Precision Temperature-Sensing with RTD Circuits.pdfVIP

M AN687 Precision Temperature-Sensing With RTD Circuits Author: Bonnie C. Baker Microchip Technology Inc. Precision Current Source 1 mA INTRODUCTION V The most widely measured phenomena in the process OUT control environment is temperature. Common ele- RTD, most popular element ments, such as Resistance Temperature Detectors is made using platinum, (RTDs), thermistors, thermocouples or diodes are used typically 100Ω @ 0°C to sense absolute temperatures, as well as changes in temperature. For an overview and comparison of these sensors, refer to Microchip’s AN679, “Temperature- FIGURE 1: Unlike thermistors, RTD Sensing Technologies”, DS00679. temperature-sensing elements require current Of these technologies, the platinum RTD temperature- excitation. sensing element is the most accurate and stable over RTD OVERVIEW time and temperature. RTD element technologies are constantly improving, further enhancing the quality of The acronym “RTD” is derived from the term “Resis- the temperature measurement (see Figure 1). Typi- tance Temperature Detector”. The most stable, linear cally, a data acquisition system conditions