Datasheet
DATA SHEET
Technical changes reserved
0141 0316-115 07/2009
Thermocouple module 
with digital I²C-Interface - THMOD-I²C
Application notes
In the scope of supply, a thermocouple type K is included for test pur-
poses, which is suitable in the range of Teon insulation up to approx. 
250 °C. For higher application temperatures, the insulation must be 
removed or for example, a metal sheathed thermocouple should be 
used.
The operating voltage of 6 to 24 V is stabilised in the module to 5 V. 
The internal voltage of 5 V also serves as the reference level for the 
digital I²C-communication. Other options, for example, with 3.3 V or 5 V 
operating voltage are also available as special models.
While connecting the measuring probes over longer routes, the I²C-
Bus, which is used externally out of the device, should not be used 
internally, in order to avoid coupling of interferences to the device 
internal communication. The EMV-guidelines are to be followed and 
application of shielded lines are to be recommended.
By short time interruption of operating voltage, a RESET of the ASIC 
can be caused. If there is a provision of switching off the operating 
voltage, then the pullup resistance of the I²C-Bus must be connected 
to the switched voltage.
Connection layout of the plugs
Pin Title Function
1 (white) VDD Operating voltage 6 ... 24 V
2 GND Ground
3 SDA Serial data I²C
4 SCL Serial counter I²C
5 --- not used
6 --- not used
I²C-Interface
The communication corresponds to I²C protocol. The default address 
of the component is 0x78 and the component can always be commu-
nicated under this address. Additionally, a second address can also be 
programmed during conguration ex factory, through which the sensor 
can be addressed.
At the address 0x78, 4 Bytes can be read. The following assignment 
is applicable:
Data
0x78 Byte_0 MSB Thermovoltage
Byte_1 LSB Thermovoltage
Byte_2 MSB Connector temperature
Byte_3 LSB Connector temperature
Scaling of measured values
Both the thermovoltage as well as the temperature of the connection 
point are transferred as 15 bit value (bit 0 - 14). From the 15 bit mea-
sured value, the thermovoltage is used as 14 bit resolution, the least 
signicant bit (0, 1) can be ignored. In case of temperature connection 
point, the 12 bit resolution is used, the least signicant bit (0-2) can be 
ignored. The most signicant bit (15) is always 0 during normal opera-
tion and in case of error, it is set to 1.
The following scaling is applied for measured values:
Thermovoltage Typ -300
Numeric value via I²C Interface 0x 0000...7FFF 
dec. 0...32767
Physical value -12,500...20,268 mV
Measuring range 32,768 mV
Resolution 2 µV
Thermovoltage Typ -800
Numeric value via I²C Interface 0x 0000...7FFF
dec. 0...32768
Physical value -12,500...53,036 mV
Measuring range 65,536 mV
Resolution 4 µV
B+B Thermo-Technik GmbH | Heinrich-Hertz-Straße 4 | D-78166 Donaueschingen 
Fon +49 771 83160 | Fax +49 771 831650 | info@bb-sensors.com | bb-sensors.com
2 / 5





