Adafruit MCP9601 (MCP96L01) I2C Thermocouple Amplifier

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

3.3V regulator

A 3.3V regulator is a power circuit that provides a steady 3.3 volts for parts that need that supply voltage. On a breakout board, it can let the sensor run safely even when the connected microcontroller or power source uses a higher voltage.

ADC

An analogue-to-digital converter reads a changing voltage and turns it into a number the microcontroller can use. It matters when connecting analogue sensors such as light, sound, or variable-resistor sensors.

breakout

A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.

Cold-junction compensation

Cold-junction compensation corrects for the temperature at the point where a thermocouple connects to the electronics. It matters because thermocouples measure temperature differences, so this correction is needed for more accurate real-world temperature readings.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

K-Type

K-Type refers to a common thermocouple probe type made from specific metal alloys and suited to very high temperature measurement. It matters because the amplifier and the probe type must match; a K-Type amplifier is intended for K-Type thermocouples, not every thermocouple style.

Qwiic

Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.

STEMMA

A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.

STEMMA QT

A small plug-in connector system for I2C boards that lets you connect compatible sensors and controllers without soldering. It matters because it can make wiring faster and less error-prone, especially when adding several small modules to a project.

Terminal block

A connector used to join wires together in a neat, removable, or serviceable way. For this product, it helps split one power input into several outputs without soldering.

Thermocouple

A temperature sensor made from two different metals that produces a very small voltage depending on temperature. Because the signal is tiny, it usually needs careful amplification and accurate measurement hardware.

Tolerance

Tolerance tells you how far the real resistance value may be from the printed value. A 1% resistor is useful when a circuit needs more predictable behaviour than a looser 5% or 10% part.