DX4100 Z-METER - Intro

The new DX4100 Z-Meter is a portable, standalone instrument for rapid analysis of thermoelectric coolers. It directly measures the three key parameters of standalone or integrated (installed) thermoelectric coolers (TECs): AC resistance (ACR), Figure-of-Merit (Z), and Time Constant. The DX4100 features a 5.0-inch touchscreen and a built-in lithium-ion battery for up to twelve hours of continuous operation. As a standalone instrument, DX4100 Z-Meter requires no constant connection to a computer. All necessary settings, measurement results, and history are displayed and adjusted on the LCD touchscreen. The DX4100 is supported by standard Z-Meter software. Connecting to a computer provides additional functionality, such as setting corrections, adjusting TEC geometry parameters, and importing history and measured results. Its compact, pocket-sized design makes it ideal for engineers and researchers who work with TECs daily.

The DX4100 is our sixth-generation Z-Meter instrument. As a thermoelectric cooler manufacturer, we have equipped this device with all our features and expertise in rapid TEC quality control methods. The new DX4100 features a large touch screen, a rugged metal housing, and several advanced features, such as intelligent automatic detection of the optimal measurement current for the TEC being analyzed.

How does it work

The DX4100 is a standalone device for quickly testing separate and integrated thermoelectric coolers. The DX400 TEC tester is the only device in our Z-Meter family that doesn't require a computer connection. It can be used as easily as a standard multimeter. TEC measurements with the DX4100 are quick, easy, and convenient. The DX4100 Z-Meter utilizes Harman's improved measurement method. Setup is simple. Simply turn on the DX4100, connect the clamps to the TEC leads, and start the measurement. A TEC measurement typically takes 20 to 180 seconds, depending on the measurement parameters and the TEC type.

If necessary, the DX4100 can be connected to a computer and run using the standard Z-Meter software. This software offers several additional features, including saving measurement results to the computer, default settings, and precise modes with additional TEC measurement corrections. The exact mode requires configuration of the TEC design parameters (detailed geometry and wiring) in the software.

Measuring Process notes

Z-Meter DX4100 uses imporved 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 modules Measuring Process with DX4100 Z-Meter

With Z-Meter, you can quickly test the parameters of a thermoelectric cooler and compare them with the manufacturer's batch specifications. This makes TEC quality control (QC) quick and easy.  However, the most effective use of Z-Meter is to perform step-by-step control of the TEC during mounting and integration into the final assembly.  During the integration of thermoelectric modules into a final design, they may pass through various processes involving mechanical and thermal impacts.  These include soldering, baking/annealing, mechanical pressure and shear forces, and various thermal shocks and temperature cycling. It is therefore advisable to check and control all TEC parameters and conditions after each stage to ensure that the TEC is not damaged.

Testing can be performed using AC Resistance value (ACR) alone or with full control of all three key TEC parameters. Accurate and precise control of TEC parameters based on 'before-and-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 the TEC is fully functional and can provide the required cooling performance after all mounting processes.

DX4100 Z-Meter helps you quickly identify the reasons for TEC failure in the final device.  ACR measurement can quickly reveal mechanical damage to the TEC, while Time Constant parameter measurement can identify TEC detachment inside a package.  Z-Meter has been specially developed for thermoelectric coolers and offers considerably more possibilities for TEC quality control than standard devices such as LC meters.

What you can see with DX4100 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 - 10-position Z-Meter for volume manufacturers

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 stages of mass production 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.

DX4091- single BiTe Pellet Tester

Z-Meter model DX4091 stays separate from the rest devices in our Z-Meter family. While the rest devices measure thermoelectric modules 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.

DX4100

Z-Meter

(New!)

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

- External temperature sensor

- External 4-wires measurement clips

- Smart measuring current set

- Suitable for separate and mounted TECs

- Acceptable for any TEC size

- 5.0" touch screen LCD for information output

- Stand-alone (no PC connection required)

- Compact "pocket-size" form-factor

- Solid metal housing

- No Connection to PC is required

- Can be connected to PC to get extra features

Connecting DX4100 Z-Meter to Thermoelectric Modules

By default, the DX4100 comes with three connection cables. The standard Clamp Clips cable is ideal for any TEC system with clamp cables. The clips are based on a 4-wire measurement scheme, spring-loaded, easy to use, and support wired thermoelectric modules of all sizes. The second cable is equipped with miniature, precision Kelvin clips. This tool is ideal for miniature TE modules, TEC on headers, or TECs integrated into assemblies with difficult-to-access TEC wires. The third cable is OEM - it has a 4-wire measurement scheme and basic connectors on wire ends. The OEM cable can be used for creating your own measurement setups, for example, for testing TECs in LD mounts. Finally, custom WB clips (optional cable) can be supplied upon request for a specific WB TEC configuration. WB clips are not universal and are designed exclusively for a specific TEC configuration.