The AD596/AD597 is a monolithic temperature setpoint controller that has been optimized for use at elevated temperatures such as those found in oven control applications. The device cold junction compensates and amplifies a type J or K thermocouple input to derive an internal signal proportional to temperature. The internal signal is then compared with an externally applied setpoint voltage to yield a low impedance switched output voltage. Dead-Band or switching hysteresis can be programmed using a single external resistor. Alternately, the AD596/AD597 can be configured to provide a voltage output (10 mV/°C) directly from a type J or K thermocouple signal. It can also be used as a standalone voltage output temperature sensor. The AD596/AD597 can be powered with a single supply from +5 V to +30 V, or dual supplies up to a total span of 36 V. Typical quiescent supply current is 160 mA, which minimizes self-heating errors. The AD596/AD597 H package option includes a thermocouple failure alarm that indicates an open thermocouple lead when operated in the temperature proportional measurement mode. The alarm output has a flexible format which can be used to drive relays, LEDs or TTL logic.