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Isotech milliK User Maintenance Manual/Handbook

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User Maintenance Manual/Handbook
Issue 3.02
Software version 3.0.0+
Firmware version 3.0.34+
Isothermal Technology Limited, Pine Grove, Southport, PR9 9AG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1704 543830 Fax: +44 (0)1704 544799 Internet: www.isotech.co.uk
E-mail: info@isotech.co.uk
The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate. Equally, because of the
programme of continual development and improvement we reserve the right to amend or alter characteristics and design
without prior notice. This publication is for information only.

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  • Page 1 Firmware version 3.0.34+ Isothermal Technology Limited, Pine Grove, Southport, PR9 9AG, England Tel: +44 (0)1704 543830 Fax: +44 (0)1704 544799 Internet: www.isotech.co.uk E-mail: info@isotech.co.uk The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate. Equally, because of the programme of continual development and improvement we reserve the right to amend or alter characteristics and design without prior notice.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Using 3 or 4 Wire Measurement ............... 22 Using a Thermistor with milliK .................. 24 3.2.1 Configuring milliK to Measure Temperature with a Thermistor ....... 25 Using a Thermocouple with milliK ................26 3.3.1 Using Internal Reference Junction Compensation ..........27 3.3.2...
  • Page 3 Connecting Thermometers to milliK ................54 Connecting PRTs/SPRTs to milliK ................54 Connecting Thermistors to milliK ................55 Connecting Thermocouples to milliK ............... 56 Connecting 4-20mA Transmitters to milliK .............. 57 Calibration ........................58 Standards Required for Calibration ................59 5.1.1 Making a 4-Terminal Short-Circuit ..............
  • Page 4 8.6.48 Command PROBe:MINimum<probe#> ............111 8.6.49 Command PROBe:MINimum<probe#>? ............. 111 8.6.50 Command PROBe:MAXimum<probe#> ............. 112 8.6.51 Command PROBe:MAXimum<probe#>? ............ 112 8.6.52 Command PROBe:WIRes<probe#> ............. 112 8.6.53 Command PROBe:WIRes<probe#>? ............112 ©Isothermal Technology Page 4 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...
  • Page 5 8.6.81 Command CALibrate:VALid? ................122 Specification ........................123 10 Approvals ........................126 10.1 CE Declaration ....................126 10.2 FCC Statement ....................126 10.3 Standards Applied ....................127 11 Revision History ......................127 ©Isothermal Technology Page 5 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    (USB, RS232, ethernet) allows the user to access the comprehensive features of the milliK. A USB keyboard and mouse can be plugged into the milliK to make control and data entry with the milliK as simple as using a laptop PC.
  • Page 7 The milliK is likely to be connected to thermometer sensors in use and the user should take care to ensure that the complete system is safe. For example, metal sheathed thermometers may be connected to the milliK and then placed in a furnace powered from a 230V electrical supply.
  • Page 8 UL60950-1, 2 Edition: 2007-03-27 CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-07, 2 Edition: 2007-03 EN 60950-1: 2006 including A11 BS EN60950-1: 2006 AS/NZS60950-1: 2003 including amendments 1, 2 and 3 ©Isothermal Technology Page 8 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 9: Getting Started

    The plug head can easily be changed by pressing the head release button on the connector head and sliding it off of the power supply body: ©Isothermal Technology Page 9 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...
  • Page 10 Plug the DC connector from the power supply into the “DC Power” socket on the rear of the milliK. Press the on/off button on the front panel to turn on your milliK. The milliK will load the operating system and software (25s) and then restore itself to the settings used when it was de-powered.

  • Page 11: A Quick Tour Of Your Millik

    On the front of your milliK you will find two sets of connectors (Lemo 6-pin circular connectors for SPRTs/PRTs/thermistors and miniature thermocouple connectors) for channels 1 and 2. On the rear of your milliK you will find the 4mm sockets for channel 3 (used exclusively for 4-20mA transmitters).
  • Page 12 You can also connect a keyboard and/or mouse to the USB port (rear panel) and use these to control the milliK. The function keys below the display are mapped to keys F1- F4 on the keyboard so that you can control the milliK completely using a USB keyboard.

  • Page 13: Driving Your Millik

    Start to proceed (or connect a USB keyboard or mouse and press F4 or click Start). The milliK software will then start and you will see the main Windows: There are four main windows, which can be selected using the function keys below the display.

  • Page 14: The 'Graph' Window

    Single Channel All Channels button. If you choose to view a single channel then the base units for the thermometer will be displayed at the same time: ©Isothermal Technology Page 14 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 15: The 'Settings' Window

    If a channel is not being used, it is best to change its ‘Status’ to “Disabled” as this will then make the measurement time available to other enabled channels, which will speed up these measurements. The ‘Type’ field is for information ©Isothermal Technology Page 15 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...
  • Page 16  purposes only and cannot be changed. Pressing the key when the ‘Thermometer’ setting is selected opens a window with a list of all thermometers in the milliK’s database:   Use the keys to highlight the required thermometer and press the (F4) key to select it.

