SparkFun
SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout - MAX31855K
The SparkFun MAX31855K Thermocouple Breakout is a simple 14-bit resolution, SPI-compatible, serial interface thermocouple digitizer that makes reading a w...
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The SparkFun MAX31855K Thermocouple Breakout is a simple 14-bit resolution, SPI-compatible, serial interface thermocouple digitizer that makes reading a wide range of temperatures possible. A thermocouple works by taking two wires made of dissimilar metals, connecting them at the two ends, and making a temperature gradient between one end and the other (a ‘hot’ end and a ‘cold’ one). Once this is achieved, a voltage potential is formed and current flows. The SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout takes a standard Type-K thermocouple in one end, digitizes the temperature measured and sends that data out the other end via a SPI interface, thereby interpreting the data and translating it for you to read!
With the SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout, the thermocouple’s hot junction can be read from -200°C to +700°C with an accuracy of ±2°C while the cold junction, inside the MAX31855K, can only range from -20°C to +85°C while maintaining ±2°C accuracy. The MAX31855K constantly measures the temperature of the cold junction using an internal temperature-sensing diode. The MAX31855K requires a power source from +3.0V to +3.6V (+3.0V nominal) and only draws 1.5mA maximum.
The Thermocouple Breakout is designed to accept a standard thermocouple connector, for convenience and compatibility with probes you may already own. These connectors aren’t necessary, and you could solder a thermocouple directly into the through-holes labeled ‘+’ and ‘-’. If you decide to solder the thermocouple directly to the breakout board, it is recommended that the thermocouple be mounted for strain relief to avoid breaking the thin wires. Notches for a zip-tie or wire wrapping have been provided in the PCB opposite the header for this purpose.
Features:
- 14-bit Resolution
- SPI-Compatible, Serial Interface
- -200°C to +700°C Temperature Reading with ±2°C Accuracy
- 3.0V to 3.6V (+3.0V nominal) Required
- Accepts Type-K Thermocouple
Documents:
- Schematic
- Eagle Files
- Hookup Guide
- Datasheet (MAX31855K)
- GitHub (Design Files)
- GitHub (Library & Example Code)
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.
- SPI
- A fast serial communication bus often used for displays, memory cards, and sensors. It matters because SPI devices need specific pins for clock and data, plus a separate chip-select line for each device.
- 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.
Find this product in
Brands
SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout Schematic
Schematic · 126.0 KB · Click any page to view full size
MAX31855K Datasheet
Datasheet · 991.9 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 739.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Source Code
Open-source libraries, firmware & example projects for this product
The MAX31855K performs cold-junction compensation and digitizes the signal from a K-type thermocouple. The data is output in a signed 14-bit, SPI-compatible, read-only format. This converter resolves temperatures to 0.25°C, allows readings as high as +1800°C and as low as -270°C, and exhibits thermocouple accuracy of ±2°C for temperatures ranging from -200°C to +700°C.
f8cb936
over 4 years ago
· 24 commits
- Hardware Repanelize for route outs. over 4 years ago
- Libraries Added Libraries/README.md about 11 years ago
- .gitattributes Added attributes and license files about 11 years ago
- .gitignore First commit over 11 years ago
- LICENSE.md Added attributes and license files about 11 years ago
- README.md Removed Fritzing about 11 years ago
K type thermocouple digitizer board. The MAX31855K performs cold-junction compensation and digitizes the signal from a K-type thermocouple.
e3692cc
almost 3 years ago
· 21 commits
- .github Creating add issue to project file almost 3 years ago
- examples Made error and warning serial messages optional in library almost 11 years ago
- src allow cs pin change on the fly over 7 years ago
- .gitattributes Initial commit about 11 years ago
- .gitignore Initial commit about 11 years ago
- keywords.txt Initial commit about 11 years ago
- library.properties Lib ver roll over 7 years ago
- LICENSE.md Added license headers and updated README about 11 years ago
- README.md Hopefully finished README about 11 years ago
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
