable DC current source outputs include a 75 W output for direct control of the typical main warm-up heater, and a 1 W output for fine control of the sample heater. Two additional 1 W variable DC voltage source outputs can be used to power auxiliary devices like a still heater in a dilution refrigerator, or to control a magnet power supply driving an ADR. The ability to dynamically select an input to associate with the controlled output provides additional flexibility in setting up the control scheme.
Precision temperature control
The Model 350 calculates the precise control output based on your temperature setpoint and feedback from the control sensor. You can manually set the PID values for fine control, or the temperature control loop autotuning feature can automate the tuning process for you. The setpoint ramp feature provides smooth, continuous setpoint changes and predictable setpoint approaches without the worry of overshoot or excessive settling times. When combined with the zone setting feature, which enables automatic switching of sensor inputs and scales current excitation through ten different preloaded temperature zones, the Model 350 provides continuous measurement and control over the entire temperature range required.
Simple and increased productivity
With remote control and automated features, the Model 350 will simplify your temperature control processes and increase your productivity in the laboratory.
3 interfaces for remote control
The Model 350 temperature controller includes Ethernet, USB, and IEEE-488 interfaces. In addition to gathering data, nearly every function of the instrument can be controlled through a computer interface. Ethernet provides the ability to access and monitor instrument activities via the internet from anywhere in the world, allowing distributed sharing of the controller and the controlled system. You can download the Lake Shore curve handler software to your computer to easily enter and manipulate sensor calibration curves for storage in the instrument’s non-volatile flash memory.
Simple automation
Each sensor input has a high and low alarm that offer latching and non-latching operation. The two relays can be used in conjunction with the alarms to alert you of a fault condition and perform simple on/off control. Relays can be assigned to any alarm or operated manually. Choosing appropriate PID control settings for a closed loop system can be tedious, but the Model 350 provides the temperature control loop autotuning feature to simplify the process. It’s an automated process that measures system characteristics and computes setting values for P, I, and D for you. Once PID tuning parameters are chosen for a given setpoint, the zone tuning feature automatically switches sensor inputs for new setpoints, enabling you to control temperatures from 100 mK to over 1000 K without interrupting your experiment.
Performance you can count on
As with all Lake Shore products, the Model 350 product specifications are documented and verifiable in keeping with Lake Shore’s tradition of performance assurance even at application extremes. The product is supported by a 3-year standard warranty, our confirmation of quality and commitment for the long term. Choosing the Model 350 for your ultra-low temperature application means you’ll have the ultimate confidence in meeting your integration, measurement and control needs, now and into the future.
Configurable display
The Model 350 offers a bright, graphic liquid crystal display with an LED backlight that simultaneously displays up to eight readings. You can show all four loops, all inputs, or If you need to monitor one input, you can display just that one in greater detail. Or you can custom configure each display location to suit your experiment. Data from any input can be assigned to any of the locations, and your choice of temperature or sensor units can be displayed. For added convenience, you can also custom label each sensor input, eliminating the guesswork in remembering or determining the location to which a sensor input is associated.
Four input/output display with labels
Standard display option featuring all four inputs and associated outputs.
Two input/output display with labels
Reading locations can be user configured to meet application needs. Here, the input name is shown above each measurement reading along with the designated input letter.
Intuitive menu structure
Logical navigation allows you to spend more time on research and less time on setup.
Use additional input types with option cards
The field installable input option cards add additional input types. The Model 3060 adds thermocouple capability. The Model 3061 adds capacitance sensor inputs. The Model 3062 adds 4 Cernox®/diode inputs. While the option cards can be easily removed, it is not necessary as the standard inputs remain functional when the options are not being used.
