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# SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout - MAX31855K

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** SEN-13266 · **Brand:** [Sparkfun](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/sparkfun-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/sparkfun-thermocouple-breakout-max31855k.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/sparkfun-thermocouple-breakout-max31855k.html.md))

The SparkFun MAX31855K Thermocouple Breakout is a simple 14-bit resolution, SPI-compatible, serial interface thermocouple digitizer that makes reading a wide range of temperatures possible. A thermocouple works by taking two wires made of dissimilar metals, connecting them at the two ends, and making a temperature gradient between one end and the other (a ‘hot’ end and a ‘cold’ one). Once this is achieved, a voltage potential is formed and current flows. The SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout takes a standard Type-K thermocouple in one end, digitizes the temperature measured and sends that data out the other end via a SPI interface, thereby interpreting the data and translating it for you to read!

## Pricing

- **Price:** $34.95 (inc GST) — $31.77 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 5+ $30.82 (exc GST) · 25+ $30.18 (exc GST) · 100+ $28.91 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 24 and Aug 28.

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## Description

The SparkFun MAX31855K Thermocouple Breakout is a simple 14-bit resolution, SPI-compatible, serial interface thermocouple digitizer that makes reading a wide range of temperatures possible. A thermocouple works by taking two wires made of dissimilar metals, connecting them at the two ends, and making a temperature gradient between one end and the other (a ‘hot’ end and a ‘cold’ one). Once this is achieved, a voltage potential is formed and current flows. The SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout takes a standard Type-K thermocouple in one end, digitizes the temperature measured and sends that data out the other end via a SPI interface, thereby interpreting the data and translating it for you to read!

With the SparkFun Thermocouple Breakout, the thermocouple’s hot junction can be read from -200°C to 700°C with an accuracy of ±2°C while the cold junction, inside the MAX31855K, can only range from -20°C to 85°C while maintaining ±2°C accuracy. The MAX31855K constantly measures the temperature of the cold junction using an internal temperature-sensing diode. The MAX31855K requires a power source from 3.0V to 3.6V ( 3.0V nominal) and only draws 1.5mA maximum.

The Thermocouple Breakout is designed to accept a standard[thermocouple connector](https://core-electronics.com.au/search/?q=13612), for convenience and compatibility with probes you may already own. These connectors aren’t necessary, and you could solder a thermocouple directly into the through holes labeled ‘ ’ and ‘-’. If you decide to solder the thermocouple directly to the breakout board, it is recommended that the thermocouple be mounted for strain relief to avoid breaking the thin wires. Notches for a zip-tie or wire wrapping have been provided in the PCB opposite the header for this purpose.

Features:

- 14-bit Resolution
- SPI-Compatible, Serial Interface
- -200°C to 700°C Temperature Reading with ±2°C Accuracy
- 3.0V to 3.6V ( 3.0V nominal) Required
- Accepts Type-K Thermocouple
 
Documents:

- [Schematic](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/SparkFun_Thermocouple_Breakout_v10_12905a0be3b.pdf)
- [Eagle Files](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/SparkFun_Thermocouple_Breakout_v10_123389868ee.zip)
- [Hookup Guide](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/max31855k-thermocouple-breakout-hookup-guide)
- [Datasheet](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/MAX31855K_10156e50365.pdf) (MAX31855K)
- [GitHub](https://github.com/sparkfun/MAX31855K_Thermocouple_Breakout) (Design Files)
- [GitHub](https://github.com/sparkfun/SparkFun_MAX31855K_Thermocouple_Breakout_Arduino_Library) (Library & Example Code)

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/s/e/sen-13266-01.jpg)