  • Page 17: The 'Instrument' Window

    The ‘Samples/Reading’ setting is initially set to 1 but can be increased to a maximum of 100. This will cause the milliK to take the specified number of samples for each reading and will reduce the noise at the expense of slower measurement speed.

  • Page 18: Battery Operation

    Press to enter the password. A separate password is provided to protect the calibration of the milliK. Both passwords are initially set to “1234” but should be changed prior to use in order to ensure the security of measurements made using your milliK (see section 3.11). A password recovery process is available if you forget your password, please contact Isothermal Technology or its approved distributor for assistance if required (see section 3.11.1).

  • Page 19: Detailed Description By Function

    3 Detailed Description by Function This section describes all the features available on the milliK by function. If you wish to learn how to do something with your milliK use the table of contents on page 2 onwards to look up the appropriate section.

  • Page 20: Configuring Millik To Measure A Prt/Sprt

    Higher accuracy measurements can be made using calibrated PRTs/SPRTs whose resistance- temperature characteristics have been determined. Before being used, the thermometer and its calibration details must be entered into the milliK’s thermometer database (see section   3.9.1). The thermometer will then appear in the ‘Thermometer’ list. Use the keys to ...
  • Page 21 Select the thermometer and set the remaining parameters in the Settings window. A typical configuration for a calibrated SPRT would be: Once you have configured the milliK to work with your PRT/SPRT, press either the Graph (F1) or Numeric (F2) keys to view the measurements: ©Isothermal Technology...

  • Page 22: Determining Self-Heating Of A Prt/Sprt

    3.1.2 Determining Self-Heating of a PRT/SPRT The normal sense current used by the milliK for PRTs/SPRTs is 1mA. This current causes a small amount of self-heating in the thermometer (typically 1 to 3mK). Provided that the thermometer is calibrated and used at the same current, this leads to negligible uncertainty in the measurement.
  • Page 23 4 and 6. Provided the wires are all the same gauge and length (same resistance) the voltage drop down the I+ wire will be the same, so the milliK can subtract this correction from the voltage measured between V+ and V- (pins 1 and 6) to determine the voltage across the PRT element.

  • Page 24: Using A Thermistor With Millik

    There are, therefore, no nominal or generic conversion algorithms. The milliK can be used to monitor the resistance of a thermometer declared to be a Default Thermistor, but in order to measure temperature, the thermistor and its calibration details must be entered into the milliK’s thermometer database.

  • Page 25: Configuring Millik To Measure Temperature With A Thermistor

    (since it is connected in parallel with the Lemo connector). Your milliK is supplied with two Lemo connectors for you to use with thermistors. The part number for this connector is: Lemo part number: FGG.1B.306.CLAD62Z Additional connectors are readily available internationally from Farnell Electronics and can be ordered via their website www.farnell.com...

  • Page 26: Using A Thermocouple With Millik

    The resistance of a thermistor can be measured without entering any calibration information by declaring the ‘Thermometer’ as a “Default Thermistor”. This can be useful when calibrating thermistors against other thermometers: Once you have configured the milliK to work with your thermistor, press either the Graph (F1) or...

  • Page 27: Using Internal Reference Junction Compensation

    It is essential that the correct “typed” connector is used with the...

  • Page 28: Using An Ice-Point For The Reference Junction

    3.3.3). 3.3.3 Using an Ice-Point for the Reference Junction The best measurement uncertainty is generally achieved by immersing the reference junction in an ice-point and measuring the EMF it generates (Isotech can provide ice-point reference systems for this application): Reference...

  • Page 29: Configuring Millik To Measure A Thermocouple

    EMFs. 3.3.4 Configuring milliK to Measure a Thermocouple The milliK can be used with both calibrated and uncalibrated thermocouples. Press the Settings (F3) key to access the Settings window, which opens with the ‘Channel’ parameter ...
  • Page 30 (see section 3.3.3). A typical configuration for a calibrated gold-platinum thermocouple entered into the database as “AuPt thermocouple” and using an ice-point reference would be: Once you have configured the milliK to work with your thermocouple, press either the Graph (F1) or...

  • Page 31: Using A 4-20Ma Transmitter With Millik

    The milliK can be used with 4-20mA temperature transmitters by using the 4mm sockets on the rear of the milliK (designated Channel 3). The centre 4mm socket is the current sense input to the milliK, the other 4mm sockets are 0V and a +24V supply. Connect the...

