Datasheet
MAX31855 Evaluation Kit
Evaluates: MAX31855
4Maxim Integrated
Detailed Description of Hardware
The MAX31855 EV kit hardware provides everything
needed to evaluate a K-type thermocouple. In addition to
a thermocouple and MAX31855, the hardware includes
a USB interface that is used to communicate with the
PC-based software. An added feature is that the hard-
ware is USB powered, meaning that no power supplies
are needed.
Thermocouple Channels
The EV kit hardware features two thermocouple channels.
Channel 1 comes preconfigured with a MAX31855KASA+,
K-type thermocouple, and thermocouple socket. A sec-
ond channel is provided to make it easy to evaluate other
thermocouple types. Channel 2 is almost fully populated,
missing only the desired MAX31855 version, correspond-
ing thermocouple, and thermocouple socket. A jumper
(J4) is used to select the desired channel. The following
section describes how to modify the hardware in order to
evaluate other thermocouple types.
Evaluating Other Thermocouple Types
To use Channel 2, see Table 2 for the part numbers of the
three items required for the desired thermocouple type.
Once the three items have been procured, carefully
solder the Maxim device to the footprint labeled U3 and
the thermocouple socket to the footprint labeled J3.
Obviously, make sure this is done with the board unpow-
ered. Move the jumper, J4, to the Channel 2 position.
Finally, connect the thermocouple to the socket.
Reconnect the USB cable to the PC and then run the
GUI. Select the correct Thermocouple Type from the
drop-down box. The hardware and software are now
ready to begin evaluation.
Description of Channel Selection Jumper
The jumper, J4, is used to select the desired channel.
See Table 3 for additional details.
Table 2. Items Required to Evaluate Other Thermocouple Types
Table 3. MAX31855 EV Kit Jumper Description (J4)
*Thermocouple and socket part numbers are Omega part numbers (www.omega.com). Contact Omega for RoHS part numbers.
*Default position.
TYPE MAXIM PART THERMOCOUPLE* SOCKET*
K MAX31855KASA+ 5SRTC-GG-K-24-36 PCC-SMP-K-5
J MAX31855JASA+ 5SRTC-GG-J-24-36 PCC-SMP-J-5
N MAX31855NASA+ NMQIN-010E-6 (unverified) PCC-SMP-N-5
S MAX31855SASA+ — —
T MAX31855TASA+ 5SRTC-GG-T-24-36 PCC-SMP-T-5
E MAX31855EASA+ 5SRTC-GG-E-24-36 PCC-SMP-E-5
R MAX31855RASA+ — —
JUMPER JUMPER POSITION DESCRIPTION
J4
1-2*
Selects Channel 1. The SO (serial out) pin of the Channel 1 MAX31855 is connected to
the USB PC Interface
2-3
Selects Channel 2. The SO (serial out) pin of the Channel 2 MAX31855 is connected to
the USB PC Interface