LakeShore 330 Autotuning Temperature Controller IEEE-488 GPIB Cryogenic Lab

LakeShore 330 Autotuning Temperature Controller IEEE-488 GPIB Cryogenic Lab

The LakeShore 330 is a precision autotuning PID temperature controller made by Lake Shore Cryotronics for use in cryogenic and low-temperature laboratory applications. It accepts two sensor input channels (Channel A and Channel B) and provides closed-loop temperature control through an integrated heater output, with an LED bar graph on the front panel displaying heater power percentage. The autotuning feature automatically determines optimal PID parameters, reducing manual setup time in demanding research environments.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Lake Shore Cryotronics, Westerville, Ohio, USA
• Model: 330 Autotuning Temperature Controller
• Control mode: Autotuning PID
• Sensor inputs: 2 channels — Channel A and Channel B (multi-pin circular connectors on rear panel)
• Front panel displays: Dual 4-digit red LED — Sample and Control readouts
• Heater output: NI, LO, and GND terminals on rear panel
• Heater power display: LED bar graph (5–100%)
• Front panel controls: Numeric keypad (0–9), P / I / D, Set Point, Heater, Control, Enter, +/−, Escape, Units, Baud, Address, Channel, Input Type, Curve
• Additional front panel: SoftCal, Auto mode, Local buttons
• Interface: IEEE-488 (GPIB) — 24-pin connector on rear panel
• Interface: Serial I/O — rear panel
• Power input: IEC C14 inlet with voltage selector — 90–125V or 210–250V AC
• Fuse: 3AG type — 2.0A at 90–125V / 1.0A at 210–250V
• Form factor: Benchtop
• Unit only — no sensor cables, manual, or accessories observed

Applications

The LakeShore 330 is designed for precise temperature measurement and control in cryogenic research systems, including liquid helium and liquid nitrogen cryostats, cryocoolers (such as Gifford-McMahon and pulse-tube systems), and dilution refrigerators. It works with a wide range of cryogenic temperature sensors — including silicon diodes, platinum RTDs, thermocouples, and resistive sensors — making it compatible with most standard low-temperature research rigs. The IEEE-488 GPIB interface allows full remote control and data logging from a computer or instrument bus, which is standard practice in automated lab setups. Lake Shore Cryotronics introduced the 330 series as a step up from simpler manual controllers, bringing computer-automated tuning to university physics labs, national laboratories, and industrial R&D facilities working in the cryogenic temperature range. It remains a sought-after instrument for maintaining or upgrading legacy cryogenic systems, and replacement units are commonly used in university and government research settings.