  • Page 32: Configuring Millik To Measure A 4-20Ma Transmitter

    3.4.1 Configuring milliK to Measure a 4-20mA Transmitter The milliK can measure the current output from a 4-20mA transmitter, or it can convert this current to temperature units by defining the conversion in the milliK’s thermometer database (see section 3.9.1).

  • Page 33: Measuring The Difference Between Two Channels

    3.5 Measuring the Difference Between Two Channels The milliK can display the difference between any channel and channel 1 (provided that the units are the same - otherwise the value would be meaningless). This feature is available in...

  • Page 34: Using Rolling Statistics

    ‘Automatic/Manual’ button and pressing  key. 3.7 Using Rolling Statistics The milliK reports the mean and standard deviation of the most recent readings. The number of readings in these rolling statistics can be set independently for each channel in the Settings  ...

  • Page 35: Logging Results To A File

    3.8 Logging Results to a File The milliK can store results to a file on an external USB drive (connected to the USB port on the rear of the instrument) or to internal flash memory. Files stored to internal memory can be transferred to an external USB drive at a later date.
  • Page 36  then press the (F4) or keys to open a soft keyboard and enter a filename (a default filename generated from the date/time is suggested automatically): ©Isothermal Technology Page 36 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 37: Transferring Logged Data To A Pc

    To transfer data logged to the milliK’s internal memory to a PC, it must first be transferred to a USB drive. Plug the USB drive into the USB port on the rear of the milliK. Press the  ...

  • Page 38: File Format For Logged Data

    3.8.2 File Format for Logged Data The first 27 rows of the spreadsheet contain information about the configuration of the milliK during logging. Rows 28 onwards contain the elapsed time (in seconds) and logged data for all channels that are enabled:...

  • Page 39: Using The Thermometer Database

    Data:  Press the key to clear the memory. The milliK will then display the number of files you are about to remove and will ask you to provide the password (see section 3.11) in order to proceed. 3.9 Using the Thermometer Database The milliK includes a database for thermometers you wish to use regularly.
  • Page 40 A typical entry for an SPRT would be: ©Isothermal Technology Page 40 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 41: Using A Prt With Iec60751 (2008) Conversion

    IEC60751 (2008). You can use the generic IEC60751 (2008) conversion with PRTs that are made with a grade of wire that meets the requirements of the standard. The measurement uncertainty will depend on the ©Isothermal Technology Page 41 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 42: Using A Prt With Callendar Van Dusen Conversion

        keys to select “Callendar Van Dusen”. Use the keys to select ‘Coefficients’ and  then press the key to open the ‘Callendar Van Dusen Coefficients’ window: ©Isothermal Technology Page 42 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 43: Using A Prt With Its90 Conversion

    (not all coefficients are required), set the value to zero. Select ‘Eqn Form’ and press  key to toggle between the a,b,c and α,β,δ versions of the equation. The milliK will automatically convert the coefficients as you change the equation form selected.

  • Page 44: Using A Thermocouple With Calibration Coefficients / Data Pairs

    EMF to a temperature. Thermocouples can be calibrated individually to achieve better measurement uncertainty. The calibration is presented as coefficients for a deviation function polynomial or as data pairs. The milliK supports a third- order polynomial correction and data pairs (linear interpolation between the data pairs).

  • Page 45: Using A Thermistor With The Steinhart-Hart Polynomial

    The resistance-temperature characteristics of a thermistor are highly non-linear (essentially logarithmic). The Steinhart-Hart equation is commonly used to convert the measured resistance to temperature. The three coefficients (A,B,C) used in the equation should be ©Isothermal Technology Page 45 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 46: Using A Thermistor With Polynomial Temperature Conversion

            The milliK supports this full third order conversion. Use the keys in the ‘Thermometer’    window to select ‘Conversion’ and then use the keys to select “Polynomial”. Use the ...

  • Page 47: Using A 4-20Ma Transmitter With Linear Conversion

       Use the keys to select the temperature at either 4 or 20mA and press the key to open a soft numeric keypad and enter the required value. ©Isothermal Technology Page 47 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 48: Updating The Software

    The software in your milliK can easily be updated by plugging a USB drive with the updated files (MUST be in root directory) into the USB port on the rear of the milliK and selecting the  ...

  • Page 49: Recovering A Lost Password

    (and at least 4 characters long) in order to proceed. 3.11.1 Recovering a Lost Password Passwords are encrypted before being stored in the milliK, so it is not possible to recover a lost password. If a password is lost, you can get a temporary password from Isotech that will ©Isothermal Technology...

