Stabilizing Thermoelectric Controller (TEC) Loops Using a Unit-Step Response

Procedure

Remove the three integrator components (C16, C17, and R16 ) and the two differential components (R18 and C18). Place a 500kΩ or greater potentiometer across the op amp (output to feedback). This forms an error amplifier with only DC gain. Place a scope probe on the THERM test point and rapidly change the temperature set point with R23. Raise the gain with the installed potentiometer until strong ringing or oscillations are observed from a transient step. Note the frequency of the instability (ring).

Note that TECs have stronger thermal gain in heating mode and this should be the worst for transient response. Normally ringing is caused by poor phase margin from the second pole in the TEC and it can be compensated for with the differential components of the PID (R18 and C18). The differentiator is able to add as much as 90 degrees lead phase shift. As an example to calculate the differential components, if the ringing is at 2Hz and R17 is 50kΩ, the differentiator should start adding phase at 0.3Hz and end at 12Hz.

Therefore, to start the differentiator at 0.3Hz:

To end the differentiator at 10Hz:

After installing C18 and R18 again, adjust the potentiometer for optimal transient. Once you have a good transient response, the integrating cap (C16) can be added. C16 sets the integrators to zero. This zero should match the first pole of the TEC module, which is usually 0.02Hz to 0.06Hz.

Therefore:

Usually the loop gain is high enough that the frequency of the zero inserted by the integrator does not need to be exact. C16 should be ceramic and a smaller capacitor is better for circuit performance.

The loop gain should be rolled off at a frequency at least two times higher than the differential. In the example in this application note, this would be 24Hz or higher. C17 rolls off the loop gain and its value can be found using:

It may be necessary to scale all the circuit values until realistic components can be found. Note that in heating mode (cooled environment), there is higher thermal loop gain and this is the worst case for stability.

MAX8521 EV Kit Schematic