The **PCC-OST-K-R** is a specific type of thermocouple connector manufactured by **Omega Engineering**. It is designed for circuit board mounting, allowing for easy connection between temperature sensors and electronic control systems. --- ## 1. Part Number Breakdown Understanding the nomenclature helps identify the electronic specifications of the component: | Code | Meaning | Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **PCC** | Printed Circuit Board Connector | Designed specifically for PCB through-hole mounting. | | **OST** | Standard Size | Fits standard (not miniature) thermocouple plugs. | | **K** | Type K Calibration | Color-coded Yellow; uses Chromel/Alumel materials. | | **R** | Retaining Clip | Includes a metal clip for secure mounting to the PCB. | --- ## 2. Key Electronic Features ### A. Material Compensation Unlike standard electrical connectors made of copper, the internal pins of the **PCC-OST-K-R** are made of actual **Type K thermocouple alloys** (Chromel and Alumel). This is critical because: * It prevents the introduction of "cold junction" errors at the connection point. * It maintains the integrity of the millivolt signal from the sensor to the amplifier. ### B. Mounting and Connectivity * **Pins:** These connectors feature two horizontal pins designed to be soldered directly into a PCB. * **Transistor Retainer:** The "R" designation includes a small metal clip. This clip acts as a mechanical brace to ensure the connector does not snap off the board when the user plugs or unplugs the thermocouple sensor. * **Polarity:** The pins are polarized (one wider than the other) to ensure the thermocouple is connected with the correct polarity, preventing inverted temperature readings. --- ## 3. Technical Specifications | Feature | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Thermocouple Type** | K (Chromel/Alumel) | | **Max Temperature** | 220°C (425°F) | | **Body Material** | Glass-filled Nylon | | **Color Code** | Yellow (ANSI Standard) | | **Mounting Type** | Horizontal Through-hole PCB | --- ## 4. Typical Application Circuit When using this part in an electronic design, it is typically followed by a specialized IC to process the low-voltage signal. ```mermaid graph LR A[Type K Probe] --> B(PCC-OST-K-R Connector) B --> C[Cold Junction Compensation IC] C --> D[Microcontroller/MCU] ``` **Common ICs paired with this part:** * **MAX31855:** Cold-junction compensated K-thermocouple to digital converter. * **AD8495:** Precision thermocouple amplifier with PWM/Analog output. ---