DX4095 Z-METER Mini - Intro

Z-Meter Mini DX4095 is a portable TEC tester for thermoelectric coolers express analysis. It uses the same measurement methods as standard DX4090 Z-Meter, directly measures three TEC key parameters (ACR, Figure-of-Merit and Time Constant) of separate and integrated thermoelectric coolers. The combination of these three parameters gives a clean picture of TEC's current condition, performance and quality level. The device has a miniature, pocket-size form-factor and it's ideal for engineers and researchers dealing with TECs. Due to a very small size, DX4095 has only an external measurement interface - external clips - connected to Z-Meter. DX4095 also has a built-in temperature sensor for accurate TEC ACR calculations. DX4095 is recommended for regular express quality control of small TEC batches, occasional QC testing, R&D analysis and TEC integrating/assembly process control and optimization.

- Express TEC parameters testing (ACR, Z, t)

- Integrated temperature sensor

- External 4-wires measurement clips

- Suitable for separate and mounted TECs

- Acceptable for any TEC size

- USB interface for communication with PC

- Powered from USB

- Compact USB-stick form-factor

How does it work

DX4095 is a pocket USB-stick device for the express test of separate and integrated thermoelectric coolers.

Z-Meter DX4095 Mini uses the Harman method in the measuring process. The setup is simple. You insert DX4095 into a USB port on the PC, attach the clips to TEC terminal wires and run the measurement process in Z-Meter software. TEC measurement process usually takes 20 to 180sec depending on measuring process parameters and TEC type. You may use default settings or a precise mode with additional corrections included. The precise mode requires TEC construction parameters (detailed geometry and wires) to be configured in the software.

- Requires connection to PC

- USB Mini PC Connection Interface

- Windows 7 or later

Measuring Process notes

Z-Meter DX4095 Mini uses  Harman method in measuring process.  The results are precise and accurate for the single-stage thermoelectric coolers, once such TECs are fully symmetrical.  Z-Meter can also calculate dTmax precisely for a single-stage TEC.  With multistage thermoelectric coolers Z-Meter has certain limitations, cause during measuring process in multistage TEC each stage starts to interfere with the next one.  The measuring results for single-stage thermoelectric cooler are absolute.  In case of multistage TEC only ACR resistance is the absolute value, while the rest measured parameters can be used only as relative, for before and after comparison.

Thermoelectric Coolers with WB pads and posts

The standard measuring interface of the DX4095 Z-Meter Mini is optimal for thermoelectric coolers with terminal wires. TECs with WB pads and posts or special SMD TEC configurations require an additional measuring interface - WB Clips. Z-Meter WB Clips is an optional accessory with stainless steel fixtures, manufactured by request for a specific TEC size. The compact instrument with spring clip fixation has 4-wires measuring method probes that don't damage TEC WB pads during the measuring process. The clip has a terminal connector compatible with all Z-Meter versions. WB Clips are not included in the standard DX4095 set by default because there is no universal solution.  

WB Clips are not included in the DX4095 standard set, the clips are manufactured individually by request, following the particular thermoelectric cooler dimensions, WB pads or posts geometry and position.

TEC Measuring Process

With Z-Meter you can quickly test thermoelectric cooler parameters and compare them with the TEC manufacturer's batch specification. Thus the income TEC quality control (QC) becomes fast and easy with Z-Meter. But the best way to use Z-Meter is the step-by-step control of TEC during your mounting procedures and integration into the final assembly. Thermoelectric coolers may pass through various processes with mechanical and thermal impacts during TEC integration into a final design. Soldering, baking/annealing, mechanical pressure and shear forces, various thermal shocks and temperature cycling - after each stage, it's better to check and control all TEC parameters and conditions to be sure that TEC is not damaged.

The testing can be done simply by ACR only or with complete control of all three TEC key parameters. The accurate and precise control of TEC parameters based on "before-after" comparisons saves time and money. Any potential risk of TEC failure can be identified at an early stage, so you can be sure that TEC is fully functional after all mounting processes and has can provide the required cooling performance.

Z-Meter helps to identify quickly the reasons of TEC failure in the final device. You may quickly understand that TEC is mechanically damaged by ACR measuring or identify TEC detachment inside a package by Time Constant parameter measurement. Z-Meter is specially developed for thermoelectric coolers and gives considerably more possibilities with TEC quality control than any standard device like LC meters.

What you can see with Z-Meter

TEC AC Resistance (ACR), Figure-of-Merit (Z) and Time Constant give you excessive info about the thermoelectric cooler.  The measurement of these three parameters and the comparison based on the "before-after" method help to identify the most common reasons for TEC failure.  It's possible to idendify the mechanical damage of thermoelectric cooler, degradation of TEC BiTe material, poor integrating or detachment of TEC in a package.  The detailed review is available by this link.  

Other Z-Meter devices available

There are several Z-Meter versions available, each one with some key features.  The measuring methodic and tolerances are the same for all Z-Meter devices.  The differences are in form-factor, usability, measuring interfaces and application scope.  Please, check the following devices available:

DX4190 - 10position Z-Meter for TECs in mass production

Z-Meter DX4190 is the must-have device for TEC manufacturers or consumers with serious TEC volumes. DX4190 provides 100% Quality Control for thermoelectric coolers in all mass production stages with no compromises. The device measures TEC key parameters for up to 10 thermoelectric coolers simultaneously. DX4190 can be used with separate (not mounted) TECs by manufacturers or consumers at income/outcome control, or TECs quality control and performance testing in the end-product with thermoelectric cooler integrated.

DX4085 TEC Tester - compact stand-alone Z-Meter

DX4085 Z-Meter Tester is a portable measuring device for thermoelectric coolers express analysis. The device directly measures three key parameters (AC Resistance, Figure-of-Merit and Time Constant) of separate or integrated (mounted) thermoelectric coolers. DX4085 has a 2.4" LCD screen and a built-in Li-Ion battery for up to 8 hours of operating. It is autonomous and doesn't require a constant connection to a PC. All necessary settings, measuring process results and history are displayed and adjusted on the LCD screen. The device has a miniature, pocket-size form-factor and it's ideal for engineers and researchers dealing with TECs every day.  

DX4090 Z-Meter Classic - universal solution

DX4090 device has two measurement interfaces - an internal chamber (works as a passive thermostat) with connectors and an external interface with clips. DX4090 also has a built-in temperature sensor for accurate TEC ACR calculations and a heating element for TEC quick polarity. DX4090 is recommended for regular express quality control of small and mid-size TEC batches, R&D analysis and TEC integrating/assembly process control and optimization.

DX4091 Pellet Tester - device for single BiTe pellets testing

Z-Meter model DX4091 stays separate from the rest devices in our Z-Meter family. While the rest devices measure thermoelectric coolers as assembled units, DX4091 uses a unique and innovative methodic to test a single BiTe pellet (post). The compact table-top device measures  Resistance (R), Conductivity (σ) and Figure-of-Merit (Z) of a single BiTe pellet.  DX4091 is recommended mainly for thermoelectric modules manufacturers and R&D specialists interested in thermoelectric materials analysis and QC.

DX4095

Z-Meter

Mini