  • Page 50: Controlling Temperature Sources With Millik

    F2 key (not labelled on screen), the milliK will then generate the recovery key:  Email this recovery key to Isotech and we will send you a temporary password to enable you to change the password to a new value. Enter this temporary password as the ‘Old Password’...
  • Page 51 The milliK will then add buttons at the bottom of the ‘Settings’ window to allow you to select a temperature profile: The ‘Setpoint Temp’ button allows you to select a temperature profile (or disable this feature by selecting “None”).

  • Page 52: Creating A Temperature Profile

    3.12.1 Creating a Temperature Profile The milliK allows you to define temperature profiles and store these in a database. To create   a new profile press the Instrument (F4) key, use the keys to select Setpoint  Temperatures and then press the key to open the ‘Temperature Profile Menu’...
  • Page 53 3.8). The “Time” is the time interval between the last and current set point change. To create a fixed set point, make only a single temperature entry. ©Isothermal Technology Page 53 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 54: Connecting Thermometers To Millik

    4 Connecting Thermometers to milliK Channels 1 and 2 on the front of the milliK are intended for connection to either resistance thermometers (PRTs/SPRTs or thermistors) or thermocouples. Each channel is equipped with a Lemo 6-pin circular connector (for resistance thermometers) and a miniature thermocouple connector.

  • Page 55: Connecting Thermistors To Millik

    3) and a link that carries no current should be made from pin 1 to pin 2 (see section 3.1.3): PRT/SPRT 4.2 Connecting Thermistors to milliK High accuracy thermistor based thermometers are typically supplied with screened 4-wire cables. The relatively high resistance of thermistors makes them more susceptible to external noise, so it is important to connect the cable screen (if provided) to the body of the Lemo connector.

  • Page 56: Connecting Thermocouples To Millik

    The relatively high resistance of thermistors means that they are used with much lower sense currents (2µA on milliK) than PRTs/SPRT and the effect of the cable resistance is much lower. Thermistors are therefore sometimes supplied with only 2-wire connections, in which...

  • Page 57: Connecting 4-20Ma Transmitters To Millik

    In order to connect a 4-20mA transmitter to your milliK, fit 4mm plugs to your transmitter. The milliK supports both self-powered and loop-powered transmitters by providing a 24V DC supply. Connect the transmitter to the 4mm sockets on the rear panel of the milliK using the required configuration:...

  • Page 58: Calibration

    5 Calibration The calibration of your milliK can be checked by applying standards to the inputs and noting the indicated readings. The milliK includes calibration software that allows you to adjust its calibration. The process involves attaching suitable standards to the inputs and entering the values of these standards, the calibration software then monitors the measured values and applies any required corrections.

  • Page 59: Standards Required For Calibration

    It can be fabricated using standard copper wire by shorting together the current connections and the voltage connections separately and then linking together these two short-circuits with a single connection: ©Isothermal Technology Page 59 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 60: Making A 0Mv Source In A Thermocouple Connector

    A 0mV source is essentially a piece of copper wire that can be connected across the thermocouples inputs of the milliK. However, you need to take care in making this short circuit in order to avoid creating thermal EMFs that are significant for an instrument as sensitive as the milliK.

  • Page 61: Prt/Sprt Resistance Range

    Apply a 4-terminal short–circuit (see section 5.1.1) to channel 1 and set the milliK to read its resistance on the 115 range at 1mA by changing the parameters in the...
  • Page 62 1, repeat the measurement on channel 2. There is no adjustment possible for zero resistance readings, so if the zero readings fall outside the limits you should return your milliK to Isotech for investigation. 5.2.1.2 SPRT Resistance Range (115) – Span Check Connect a calibrated (nominally) 100...

  • Page 63: Thermistor Resistance Range (500K) - Span Check

    5.2.2 Thermistor Resistance Range (500k) – Span Check Connect a calibrated (nominally) 500k resistor to channel 1 and set the milliK to read its resistance on the 500k range by changing the parameters in the ‘Settings’ window: The high resistance used makes the input prone to picking up electrical interference, so the connection to the resistor should ideally use screened cable (see section 4.2).

  • Page 64: Thermocouple Voltage Range - Span Check

    (F2) key, clear the statistics and wait for 100 measurements to be made (when the display shows “Mean of 100”). The mean value indicated by the milliK is the zero reading for voltage measurement on channel 1. Repeat the procedure on Channel 2.

  • Page 65: 4-20Ma Transmitter Range - Zero And Span Check

    10Ω). Repeat the procedure on Channel 2. 5.2.5 4-20mA Transmitter Range – Zero and Span Check Set the milliK to read the current on channel 3 by changing the parameters in the ‘Settings’ window: Press the...

  • Page 66: Reference Junction Compensation Accuracy

    “known” temperature and to measure this with a calibrated PRT connected to the milliK. This approach has the advantage that the difference between room temperature and the reference junction in the milliK is likely to be very small (< 3°C) so any error resulting from ©Isothermal Technology Page 66 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss.

