Thermoelectric cooler controller, thermal reference source and detector

Abstract

A thermoelectric cooler controller, a thermal reference source employing the controller, a thermal reference source, and a thermal calibration system. The controller controls the temperature of a thermoelectric cooler. The controller includes a temperature sensor coupled to the thermoelectric cooler that provides a temperature feedback signal. An error amplifier compares a temperature command (TEMP CMD) with a feedback signal and generates a positive polarity output current command signal (VCMD). A current driver is coupled to the error amplifier for providing an output current equal to one-half the current command signal. An H-bridge circuit is coupled between the current driver and the thermoelectric cooler for switching the direction of current flow in the thermoelectric cooler, thus heating and cooling it. A comparator is coupled to the error amplifier and the H-bridge circuit, for controlling the current supplied by the H-bridge circuit to the thermoelectric cooler. The thermal reference source comprises the thermoelectric cooler and the above-described controller. The detector system includes a detector, and the thermal reference source and controller. The thermal calibration system comprises the detector, the thermoelectric cooler for providing heat output to the detector, and the thermal reference source and controller.