Question
Can I use an MPT to control a resistive heater?
Answer
Yes, the MPT Series Temperature Controllers, as well as all the other Wavelength Electronics temperature controllers can be used to control thermoelectric coolers (TECs or Peltier devices) or resistive heaters.
All necessary instructions for controlling TECs and resistive heaters are provided in the MPT Series Temperature Controller data sheet. The MPT Series Temperature Controllers may be used with a supply voltage of up to 30 Volts in order to achieve the higher compliance voltage requirements often associated with using resistive heaters.
As with all temperature control applications, always check the Safe Operating Area (SOA) plot for the proposed configuration. The online SOA calculator tool for temperature controllers is available at: http://www.teamwavelength.com/support/design-tools/soa-tc-calculator/. This tool will allow you to always make sure that the internal power dissipation rating of the temperature controller will not be exceeded in a specific configuration.