Data Dolphin Tech Note

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Connecting a Type T Thermocouple to the DD-128

Introduction
Thermocouples are temperature sensors whose operation is based on the principle that when two
dissimilar metals are joined a predictable voltage will be generated that relates to the difference in
temperature between the measuring junction and the reference junction (connection to the measuring
device). This tech-note details the wiring and input configuration necessary to connect a type T
thermocouple to a precision input of the DD-128. A type T thermocouple is a copper-constantan
thermocouple accurate from -200° C to 350° C (-330° F to 660° F).

Wiring
Connect the cold junction compensation thermistor and thermocouple to the DD-128’s screw terminals as
shown in Figure 1 on the next page. Note that the cold junction compensation thermistor, usually a 5kΩ
semiconductor thermistor with a 10 kΩ precision resistor, must be connected to precision input 11. Once
this connection is made, the other seven precision inputs (inputs 12 – 18) can be used as thermocouple
inputs.

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Figure 1: Cold junction compensation thermistor and

thermocouple wiring connections to the DD-128

Configuring the DD-128 Precision Input for a Thermocouple

Once you have correctly connected the cold junction compensation thermistor and thermocouple to the
DD-128’s screw terminals, you will want to configure the precision inputs of the DD-128 for these devices.
Complete the following steps to configure the precision inputs of the DD-128 with the Data Dolphin
software:

1. Load the Data Dolphin software on your desktop or laptop PC and connect to the DD-128 with a
direct, on-site or wireless connection (see Data Dolphin user manual, Data Dolphin software
manual).
2. Click on the Setup button on the Data Dolphin toolbar to load the Dolphin Setup window.
3. Click on the Precision Inputs tab.
4. Now load the controls of the Precision Inputs tab with the DD-128’s current input settings. To do
this, click on the Load From Dolphin button in the lower left hand corner of the Setup window.

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5. Enable precision input 11 if it has not already been done so by clicking the “Input 11 On” checkbox.
Configure precision input 11 for the cold junction compensation thermistor by choosing the 5K
thermistor selection in the scaling selection box. Note that there is a separate selection for Celsius
and Fahrenheit for the 5kΩ thermistor. Enter a rate of 1.88Hz and a terminating resistance of
10000 ohms. Figure 2 shows Input 11 correctly configured for the cold junction compensation
thermistor.
6. Next, configure the input to which the thermocouple is attached. Enable the input first by clicking
on the “Input ## On” checkbox. Select “Thermocouple T - °C, CJ on Inp11” in the Scaling control
to configure the input to correctly read temperature on the thermocouple. A separate selection is
available under Scaling for thermocouple temperature measurement in degrees Fahrenheit.
Appropriately name the input (eg. Thermo 1). Figure 2 shows Input 12 correctly configured for the
type T thermocouple.
7. Repeat step 6 for each of the precision inputs to which a thermocouple is attached.
8. Click the apply button to program the new settings into the DD-128.
9. To verify that the DD-128 is indeed reading from the thermocouples correctly, apply a known
temperature to the thermocouple(s), and click on the Status button on the Data Dolphin toolbar to
open the Status window. The temperature displayed for the thermocouple(s) should equal the
applied temperature. A standard type T thermocouple is accurate to within ±1.0°C.

Figure 2: Precision input configuration settings in the Data Dolphin software

Optimum Instruments Inc. makes no warranty for the use of its products, other than those expressly contained in the Company’s standard
warranty. The Company assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change devices or
specifications detailed herein at any time without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein. No
licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Optimum are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Optimum products,
expressly or by implication. Optimum’s products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems.

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