Microprocessor controlled thermocouple simulator system

A thermocouple simulator system comprising:

• means for inputting to the system, selected data designating a sensing junction simulation temperature, a thermocouple type, a terminal metal type, and a reference junction temperature and for generating digital signals representative thereof;
• first memory means for storing digital data representing a plurality of temperature versus EMF polynomial functions that each characterize an EMF of a corresponding one of a plurality of thermocouple types, the coefficients of the polynomial functions being stored in ROM memory detachable units;
• second memory means for storing digital data representing an operation program;
• third memory means for storing digital data representing computations;
• a microprocessor coupled to the input means, first memory means, second memory means and third memory means for calculating a value of EMF corresponding to the inputted data designating the sensing junction simulation temperature, the thermocouple type, the terminal metal type, and the reference junction temperature utilizing the operation program and the corresponding polynomial function, and for generating a digital signal representative of the calculated value of EMF;
• digital-to-analog converter means for receiving the digital signal representing the calculated value of EMF and outputting a voltage representative thereof;
• a pair of terminals for having the voltage output of the digital-to-analog converter means applied thereto;
• means for sensing the temperature of the terminals and for producing an analog signal representative thereof;
• analog-to-digital converter means for receiving the analog signal and supplying the microprocessor with a digital signal representative of the temperature of the terminals;
• and wherein
• the microprocessor adjusts the digital signal representing the calculated value of EMF to compensate for thermocouple junctions formed in attaching the connecting wires to the terminals.