Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to read and analyse chips. The inventive device comprises a table (11) for receiving a chip (12) that is intended to characterise at least one sample, means of exciting the molecules or cells of the chip after reaction with other molecules and means (14) of reading and analysing the molecules subjected to excitation. The invention is characterised in that the device also comprises: a unit (15) for controlling the temperature of the aforementioned table, said control unit being connected to a module (111) consisting of a plurality of Peltier-type heating/cooling elements which are disposed opposite different slots on the surface of the table; and at least one table temperature sensor (112) which is also connected to said control unit. The invention also relates to the associated methods.