C-THERM TCi, Operator'S Manual, Page: 118 / 138

TCi Operator Manual
112
C-Therm TCi Sensor Specifications
Overview:
The TCi is a state of the art thermal property characterization instrument based on the modified plane source
technique. The TCi sensor is engineered for testing liquids, powders, pastes and solid materials. The system
enables testing of a wide range of thermally conductive materials, ranging from foams to metals. Some of the
points of difference that differentiate the TCi from other thermo-physical testing technologies are its rapid, non-
destructive test method, greater ease-of-use and the overall sample flexibility it offers users.
Important Notice: the TCi is a modular system and can be configured with different calibration modules
including “Fluids”, “Low-k”, “High-k” and “Max-k”. Clients are encouraged to contact their local C-Therm
representative in discussing the optimal configuration for their specific needs and budget.
Construction:

Sealed against dust and liquids by a RTV
(silicone based) sealant between housing
and sensor chip

Housing is made of stainless steel

Chip surface is made of alumina (96%
aluminum oxide) with a thin sealing glass
layer (DuPont P/N 5415A, screen
printable, laser trimmable, airfired G1
glass encapsulant)
Cleaning and Compatibility:

Immune to cleaning agents such as
detergents and isopropyl alcohol

Compatible with acidic liquids

For full material compatibility and cleaning
procedure see operating manual
Performance:

Thermal conductivity range: 0-100 W/mK

Effusivity range: 0-19,000 W

s/m
2
K

Accuracy, typically: 5% for 0

C to 50

C

Precision, typically: 1.0%
1
RSD for 0

C to
50

C

Cooling time: 60 sec typically
Environmental – Operating:

Operating temperature sensor head: -50

C
to +200

C

Relative humidity: up to 95% non-
condensing

External: vacuum to 6 ATM (90 PSIG)
Certifications:

FCC, CE, CSA
Reliability:

Mean time between failures (MTBF)

10,000 hours for a typical operation profile
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Precision is defined as the %RSD of a test of 10
consecutive measurements
Environmental – Non-operating:

Storage: temperature up to 70

C, relative
humidity up to 95% non-condensing

Temperature shock: -20

C to +30

C

Mechanical shock: typical transportation
Calibration:

Sensor is factory calibrated. Calibration
data is stored on the sensor chip

Calibration data is verified prior to sensor
operation in testing provided reference
standards

NEW User-Cal Wizard feature availability
with “Max-k” configuration for additional
flexibility

Sensors are interchangeable and field
replaceable
Safety and failure protection:

Material under evaluation will not
experience a surface temperature rise
during a test of more than 10

C (typically
0.2

C to 2.0

C)

Maximum voltage drop on sensor is 6.5V
DC
Customization:

Sensor housing can be customized per
request