Overview
The NBD TC2 bip is a bipolar temperature controller manufactured by Cell MicroControls, engineered for low-noise, high-precision temperature control in research environments. This unit combines dual-channel control capability with configurable output parameters, making it well-suited for small experimental chambers used in cell studies and electrophysiology. The TC2 bip features separate Main and Auxiliary control channels, each with independent output regulation.
Key Features
- Dual-Channel Control: Main and Auxiliary channels with independent proportional-integral-derivative (PID) tuning parameters
- Bipolar Output: Can drive heating and cooling devices independently on each channel
- Low-Noise Design: Engineered specifically for sensitive electrophysiology applications including whole-cell patch clamping
- Flexible Power Output: Accommodates 12V Peltier devices (up to 2 Amps) or low-power applications such as resistive heaters
- Adjustable Control Parameters: PMain, IMain, GMain (Main channel) and PAux, GAux (Auxiliary channel) for optimization to specific thermal loads
- Temperature Selection: TEMP 1/TEMP 2 reference switch plus external reference input for system flexibility
Technical Specifications
| Model | TC2 bip |
| Manufacturer | Cell MicroControls |
| Product Type | Bipolar Temperature Controller |
| Temperature Reference Range | 0 to 50°C |
| Output (Main Channel) | 2.5 Amps, 20 Watts |
| Output (Auxiliary Channel) | 2.5 Amps, 20 Watts |
| Suitable Peltier Device | 12V, 2A |
| Control Channels | 2 (Main + Auxiliary) |
| Condition | Used |
Typical Applications
The NBD TC2 bip is ideally suited for:
- Whole-cell and patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments
- Inverted microscopy studies of isolated or cultured cells
- Temperature-dependent biological assays and cell characterization
- Research chambers requiring dual-zone heating/cooling control
- Low-noise thermal management in sensitive measurement systems
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- HI-xx ITO Transparent heaters (Main channel, pre-configured)
- HPRE2 and MPRE8 pre-heater modules (Auxiliary channel, pre-configured)
- Standard 12V regulated power supplies (13.8V recommended)
- External temperature reference inputs via Ext T Ref jack
- Laboratory microscopy setups and electrophysiology rigs
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
This unit is a direct replacement for any system currently using a Cell MicroControls TC2 bip configuration. Verify your current heater types and auxiliary module compatibility before installation.
Works With
- Cell MicroControls heating and cooling modules (CH Cooling/Heating module)
- Standard laboratory power supplies (12V–18V regulated)
- Inverted microscope platforms
- Patch clamp amplifiers and electrophysiology recording systems
- Custom experimental chamber assemblies with Peltier or resistive heaters
