Product Overview
PS/TC-1 Benchtop TEC Controller and Low-Noise Preamplifier Power Supply for Cooled Photodetectors
Condition
Single unit available. Used, in good physical condition with minor scuffs and scratches on the enclosure edges from normal use and storage - consistent with government research laboratory service. Tested to power up only: the unit powered on, the STATUS LED illuminated green, the red ON indicator lit, and the cooler current knob spins smoothly. Full functional verification of the TEC temperature control loop and preamplifier power output was not performed. S/N 89417-3. Sourced from a government research facility. No accessories included.
Carefully packed and shipped same business day from our Idaho warehouse. Online since 1999. Honest equipment and straightforward service.
No hassle resolution if there is an issue. Serving customers since 1999.
Product Overview
Electro-Optical Systems PS/TC-1 is a combined benchtop unit: a low-noise power supply for photodetector preamplifiers and a closed-loop thermoelectric cooler (TEC) controller. It delivers ±15V regulated output to a photoreceiver preamplifier while independently controlling the TEC cold-plate temperature via thermistor feedback. Temperature set point is continuously variable from room temperature down to approximately -60°C, with a stability specification of ±0.003°C. A front-panel analog D.C. AMPERES meter displays cooler current in real time. The unit operates from 100-240V AC and connects to the detector system via a rear-panel DB9 port. Black crinkle-finish enclosure, approximately 9 inches in length. Designed for Electro-Optical Systems photoreceivers requiring thermoelectric cooling and ±15V preamplifier power.
Key Features
- Combined function: low-noise preamplifier power supply and closed-loop TEC controller in a single benchtop unit
- Preamplifier output: ±15V and ground
- Temperature control stability: ±0.003°C
- Temperature set point: continuously variable, room temperature to approximately -60°C (dependent on TEC and heat sinking)
- Temperature feedback: thermistor mounted to cooler cold plate (thermistor required for TEC loop operation)
- Input voltage: 100-240V AC
- Rear panel: DB9 interface port, AC power cable attached
- Front panel: analog cooler current meter, temperature set-point knob, green STATUS LED, red ON indicator, toggle switch
- Enclosure: black crinkle-finish, approximately 9-inch length, hinged access panel, four rubber feet
- S/N 89417-3 confirmed on rear label
Applications
- Powering and temperature-stabilizing Electro-Optical Systems photoreceivers and TE-cooled detector modules
- Spectroscopy detector support - maintaining cold-plate stability during long measurement runs
- Optical measurement systems requiring low-noise ±15V preamplifier bias and active TEC control
- Laboratory instrument repair or replacement of a failed PS/TC-1 in an existing detector setup
- Research applications where detector dark current and noise floor depend on precise temperature regulation
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the extent of testing on this unit?
The unit was tested to power up only. It powered on, the STATUS LED illuminated green, the ON indicator lit, and the cooler current knob operates smoothly. Full functional testing of the TEC temperature control loop and the ±15V preamplifier output was not performed. Verify both functions against your system requirements before deploying in a critical application.
What detector systems is the PS/TC-1 designed to work with?
It is designed for Electro-Optical Systems photoreceivers and detector modules that use thermoelectric cooling and require ±15V preamplifier power. The TEC control loop requires a thermistor mounted on the cooler cold plate for temperature feedback. It is not suitable for detectors without thermoelectric cooling or for preamplifiers with different power requirements.
What interface does it use to connect to the detector?
A DB9 port is present on the rear panel, confirmed in photos. Specific pin-out and wiring details are not confirmed - verify against your detector module documentation before connecting.
What is included with the unit?
One PS/TC-1 unit with the attached AC power cable visible in photos. No detector, cables, documentation, or accessories are included.
Does the achievable temperature range depend on the detector itself?
Yes. The -60°C lower limit is dependent on the specific thermoelectric cooler used and the quality of heat sinking on the detector side. The PS/TC-1 provides the control signal and current; the actual cold-plate temperature achievable is a function of the external TEC and thermal management.
A photodetector running warm is a photodetector running loud - noise climbs with every degree above the design set point. The PS/TC-1 exists to hold that number still, so the signal you are trying to measure can finally be heard. If your experiment has been waiting on a stable cold plate, this is the piece that completes it.
