Closed-loop control takes on new form

Watlow EZ-ZONE ST integrated control loop architecture combines multiple control functions into a single package. The integrated controller combines a PID temperature controller, solid state power controller, properly sized heat sink, over/under temperature safety limit, definite-purpose mechanical contactor/disconnect, current measurement and digital communications into one package. An intelligent remote user interface can also be incorporated with the product.

Traditionally, engineers would have to specify and integrate up to six control products to achieve these functions. The result is improved reliability, a smaller footprint, easier installation, reduced terminations and troubleshooting, and simplified initial specification.

The integrated controller is modular and scalable, allowing the user to pay only for what is needed, which helps achieve a lower cost of ownership. It can be stacked into multiple configurations, giving the flexibility to standardize on the product’s platform to solve a wide range of application needs.

In the typical architecture of one zone of temperature control, there may be up to six discrete components, creating numerous termination points necessary to wire together, not to mention space and time to mount all of the discrete components. With the architecture of the integrated control loop, only one component is required. The controller decreases installation time and troubleshooting and increases reliability because it is already professionally designed and tested and uses fewer wired terminations.