  • Page 67: Adjusting The Calibration

    The frequency of calibration is for the user to determine, but Isotech recommend that you calibrate your milliK on an annual basis (the specification for the milliK is given in terms of an initial calibration and additional uncertainty over a 1-year period). The values used to adjust...

  • Page 68: Starting The Calibration Adjustment Feature

    Connect a calibrated (nominally) 100 resistor to channel 1. In the ‘Calibration Menu’    window, use the keys to select ‘115Ω Range’ and then press the key to proceed to ©Isothermal Technology Page 68 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 69: Adjusting Prt (460Ω) Resistance Range

    Press the (F4) key to start the calibration adjustment. The milliK will then take a number of readings of the attached resistance standard, calculate and then apply an appropriate adjustment. A progress bar appears showing the status of the calibration adjustment: Once started, the calibration adjustment process cannot be aborted.

  • Page 70: Adjusting Thermistor (500Kω) Resistance Range

    ’Additional Info.’ fields can be used to record information on the standard used. If you generate the 100mV using a 10 resistor with serial number 2791555 and a 10mA current source with serial number 2-M52-S52, suitable entries would be: ©Isothermal Technology Page 70 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 71: Adjusting 4-20Ma Transmitter Range

    5.3.7 Adjusting 4-20mA Transmitter Range Connect a calibrated (nominally) 10mA current source to the 4mm sockets designated channel 3 on the rear of the milliK: 10mA Calibrated Current Source In the ‘Calibration Menu’ window, use the ...

  • Page 72: Adjusting The Rjc Sensor Calibration

    From the ‘Calibration Menu’ window, use the keys to select ‘RJ Sensor’ and then press    key to proceed to the ‘RJ Sensor Calibration Adjustment’ window. Use the keys ©Isothermal Technology Page 72 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 73: Exporting Calibration Information

    (CSV) form can be exported to a USB drive for transfer to a PC. The file can be imported into Excel™ or other suitable applications for viewing. To export the file, connect a USB drive to the USB port on the rear of the milliK, go to the ‘Calibration Menu’ window and press the...

  • Page 74: Maintenance And Cleaning

    Miniature thermocouple plugs are of variable quality and lower quality versions can cause wear to the contacts in your milliK. If you feel that the thermocouple sockets on your milliK are becoming stiff, you can apply a small amount of contact lubricant (Electrolube CG53A is suitable: available internationally from Farnell Electronics via their website www.farnell.com...

  • Page 75: Interfacing To Millik

    7 Interfacing to milliK The milliK is equipped with two RS232 ports and an ethernet port that allow you to control its operation remotely. The USB host port can be used to attach devices such as a mouse, keyboard or keypad to provide alternative means of driving the milliK using its user interface.

  • Page 76: Establishing An Rs232 Connection

    (not connected) Shell frame ground (screen) Connect your milliK to a PC using the null-modem RS232 cable supplied. If you wish to make your own cable, use the following arrangement: Shell Shell Null-Modem Cable ©Isothermal Technology...
  • Page 77 Hyperterminal™ from the internet. Start Hyperterminal™ to set up a new connection. Type in a name for the connection (such as “milliK on COM1”) and select an icon. In the next window, select the PC’s COM port to Connect using which you have connected your milliK from the drop-down list and click OK.
  • Page 78 Click “ASCII Setup…” and select the following check boxes: Now save the Hyperterminal™ connection (using ‘File|Save As’) so that in future you only have to click on its icon to open an RS232 connection with your milliK. ©Isothermal Technology Page 78 of 127...

  • Page 79: Ethernet Interface

    (though operation will be slowed for both). However, if you wish to use the ethernet or COM ports to control the milliK using SCPI commands, we recommend that you send the MILLik:REMote command (see section 8.6.7) to stop the front panel interface.
  • Page 80 RJ45 cross-over adaptor with an ethernet patch lead. The milliK can be used with a fixed IP address or acquire its IP address from a DHCP server on the network. To select whether a static (fixed) or dynamic (DHPC) address is used and ...

  • Page 81: Using Scpi Commands With The Ethernet Connection

    You can send and receive SCPI commands via the ethernet interface in the same way as with the RS232 interfaces on your milliK. The milliK treats the ethernet port, the two COM ports and the user interface) as separate input streams so that they do not interact with each other.

  • Page 82: Using Remote Desktop Access

    (the milliK will be listed as “Tritonxx” where xx is a number assigned to the milliK in case you have more than one connected to the LAN): ©Isothermal Technology...
  • Page 83 Click on the required device (“Triton00” in the above example) and then click OK, cerhost will then establish a connection and display the screen as it appears on your milliK: Click Tools|Config and select the “Whole Screen” radio button in the “Update” area to ensure that the screen remains synchronised with your milliK.

