TPC-485 Series LED (Temperature Probe Converter) – Advanced Temperature Sensor Converter for Photovoltaic

Key Features

TPC-485 labelled with LM 61 Specific Features
  • Utilizes a proprietary silicon temperature sensor
  • Fast response to temperature changes (< 5 seconds for increasing, < 25 seconds for decreasing)
  • Strong adhesion to low surface tension materials like Tedlar
  • Factory calibrated using Texas Instruments precision sensors
TPC-485 labelled with PT100 Specific Features
  • Compatible with any PT100 or PT1000 temperature sensor (2, 3, or 4-wire resolution)
  • Dedicated 16-bit converter for enhanced accuracy
  • Ideal for applications requiring high-precision temperature measurements
  • Wider operating temperature range (-30°C to +110°C)

TPC-485 Series LED (Temperature Probe Converter) – Advanced Temperature Sensor Converter for Photovoltaic

Digital

 Output

The TPC-485 series (Temperature Probe Converter-485) consists of two advanced temperature sensor converters designed specifically for photovoltaic applications: the TPC-485 labelled with LM 61 and the TPC-485 labelled with PT100. Both models convert temperature sensor readings to RS-485 Modbus output, making them ideal complements to thermopile pyranometers in solar energy monitoring systems.

Key Features

TPC-485 labelled with LM 61 Specific Features
  • Utilizes a proprietary silicon temperature sensor
  • Fast response to temperature changes (< 5 seconds for increasing, < 25 seconds for decreasing)
  • Strong adhesion to low surface tension materials like Tedlar
  • Factory calibrated using Texas Instruments precision sensors
TPC-485 labelled with PT100 Specific Features
  • Compatible with any PT100 or PT1000 temperature sensor (2, 3, or 4-wire resolution)
  • Dedicated 16-bit converter for enhanced accuracy
  • Ideal for applications requiring high-precision temperature measurements
  • Wider operating temperature range (-30°C to +110°C)
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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.

Compatible Sensor Combinations

How it works: Pair this sensor with the devices listed below to create powerful measurement systems. Each combination provides specific output types and calculated values to meet your monitoring needs.

Associated Sensors
Output
Calculated Values
No combinations found

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