A. Product Overview

The iTherm AI 7 Series is a range of digital PID temperature controllers developed for industrial temperature monitoring and control. The series combines PID control and ON/OFF control with selectable temperature sensor inputs and configurable control outputs.

Available panel sizes include:

• 48 × 48 mm
• 48 × 96 mm
• 72 × 72 mm
• 96 × 48 mm
• 96 × 96 mm

This allows users to select a controller according to the available panel space and machine design.

AI 7 Series models support thermocouple sensors including J, K, R, S, N, T and B types, along with Pt100 RTD sensors. Depending on the model and configuration, control outputs can be Relay or SSR drive.

For example, the AI 7X82 family includes models such as AI 7482, AI 7682, AI 7782, AI 7882 and AI 7982. These controllers provide PID and ON/OFF control, heat and cool control logic, programmable alarms and configurable control outputs.

Some AI 7 Series variants also provide functions such as programmable soak timer, ramp soak operation, overshoot control, compressor time delay, alarm functions, programmable setpoint limits and program locking. These features depend on the specific model selected.

B. Working Principle

The AI 7 Series Temperature Controller continuously receives the temperature signal from a connected thermocouple or Pt100 RTD sensor.

The controller compares the measured temperature, commonly called the Process Value or PV, with the temperature selected by the operator, known as the Set Value or SV.

When there is a difference between the measured temperature and the required temperature, the controller operates the connected heating or cooling equipment through its control output.

In ON/OFF control, the controller switches the output on or off according to the set temperature and hysteresis.

In PID control, the controller continuously calculates the difference between actual temperature and set temperature. It adjusts the control output according to proportional, integral and derivative parameters. This helps maintain a more stable process temperature and reduces excessive temperature fluctuation.

Depending on the selected AI 7 Series model, the output can operate a Relay directly or provide an SSR drive signal for controlling an external solid state relay.

The AI 7X82 documentation specifies adjustable proportional band, integral time, derivative time, output cycle time and output power limit, allowing the PID response to be configured according to the process.

C. Why Is the AI 7 Series Temperature Controller Used?

Industrial heating and cooling processes often require temperature to remain within a defined operating range. Manual switching can result in temperature variation, inconsistent production quality and unnecessary energy usage.

The AI 7 Series Temperature Controller automates this process by continuously measuring temperature and controlling the connected heating or cooling equipment.

It can be used where the application requires:

• Accurate industrial temperature control
• Automatic heater control
• Automatic cooling control
• PID temperature regulation
• ON/OFF temperature control
• Thermocouple temperature measurement
• Pt100 RTD temperature measurement
• Relay output control
• SSR based heater control
• High temperature monitoring
• Programmable alarm functions
• Temperature setpoint control
• Heat and cool control
• Soak timer operation on supported variants
• Overshoot control on supported variants

The AI 7X82 family also provides high, low, deviation and band alarm modes, along with heat and cool control logic.

These functions make the controller useful where stable and repeatable temperature control is important.

D. Suitable Buyers

The iTherm AI 7 Series PID Temperature Controller is suitable for businesses and professionals that manufacture, operate or maintain temperature controlled equipment.

Typical buyers include:

• Industrial automation companies
• Control panel manufacturers
• Machine manufacturers
• Original equipment manufacturers
• System integrators
• Electrical panel builders
• Heater manufacturers
• Oven manufacturers
• Furnace manufacturers
• Packaging machine manufacturers
• Plastic processing machine manufacturers
• Pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers
• Food processing equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance departments
• Plant engineering teams
• Production departments
• Industrial procurement teams

The broader iTherm temperature controller range is positioned for industrial applications including pharmaceutical processes, food processing, plastic and rubber machinery, chemical plants, furnaces and ovens.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the iTherm AI 7 Series Temperature Controller?

The iTherm AI 7 Series is a range of industrial digital temperature controllers designed for PID and ON/OFF temperature control. Different models are available in several panel sizes with selectable sensor and control output configurations.

2. Does the AI 7 Series support PID control?

Yes. The AI 7 Series includes PID temperature controller models that support both PID control and ON/OFF control.

3. Which temperature sensors can be connected to the AI 7 Series?

Supported AI 7 Series models accept thermocouple inputs including J, K, R, S, N, T and B types, as well as Pt100 RTD sensors. Exact sensor configuration should be confirmed for the selected model.

4. Does the AI 7 Series support Pt100 RTD sensors?

Yes. Published AI 7 Series technical documentation includes support for Pt100 RTD temperature sensors.

5. What outputs are available in the AI 7 Series?

Depending on the selected model and configuration, the controller can provide Relay output or SSR drive output. Some variants provide one output while others can provide two outputs.

6. Can the AI 7 Series control an SSR?

Yes. AI 7 Series variants are available with an SSR drive control output for operating an external solid state relay. The AI 7X82 documentation specifies a 12 VDC SSR drive output.

7. Can the AI 7 Series control both heating and cooling?

Supported AI 7 Series variants provide heat and cool control logic, allowing the controller to be configured according to heating or cooling applications.

8. What panel sizes are available?

The AI 7 Series is available in 48 × 48 mm, 48 × 96 mm, 72 × 72 mm, 96 × 48 mm and 96 × 96 mm panel formats.

9. Does the AI 7 Series have alarm functions?

Selected AI 7 Series variants support programmable alarm functions. The AI 7X82 family includes low, high, deviation and band alarm modes.

10. Does the AI 7 Series have a soak timer?

Selected AI 7 Series variants include a programmable soak timer. The AI 7X82 family includes multiple soak timer start modes, settable soak time delay, battery backup for the soak timer and single step ramp soak functionality.

11. What is the supply voltage of the AI 7 Series?

The documented AI 7X82 models operate from 90 to 270 VAC, with 24 VDC available on request. Supply requirements should be confirmed for the exact model before ordering.

12. Can the AI 7 Series be used for an oven or furnace?

The AI 7 Series is suitable for industrial applications requiring PID or ON/OFF temperature regulation. iTherm specifically identifies ovens and furnaces among the applications served by its industrial temperature controller range.

13. What is the difference between Relay output and SSR output?

A Relay output provides mechanical switching for controlling a load or contactor. An SSR drive output supplies a low voltage control signal to an external solid state relay. SSR control is commonly preferred where rapid and frequent switching is required for PID heater control.

14. How do I select the correct AI 7 Series model?

Selection should be based on the panel size, temperature sensor type, required temperature range, number of outputs, Relay or SSR output requirement, heating or cooling application, alarm requirement and additional functions such as soak timing.

For example, the model numbering differentiates panel dimensions and output configurations across the AI 7 Series family.

15. Is the AI 7 Series suitable for industrial automation panels?

Yes. Its panel mount construction, multiple panel sizes, PID and ON/OFF control options, sensor compatibility and Relay or SSR outputs make the AI 7 Series suitable for integration into industrial machines and automation control panels.