  • Page 84: Scpi Command Set

    8 SCPI Command Set The command format and protocol used by the milliK is based on the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) standard. This was developed to provide a consistent command language for all types of programmable instruments. The objective was...

  • Page 85: Scpi Numeric Suffices

    (,). For example, the command to measure resistance on channel 1 using a range up to 100 ohm at the normal 1mA sense current using a 4-wire technique is: ©Isothermal Technology Page 85 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 86: Units

    8.5 Units Numeric parameters may optionally include units (if you omit units, the milliK assumes appropriate default units). The only units required for milliK are ohms (which are indicated by ‘R’, ‘r’, or OHM) and volts (indicated by ‘V’ or ‘v’).

  • Page 87: Measuring Resistance Using Scpi Commands

    To do this, send the SCPI command “MILLik:REMote” on any port. 8.6.1 Measuring Resistance using SCPI Commands In order to measure the resistance of a PRT, you need to:  select the measurement channel  set the milliK to measure resistance ...
  • Page 88 ‘remote’ mode (see section 8.6.7) and you need to:  ensure the milliK is in ‘remote’ mode  select the measurement channel  set the milliK to measure voltage  specify the thermocouple type ...

  • Page 89: Measuring Current Using Scpi Commands

    MEASure:CURRent? 8.6.4 Measuring Temperature using SCPI Commands In order to measure temperature, the milliK must be in ‘remote’ mode (see section 8.6.7) and you need to specify how the base measurements (resistance for PRTs/SPRTs/thermistors or voltage for thermocouples) are converted to temperature units. You need to specify a number of parameters, which depend on the sensor used.
  • Page 90 IEC60751. An index system is used to specify which internal probe is to be used. You can interrogate the milliK to find out which probe index to use as follows:...
  • Page 91 To use channel 1 to measure temperature in °C using a 4-wire PRT confirming to IEC60751 up to a maximum resistance of 400Ω (the milliK will set the range to 460 Ω in this case) using the normal (1mA) sense current, send the following command sequence: ©Isothermal Technology...
  • Page 92 MILLik:REM;MEASure:TEMPerature1? IEC60751(4-WIRE),C,400,NORMal 8.6.4.3 Measuring Temperature using SCPI Commands with a Thermocouple in the database In order to measure temperature using a thermocouple defined in the milliK’s database, you need to:  ensure the milliK is in ‘remote’ mode  select the measurement channel ...
  • Page 93 INIT FETCh? The milliK will then report the measured temperature, for example “21.23456”. The commands INIT and FETCh? can be replaced by the single command READ?. To repeat the measurement using the same settings, send READ?. To make 10 measurements with the...
  • Page 94 MILLik:REMote;MEASure:TEMPerature2? TYPe K,C,NONe 8.6.4.5 Measuring Temperature using SCPI Commands with a Thermistor in the database In order to measure temperature using a thermistor defined in the milliK’s database, you need to:  ensure the milliK is in ‘remote’ mode  select the measurement channel ...

  • Page 95: Scpi Commands

    8.6.4.6 Measuring Temperature using SCPI Commands with a 4-20mA Transmitter in the database In order to measure temperature using a 4-20mA transmitter defined in the milliK’s database, you need to:  ensure the milliK is in ‘remote’ mode  select the measurement channel (this must be channel 3) ...
  • Page 96 :COUNt? <name> :NAMe#<probe> :NAMe#<probe>? <type> :TYPe#<probe> :TYPe#<probe>? <manufacturer> :MANufacturer#<probe> :MANufacturer#<probe>? <model> :MODel#<probe> :MODel#<probe>? <serial number> :SERial#<probe> :SERial#<probe>? <date> :DATe#<probe> :DATe#<probe>? <minimum> :MINimum#<probe> :MINimum#<probe>? <maximum> :MAXimum#<probe> :MAXimum#<probe>? <wires> :WIRes#<probe> :WIRes#<probe>? ©Isothermal Technology Page 96 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 97: Command: *Idn

    Reports information on the milliK in 4 comma separated fields:  manufacturer  model  serial number  firmware version Example: for a milliK with serial number ITL12345 using software version 1.22.33, sending *IDN? causes the milliK to return: Isothermal Technology,milliK,ITL12345,1.22.33 ©Isothermal Technology Page 97 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss.

  • Page 98: Command [Millik:]Remote

    N.B. The optional keyword [MILLik:] is included in the command for use in systems in which millisKanners are used with a milliK. In such systems, the PC may be connected to the end of the “daisy-chain” of millisKanners (leaving the other RS232 port on the milliK free for connection to an Isotech temperature source).

