Indepths
Details
Main Features
Both TPC-485 labelled with PT100 and TPC-485 labelled with LM 61 share the following characteristics:
- Dual input channels for flexible temperature monitoring:
- Option to measure two points of module temperature
- Alternatively, measure one module temperature and one ambient temperature
- RS-485 Modbus RTU output for reliable, long-distance signal transmission ( at least 600m)
- Robust design for outdoor use:
- IP67-rated coated grey aluminum casing
- Resin conformal coating for enhanced protection
- Wide operating temperature range .
- Shielded cable for improved signal integrity
- Compatibility with various monitoring systems (e.g., Smartlogger 3000, Sungrow Ermes, Higeco, Envolve)
- Fast response to temperature changes : < 5 seconds for increasing temperature; < 25 seconds for decreasing temperature
- Strong adhesion to surfaces with low surface tension (e.g., Tedlar)
- Measurement precision above the required standards of a PT100 class A sensor defined by the IEC 60751 standard
Note: Solar modules exposed to high temperature produce less power than same module at 25°C. Correct Performance Ratio (PR) calculation requires the correct formula. In Southern Europe, PV module temperatures can reach 85°C during the Summer; in those cases the losses of output power are lower of about 25%.
Soluzione Solare temperature sensor convertors are designed for outdoor use and rapid response to temperature variations (from several milliseconds to a few seconds) in order to guarantee precise Performance Ratio calculations.
Both converters are a good complement as where thermopile pyranometers are used; They do not have a socket for the module’s temperature sensors, so they are a perfect complement as resistive temperature sensor convertor for those who use a thermopile pyranometer.
TPC-485 labelled with PT100 Specific Features
- Compatible with any PT100 or PT1000 temperature sensor (2, 3, or 4-wire resolution)
- High-precision measurements:
- Overall precision: ± 0.2°C
- Precision of the T.sensor: Depending by the PTC. With TPC-485 labelled with PT100 prec.± 0.15ºC
- Dedicated 16-bit converter for enhanced accuracy
- Wider temperature measurement range:
- Measured value for sensor 1 & 2: -30 to +110 °C toll. ± o.2 °C
- Ideal for applications requiring high-precision temperature measurements
- With 2 reference points using precision reference resistances
TPC-485 labelled with LM 61 Specific Features
- Uses a proprietary silicon temperature sensor
- Moderate precision measurements:
- Overall precision: ± 2.2°C
- Precision of the T.sensor: ± 2.2ºC
- Measured value for sensor 1 & 2: -30 to +85 °C toll. ± 3 °C
- Factory calibrated using Texas Instruments precision sensors
Diagnostics
Blue – (Power Supply) – 3s Pulse
Red – (RS 485) – Pulsating when signal are transmitted from Master
Green – (RS 485) – Pulsating when signal are matching speed & parity

Available TPC-485

Main Features
- Sensor Type:
- TPC-485 labelled with PT100: Compatible with any PT100 or PT1000 sensor
- TPC-485 labelled with LM 61: Uses a proprietary silicon sensor
- Overall Precision:
- TPC-485 labelled with PT100: ± 0.2°C
- TPC-485 labelled with LM 61: ± 2.2°C
- Temperature Range:
- TPC-485 labelled with PT100: Wider range (-30°C to +110°C for Sensor 1)
- TPC-485 labelled with LM 61: -30°C to +85°C for both sensors
- Calibration:
- TPC-485 labelled with PT100: with 2 reference points using precision reference resistances
- TPC-485 labelled with LM 61: Each TPC is made by a T.I, Instrument sensor factory calibrated
Applications
The TPC-485 series is ideal for:
- Photovoltaic system performance monitoring
- Complementing thermopile pyranometers in solar energy installations
- Accurate temperature measurement in challenging outdoor environments
- Integration with various solar monitoring and data logging systems
- Precise Performance Ratio (P/R) calculations in photovoltaic systems
Choosing Between Models
- Select the TPC-485 labelled with PT100 for:
- Applications requiring high-precision measurements
- Compatibility with existing PT100 or PT1000 sensors
- Wider temperature range requirements
- Choose the TPC-485 labelled with LM 61 for:
- General-purpose temperature monitoring in photovoltaic systems
- Applications where moderate precision is sufficient
- Scenarios benefiting from factory calibrated sensors
Note on Identification
- Ensure correct connection as interchanging will result in non-functionality
Specifications
- Product Names: TPC-485 labelled with PT100 and TPC-485 labelled with LM 61 (Temperature Probe Converter-485)
- Output: RS-485, standard Modbus RTU protocol
- Signal Distance: At least 600 m
- Non-linearity: ≤ 0.3%
- Supply Voltage: 8 – 30 V, DC consumption < 0.06 A (protected against reverse polarity and overvoltage)
- Power Consumption(@ 12V): 0.1 W
- Encapsulation: Resin conformal coating
- Casing: IP67 – Coated grey Aluminium
- Precision of converter: 0.1° C
- Connectors:
- INPUT: M12 – 8 Pin FEMALE, M8-3 pin female
- OUTPUT: M8 - 4 Pin MALE
- Dimensions: 97 x 64 x 34 mm
- Operating Humidity: 0 to 95% RH
- Weight: 200 g
Possible combinations
This table outlines the various configurations and their corresponding applications, helping you quickly identify the best solution for your system.
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