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TM4-N2SX

Overview

  • Type: Smart Device (Temperature Controller)
  • Connectivity: Serial RS485
  • Reference: For detailed model-level parameters, refer to the vendor manual and TM4 series configuration guide.

Channel Map

  • TM4-N2SX provides 4 independently configurable physical channels.
  • In standard heating control mode, LabStream expands the device into 8 logical channels: the first 4 channels are the SV (set value) for each physical channel, and the last 4 are the corresponding PV (process value).
  • When two physical channels are grouped and configured for heat-cooling control, LabStream expands the device into 4 logical channels: the first 2 are grouped-channel SV values and the last 2 are the corresponding PV values.
  • Mixed configuration is not supported. For example, channels 1/2 cannot run in heat-cooling mode while channels 3/4 remain independent. LabStream detects this mismatch and reports an error.

Configuration

  • You can configure the device with Autonics DAQ Master. If you use it, review the vendor instructions carefully.
  • To simplify setup, you can also use the provided open-source tool for TM4 series configuration.
  • Select the correct serial port, enter the communication parameters, and click Connect.

TM4 open-source configuration tool

  • If the output window shows hardware version, software version, and model information, the connection is successful.
  • Confirm these settings carefully:
  • Set Auto/Manual to Auto.
  • Match Input Type/Unit to the actual temperature sensor.
  • Set Operation Type to the required control mode. If you use Heat-Cooling, both paired channels must be configured as Heat-Cooling.
  • Set Control Method as needed; PID is recommended, with PID parameters configured for the process.
  • For Heat-Cooling channel groups, also configure H/C DeadBand.

Communication Configuration

  • After setting address, baud rate, and other communication parameters on the device, use the same values when adding the device in LabStream.

TM4 communication parameters

Channel View in LabStream

  • After the device is added successfully, LabStream shows the physical channels expanded into logical channels.

TM4 logical channels

  • During an experiment, add SV channels to the controller and add the corresponding PV channels to charts for monitoring.

TM4 PID runtime example

Wiring

  • Wire the temperature sensors, power supply, and other peripheral equipment according to the vendor pinout.
  • Use proper grounding and shielding to reduce noise.
  • Take appropriate precautions when working with high-voltage wiring.
  • Disconnect power after the experiment is complete.