Thermocouple Input Device offers 8 bits of digital I/O.

Measurement Computing Corp. Apr 27, 2005

Press Release Summary:

USB-based Model USB-TC provides 8 temperature inputs, 500 V isolation, and built-in ambient temperature sensing. Unit supports all common thermocouples and performs all linearization and cold-junction compensation. Internal measurement electronics accuracy exceeds temperature sensor accuracy, minimizing system error. Device includes TracerDAQ stripchart recorder/data logger software as well as SoftWIRE graphical programming interface for Visual Studio .NET.

Original Press Release:

8-channel, USB-based Thermocouple Input Device for $299

MIDDLEBORO, Mass.-April 5, 2005-Measurement Computing Corporation today announced the USB-TC, a new, low-cost Measurement Advantage brand thermocouple input device. The USB-TC provides eight temperature inputs, 8 bits of digital I/O, 500 V of isolation, and built-in ambient temperature sensing, for only $299 (single piece price), or $37 per input channel. An unprecedented value in TC temperature measurement, the USB-TC demonstrates MCC's commitment to offering low-cost USB devices that meet engineers' basic measurement needs.

The USB-TC's combination of competitive performance, superior ease-of-use, and lowest cost make it the perfect alternative to the thermocouple-based temperature measurement products available on the market. Also, unlike many thermocouple solutions, the USB-TC is more accurate than the thermocouples connected to it. This minimizes system error and is a great benefit when measurement accuracy is a priority.

The TC Temperature Measurement Solutions Comparison Chart (mccdaq.com/tc-compare and attached image) illustrates how the USB-TC's price and performance compare to other products. For example, two USB-TCs provide the same functionality as the PCI-based solution from MCC featuring a 16-channel board, screw terminal enclosure, and shielded cable, but would cost $247 (29%) less. Compared to NI's USB-based thermocouple product (USB-9211), the USB-TC offers twice the number of channels, but costs 24% less.

In addition to the features mentioned above, the USB-TC:
o Supports all of the common thermocouples (J, K, R, S, T, N, E, B)
o Performs all linearization and cold-junction compensation
o Has internal measurement electronics accuracy that exceeds the accuracy specifications of the temperature sensors, guaranteeing the recording of the most accurate data possible.
o Has a very small footprint (5.0 inches wide, by 3.4 inches long, by 1.4 inch high)
o Has screw terminals for easy field wiring
o Is compatible with USB 1.1 as well as USB 2.0

Free software is provided in a variety of forms, one of which will be ideal for any application. All units include TracerDAQ, Measurement Computing's powerful stripchart recorder, and data logger software application. Also included is SoftWIRE, the popular graphical programming interface for Visual Studio .NET.

All Measurement Advantage products also include Measurement Computing's Universal Library. The Universal Library is a powerful language interface, allowing users to write programs in all of the popular programming languages using easy-to-understand, high-level command syntax. The USB-family also includes drivers for most popular data acquisition application packages including LabVIEW.

Measurement Computing Corporation is a market leader in the design and manufacture of computer-based test and measurement hardware and software. These products include analog and digital I/O boards, serial and GPIB interfaces for the USB, PCI, ISA, cPCI, PCMCIA and PC/104 buses, as well as RS-232/485 serial interfaces. The privately owned company, founded in 1989, has more than 70 employees and markets its products worldwide through direct sales, a distribution network, and the worldwide web. Visit www.mccdaq.com for more information.

Product Price Status
USB-TC $299 Shipping from stock