Laird Thermal Systems, thermal management solutions provider, has launched an online simulation tool for PCR thermal cycling applications. Thermoelectric coolers designed for thermal cycling, such as the PowerCycling PCX Series, are used for real-time PCR to precisely temperature control DNA amplification to three temperature set points. Assembled with next-generation thermoelectric material, the PCX Series provides faster ramp rates and higher reliability than standard thermoelectric coolers to significantly extend field use of molecular diagnostic devices.

Selecting the right thermoelectric cooler for thermal cycling can be a difficult process for any design engineer. To aid in product selection, Laird Thermal Systems has developed an advanced Thermal Wizard application tool for PCR. This is a web‐based simulation tool where design engineers can input known attributes such as geometry constraints, desired set point temperatures and thermal mass on control side to estimate required heat pumping capacity needed to achieve specific ramp rates.

“Selection of thermoelectric coolers can be quite difficult. The Thermal Wizard enables customers to calculate approximate heat load requirements and then simulate performance based on a user’s specified operating condition,” said Andrew Dereka, product director at Laird Thermal Systems. “The Thermal Wizard recommends a specific PCX thermoelectric cooler or an array of coolers that are capable of meeting the input application attributes specified by the user.”