  • Page 99: Command Sense:function[:On]

    N.B. The optional keyword [MILLik:] is included in the command for use in systems in which millisKanners are used with a milliK. In such systems, the PC may be connected to the end of the “daisy-chain” of millisKanners (leaving the other RS232 port on the milliK free for connection to an Isotech temperature source).

  • Page 100: Command Sense:channel

    PRT that has a resistance of 390Ω at its highest operating temperature. The milliK will then set the range to 0-460 Ω since this is the most sensitive range that can accommodate the requested maximum resistance.

  • Page 101: Command Sense:resistance:wires

    Format: SENSe:RESistance:WIRes? Reports whether 3 or 4-wire measurement is selected for the next resistance measurement on a PRT/SPRT. Example: a milliK that has been set to make a 4-wire resistance measurement will respond to the command SENS:RES:WIR? by returning “4”.

  • Page 102: Command Sense:current

    Format: SENSe:CURRent? Reports the current that will be used for the next resistance measurement. Example: a milliK that has been set to normal current and one of the PRT ranges (0-115 Ω or 0-460Ω) will respond to the command SENS:CURR? with: “1.00000E-003”...

  • Page 103: Command Sense:probe

    Reports the thermometer probe to be used in the next a measurement of temperature (see sections 8.6.4.1 to 8.6.4.6). this will be either an index to a thermometer in the milliK’s database or a standard thermometer type (see section 8.6.19).

  • Page 104: Command Sense:rjc

    8.6.26 Command FETCh[:SCALar]? Format: FETCh[:SCALar]? Reports the result of the last measurement made. Example: a milliK that has made a measurement on channel 1 using the commands shown in the example in section 8.6.25 will respond to FETC? with a value in the form: “0.00154514”.

  • Page 105: Command Measure[:Scalar]:Temperature

    Example: a milliK that has been configured to make a voltage measurement using SENSe commands (such as SENS:CHAN 1 ; SENS:FUNC volt ; SENS:RJC None ; SENS:PROB NONe) will respond to READ? with a value in the form: “0.00154514”. 8.6.28 Command MEASure[:SCALar]:TEMPerature<channel#>? Format: MEASure[:SCALar]:TEMPerature [:DC]<channel#>?

  • Page 106: Command Measure[:Scalar]:Voltage[:Dc]

    SENSe:FUNCtion VOLTage, SENSe:CHANnel <RJC> <Thermocouple Type> SENSe:RJC , SENSe:PROBe READ? Examples: Send MEAS:VOLT2? to use channel 2 to measure the voltage from a thermocouple (without any reference junction compensation). ©Isothermal Technology Page 106 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 107: Command Measure[:Scalar]:Resistance

    Initiates and reports a measurement of the internal reference junction temperature (used <channel> with thermocouples for reference junction compensation) of the specified . The reported value is in °C. If the specified channel does not exist, the milliK returns “channel not found”. ©Isothermal Technology Page 107 of 127...

  • Page 108: Command Probe:unlock

    ‘Name’ field of the third probe in the database to “my third probe”. 8.6.37 Command PROBe:NAMe<probe#>? Format: PROBe:NAMe<probe#>? Returns the ‘Name’ field in the database for probe index <probe#>. ©Isothermal Technology Page 108 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 109: Command Probe:type

    ‘Manufacturer’ field of the third probe in the database to “Isothermal Technology”. 8.6.41 Command PROBe:MANufacturer<probe#>? Format: PROBe:MANufacturer<probe#>? Returns the ‘Manufacturer’ field in the database for probe index <probe#>. ©Isothermal Technology Page 109 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 110: Command Probe:model

    Format: PROBe:SERial<probe#>? Returns the ‘Serial Number’ field in the database for probe index <probe#>. Example: send PROB:SER4? to request the ‘Serial Number’ of the fourth probe in the database. ©Isothermal Technology Page 110 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 111: Command Probe:date

    ‘Min Temperature’ field of the third probe in the database to -40°C. 8.6.49 Command PROBe:MINimum<probe#>? Format: PROBe:MINimum<probe#>? Returns the ‘Min Temperature’ field in the database for probe index <probe#>. The temperature units are °C. ©Isothermal Technology Page 111 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 112: Command Probe:maximum

    (otherwise an error will be reported). Example: send PROB:WIR3 4 to set the ‘Wires’ field of the third probe in the database (must be a PRT) to 4. 8.6.53 Command PROBe:WIRes<probe#>? Format: PROBe:WIRes<probe#>? ©Isothermal Technology Page 112 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 113: Command Probe:conversion

    ) before using this command (otherwise an error will be reported). Example: send PROB:CONV3 CVD to set the ‘Conversion’ field of the third probe in the database (a PRT) to CallendarVanDusen. ©Isothermal Technology Page 113 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 114: Command Probe:conversion

