Product Review

Thermocouples are very sensitive, requiring a good amplifier with a cold-compensation reference. We have a couple digital thermocouple amplifiers in the shop already from Maxim. Now we're happy to introduce an excellent analog-output amplifier. This is a very simple sensor to use, and if your microcontroller has analog input capability, you'll be ready to go really fast!

The AD8495 K-type thermocouple amplifier from Analog Devices is so easy to use, we documented the whole thing on the back of the tiny PCB. Power the board with 3-18VDC and measure the output voltage on the OUT pin. You can easily convert the voltage to temperature with the following equation: Temperature = (Vout - 1.25) / 0.005 V. So for example, if the voltage is 1.5VDC, the temperature is (1.5 - 1.25) / 0.005 = 50°C

Each order comes with a 2 pin terminal block (for connecting to the thermocouple), a fully assembled PCB with the AD8495 + TLVH431 1.25V precision voltage reference, and pin header (to plug into any breadboard or perfboard). Goes great with our 1m K-type thermocouple (not included) . Not for use with any other kind of thermocouple, K type only!

• Works with any K type thermocouple
• Will not work with any other kind of thermocouple other than K type
• Easy to use analog output
• Temp range with 5V power: -250°C to +750°C output (0 to 5VDC) as long as the thermocouple can handle that range
• Temp range with 3.3V power: -250°C to +410°C output (0 to 3.3VDC) as long as the thermocouple can handle that range