    Sets the specified ‘coefficient#’ in the database for probe index <probe#> to <value>. The <coefficient> field specifies which coefficient to set and depends on the ‘Conversion’ (and therefore the ‘Type’) field of the thermometer: ©Isothermal Technology Page 114 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 115: Command Probe:coefficient

    Sets the ‘Eqn Form’ to be used in Callendar-van Dusen conversions. The form used is determined by <form> which must be “ABC” or “ABD”: <form> CvD Equation Form αβδ ©Isothermal Technology Page 115 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 116: Command Probe:cvd:form

    “T<WTP” or “Hg<T<Ga”. Example: send PROB:ITS90:FORM4? to request the ITS90 deviation function form to be used with the ‘a’ and ‘b’ negative coefficients for the fourth thermometer in the database. ©Isothermal Technology Page 116 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 117: Command Probe:create

    Finds the database index number for a probe with the field ‘Name’ set to <name>. Example: send PROB:FIND? SPRT-1 to find the index number of the thermometer named “SPRT-1”. 8.6.65 Command CALibrate:UNLock <password> Format: CALibrate:UNLock ©Isothermal Technology Page 117 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 118: Command Calibrate:lock

    NORMal or ROOT2. Example: for a milliK that has been found to require a resistance gain of 1.001234 for the resistance range 0-460Ω with normal (1mA) sense current by using a resistance standard with serial number xyz1956, the gain can be set using: CAL:RES:GAIN 460,NORM,1.001234,SN_xyz1956...

  • Page 119: Command Calibrate:voltage:offset

    Format: CALibrate:VOLTage:OFFSet <offset> <channel> Reports the added to voltage measurements made on in volts. Example: a milliK with a +1µV offset added to voltage measurement made on channel 1 will respond to CAL:VOLT:OFFS1? with: “0.00000100” 8.6.71 Command CALibrate:VOLTage:GAIN <gain>[,<standard>][,<additional info>] Format: CALibrate:VOLTage:GAIN <gain>...

  • Page 120: Command Calibrate:voltage:gain

    Example: for a milliK that has been found to require a voltage gain of 1.001234 by using a standard resistor with serial number xyz1956 and a current source with serial number abc9960, set the gain using: CAL:VOLT:GAIN 1.001234,SN_xyz1956,SN_abc9960 CAL:VOLT:GAIN 1.001234 8.6.72 Command CALibrate:VOLTage:GAIN?

  • Page 121: Command Calibrate:rjc:offset

    Format: CALibrate:IDENtification <name>,<company>,<location>,<temperature> Sets identification information used to “stamp” any calibrations that are made after this command (until the milliK is restarted or the command is resent). This information would typically be used to store information on the calibration technician, the calibration organisation and environment.

  • Page 122: Command Calibrate:identification

    Changes the password used to lock (protect) the calibration of the milliK’s measurement system. This is initially set to “1234”, but should be changed before using the milliK for any critical or traceable measurement or calibration work. The new password must be at least 4 characters in length and must be typed in identically twice in order to effect the change.

  • Page 123: Specification

    1.0s Resolution Resistance (PRTs): 0.00001Ω (Thermistors): 0.001Ω Voltage: 0.00001mV Current: 0.001mA Temperature: 0.0001° Temperature PRTs: IEC60751(2008), Callendar-van Dusen, ITS90 Conversions Thermocouples: IEC584-1 1995 (B,E,J,K,N,R,S,T), L, Au-Pt Thermistors: Steinhart-Hart, polynomial ©Isothermal Technology Page 123 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...
  • Page 124 The curves below show how the temperature accuracy varies with measured temperature (both initial and 1- year) for all the thermocouple types supported by the milliK when it is used with either an ice-point reference (for highest accuracy) or internal reference junction compensation (the least accurate, but most convenient method).
  • Page 125 = measured temperature in °C, y-axis = temperature accuracy on °C ©Isothermal Technology Page 125 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

  • Page 126: Approvals

    10 Approvals The milliK has been verified as complying with the regulatory requirements of the EU and FCC for electromagnetic compatibility and safety (EU only). 10.1 CE Declaration European Community Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336) European Community Low Voltage Directive (93/68)

  • Page 127: Standards Applied

    CN 12029 08/11/2012 1.06 CN 13013 21/05/2013 1.07 CN 13021 11/10/2013 1.08 CN14016 16/05/2014 1.09 CN15007 23/10/2015 1.10 CN17014 21/11/2017 2.00 CN17015 28/11/2017 2.01 CN18003 12/06/2018 3.01 CN18007 24/08/2018 3.02 ©Isothermal Technology Page 127 of 127 923 milliK manual Iss. 3.02...

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